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Kelvin Grove State College Students Triumph in 2024 Literary Competition

Two students from Kelvin Grove State College have claimed top honours in the 2024 Literary Competition, Queensland’s oldest continuous writing contest for school students.

Read: Kelvin Grove State College Joins Elite in 2023 School Rankings

Now in its 65th year, the 2024 Literary Competition saw over 1,300 submissions across various categories, showcasing the state’s young literary talent.

Leonard Cavallaro, representing Years 9 and 10, secured first place in the short story category, while Elisabeth Yeo took the top spot for Years 7 and 8, also in the short story division. Their success highlights the strength of Kelvin Grove State College’s English and creative writing programs.

The English Teachers Association of Queensland (ETAQ) President Anne Wood noted that the competition received high-quality entries from schools across Queensland. She emphasised that the Literary Competition continues to be a significant event for nurturing young writers in the state. Established in 1959, the competition has become a launching pad for many budding authors over the decades.

The awards ceremony, held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre, saw winners receive certificates and book prizes donated by Penguin Random House Australia. First-place recipients had the opportunity to read their winning pieces to an appreciative audience.

Guest speaker Zanni Louise, a children’s book author from Byron Bay, delivered an engaging lecture, sharing insights from her writing career and inspiring the young talents in attendance.

2024 Literary Competition — Zanni Louise (Photo credit: Independent Education Union)

Terry Burke, Branch Secretary of the Independent Education Union of Australia (Qld & NT), highlighted the competition’s role in developing students’ writing skills and creativity. He explained that their goal is to foster literary development and freedom of expression among young people.

The competition, jointly sponsored by the IEUA-QNT, ETAQ, and Penguin Random House, is open to students from Years 5 to 12, as well as teachers. It offers categories for poetry, short stories, and non-fiction prose across different age groups, with cash prizes for the top three places in each section.

Read: Bluey Leaves Paddington: Iconic Show Home Embodies Spirit of West Brisbane

As Kelvin Grove State College celebrates its students’ achievements, the Literary Competition continues to play a vital role in nurturing Queensland’s next generation of writers, proving that the art of storytelling is alive and well in the Sunshine State.

Published 16-August-2024

Caxton Street Comedy Festival to Bring All-Day Laughs to Petrie Terrace

Caxton Street is set to roar with laughter as it hosts its first-ever comedy festival on October 19. The Caxton Street Comedy Festival promises to be an all-day celebration of Queensland’s thriving comedy scene, bringing together top-tier Australian talent and local favourites across four venues in Petrie Terrace.

Read: From Final Bow to New Act: Brisbane Arts Theatre Says Goodbye to Their Historic Petrie Terrace Headquarters

A Star-Studded Lineup

Photo credit: Caxton Street Comedy Festival/Instagram

Presented by Good Chat Comedy Club, this pioneering event aims to showcase the street’s artistic side, complementing its well-known reputation as a sports fan haven. From noon until evening, comedy enthusiasts can indulge in a diverse lineup of stand-up acts, interactive shows, and live podcasts.

Here’s the list of all the performance venues:

The Lord Alfred Hotel
Lefty’s Music Hall
Alfie’s
The Haunt

The festival kicks off with “Death by Birding,” a humorous and informative live podcast about bird watching, setting the tone for a day filled with wit and whimsy. Following this, comedy heavyweights Nick Cody and Luke Heggie will take the stage with their “Mid Flight Brawl LIVE!” show.

Throughout the day, attendees can catch performances from a mix of established and up-and-coming comedians. The star-studded lineup includes Amy Hetherington, Matt Stewart, Lloyd Langford, Emma Zammit, Geraldine Hickey, Bronwyn Kuss, and Michael Hing, among others. For reality TV fans, “Game On Mole Live!” featuring Aimon, Dicko, and special guests promises to be a highlight.

More Than Just Stand-Up

Photo credit: Caxton St Brewing Co/Google Maps

In addition to stand-up acts, the festival offers interactive experiences and street-side entertainment, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Comedy podcast enthusiasts can look forward to a live recording of “Who Knew It” with Matt Stewart.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Caxton St Brewing Co, a major venue partner, has crafted a special brew for the occasion. “The Tight Five,” an easy-drinking lager, will be available for punters to enjoy as they hop between shows.

