Did you know that the historic Victoria Barracks in Petrie Terrace could be on the brink of a major transformation? The possibility of selling the site and opening it up for public use as part of the city’s sports and entertainment district has garnered significant attention. Tell us what you think about this here.
An audit of the Defence Department’s property holdings is currently underway, and this review encompasses the largely underutilised Victoria Barracks at Petrie Terrace, positioned between Caxton and Countess streets. The key idea behind this proposal is to bridge the gap between Roma Street train station and Suncorp Stadium, creating a seamless link for both locals and tourists.
The potential of this site lies in its landmark buildings and expansive open spaces, which could be repurposed to attract culture enthusiasts and tourists alike. Importantly, this redevelopment would complement the existing attractions in the vicinity, such as the Roma Street Parkland and the planned Brisbane Arena venue.
The need for such a development became evident when Suncorp Stadium was redeveloped without a dedicated pedestrian link for train commuters heading to Roma Street station. One solution proposed was to channel pedestrians through Victoria Barracks, an option that was also considered during the planning of Roma Street Parkland. However, the Department of Defence had initially declined to release control of the site.
In recent years, however, the Department of Defence has been contemplating a different future for parts of the barracks. It is exploring the possibility of transforming the site into an arts centre with boutique accommodation, marking a significant departure from their military past.
Photo Credit: Cory Exelby/Google Maps
Adjacent to Victoria Barracks is The Barracks, a former police establishment converted into a thriving complex with restaurants, retail outlets, and cinemas, where the historic buildings have been thoughtfully preserved and enhanced. Its success story further underscores the potential of Victoria Barracks for a vibrant future.
In 2022, a report showed that the Department of Defence was cautioned about the deteriorating condition of the buildings, even while they were being maintained. However, pending the outcome of the property audit, the department remains tight-lipped about the site’s future.
Meanwhile, as Deputy Premier Steven Miles endorses the proposal, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has suggested that the federal, state, and local governments collaborate on a long-term plan for Victoria Barracks.
Schrinner believes that the site holds a pivotal role in connecting Suncorp Stadium and Roma Street, and its potential should be harnessed to its fullest, ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Federal Labor MP Graham Perrett, a member of the Olympic organizing committee, shares the sentiment that Victoria Barracks is in need of rejuvenation.
Whilst independently-owned butcher shops are slowly disappearing from the culinary landscape, Pat Saumani, the man renowned for his perpetual smile, is defying the odds yet again. His beloved butcher shop, Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats, is not only thriving but also expanding its meaty empire with the grand opening of Paddington Gourmet Meats.
Saumani, dubbed the Grinning Butcher, has become somewhat of a cult figure in Brisbane’s northside. His commitment to quality and local sourcing has garnered a loyal following in a time when corporate giants often overshadow small businesses.
His new venture is at the Paddington Central Shopping Village along Latrobe Terrace. The location, now lovingly renovated from the ground up, promises to be a haven for meat enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
To celebrate this exciting expansion, both Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats and the new Paddington Gourmet Meats will offer exclusive specials and giveaways throughout the weekend until 10 Sept 2023. Customers can expect not just premium cuts of meat but also a hearty dose of happiness, as Pat Saumani and his team prepare to share their passion for all things meat.
Photo Credit: Paddington Gourmet Meats/Facebook
Pat and his family have been the proud owners of Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats since 2016. Their dedication to supporting local producers, sourcing natural and free-range products, and offering an extensive range of gluten-free options has made them a trusted name in the community. Additionally, they have been the exclusive purveyor of Stockyard Beef, an award-winning Queensland brand, since 2017.
