Paddington Festival Returns After 20 Years

The long wait is over! After more than 20 years, the Paddington Festival returns for a day of fun, entertainment and music plus exclusive festival retailer discounts that you’ll not want to miss out on.



An event that the whole family will enjoy. The Paddington Festival will return after two decades and will feature live music at The Paddo with performances by Harry Kidd, Party in the Hot Room, Mayah and British India.

Kids will also have a grand time at Merlo Cafe where they can catch Bluey, Magician Magic Mike, LizzieLand and The Mini Moshers plus a chance to meet and greet Bluey and Bingo. 

Note: The Meet & Greet is a free ticketed event for groups of up to six people. Book here.

Programme:


Site 1: Trammies Corner
Buskers / Vinyl DJ – 12 pm – 3 pm

Trammies Corner | Paddington QLD 4064, Australia


Site 2: Merlo Cafe – Kids Corner
Welcome Country / Opening – 1 pm
Bluey Live Experience – 1.20 pm
LizzieLand – 1.40 pm
Bluey Live Experience – 2 pm
Magician Magic Mike – 2.20 pm
Bluey and Bingo Meet and Greet (Bookings Essential) – 2.50 pm
Lizzieland – 3.20 pm
The Mini Moshers – 3.50 pm
Bluey Live Experience – 4.30 pm
Stage Close – 5 pm

Merlo Coffee Cafe | 1/78 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064, Australia


Site 3: The Paddo Tavern
Harry Kidd – 2 pm
Party in the Hot Room – 3.30 pm
Mayah – 5.15 pm
British India – 6.30 pm

The Paddo | 186 Given Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064, Australia



The Paddington Festival happens this 5th November 2022 from 1 pm to 7 pm as presented by Brisbane City Council in collaboration with Paddington Terraces 4064 and The Paddo.

This is a free-entry event.
To sign up for EXCLUSIVE festival discounts, visit their official page here.

Locals Raise Concerns On Proposed Build-to-Rent In Red Hill

Locals fear that plans for a build-to-rent residential building in a narrow street in Red Hill would cause more noise and worsen street parking in the area.


Read: Historic Thomas Mathewson Home in Auchenflower Now Fully Renovated


Proposal

Based on plans submitted to Council, the 41-unit located at 32-34 Lower Clifton Tce, Red Hill with 3-4 storeys would have a ‘build-to-rent’ housing model to deliver “inexpensive rental accommodation to assist key workers to find homes close to their employment.”

Photo credit: BCC

The proposal includes 21 car spaces and two motorcycle spaces. There will also be 39 bicycle spaces provided.

The developer believes this kind of housing model will contribute to delivering housing choice and diversity which is designed, built, and managed through long-term ownership and rental.

One of their key drivers for proposing a build-to-rent in Red Hill is the worsening housing affordability in Australia.

Photo credit: BCC

A report prepared by Urbis for the applicant indicates that since the beginning of 2022, the country now has the highest proportion of renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on rental costs in more than 15 years.

“The proposed accommodation will therefore be able to generate long-term rental income, rather than up-front sales and capital growth, driving an increased focus on secure residential tenancies and provision of desperately needed quality inexpensive housing,” the planning documents read.

Locals’ concerns

Photo credit: BCC

Residents living near the proposed development expressed some of their concerns, such as its impact on traffic congestion and potential noise coming from proposed development. 

One neighbour said the street is not a through-way and an increase from the present residences of about 8 flats to the proposed 41, would make for a huge percentage increase on existing traffic movements and totally congest the area.

In response to the residents’ concerns, the developer said there are many current residents living in the street who do not own a car and are renting but are not contributing to the problem.

“Our residents must disclose if they have a car and provide car details and may not be offered a tenancy with us in some cases if they have a car,” the developer said.


Read: Cascade House In Paddington Recognised At Houses Awards 2022


“As a family owned and operated property, and something we’ve done for over 30 years, it has always been our approach to be mindful of our local community. There will be a greater level of control and management of the building,” the applicant has stated.

Kids, Parents Invited to Explore New Compass Independent School in Kelvin Grove

Photo Credit: Compass Independent School/Facebook

Did you know that a new primary school is preparing to open in Kelvin Grove? Compass Independent School offers a unique learning journey for the children as they navigate their daily interactions.



