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Think Tiny, Live Big in Red Hill

Housing affordability has become a hot topic in Australia right now; and whilst the government thinks of better solutions, some Australians have taken matters into their own hands, specifically in the suburb of Red Hill where a cry for tiny house living has been heard…and granted.

Neatly tucked away in a garden, Andrew Carter and his partner, Lara Nobel along with their six-month-old baby live in a tiny sanctuary. They are also the directors of the Tiny House Company. The hard-won contentment on the couple’s faces is not hard to miss. The current state of affairs is something they are proud of. Just last year, the couple had a run-in with the Brisbane City Council.

A Little Run-in

Their home, measuring 2.5m x 7.5m and 4.5m in height, built on a trailer, had gotten a complaint from a neighbour, which the council quickly addressed in 2016. According to the council, their home falls under the classification class 1A structure due to its appearance, which also means that the couple must adhere to the building code of Australia.

Mr Carter and Ms Nobel had three options: apply for a building permit, leave the premises, or file an appeal.

The couple chose to file an appeal to the Queensland Building and Development Dispute Resolution Committee with the help of ESC consulting, and they won. They argued that the tiny house the couple lives in was a registered movable dwelling and shouldn’t be regulated by the Building Act. It should be treated like caravans.

Councillor Jonathan Sri seems to agree with the concept of tiny house saying that tiny houses have a lesser impact compared to the growing number of high-rise apartment developments being submitted to the council today.

Big Plans

Learning from the experience, the couple, now dedicated to promoting tiny house living in Australia, teamed up with builder Greg Thornton and started The Tiny House Company.

They are not the first ones to implement such movement. Tiny Houses Australia was established five years ago by Melbourne-based couple Darren Hughes and Lisa Adams. Today, their Facebook page has garnered 44,000 followers, of which 28,000 are Australians. Their page aims to support aspiring tiny home builders, owners, even associated businesses that support tiny house living.

According to Mr Hughes’ estimate, there are about over 1000 tiny homes being built in the country as more and more people come to the realization that having a home with five bedrooms and several other rooms aren’t really needed to make someone happy.

For now, while the government and other residents slowly accept the concept of tiny house living, tiny home owners continue to live their chosen way of living while they await better national guidelines from the government.

Every Cat Lady’s Dream, Yarning with Cats at Red Hill’s Cat and Cuddle Cafe

Cat-lovers and knitting enthusiasts, unite! Every cat lady’s dream place, the Cat Cuddle Cafe is holding a fundraiser event called Yarning with Cats on Musgrave Road, on the 25th of May. Knit and crochet amidst your furry, feline friends in this popular Red Hill meow spot.

Photo credit: Cat Cuddle Cafe / Facebook

Yarning with Cats will teach event-goers the basics of knitting or crochet. Experienced knitters are welcome to participate and share their techniques. The event includes yarn, hooks and needles, and connecting with the cats inside the cafe for only $25. Only 10 people are allowed to join the event, so if interested participants have to sign up now.

Over Two Decades of Rescuing Cats

Cat Cuddle Cafe is Brisbane’s first Cat Cafe run by Pussies Galore Rescue. All the cats and kittens in the cafe are up for adoption.

Pussies Galore Rescue was established 25 years ago by Katrina Balson and the small rescue organisation has been saving the lives of cats all over Brisbane. Their aim is to create a safe haven for these cats. They also follow a no-kill policy.

The Cafe

Cat Cuddle Cafe opened in 2015, as part of Ms Balson dream to have a cafe that will allow the Pussies Galore cats to connect with other cats and cat lovers.

The cafe is divided into two parts: a giant long playroom is where customers can sit down and play with the cats, and a dining area is where customers can enjoy a cup of tea with some delicious treats.

Customers who wish to cuddle and play with the cats are charged $12 per hour. They offer only a small selection of cruelty-free snacks such as Cloverly Cupcakes and Bliss Balls.