Both Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats and Paddington Gourmet Meats follow the same principles:
Supporting Local: A commitment to promoting local producers and suppliers
Natural Produce: A focus on providing natural, wholesome meats
Grass Fed and Free Range: Offering the best in ethical and quality meats
Extensive Range of Gluten-Free: Catering to a wide range of dietary needs
Award-Winning Wagyu: An exclusive selection of Queensland’s finest Wagyu beef
Large Low and Slow Meat Range: Perfect for barbecue enthusiasts
Deli Items: A variety of deli goods to complement your meat selections
Brisbane Broncos winger and Herston local Jordan Pereira says that because of his growing family, the way he prepares for NRL games has changed.
Jordan and his wife Sarah welcomed their second child, 3.2-kg bundle of joy Lara Suzie, into the world at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, just in time for Father’s Day.
The 30-year-old winger said his daughter’s arrival on 21 June 2023 had “softened me up a bit,” adding that her arrival had unlocked another side of him.
“I’m a pretty simple person when it comes to special events or days – all I need is good food and company,” he said. “I’ll be over the moon to spend the day with my little family.”
“She’s the best baby ever. She does everything perfectly – she eats and sleeps well,” he added.
“Lara is polar opposites to our son Myles – he is two years old and he is a rough little bruiser! Lara helps balances things out, she’s just an easy baby.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Jordan said since having children, the way he prepared for NRL football games had changed.
“I used to prioritise myself before a game, and only myself, but you can’t take time off being a father,” he said.
“Now I have a clear mind going onto the footy field but a slightly more relaxed approached towards game days.”
Mr Pereira said his family was “definitely complete” and described the care they received at Mater Mothers’ Hospital as the “best”.
“If our family wasn’t complete, we’d definitely come back to Mater, even if we were living in another state! We loved everything about our journey there.”
Mater Mothers’ Hospitals is one of Australia’s largest and most advanced maternity services, delivering more than 12,000 babies every year.
Owners Beck Bowers and Charline De Conto opened Sunny Side Sandwiches in the former space of Misspelt at Latrobe Terrace a couple of months ago, following their success in Windsor.
Their goal was simple – make creative, high-quality sandwiches with fresh, local ingredients. Based on the crowds flocking here every day, it’s clear they have accomplished their mission.
Breakfast sandwich (Photo credit: Sunny Side Sandwiches – Paddington/Google Maps)
The star of the menu is the breakfast sandwich, a fusion of free range soft scrambled eggs, kewpie mayo, dill, parsley, chives, and a sprinkle of the secret ‘Egg Magic’ seasoning. This is paired with smokey bacon, kimchi mayo, and caramelised onions between your choice of bread. It’s an egg sandwich lover’s dream!
The process of ordering a sandwich is part of the fun. First you choose from 15 sandwich varieties on the menu, then you select the bread – shokupan, milk bun, gluten-free soy and linseed or gluten-free burger bun. Next comes the extras- go for the kimchi mayo or Baby Rays BBQ sauce for a kick – and any additional toppings like cheese or caramelised onions.
Another customer favourite is the egg salad sandwich, made with free range eggs, kewpie mayo, dill, parsley, chives, shallots, and dressed Cos Lettuce served on shokupan bread. The soft, sweet bread pairs perfectly with the rich egg salad.
Sunny Side Sandwiches proves that simple, high-quality ingredients made with care result in an unforgettable sandwich experience. So next time you’re in Paddington, stop by for a taste of sandwich sunshine.
Kelvin Grove State College is set to receive a $50,000 boost to help the school enhance its programs for mental health and student wellbeing for its junior, middle, and senior school students.
The school will use the funding for two key initiatives – $10,000 to implement the “Grow Your Mind” social and emotional wellbeing program in its junior school and $40,000 to upgrade facilities at its Student Wellbeing Centre for middle and senior students.
Photo credit: Kelvin Grove State College/Facebook
The school currently runs a number of programs to proactively support student health and wellbeing. Kelvin Grove State College is also a recipient of state support from a $106-million Student Wellbeing Package that places GPs, psychologists, and other wellbeing professionals in schools across the state. A psychologist provides mental health support at the school as part of that program.