The staff and administration of Compass Independent School have begun moving into their new home in Kelvin Grove, within the QUT Creative Industries Precinct and are awaiting their Non-State Schools Accreditation Board approval. 

Intentionally designed to have a small but multi-age class, the Kelvin Grove site will open in January 2023. For the first year, Compass Independent School has only one class for Prep to Year 5 kids but the school plans to expand to two or three classes as the community grows.

The class will have dedicated teaching teams to help the children discover their potential, skills and habits. The teachers are also trained to impart values like fairness, respect, open-mindedness and self-worth. 

The lessons will follow the Australian Curriculum whilst allowing the children to inquire, create and collaborate. Kids will learn at their comfort level and enjoy the magic of play.

Compass Independent School
Photo Credit: Compass Independent School

Founder and Teaching Principal, Alicia Gilbert, will conduct family tours for those considering to enrol their children. She will explain the programs and learning spaces, as well as answer the parents’ questions about the new school. The children are enjoined to be with their parents so they can have a first-hand experience of what the school offers.

Principal Tours Schedule

Wednesday
12 October 2022
12:00 noon
5:30 p.m.
Saturday
15 October 2022
10:00 a.m.
12:00 noon


For those unable to attend a Principal tour, call 0491 737 352 for alternative schedules. Enrolment opening date will be announced on the official site.

Discover the Naughty Side of This Artisan Bakery in Paddington

Have you checked out this sassy bakery on Given Terrace yet? Cakes & Shit is an artisan bakery that specialises in cheeky, naughty cakes and other baked goodies that are guaranteed to be the talk of the party.



Cakes & Shit is the brainchild of Samantha Holman who opened her first shop on Bakery Lane in 2018. Since then, the talented confectioner has attracted quite a following, and when she decided to move to Paddington, new and old customers made sure she was well-received.

 artisan bakery Cakes & Shit
Photo Credit: Cakes & Sht / Facebook

The shop at Given Terrace, Paddington sports a colourful interior, with available seating for customers who wish to dine in. There’s a cabinet, a shelf, and a retail area filled with sweet creations that customers can enjoy onsite or take home. Most everyone that comes in leaves with cookies, brownies, and cakes happily in hand. 

 artisan bakery Cakes & Shit
Photo Credit: Cakes & Sht / Facebook


The artisan bakery also accepts made-to-order cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, and other special occasions. They also have a range of bold and cheeky merchandise and gift items guaranteed to elicit a few giggles.

 artisan bakery Cakes & Shit
Photo Credit: Cakes & Sht / Facebook

Cakes & Shit also offers workshops where attendees can learn how to bake cookies, cupcakes, and cakes. starting at $65 per class.

workshops at Cakes & Sht
Workshops at Cakes & Sht | Photo Credit: Cakes & Sht / Facebook

Cakes & Shit is located at 233b Given Terrace, Paddington. Hours of operation are from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday to Wednesday and from 9 am to 9 pm, Thursday to Saturday.

Check out their website here to order online or book a session. 

Cakes & Shit | 233b Given Terrace, Paddington, QLD, Australia, 4064

Looking Back at the Paddington Tram Depot Fire 60 Years Ago

One of Brisbane’s largest fires in history occurred 60 years ago when the Paddington Tram Depot fire destroyed 67 trams, more than 20 per cent of the city’s entire fleet. Here’s a look back.



In the early evening of 28 Sept 1962, residents near the two-storey depot alerted the staff about sparks underneath the facility. Though the actual site where the fire started was never determined, many believed that the spark came from the storage area.

Photo Credit: BCC

Whilst waiting for the firefighters, some of the staff attempted to drive the trams out of the site and at least three were rescued before the fire eventually cut the electricity.

Firefighters were challenged to control the blaze due to very low water pressure. It did not help that the Paddington Tram Depot had heaps of tyres, oil and grease as well, due to the nature of its operation.

Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

As the fire progressed, it was becoming clearer that the building would collapse and can no longer be saved. Thus, the local fighters shifted their focus to ensure that the blaze will not impact neighbouring homes and buildings. Dozens of residents packed their belongings within a flash and evacuated away from the site.

