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Proposed Revamp to Bring Fresh Look to Latrobe Terrace Cafe

The site of a well-known cafe in Paddington could soon undergo significant refurbishments if a new development application is approved. The plans, submitted for 78 Latrobe Terrace, proposed extensions to the single-storey building, along with internal and external upgrades aimed at enhancing customer experience and functionality.

Read: Paddington Queenslander Transformed into a Modern Dream Home

The proposal, designed by V Architecture, focuses on improving outdoor alfresco spaces, increasing accessibility, and enhancing the design of both the interior and facade.

Artist’s impression of proposed redevelopment of 78 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington (Photo credit: V Architecture/Brisbane PD Online)

It also aims to create a better separation between the retail tenancies and the realigned car parking spaces. The development would include seven car parking spots, one of which would be designated as a space for people with disabilities (PWD).

Despite the proposed improvements, parking remains a concern for some local residents. So far, only one formal submission has been made regarding the proposal (A006702870). The anonymous resident acknowledged the visual enhancements but raised concerns about inadequate parking provisions.

“Whilst the upgrades and style of the proposal look in keeping with the area and will clearly improve the visual amenity, my concern is the lack of parking provided. This property is already extremely busy, with people often illegally parking or causing traffic to back up onto Latrobe Terrace as they wait for a space to become available,” the submission stated.

Photo credit: V Architecture/Brisbane PD Online

The resident highlighted the disparity between the proposed 111 outdoor seats and the availability of only seven parking spaces. They also noted that nearby streets are frequently congested with visitors’ vehicles, often blocking driveways and restricting access for local homeowners.

Read: Paddo Tavern Set for Major Revamp in Time for Brisbane Olympics

In response, planning documents describe the refurbishment as a modest increase in gross floor area (GFA) by 13 square metres. The proposal includes updates to the building’s awning and facade, aiming to modernise the site while ensuring it aligns with the broader Centre Activity offerings in the area.

The development application is currently under review, with no final decision made yet. If approved, the refurbishment could enhance the overall appeal and functionality of the popular Paddington café while continuing discussions around parking and accessibility in the busy retail precinct.

Published 18-March-2025

Red Hill Mum Transforms $75K Facebook Find into Dream Home

Photo Credit: Fanny Barlow/TikTok

A woman from Red Hill has taken an unconventional path to homeownership, purchasing an abandoned church for $75,000 after discovering it on Facebook Marketplace.

church restoration — *Photo Credit: Fanny Barlow/TikTok*

A Unique Property Search Pays Off

For nearly a decade, Tiffany Barlow had been searching for a church to restore, drawn to preserving unique and historical structures. Her passion for salvaging led her to a Facebook listing in early January, advertising a church in Banana Shire, located in Queensland’s Capricorn region.

The building had been sitting untouched on a vacant block for over 20 years. When the elderly owners decided to sell, their nephew listed it online, drawing more than 1,000 inquiries within days. After making contact with the seller, Ms Barlow drove five hours to inspect the property. Within three weeks, the sale was finalised, securing both the land and the structure.

Restoring a Forgotten Church

The church’s origins remain unclear, with no official records available through the local council. While the interior shows signs of past use, such as carpet cut around an altar space, little else is known about its history.

Despite some speculation, the new owner describes the church as a peaceful space, with no unsettling atmosphere. Plans are already underway for restoration, with salvaged materials and unique finds from film sets among the items being incorporated. The church doors, originally from Thor: Ragnarok, are a standout feature.

Red Hill church — *Photo Credit: Fanny Barlow/TikTok*

A Move from City to Country

Although still based in Brisbane, Ms Barlow intends to relocate to the property before 2032. Owning this church marks a significant milestone as her first home, offering a long-term sense of security. The move is also a step towards leaving behind the pressures of city life in favour of a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Her approach reflects the broader challenges millennials face in entering the housing market, with unconventional purchases becoming a necessity for many. Without access to traditional pathways like guarantors, alternative solutions are often required.