Read: ARLC Buys Gambaro Hotel Brisbane in Petrie Terrace

With its impressive lineup and vibrant atmosphere, the inaugural Caxton Street Comedy Festival is poised to become a standout event in Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Don’t miss this chance to be part of comedy history in the making. Visit their website for more details.

Published 8-August-2024

Red Hill Renovation Wins Australian House of the Year

Photo Credit: zuzana&nicholas

A Red Hill couple’s decade-long renovation project has been crowned Australian House of the Year at the 2024 Houses Awards.

Zuzana Kovar and Nicholas Skepper transformed a 113-year-old worker’s cottage into a modern, multi-functional home that impressed judges with its innovative use of space and environmental considerations.

The couple purchased the two-storey property on a corner block in 2011, attracted by its potential for both living and working spaces. “We always imagined that’d be a great spot for an architecture studio,” Skepper said, referring to the revealed understorey on the side street.

Working within a compact 200 square metres, Kovar and Skepper made clever design choices to maximise the home’s functionality. They swapped living and bedroom areas to optimise natural light and ventilation, a simple yet effective change that significantly improved the home’s livability.

The renovation focused on flexible spaces, with the largest room serving as both an office and additional living area. “Our studio table doubles as a dining table for a large group,” Skepper explained, highlighting the home’s adaptability for various occasions.

Houses Awards head juror Alexa Kempton praised the design for its efficient use of space and its response to the evolving nature of work. The home successfully integrates professional and personal life while maintaining appropriate separation between spaces.

Contrary to the trend of maximising built area, the Red Hill renovation preserved the backyard, offering a valuable outdoor space for the couple’s young children. Large sliding glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection without sacrificing garden area.

The project also emphasised sustainable practices, retaining original materials and recycling items where possible. This approach, combined with the preservation of green space, addresses growing concerns about urban density and environmental impact in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

Published 2-August-2024

Sibling Chefs Bring Authentic Thai Flavours to Paddington with Ma Chim

Paddington’s food landscape just got a flavourful boost with the opening of Ma Chim, a new Thai restaurant that promises to tantalise taste buds with fresh, zesty, and authentic cuisine.

Read: Sunny Side Sandwiches: Paddington’s Tasty New Arrival

This locally family-owned and operated business is the brainchild of siblings Bowyo and Yew Muangsong, who aim to bring a taste of their homeland to Brisbane’s vibrant community.

The name “Ma Chim” is a playful invitation in Thai, translating to “come and taste it” – an apt moniker for a venue that prides itself on its enticing menu.

While Bowyo Muangsong has made a name for herself as a renowned head chef in some of Brisbane’s famous venues like Pingpong and Morning After Cafe, it’s her brother Yew who takes the helm in the kitchen at Ma Chim.

Bowyo’s journey in Brisbane’s culinary scene began when she arrived in the city at 18, fresh from completing her Year 12 in Thailand. Her first foray into the local food industry was at her aunt’s restaurant in Milton, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful career in the kitchen.

Photo credit: MA CHIM THAI Brisbane/Facebook

Ma Chim’s menu is a love letter to Thai cuisine, featuring family recipes and regional specialties passed down through generations. Many of these cherished dishes come from the siblings’ mother, herself a chef with a passion for cooking.

The authenticity extends beyond the food – even some of the plates and cutlery have been sourced directly from Thailand, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to the dining experience.

Diners can look forward to signature dishes such as the popular Wagyu Boat Noodle and the homegrown Kapow with fried egg and real Thai basil. For those seeking to explore Thai flavours, the Nam Tok Pork Jowl offers a unique take on a famous recipe, while the Street Fish Cakes with sweet chilli sauce and roasted peanuts provide a perfect starter. To quench your thirst, Ma Chim also serves up homemade Thai milk tea.

“We embarked on this journey to create a restaurant that not only serves the most delicious Thai dishes but also offers a warm and welcoming dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on our customers,” the Muangsong siblings shared through their website.