Firefighters called to the scene recalled that the depot continued to smoke and burn for over a week.

Photo Credit: BCC

Unfortunately, the trams and the depot were not insured and various conspiracy theories snowballed about its fate. Prior to the fire, plans have been discussed to replace the trams with buses from private operators. 

Paddington Tram Depot Fire
Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

A year after the Paddington Tram Depot fire, however, tram lines in Bulimba, Kalinga, Rainworth, and Toowong were switched to bus routes. Brisbane City Council had to ask help from New South Wales Transport Department for additional buses. 

The tram system officially ended in April 1969. The former Paddington Tram Depot, on the hand, was sold and redeveloped as Paddington Central in the 1980s. 

Paddington Central
The Paddington Tram Depot site in 1974, a few years before the construction of Paddington Central
Photo Credit: BCC

Meanwhile, the Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove has commemorated the Paddington Tram Depot fire every year. The museum’s vice president, Peter Hyde, believes that it’s still important to keep the history of Brisbane’s tram system alive. 



“People enjoy reliving the time of their parents and grandparents,” Mr Hyde said in a radio interview. “They can see how these past events have led to the nature of the city at the present time and possibly give an indication of how the city will continue to develop in the future.” 

Historic Thomas Mathewson Home in Auchenflower Now Fully Renovated

‘Monterey’ is a grand, old Queenslander built in 1912 by pioneering photographer Thomas Mathewson on Aldridge Street in Auchenflower. What used to be student accommodation in the ’70s and ’80s has been given a new lease on life through a careful, yet extensive, renovation.



“Monterey” is a 5-bedroom. 3-bathroom grand Queenslander that sits on 1,012 sqm of prime land at 18 Aldridge Street. It comprises three flats with 12-foot ceilings, double-hung windows, ornate timberwork, and wrap-around verandah. 

The property was previously owned by Thomas Mathewson who was known as the “Father of Photography in Queensland” but its most recent owner, developer Ms Michelle Cao, didn’t have any idea about its history until after she had acquired it. 

Who was Thomas Mathewson?

Thomas Mathewson
Photo Credit: Public domain – State Library of Queensland / Wikimedia Commons

Thomas Mathewson was born in Helensburgh, Scotland in 1842 and emigrated to Australia when he was just ten years old.

Whilst he was trained as a carpenter during his teenage years, he later showed talent in design and artistic work and became a leading Queensland Photographer.

Mathewson family
Photo Credit: Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Between 1864 and 1876, Thomas opened several Photographic Studios throughout the state including locations in Ipswich, Toowoomba, Dalby, Gympie, Rockhampton, and Bowen. 

Thomas served on the Council of the Historical Society of Queensland and became a Councillor in what would later become the Brisbane City Council. He was a photographer in Brisbane from 1876 until 1922 when he sold the business to two of his staff which was later renamed Regent Studios.



Passion Project

The renovation of the former Mathewson home took eight months to complete, with the external part of the house requiring much restoration work.

Judging from how Mr Mathewson’s surviving family loved the final outcome of the project, Ms Cao has succeeded in paying homage to the historic roots of the home of the early pioneer, photographer, and historian with what she refers to as her “passion project.”.

Ms Cao has since subdivided the property and sold 18 Aldridge St for $1.48 million. She is building five apartment units valued at over $6 million on the other half of the block.

Cascade House In Paddington Recognised At Houses Awards 2022

A renovated Cascade House, originally an early 1900s timber cottage sitting on one of Paddington’s hilly streets, has received the ‘House Alteration and Addition under 200 sqm’ award at the Houses Awards 2022.


Read: New Childcare Centre Planned at Popular Paddington Site


Designed by architect John Ellway, Cascade House is a bright family home which was extended to include open living spaces.

Owners Jacqueline and Oscar requested from their builders a grassy space to picnic under a tree and the sky. They also wanted to have some space where kids can play independently, but just in sight. 

paddington houses
Photo credit: Toby Scott/John Ellway

Two of the challenges encountered in designing the house was managing the connection to the ground on a sloping site and providing protection from afternoon sun.