Commonwealth Minister for Education Jason Clare (Photo credit: Kelvin Grove State College/Facebook)
The $50,ooo support is part of a broader $35.8 million Commonwealth Student Wellbeing Boost, announced during a visit to the school by Commonwealth Minister for Education Jason Clare and Queensland Minister for Education Grace Grace.
The Student Wellbeing Boost will provide $35.8 million in total for Queensland’s 1,797 schools to invest in student mental health initiatives. The funding amounts for each school were developed in consultation with Catholic and independent school representatives.
Joel Buchholz, Executive Principal at Kelvin Grove State College, welcomes the new funding. “This will help us enhance skills to support mental health and wellbeing in younger students and also enhance our facilities where all students and families can confidently access our wide range of wellbeing support staff and resources,” he said.
“Good mental health and wellbeing have a significant impact on young people’s engagement with education and their learning outcomes,” said Mr Clare.
“That’s why we are boosting funding to support the wellbeing of students in Queensland and right across the country.”
The announcement follows a broader five-year $307.18 million agreement between the Commonwealth and states/territories to deliver the National Student Wellbeing program, of which Queensland schools will receive $91.75 million.
Paddington is situated near some of the city’s best plant-based dining options. With innovative menus and cosy atmospheres, these dining options are popular spots for herbivores and omnivores alike. Here are five of the top vegan and vegetarian restaurants near Paddington.
Yavanna, the iconic plant-based hangout that has won the hearts of health-conscious foodies in Brisbane, continues to flourish under the stewardship of its new owners. Established by passionate foodie Cale Drouin, Yavanna’s journey from inception to becoming a beloved culinary destination has been nothing short of remarkable.
Cale’s inspiration to launch Yavanna came while working at a vegan distribution company, where his love for plant-based cuisine ignited a dream. Over five years, Yavanna gained immense popularity for its exceptional menu and cozy ambiance. However, in April 2022, a changing of the guards occurred as the reins of the eatery were handed over to the exceptional team at It’s Mirchi. The local community warmly welcomed the announcement, knowing that Yavanna’s legacy was in good hands.
Yavanna’s success is not solely attributed to its mouthwatering favourites like the sumptuous fried faux-chicken, the cauliflower bites, the tofu miso burger, and the vegetable paella but also to the community it has fostered. Through their inventive menu and commitment to quality, Yavanna has managed to transform even the most skeptical palates into enthusiastic advocates of plant-based cuisine.
Tucked away on a quiet street near the Brisbane River, Grown has become one of the go-tos for plant-based breakfast and brunch. The airy, light-filled cafe opens early, with windows wide open to let in the morning breeze. Inside, the menu celebrates local, seasonal produce, with native Australian ingredients as well as vegetables and fruits sourced from nearby farms.
Popular dishes include the scrambled tofu and their house-made hashbrowns. Coffee is courtesy of artisan roasters St Ali, perfectly dialled in to complement the fresh, vegetable-focused menu.
After a satisfying meal, take a post-brunch stroll along the riverwalk just steps away. Grown’s breezy location and dedication to Aussie flavours makes it a go-to for a relaxed weekend brunch.
In Brisbane, Insane Acai Bar is the place to go for the city’s best acai bowls. These creamy concoctions come in gigantic servings piled high with slices of fresh fruit. Dig your spoon into a base of pureed acai berries swirled with granola and banana. Then relish the topping of strawberries, kiwi, mango and more. It’s a tropical fruit lover’s dream.
Beyond overflowing acai bowls, Insane offers smoothies and an array of baked goods. Try the vegan and gluten-free cupcake for something sweet. Or order a birthday cake like the raw vegan peanut butter and snickers cake.
With cold treats perfect for Queensland’s climate and plenty of plant-based options, Insane Acai Bar is a must-visit to experience Brisbane’s tastiest acai bowls.