Read: Rosalie Village: New Public Artwork Unveiled Celebrating Community and Culture

Ma Chim is located at 4/165 Baroona Road, Paddington, and is now open for dine-in and online orders. Whether you’re a Thai food aficionado or a curious first-timer, Ma Chim invites you to come and taste the vibrant flavours of Thailand right in the heart of Paddington.

Published 23-July-2024

Auchenflower to the World Stage: Charlotte Caslick’s Journey to Rugby Sevens Greatness

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Rugby Sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick prepares to embark on her third Olympic game, a testament to her enduring excellence and impact on the sport.

Read: Red Hill Sensation Thomas Neill Eyes Paris Glory With the Dolphins

Born in Auchenflower but raised in Stanthorpe, Caslick’s journey to international stardom began on the touch football fields, where her exceptional skills earned her the prestigious Player of the Series title at the 2012 National Youth Championships. This early recognition was just a glimpse of the accolades that would follow in her illustrious career.

The transition to Rugby Sevens came naturally for Caslick, who made her debut in 2013. Her impact was immediate and profound. For three consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2016, she was named in the World Series Dream Team, cementing her status as one of the sport’s elite players.

Photo credit: Charlotte Caslick/Instagram

Caslick’s trajectory continued to soar as she played a pivotal role in Australia’s first World Series victory. Her combination of speed, agility, and tactical awareness made her a nightmare for opponents and a joy for teammates and fans alike.

The pinnacle of Caslick’s career came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Rugby Sevens made its debut as an Olympic sport. In a performance that will be remembered for generations, Caslick scored seven tries throughout the tournament, including one in the gold medal match against New Zealand. Her efforts were instrumental in securing Australia’s historic gold medal.

Recognition for her extraordinary talents came in the form of the 2016 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year award, a testament to her dominance on the global stage.

Despite facing setbacks, including a brief foray into rugby league that was cut short by injury, Caslick’s resilience has been remarkable. She bounced back to lead Australia to a triple crown in 2022, winning the World Rugby Sevens Series, Commonwealth Games gold, and the Rugby Sevens World Cup.

Now, with over 300 caps to her name, Caslick stands as the most experienced player in sevens history.

Read: Kelvin Grove State College Joins Elite in 2023 School Rankings

As Caslick continues to dazzle on the international circuit, she remains grounded, sharing her life off the field with fiance Lewis Holland on their cattle property in Stanthorpe. Her story is not just one of personal triumph, but an inspiration to young athletes across Australia and beyond, proving that with talent and determination, the journey from suburban fields to Olympic podiums is possible.

Published 16-July-2024

Red Hill Sensation Thomas Neill Eyes Paris Glory With the Dolphins

Red Hill swimming sensation Thomas Neill is poised to make his mark at the Paris Olympics, securing his spot in both the 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley events. At just 22 years old, Neill is preparing for his second Olympic appearance, building on a career that has shown promise since his junior days.

Read: Paddington Jewellery Icon to Sell After Two Decades

From Rugby to Swimming

Rugby had been his obsession since childhood, consuming his thoughts and adorning his bedroom walls. Posters of his idols – Quade Cooper, Will Genia, and the entire 2011 Reds squad – served as daily inspiration. On the other hand, swimming was a chore he endured with gritted teeth, Neill admitted.

Fate had different plans for the young athlete, steering him away from the rugby field. At 14, Neill shattered both his leg and his aspirations during an intense match. The sickening crack of bone echoed his vanishing dreams of rugby stardom.

Ironically, it was the very sport he did not love (at first) that offered salvation after his injury. The doctor’s prescription for swimming for rehabilitation was met with initial skepticism. Deep down, he had always sensed his true potential lay in the pool, not on the pitch and this became the catalyst for embracing a new passion, as the competitive spirit of swimming began to ignite a fire within him.

Early success and rapid rise

Neill first caught attention in 2019 at the Australian age titles, claiming gold in multiple events including the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle, as well as the 200m individual medley. This impressive performance earned him a place on the Australian Team for the junior world titles in Budapest, where he continued to excel, securing two silvers and two bronzes.

Transitioning to senior competition, Neill quickly proved his mettle. At the 2021 Australian championships, he claimed gold in the 800m freestyle and silver in the 400m freestyle, narrowly missing a medal in the 200m freestyle.