A four-metre level change across the site breaks up the entry sequence into a series of split levels whilst screened doors lead the way into the garden, creating an uninterrupted connection to a grassy courtyard.

cascade house brisbane
Photo credit: Toby Scott/John Ellway

“Key to unlocking the diagram of the project was managing the western afternoon sun, but not losing the outlook. With the site sloping away, there was an opportunity to simply extend the pitch of the verandah roof over the cascading split levels below,” Ellway said.

The designer highlighted the importance of working with a talented garden designer, in being able to create a landscape that reinforces this separation. It was designed by Tom Collins, a landscape designer who’s also a graduate of Architecture.

The entire site measures 402 sqm and the additions made, which include the pool and the courtyard, measured approximately 65 sqm of the space. 

john ellway
Photo credit: Toby Scott/John Ellway

The new centre of the house is the lounge, made with built-in seating to reduce building footprint. Facing the lounge is the kitchen, which features a window to the south overlooking the pool. 

For this design, Mr Ellway came up with the new extension that sits below eye level, editing out the foreground, and allowing an uninterrupted outlook to the sunset, valley, and hills.

This isn’t the first time that Mr Ellway has been recognised for his projects in Paddington. His ‘Three House,’ located in a flood-prone site at Norwood Terrace was previously recognised as the Australian Home of the Year in 2021.

Paddington Local Samuel Gay Debuts Indie Movie Passion Project at Palace Cinemas

“A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World,” a Brisbane-made indie film by Paddington director Samuel Gay, will finally hit the big screen at the Palace Cinemas, years after pouring his heart and soul into this passion project.



From 26 to 31 Aug 2022, the Palace Cinemas screening will also include live events featuring the director and the stars of the film — Kerith Atkinson (“Mako Mermaids”),Tony Brockman (“Hobsons Choice: Martin”), Jacki Mison (“Remember My Name”) — who will sit down for the Q & A on these dates and times:

WhenWhere
FRIDAY
August 26
7:30 pm
Palace Barracks Cinema
SATURDAY
August 27
3:30 pm
Palace James St Cinema
SUNDAY
August 28
4:00 pm
Palace Barracks Cinema
WEDNESDAY
August 31
6:30 pm
Palace James St Cinema
Photo Credit: Supplied

A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World” is filmed entirely in Brisbane with an all-Queensland cast and crew. Mr Gay, a graduate of Queensland College of Arts, co-wrote the movie’s script with his friend, Stewart Klein. 

A Guide to Dating Poster
Photo Credit: Supplied

A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World tells the story of a single woman who survives the apocalypse only to be reacquainted with her blind date from hell.  When Alex meets John on a blind date set up by her friends, she declares that she ‘wouldn’t see him again even if he were the last man on earth!’ The next day Alex wakes to find that a scientific experiment seems to have wiped out the rest of humanity. The streets of Brisbane are deserted; her annoying boss has disappeared and no longer does she have to put up with her friends trying to set her up with losers. Finding that she has the City of Sunshine to herself – at first it’s bliss. no traffic, no queues, no deadlines – though the novelty wears thin after a few weeks of harmless carjacking, home-invasions and tinned food. Until Alex discovers there is someone else alive and it’s John! Neither understands why they are the last two standing but in the idyllic new environment Alex starts to appreciate John’s finer qualities until they meet Wendy and Alex discovers that two is company and three’s a crowd.

“I’ve always loved post-apocalyptic storylines ever since I read Stephen King’s “The Stand” as a kid,” Mr Gay said. “I remember daydreaming a lot about what it would be like if everyone suddenly disappeared. And when we decided to make this film of course there was no question we would shoot it in Brisbane!”

Samuel Gay
Director Samuel Gay
Photo Credit: Supplied

Tait Brady, the co-producer from Label Distribution, said this is “a genuine Brisbane-indie film” that they’ve been waiting for. 

“Sam and his team worked for years to make and complete the film – it’s been a marathon but a fun ride.” 



“A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World” was screened at the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival and at festivals here and abroad, including WorldFest Houston. Kerith Atkinson and Tony Brockman were both nominated for Best Actor awards.