There are sodas, teas, and a selection of coffee to quench one’s thirst. Customers are allowed to take their food into the cat room.

The cat room is adorned with retro furniture and the walls are lined up with shelves of cat books, while the floors are filled with cat toys. There is also a large spinning wheel from Run Cat Run. Those looking for fresh air can check out the outdoor caged balcony with its amazing views.

Children under the age of 7 years old are not allowed in the cafe.

Helping by Adoption

Those who are interested in adopting a cat can tell Ms Balson and be placed on a list of potential adopters. First, though, you must pass a test that Ms Balson describes as the “Spanish Inquisition.” The thorough screening helps their organisation ensure that their feline pets are going to be with a good family. This also ensures that the adopter is committed to the endeavor “for life” (or until both the cat and their human shall live).

Raising Funds

Pussies Galore Rescue is also a part of the Animal Rescue Support Network. This means that they are supporters of all animals, not just cats. Like most animal rescue operations, they have limited funds and rely on volunteers and donations.

To help fund the organisation, the cafe holds fundraiser events at least once a week. The money that’s earned through the various fundraising events goes mostly to vet bills and cat food.

Donations are more than welcome. You can donate money by clicking here or you can donate goods. Click for the list of items that they need.

If you are interested in adopting a cat, you can email them at adoptions@catcuddlecafe.com
For businesses or individuals who wish to sponsor a cat, contact@catcuddlecafe.com
If you want to be a foster carer, send an email at fostering@catcuddlecafe.com

Photo credit: https://oliveandclo.com.au

Treat Your Pooch to Beer for Doggies at Paddington’s Atticus Finch Cafe

No need to feel sorry that you have to leave your dog behind when Happy Hour strikes. Atticus Finch Cafe in Paddington lets you and your dog enjoy a drink together.

Atticus Finch Cafe is not just a dog-friendly café. From Friday to Sunday, starting 4 p.m, the cafe turns into a bar serving drinks for humans and dogs alike.

In many ways, the cafe is unique. Named after the protagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird, this tiny cafe located at Latrobe Terrace, will easily give you the impression that it’s a place with a heart.

*(Photo credit: Atticus Finch Cafe/Festival)*

Regulars come here not only for its coffee. The food is top-notch as well. On top of that, this is a must-visit place for any dog-loving human who wants to treat their furry friend to outdoor dining every now and then.

There is a lot of seats on the outdoor deck and every dog is welcome to relax and sit down with their human.

Doggies Drink Up

On weekends, busy folks can cap their work week with a jug of beer at Atticus Finch Cafe. The best thing is that they can bring their dogs to the bar. Atticus Finch serves a top selection of craft beers for humans and Beerdog’s Bitter for the dogs.

Aptly dubbed as “Nectar of the Dogs,” Beerdog’s Bitter is a sure hit with the doggies.

Don’t worry about your dog getting drunk. The drink is non-alcoholic and is made from 100% AQIS certified Australian beef. Ingredients are all natural and there are no preservatives, so the beverage is safe for your dog.

Get directions to Atticus Finch Cafe.

(Photo credit: Beerdog’s Brewhouse/Facebook)

Government House in Paddington To Hold Open Day

Paddington’s Government House, Brisbane’s premier heritage site, is opening its gates on the 3rd of June for its annual Open Day. During this yearly event, visitors get to tour parts of the Governor’s official residence and learn about the history of the place. The event will start at 12:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.

Remembering Fernberg

Built in 1865, this 19th-century structure was previously known as Fernberg. The house was originally owned by Johann Heussler, a German immigrant who moved to Australia and then finally settled in Brisbane due to his poor health. He commissioned architect Benjamin Backhouse to design the house.

John Stevenson purchased the house from Mr. Heussler in the mid 1880s when the latter fell into financial difficulties. He asked architect Richard Gailey to design additions and make alterations to the house.