If you’re looking for one of the popular vegetarian restaurants near Paddington, this is the place to be. The cosy pizzeria crafts each sourdough crust in-house using their secret flour blend, then tops it with tomato basil sauce and melty vegan mozzarella. Their handmade gnocchi and ravioli pastas are always crowd-pleasers too, cooked to perfection in savory sauces.
Everything at Nonna’s is 100% plant-based, right down to the tiramisu for dessert. Enjoy it all with one of their specialty vegan wines – the restaurant boasts an all-vegan bar focusing on natural, biodynamic and organic varieties.
With fresh housemade pasta, pizzas that rival the classics, and an Italian-inspired menu that just happens to be fully plant-based, Nonna’s Nightmare is redefining plant-based dining in Brisbane.
Coco Bliss was founded in October 2013 by friends Candice Roat and Mellita Rayner, who wanted to create the healthy cafe they wished existed. Their goal was to provide convenient, refined sugar-free, superfood-boosted food and drinks for busy people on the go.
They aimed to make juices and smoothies with real, nutrient-dense ingredients, not just fruit. Coco Bliss became a place where customers could satisfy their sweet cravings without guilt. Ten years later in August 2023, Coco Bliss continues to provide healthy, guilt-free treats to the community.
When you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without actually leaving it behind, Newport’s Cafe is a must-visit.
Newport’s is especially known for its delicious gluten-free breads and pastries, which are hard to find done well in many restaurants. Customers rave about the cafe’s perfect croissants, which strike just the right balance between flaky and tender.
Another highlight of the menu is Newport’s bunless burgers, which allow gluten-free and paleo diners to enjoy a juicy burger experience. The burgers come in mouthwatering flavours like chicken and mushroom. To complement your meal, be sure to order one of Newport’s specialty chai lattes, made with freshly brewed tea and aromatic spices.
Plant-based eating provides health and environmental benefits, but it’s important to understand the distinction between vegan and vegetarian diets.
Vegan diet: Vegans strictly avoid all animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, and animal-derived ingredients. A vegan diet relies entirely on plant foods for nourishment. People often choose veganism due to ethical concerns about animal welfare, environmental impacts of animal agriculture, or potential health advantages.
Vegetarian diet: Vegetarians omit meat, poultry, and fish from their diet. But vegetarians may still consume dairy, eggs, honey, and other animal by-products. There are variations of vegetarianism, like lacto-ovo vegetarians who eat dairy and eggs or lacto-vegetarians who include dairy.
Both vegan and vegetarian diets can provide balanced nutrition. The choice depends on an individual’s values, beliefs, and personal preferences regarding animal products.
With the growing interest in vegan and vegatarian restaurants near Paddington, it’s no surprise that you can find an array of meat-free menus utilising fresh, seasonal produce in the area. Whether you’re craving healthy salads and bowls, plant-based takes on classics like burgers and pizzas, or sweet indulgences like cupcakes, Brisbane has you covered.
A well-known bridal shop in Paddington has shut down with very little warning, leaving numerous brides worried about when (or if) they would get their dresses in time for their Big Day.
Customers of Stunning Wedding Dress first became worried when the store’s social media pages and website suddenly became inaccessible one day. Unable to find the store online, some went to the Paddington shop, only to be met with an empty store.
Photo credit: Los Muertos Crew/Pexels
A subsequent email from the shop, informing them about the permanent closure, attributing the decision to “circumstances beyond our control,” confirmed their worst fears. The shop had closed permanently.
In the email, customers were advised that there is no need to panic, as all wedding dresses that were in progress had been completed and will be delivered directly to the customers’ designated home addresses or any other preferred location. The email also urged brides to coordinate delivery and any remaining payment arrangements via email.
Public records show that Stunning Wedding Dress is owned by Oleksandra Manteit, under a sole trader registration.
Photo credit: Engin Akyurt/Pexels
Wedding Industry in the Doldrums
Stunning Wedding Dress is the third bridal shop, after The Bridal Atelier, which had branches in both Melbourne and Sydney, and Bridal Fusion by Mascia in Adelaide folded under similar business circumstances. Worried brides everywhere are hoping the trend would stop at three.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The latest report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggests that the number of marriages being conducted each year is decreasing.