Inside ‘Wine Experience’: A Bar Within A Bottle Shop

‘Sampling the wares’ has taken on new meaning at Wine Experience, a bottle shop in Paddington that has evolved into a wine bar, the culmination of the owner’s nearly two decades of experience operating a retail wine store in Rosalie Village.


Read: Fundraiser Launched for Planned New Paddington Bistro and Wine Bar


After 16 years of running a bottle shop, Michael Nolan established the bar within his retail store, giving oenophiles a place to enjoy their wine. 

Photo credit: Wine Experience/Facebook

Nolan, who has visited many bars across Europe, wanted to create something like the tiny bars in Spain, which encourages intimate get-togethers. 

Every bit of this bar takes inspiration from typical European bars, from the compact seating that can accommodate a small group to the selection of food options for guests to enjoy with their wines. 

rosalie wine bar
Photo credit: Wine Experience/Google Maps

“The space itself is intimate; designed so that guests can chat freely with the chef and staff about their experience. We have capacity for only nine guests around the curved timber bar, but there are two small outside tables for those who prefer an al fresco experience,” Wine Experience said.

They bring the taste of Spain into the wine bar with their Sardine and Green Mojo Pintxo, which goes perfectly with a glass of sparkling white wine.

wine experience
Photo credit: Wine Experience/Facebook

What sets it apart from most bars in Brisbane is that they have wines that people struggle to find elsewhere.

The ‘Winemaker Series,’ for instance, features wines that are made just for them by some of Australia’s leading winemakers sourcing grapes from exceptional vineyards in the most sought after regions. The current selection includes a juicy Barossa Valley Shiraz from ninth-generation winemaker Marco Cirillo.

They also run free weekly Friday night tastings, where everyone is welcome to come in and try what’s on offer each week. 

Photo credit: Wine Experience/Facebook

Over the past year, they quickly built a following, with customers popping in on the way home from shopping or stopping for an afternoon drink before heading off to a restaurant or movie.

Anthony, one of their patrons, shares that visiting the bottle shop and wine bar “feels like entering an Aladdin’s cave of  fabulous wine.” 

“A huge range and some very knowledgeable and helpful staff who take the time to assist you in choosing the right wine,” he shared.

Wine Experience’s bar and kitchen are open on a walk-in basis Wednesday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m.

Here’s Where To Get Your Boozy Brunch In Paddington

Fancy a mojito with your morning meal? With a welcoming and cosy vibe that will make you feel at home, Kettle and Tin is the perfect spot in Paddington for catching up with friends over a boozy brunch.


Read: Fancy Some Middle Eastern Cuisine? Check Out This Paddo Cafe


A fixture in Given Terrace for over a decade now, Kettle and Tin is a fully-licensed restaurant, which means you can have some mojito with your breakfast, or choose from their wines, liquors, spirits, and beers for the perfect morning libation with your meal.

kettle tin bne
Photo credit: Kettle & Tin/Google Maps

Boozy is only half of “boozy brunch” and this trendy bar/cafe knows that for sure, as they pay close attention to the food menu beyond the drinks.

Grab some eggs benny, omelette, avo smash, or chicken and waffles from this cafe for a satisfying meal as you enjoy your drinks all morning long.

Or delight in their cheese arepa, with scrambled eggs, avocado and beans if you’re craving a Colombian breakfast; or maybe tortillas served with fried eggs, beans, guacamole, and salsa roja for a Mexican-inspired breakfast.

paddington
Photo credit: Thi Ngoc Anh Nguyen/Google Maps

They also recently launched a new tapas menu for dinner, which you can order every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

If you think it’s too early for some booze, you can have some coffee courtesy of Bear Bones Coffee, as well as smoothies, milkshakes, cold-pressed juices, and mocktails.

paddo cafe
Photo credit: Kettle & Tin/Google Maps

Housed in a quaint cottage filled with artwork and a nursery of plants, Kettle and Tin isn’t just a place for some boozy brunch, because they have a few events to look forward to, such as the Latin Dinner on Wednesdays and Trivia Night on Thursdays.

Kettle and Tin is located at 215 Given Terrace, Paddington. You can follow them on Instagram @kettleandtin for updates.