Future Plans

For now, the focus remains on salvaging and repurposing materials, with the goal of turning the abandoned building into a functional and meaningful home.

Published 15-Mar-2025

Broncos Resume Training At Red Hill Base After Cyclone Alfred

Photo Credit: Hutchinson Builders

The Brisbane Broncos have returned to training at their Red Hill headquarters following Cyclone Alfred, with the facility emerging largely unscathed despite the severe weather that impacted Brisbane over the weekend.

The club’s training centre didn’t sustain any significant damage from the cyclonic conditions, allowing players to report for Monday morning’s scheduled gymnasium session. The team was also able to conduct their planned field session Monday afternoon.

This quick return to normal operations at Red Hill comes as the Broncos prepare for Saturday night’s clash with the Canberra Raiders. The team’s travel arrangements remain unchanged, with the squad set to fly to Canberra on Friday as originally scheduled.

The relatively minor impact on the Red Hill facilities stands in contrast to the wider flooding and wind damage experienced across Brisbane and surrounding areas during the cyclone. Several Broncos players, including captain Adam Reynolds and fullback Reece Walsh, experienced power outages at their homes, with Walsh resorting to a generator at his rural property south of the city.

The team had returned to Brisbane in the early hours of Friday morning after their 50-14 victory over the Sydney Roosters, taking a charter flight to Toowoomba followed by a bus to Brisbane as the cyclone approached.

With their Red Hill base operational, the Broncos can maintain their preparation routine following their impressive performance against the Roosters, where props Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas earned five Dally M points each and Reynolds received two points for his game management alongside halves partner Ben Hunt.

Published 10-March-2025

Brisbane Home Invasion: Woman and Elderly Mother Attacked in Red Hill

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

A woman and her elderly mother were allegedly attacked with a brick by an intruder at their Red Hill home. The attack left both of them injured in what police describe as a violent home invasion.

Victims Assaulted in Their Own Home

A home invasion in Red Hill turned violent. A 51-year-old man allegedly attacked a woman, 48, and her elderly mother, 83, with a brick after they arrived home and disturbed him. The incident occurred on 13 February at approximately 11:15 a.m.

The alleged intruder had already broken into the house. He was rummaging through their belongings when the victims returned. The women, who had only been away for a short period, were reportedly set upon with a brick. He left them with severe injuries, including facial wounds and bruises.

Victims Assaulted in Their Own Home — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

A Harrowing Encounter

The 48-year-old woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, described the attack as a terrifying experience that left her fearing for her life. Unlike a previous break-in she experienced two decades ago, she found this incident particularly distressing due to the direct physical violence involved.

She recalled the moment of the attack. The woman explained that she believed she would not survive as she was assaulted on the pavement. The level of violence and unpredictability of the intruder heightened her fear for her safety.

Impact on the Family

The attack has had a lasting impact on the family. It left them feeling anxious and unsettled in their own home. The woman explained that she and her family have been on edge since the incident. They became highly sensitive to noise and movement.

The distress was particularly evident when the victims’ daughter visited the hospital. She saw her grandmother with visible injuries, including facial lacerations. The family has found it challenging to regain a sense of normalcy.

Red Hill home invasion — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Police Investigation and Arrest

Queensland Police launched an investigation following the incident. It led them to a residence in Slacks Creek, Logan. A 51-year-old man from Crestmead was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple offences, including:

Two counts of armed robbery
One count of entering a dwelling with intent to break
One count of serious assault on a person over 60
One count of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed

The accused has been remanded in custody. He will appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 March.

Support and Recovery

Following the attack, the victims sought assistance from Voice for Victims. It is an advocacy group that provided guidance and support through Victims Assist. The aftermath of the incident has been emotionally and physically draining. Still, the family continues to seek justice and recovery.