Thomas Neill debuts at the Tokyo Olympics

Neill’s Olympic journey began at the 2021 trials in Adelaide, where he secured a spot on the 4x200m freestyle relay team for Tokyo. In his Olympic debut, Neill narrowly missed the 200m freestyle final but played a crucial role in the relay event. Assigned the anchor leg, he delivered the fastest split among his Australian teammates, helping secure a bronze medal for the team.

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Following a period focused on his Advanced Business (Honours) degree at the University of Queensland, Neill returned to full-time training in 2023. He contributed to Australia’s bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, and showed improvement in individual medley events.

Neill’s recent performances have solidified his position as a dual-event Olympian for Paris. At the Australian Olympic trials held in the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, he claimed second place in the 200m freestyle with a time of 1:46.02, securing his individual spot. Additionally, Neill will compete in the 200m individual medley in Paris.

Read: King’s Birthday Honours Recognise AMA Queensland Doctors

Known for his friendly personality, Neill has gained attention for his post-race quips. After winning bronze in Tokyo, he told TV cameras, “A bronze medal at the Olympics, as Matty Johns said in 1997, it’s better than Lego.” With one Games under his belt and another yet to come, Thomas Neill offers an intriguing preview of Australia’s swimming future.

Published 08-July-2024

Paddington Jewellery Icon to Sell After Two Decades

One of Brisbane’s most cherished jewellery and homewares stores, Thousand Island Dressing in Paddington, is on the market after 22 years of operation.

Leanne DeMartini, owner of the well-regarded store on Latrobe Terrace, expressed that it was time for new vitality in the business as she approaches retirement. She aims to conclude her career on a high note, desiring the new owner to continue the store’s legacy for another 22 years or more.

Turning 60 last October, DeMartini felt it was the right moment to shift her focus from managing the store to potentially mentoring other small business owners through roles with the Brisbane City Council or the Small Business Association. She emphasized her interest in supporting and sharing her extensive experience with other entrepreneurs.

Business History and Resilience

Thousand Island Dressing first opened its doors in 2002 and later expanded to locations in Bulimba and New Farm in the following years. Although the satellite stores closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the original Paddington location thrived with a strong online presence bolstered by loyal customers.

DeMartini recounted memorable events at the store, including one where she met her husband, underscoring her emotional connection to the business.

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Market Interest and Sale Details

Listed for sale at $65,000 plus stock at value through Finn Business Sales, the business attracted immediate interest, receiving two offers shortly after listing, including one from a devoted customer. DeMartini expressed a fervent hope that the store’s new owner would share her passion for the business, emphasisingng her desire to avoid closure and see the store prosper under new ownership.

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Published 23-June-2024

King’s Birthday Honours Recognise AMA Queensland Doctors

Photo Credit: AMA Queensland

In this year’s King’s Birthday honours list, three esteemed medical professionals from AMA Queensland have been appointed as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of their exceptional service to medicine and the community.

Associate Professor Anthony Holley, Professor Glen Gole, and Dr Beres Wenck were among the members of AMA Queensland honoured for their significant contributions to healthcare and leadership.

“Our members are consistently seeking ways to positively impact our healthcare system and protect the health of Queenslanders, and it is fantastic for them to receive recognition for this outstanding work,” said AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim.

Associate Professor Anthony Holley

A/Prof Anthony Holley, a Senior Staff Specialist in Intensive Care Medicine at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, was honoured for his service to intensive care and emergency medicine. His dedication extends beyond clinical practice to nearly 18 years with the Royal Australian Navy Reserves, where he was recently promoted to Commodore.

Professor Glen Gole

Prof Glen Gole, who has published over 130 peer-reviewed papers during his career in Paediatric Ophthalmology, was recognised for his service to the profession, tertiary education and professional organisations. He has conducted cataract surgeries in remote Australian communities alongside the late Dr Fred Hollows.

Dr. Beres Wenck

Dr Beres Wenck, a GP and Past President of AMA Queensland, received an AM for her significant service to general practice and the Queensland community. Her leadership roles across medical boards and associations were described as “admirable” by Dr Yim.

“It is an honour to represent and advocate on behalf of the countless hardworking doctors in Queensland, and we are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved,” Dr Yim stated.