Based on the data, there were a total of 89,164 registered marriages in Australia in 2021. Whilst this number is lower than pre-pandemic figures, it surpasses the historic low of 78,989 recorded in 2020.
Various factors related to public health orders and pandemic restrictions affected many couples’ marriage plans, particularly during the Delta variant wave that began in June 2021 and the economic downturn that followed.
With the average cost of an Australian wedding reaching a staggering $36,000, couples are also opting for a stripped-back celebration to tie the knot.
In an effort to manage skyrocketing wedding expenses, many Australian couples are choosing to have a more intimate ceremony with only a select few guests and wedding dresses have become one of the areas where budgets have been cut.
Published 7-July-2023 Disclaimer: The wedding dresses shown in this article are not by Stunning Wedding dress and are stock images for illustrative purposes only.
Brisbane lawyer Richard Leahy has emerged victorious in a 3-year legal battle that had reached the Supreme Court over the construction of an imposing 11-metre-high billboard right outside his residence on Musgrave Rd in Red Hill.
In mid-20202, Mr Leahy, an experienced litigation solicitor, objected when a colossal digital billboard was built on Musgrave Road, obstructing the picturesque city views from his property.
Standing at an imposing 5.3 meters wide and 11.3 meters high, the billboard instantly became an unwelcome addition to the neighbourhood skyline.
Upon contesting the construction, Mr Leahy discovered that Brisbane City Council had not taken into account mandatory considerations, including the impact on views from neighbouring properties.
Mr Leahy took the matter to court and in 2022, the Brisbane Supreme Court ruled in his favour, ordering Council to revoke its approval of the billboard’s construction and revisit the matter while considering all relevant factors.
However, Council decided to take the matter up with the Court of Appeals. The appeal has now been dismissed by the Court, and the Supreme Court’s judgment reaffirmed, with further instructions for Council to cover Mr Leahy’s legal costs.
In their denial of the appeal, the appeal judges highlighted that Council had access to an expert report that explicitly identified Mr Leahy’s property as one directly affected by the proposed billboard, emphasising that advertisements should not obstruct or dominate the views of neighbouring properties or compromise their overall amenity.
Council’s approval of the massive billboard, without providing any prior warning or opportunity for objection, has now been deemed a violation of procedural fairness by the Supreme Court.
Despite the court’s ruling, the enormous electronic billboard continues to loom over Musgrave Road, advertising various companies such as Qantas, Royal Caribbean, and Great Northern beer on its expansive 42-square-meter screen.
In light of the court decisions, a Council spokesperson said it will still review the decision delivered on 20 June 2023.
If you’re a fan of deliciously crafted beers, Patio by the Range Brewing team is the bar to be in Rosalie Village. With ten beers on tap, including the ever-popular Jam (a thick, sour beer bursting with a medley of berries), this neighbourhood newcomer offers a beer lineup that promises to keep customers wanting more.
The bar, which opened its doors in Rosalie Village in June 2023, also features a selection of pale ales, IPAs, and a delightful collaboration with Japan’s Black Tide brewery. Wine enthusiasts will be pleased to find two wine taps offering a bright vino rosso and a crisp vino bianco, both created in collaboration with Latta Vino.
Photo credit: patiobyrange/Instagram
Owned by Gerard Martin and Matt McIver, the masterminds behind the original Range brewery and taproom in Newstead, as well as a Melbourne taproom, Patio aims to capture the essence of old-school Australian pubs whilst infusing an Italian-inspired alfresco atmosphere.
Photo credit: patiobyrange/Instagram
Stepping into Patio, you will be greeted by a captivating ambiance that evokes the feel of an open-air pavilion. The meticulous design and construction, spearheaded by Martin, McIver, and their team in a remarkable three-month period, have resulted in an inviting space that will leave you in awe.