Published 5-Mar-2025

Pre-War Paddington Home Sets $12M Suburb Record After Major Renovation

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A pre-war Paddington home has sold for approximately $12 million, setting a new suburb record after an extensive renovation transformed the once-deteriorating property. The sale price is five times what the property last sold for in 2019.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @liztilleyproperty

‘Mascotte’, located at 45 Garfield Drive, was purchased by a local Paddington family, though the exact sale price remains confidential. Ray White Paddington agent Max Hadgelias, who negotiated the sale, declined to comment on specific details of the buyer or final price due to a confidentiality agreement.

The property’s renovation, completed within the past 12 months, converted what was previously a structurally compromised home into a five-storey residence. The new design features black timber and concrete construction, multiple entertaining terraces, and a floating lap pool with water feature, all positioned to capitalise on the property’s city views.

The sale surpasses Paddington’s previous residential record of $10.35 million, set by 34 Howard Street in 2009. Recent notable sales in the suburb include former NRL player Darren Lockyer’s Agars Street property, which sold for $6.4 million to a local buyer.

According to PropTrack data, Paddington has now reached a median house price of $2 million. REA Group economist Angus Moore notes Brisbane property prices have increased by nearly 80 percent since March 2020.

Jamie Charman of Charman Property Co. is reported to have introduced the buyer to the property.

The original 1920s home, which required extensive restoration when last sold in 2019, was marketed at that time with a warning that it was “not for the faint-hearted” due to major structural issues.

Published 24-February-2025

Teen Crime Spree Hits Inner-West Brisbane, Ends in Underground Arrest

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A series of brazen break-ins across Brisbane’s inner-west suburbs has culminated in a dramatic underground sewer arrest, with three teenagers now facing multiple charges.

Police allege the group targeted homes in Red Hill and Auchenflower before moving to Paddington, where two vehicles — a Lexus and Land Rover — were stolen from an Annie Street residence around 1:30am Monday morning.

Police tracked the stolen vehicles to Herston, where they deployed tire deflation devices. Though the suspects abandoned the vehicles on Northey Street in Wilston, the pursuit continued on foot, leading to an unusual chase through the local drainage system.

Three teenagers were ultimately apprehended: a 16-year-old from Alexandra Hills and two others from Stafford, aged 16 and 17. One suspect received a dog bite during the arrest in an underground drainage system on Newmarket Road and remains under police guard in hospital. A fourth suspect remains at large.

The Alexandra Hills teenager faces 11 charges, while the 17-year-old Stafford boy has been charged with eight offences. Both charges include multiple counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles and entering dwellings.

Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information about the break-ins in Red Hill, Auchenflower, or surrounding areas to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie commended the officers involved, particularly noting the contribution of the police dog squad in apprehending the suspects.

Published 18-February-2025

Michael Maguire Influence Key to Cory Paix Resurgence

In a testament to persistence and determination, Brisbane Broncos’ forgotten man Cory Paix stands on the verge of a remarkable NRL return after being sidelined from the game for 526 days. The hooker, previously told he could leave the club under former coach Kevin Walters, has impressed new mentor Michael Maguire with his work ethic and resilience during pre-season training.

Read: Red Hill Awaits as Kotoni Staggs Nears Broncos Contract Extension

The Rise from the Outer

Despite a minor lower leg niggle keeping him from the trial against the Titans, Paix remains firmly in contention for the season opener against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on 6 March. For the Toowoomba product, the opportunity to potentially play in front of his home crowd in the upcoming pre-season clash holds special significance.

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Rather than accepting offers from two interested Sydney clubs, Paix chose the harder path. “The easy option would have been for me to leave, but being stubborn, I’ve dug my heels in and given it a red-hot crack,” Paix revealed. “It’s easy for people to whinge and kick stones, but it’s not in my nature to do that.”

New Coach, New Opportunities for Cory Paix

Maguire’s arrival has breathed fresh life into Paix’s career. The new coach’s emphasis on work ethic and leadership qualities aligns perfectly with Paix’s approach to the game. “It’s a clean start for everyone. Madge is demanding hard work and that suits my style,” Paix explained.