The annual King’s Birthday honours recognise exceptional Australians from diverse fields. This year’s recipients will be officially appointed by Governor-General David Hurley on behalf of King Charles III later this month.

Published 13-June-2024

Paddington Family Targeted in Fourth Break-In, Luxury Cars Stolen

A Paddington family is reeling after their home was broken into for the fourth time in two years, resulting in the theft of their luxury cars.

James Antliff and Elise Allisson had increased security measures at their residence following each previous incident, but this did not deter a group of teenagers from allegedly breaching their property.

The youths reportedly scaled a concrete wall, forced a door lock, and entered the house. Upon discovering a BMW and a Porsche in the garage, they were seen celebrating before allegedly taking bag and car keys, and driving off with both vehicles.

The incident, which occurred while the couple’s seven-year-old stepson was inside the house, has left the family shaken.

“It’s super frightening,” Allisson said. The teenagers allegedly fled in multiple cars, embarking on a joyride across the south-east. The BMW was later found abandoned in Stafford Heights, while the Porsche was last tracked on the Sunshine Coast and remains missing.

This is the fourth break-in the family has experienced in two years, prompting them to progressively enhance their home’s security.

“We’ve upped the security every time we’ve been broken into,” Antliff stated. “We’ve got security cameras, we got security alarms and all the doors were locked and even the front gate had a chain and padlock around it.”

The incident has reignited the debate surrounding youth crime in Queensland, with the state election looming in October. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli criticised the current government’s handling of the issue, while Premier Steven Miles acknowledged the complexity of the problem.

The investigation into the break-in and car thefts is ongoing, with authorities working to locate the missing Porsche and apprehend the individuals involved.

Paddington Crime Statistics

Between December 2023 to June 2024, there were 127 incidence of Unlawful Entry and Other Theft (excluding Unlawful Entry) in Paddington, according to the Queensland Police Service. Most affected clusters were along Fernberg Road and Latrobe Terrace with more incidents taking place around 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Published Date 11-June-2024

NOTA Shutting Its Doors, Different Hospitality Figure Takes the Reins

Photo Credit: NOTA

After a six-year run as one of Paddington’s favourite dining destinations, NOTA Restaurant & Wine Bar on Given Terrace is shutting its doors. The European-inspired restaurant will serve its last meal on August 3rd, 2024.

**Co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort of NOTA**
Photo Credit: Instagram / @broadsheet.brisbane

Co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort, both former chefs at Moda, opened NOTA in 2018 in the former space of acclaimed French restaurant Montrachet. The exposed brick and warm lighting created an inviting ambience for NOTA’s modern European fare and extensive wine list.

“Starting NOTA so early in our careers was of course challenging, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing Paddington community,” said de Kort. “But we are excited for what the future holds, both for us and for the space we’re leaving behind.”

**Co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort of NOTA**
Photo Credit: NOTA

The duo will now focus their efforts on Allonda, the Newstead restaurant they opened in 2022. However, they are passing the Given Terrace location to another yet-to-be-named hospitality figure who plans to reinvent the space.

**Chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort’s Newstead restaurant, Allonda.**
Photo Credit: ALLONDA

“It’s important for us to honour the community we’ve built by passing over the space to another hospitality wunderkind who we’re confident will bring a much-needed dining experience to Brisbane,” de Kort added. “We’re incredibly excited to see our much-loved space reinvented.”

As NOTA winds down, the restaurant will bring back signature dishes like quail with sweet corn polenta, broccolini with anchovy butter, beef bourguignon, and the warm house crumble. Head Sommelier Yanika Sittisuntorn will also return for a final selection of wine pairings.

The neighbourhood can look forward to a new culinary experience when the unidentified hospitality figure takes the helm at 224 Given Terrace in the coming months.

While Paddington waits for the newcomer, NOTA Restaurant & Wine Bar will serve their remaining meals until August 3, 2024. They are open 6 pm-late on Tuesday-Thursday (last booking at 7:30 pm), 12-2 pm and 6 pm-late (last booking on 8 pm) Friday-Saturday. Catch them before they are gone for good.

Published 11-June-2024