Patio doesn’t stop at offering fantastic brews; they also bring delectable food to the table. Partnering with Jacopo’s Pizza, the bar serves up their full menu, making it a go-to spot for satisfying your pizza cravings.
As you enter the front patio area adorned with burgundy-tiled tables, a timber bench seat, and an enchanting fairy light-wrapped tree, you will be enticed to venture further into the courtyard, ready to create lasting memories with friends and loved ones.
Meatball Sub Special (Photo credit: patiobyrange/Instagram)
In addition to pizzas, Patio tantalises the taste buds with a range of delectable snacks such as salads, breads, and skewers. Then don’t miss their Meatball Sub special, featuring mouthwatering beef and ‘nduja fried meatballs, drizzled with basil oil and Parmesan, served on a fresh French baguette.
With a diverse selection of beers on tap, a delectable food menu, and a thoughtfully designed ambiance, Patio is set to become the go-to destination for friends seeking a memorable night out.
Pet lovers in Brisbane may now turn to needles to treat their four-legged friends at The Acupuncture Vet in Paddington, where a growing number of pet parents are signing up for acupuncture, the ancient Chinese therapy.
Queensland Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Dr Alison Shen has documented firsthand how acupuncture leads to “positive and incredible outcomes” that benefit her furry patients every day.
“Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the principle of applying small needles or pressure to specific points in the body for the purpose of therapy, disease prevention and maintenance of health. It works for all creatures great and small,” said Dr Shen.
Dr Shen opened her practice in May 2023. She is involved in wildlife rehabilitation at the Possumwood Wildlife Hospital, in Bungendore NSW, that was set up after the devastating 2020 bushfires.
She and her identical twin sister Dr Audrey Shen, who is also a vet, run the popular Future Vet Kids Camp in various locations in Australia to inspire animal-loving kids with all the wonders of the veterinary animal profession. The twins are also part of the team of vets on Channel Nine’s TV show, Bondi Vet, featuring their lives as veterinarians in Sydney and Brisbane. Dr Alison is also co-founder of 21Scrubs, designer medical scrubs designed and made in Australia.
The Fear Free® certified vet recently launched her ‘passion project’, The Acupuncture Vet in Paddington, where pets like Eddy the Dachshund and Percival the cat have found much relief for their ailments. Dr Shen also treats guinea pigs, and even wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos and wombats.
“Acupuncture has no adverse side effects, no drug interactions, does not require hospital stays and is a very effective and non-invasive treatment for many conditions including pain,” said Dr Shen.
“For most animals, the insertion of fine acupuncture needles is virtually painless, and they become very relaxed and even sleepy,” she added.
“Holistic therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy are not meant to replace, but in fact, complement traditional veterinary medicine extremely well,” said Dr Shen.
Complementary therapies also play an important role in palliative care, especially where conventional medicine and surgery treatments are no longer an option, and for pets during a challenging recovery period, such as in between injury recovery and post-surgery rehabilitation.
“Acupuncture assists with the maintenance of health and balance, and prevention of pain and disease, particularly in elderly patients suffering with osteoarthritis and chronic illnesses, those on multiple medications, in chronic pain or looking for alternative therapies and natural, non-medicated pain relief,” she said.
Dr Shen’s interest in rehabilitation and pain started after years of practice in the mobile vet space.
“Visiting our most vulnerable patients and listening to their owners, I felt there was a huge requirement and gap in our industry to help these patients and owners,” she said. “I witnessed the struggles many pet owners faced during the recovery period and the need for reassurance, guidance and help they desperately required to get them through this challenging time.”
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist, and may not be suitable for some animals.
“Acupuncture is also becoming more accepted in the veterinary industry as vets are embracing complementary therapies and considering these treatments for their own pets,” said Dr Shen. “We accept referrals from veterinarians and rely on their continued care of patients for follow up on x-rays, preventative care and their medical health and monitoring.”