Drawing from his successful tenure at South Sydney, where he managed a talented hooking rotation including Issac Luke and Api Koroisau, Maguire sees value in maintaining strong competition for the number nine jersey. “If you have a quality group of hookers, it really helps your team,” Maguire stated.

Competition Intensifies

The battle for the dummy-half role has become increasingly intriguing with young gun Blake Mozer’s recent shoulder injury ruling him out of round one. While Billy Walters finished 2024 as the first-choice hooker, the arrival of marquee signing Ben Hunt adds another dimension to the selection puzzle.

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Read: Rachel Burke’s Journey of Healing Through Art in Red Hill

As the 2025 season approaches, Paix’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest victories come not from taking the easy path, but from staying the course through adversity. “No-one is guaranteed a spot here,” Paix acknowledged. “I will keep chipping away.”

Published 14-February-2025

Red Hill Awaits as Kotoni Staggs Nears Broncos Contract Extension

Red Hill could soon celebrate a major win, with Kotoni Staggs on the verge of committing to the Brisbane Broncos in a multi-year deal worth $2 million.

While the powerhouse centre has not yet put pen to paper, negotiations are in advanced stages, and club officials are confident of securing his long-term future before the NRL season opener against the Roosters on March 6.

Brisbane’s Retention Battle

The Broncos have been working hard to lock in Staggs amid interest from Sydney clubs, including the Roosters, who are looking to replace outgoing stars. Despite external offers, reports suggest Staggs has indicated his desire to remain at Red Hill, with discussions now focused on final contract details.

If completed, the extension would keep Staggs in Brisbane until at least 2028, securing one of the club’s most explosive attacking weapons for the foreseeable future. However, until the deal is formally signed, the Broncos remain on alert as rival clubs monitor the situation.

Kotoni Staggs — *Photo Credit: HeySWYSH*

What This Means for Selwyn Cobbo

With a big-money contract on the table for Staggs, the Broncos now face a tough salary cap puzzle, particularly regarding Selwyn Cobbo’s future. The club has been working on retaining both players, but Staggs’ potential deal could limit Brisbane’s ability to match outside offers for Cobbo, who has also attracted interest from rival NRL clubs.

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Red Hill Fans Await Official Word

For Broncos supporters, especially those in Red Hill and surrounding areas, the anticipation is building. Staggs has been a key figure in the club’s resurgence, and securing him would be a major boost under coach Michael Maguire’s leadership.

While formal confirmation is still pending, all signs point to Staggs staying in Brisbane. Now, it’s a waiting game to see when the deal is finalised.

Published 12-February-2025

Rachel Burke’s Journey of Healing Through Art in Red Hill

Photo Credit: Rachel Burke/Instagram

Brisbane artist Rachel Burke has transformed personal grief into art with Thanks for Nothing, her latest exhibition at Side Gallery in Red Hill. Known for her vibrant and textured designs, Ms Burke uses intricate melty bead works to process her experience with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Rachel Burke's colourful text-based artwork from Thanks for Nothing exhibition in Red Hill. — *Photo Credit: Rachel Burke/Instagram*

Turning Pain into Art

For two years, Ms Burke balanced public success with private sorrow, using crafting as a coping mechanism. Her journey began with a deeply personal moment—suffering a miscarriage while purchasing melty beads. The fragile plastic beads became a metaphor for pregnancy’s uncertainty, and the slow, repetitive process of arranging them offered a meditative path to healing.

A close-up of Burke’s melty bead designs, showcasing intricate details. — *Photo Credit: Rachel Burke/Instagram*

Despite the prevalence of miscarriage, it remains a topic often met with silence or dismissive reassurances. Thanks for Nothing challenges this by incorporating phrases commonly heard during pregnancy loss—expressions intended to comfort but often leaving those affected feeling unheard. Through visual storytelling, Ms Burke invites open conversations, creating a space where others can see their experiences reflected and validated.

Blending Joy and Grief in Art

While the themes are deeply emotional, Ms Burke’s signature bright colours and nostalgic patterns contrast with the weight of grief, highlighting the coexistence of joy and sorrow. The exhibition includes large wall hangings, intricately crafted bags, and quilts inspired by the time spent recovering from loss. Vintage quilt motifs and cross-stitch patterns reinforce themes of care, memory, and resilience.

Rachel Burke work displayed at Red Hill gallery. — *Photo Credit: Rachel Burke/Instagram*

Beyond personal catharsis, Thanks for Nothing became a collective effort. Thousands of people contributed unused melty beads, repurposing materials that would have otherwise been discarded. Sustainability played a key role, with all materials either thrifted or donated. Alongside the exhibition, workshops and discussions provided opportunities for others to engage in creative healing.

A Conversation on Loss and Healing

Burke arranging tiny plastic beads, a therapeutic part of her artistic process. — *Photo Credit: Rachel Burke/Instagram*

More than an art exhibition, Thanks for Nothing, which runs from 1 February 2025 to 14 February 2025, is a statement on resilience and the power of creative expression in processing trauma. Through each tiny bead, Ms Burke has woven a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative—one that transforms pain into connection and silence into dialogues.

Published 11-Feb-2025

Broncos Join Forces with State Rivals in Historic Talent Pathway Initiative

In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era for rugby league development in Queensland, the Brisbane Broncos will join forces with their state rivals to create an innovative youth competition designed to bridge a crucial gap in player pathways.

Read: Broncos Champion Local Causes with Charity Partnerships and Strapping and Education Night

This historic collaboration between the Brisbane Broncos, The Dolphins, North Queensland Cowboys, and Gold Coast Titans will establish a nine-week development league for emerging talent, paving the way for the highly anticipated return of the National Youth Competition (NYC) in 2026.

For Broncos faithful, this initiative strengthens the club’s future talent pipeline by providing young prospects with high-quality matches against their peers from Queensland’s other rugby league clubs. It addresses a longstanding disadvantage compared to Sydney-based teams, which have benefited from more established youth competitions.

Building Tomorrow’s Broncos

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, leveraging his experience from the Melbourne Storm during the previous NYC era, has thrown his support behind the concept while emphasising the importance of a measured approach.

“It’s really important as a Queensland-based club that there needs to be parity with our competitors,” Donaghy said, highlighting the strategic significance of the development league for the Broncos’ future success.

The competition structure will see Brisbane’s young guns face each rival team twice in a round-robin format, with discussions underway about potentially staging these matches as curtain-raisers to NRL fixtures at Suncorp Stadium.

Pathway to the Big League

The timing of this Queensland development series is ideal for the Broncos, as it aligns with the NRL’s broader vision for youth development. The competition will commence after the conclusion of the Mal Meninga Cup in May, ensuring a seamless transition for promising players who may not yet be ready for Queensland Cup football.

For Brisbane’s loyal fanbase, this means more opportunities to witness the club’s future stars in action as they take crucial steps towards professional careers. The competition will serve as a vital stepping stone for young players aspiring to follow in the footsteps of current Broncos stars like Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Ben Hunt, all of whom emerged from the original NYC system.

Looking Ahead to 2026

This Queensland development league is just the beginning of a broader transformation in rugby league’s youth pathways. With the NRL investigating the revival of a national under-21s competition in 2026, the Broncos are positioning themselves at the forefront of youth development in Queensland.

The new competition structure directly addresses the historical challenges that have placed Queensland clubs at a disadvantage compared to their New South Wales counterparts, who have long benefited from the established Jersey Flegg Cup. By taking proactive steps now, the Broncos will be well-prepared when the national competition returns.

Read: Musgrave Road in Red Hill to See Clearway Extensions Under New Plans

QRL boss Ben Ikin, who chairs the Pathways Steering Committee, has pledged full support for the initiative, ensuring the competition will have access to quality match officials and venues. This backing from Queensland’s governing body reinforces the credibility of what promises to be a major development in the Broncos’ youth pathway system.

Published 10-February-2025