The house was transformed into a mansion with the thoughtful addition of new sections like a gentleman’s room, a gymnasium, an aviary, a five-stall stable, a bush house, a glass house, and an asphalt tennis court. However, the economic recession affected Mr Stevenson so badly that he had to sell the house.

A House Reborn

In 1911, the government purchased the beleaguered property and declared it as a permanent government house. Renovations and alterations immediately took place, such as the installation of new floor coverings, rolling of roadways, and installation of fencing.

The event is free. Visitors are invited to come and appreciate the heritage site, plus spend a pleasant afternoon on the grounds.

Photo credit: http://www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/

Paddington’s Montrachet Still Tres Bon

Located at Given Terrace in Paddington, Montrachet is considered to be one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane. In early 2015, Thierry and Carol Galichet sold Montrachet to Shannon Kellam and Clare Wallace, who now runs the place.

Although the change of management has been met with some apprehension when it turned hands due concerns that the appeal of what has become an icon in Brisbane will be lost, the new owners soon proved naysayers wrong. Not only have they kept the core values of the Brisbane icon intact, with just a little tweaks on the menu, the interior, and the food preparation, Montrachet has been reborn in a familiar, yet distinctively upscaled way.

Montrachet, aside from having impeccable French food, is also acclaimed for its outstanding service. And indeed, Chef Kellam has made sure that the excellent service continues.

Regulars at the restaurant will still see some familiar faces among the Paddington staff and several familiar dishes on the menu. The food, already excellent, has also been transformed. Plating and presentation is now more ornate, leaning towards fancy, and tres jolis.

The interior of the Montrachet has been styled to evoke a Parisian bistro atmosphere, complete with a red leather banquet running the entire length of the room, a black marbled bar overlooking the kitchen, and a restaurant oozing with glitz and glam.

Other interior details include French antiques, metal pastis signs and gilt framed mirrors that complete the French ambience. Large frosted windows envelop the place in luxurious intimacy.

The menu still contains old favourites such as the streak frites, cheese shuffle, and garlicky buttery snails. There are also new dishes on the menu such as the confit of duck and the pork cheek on potato galette.

On Friday nights, the restaurant holds a five-course degustation featuring creative dishes by the kitchen brigade, pumped with seasonal and regional flavours to satisfy one’s palate.

Don’t be intimidated by the totally French wine list. There are wines selections for every budget and their sommelier will only be too happy to help you make a selection.

Bon appetit!

Photo credit: Montrachet / Facebook

Red Hill’s St Brigid’s Church: The 100-yr-old Landmark On the Hill

A striking red brick structure can be seen, perched on top of the hills that provide sweeping views of the suburb of Red Hill. This red brick building is St. Brigid’s, designed by the prominent architect Robin Dods and modelled after a 13th-century French cathedral.

Compared with other Catholic churches in Europe that are often adorned with carvings, ancient paintings and elaborately patterned stained glass, St. Brigid’s interior is a little bit more austere. The design, inspired by St. Cecile’s Cathedral at Albi in the South of France, features gothic elements and Romanesque styles.

Photo credit: http://www.catholicleader.com.au

In designing St. Brigid’s, Architect Dods also took into consideration the Brisbane climate. Everything in the building, from the height of structure, its windows, balconies, French doors, arches and its open chancel, was designed to accommodate the suburb’s changing climate.

Coming-of-age of Catholics in Brisbane

St. Brigid’s is a church with some significance to the whole of Brisbane, owing to its visibility from all directions. It was the largest parish in Brisbane when it was built between 1912 and 1914 by Thomas Keenan, a well-known builder in the early 20th century. The church was built to accommodate 1,000 people.

The opening ceremony of St. Brigid’s in 1915 was a big day for the Catholic community in Brisbane. The church represented the coming-of-age of the Catholics in a city that was dominated by Anglicans.

The name St. Brigid’s was derived from an Irish female saint, St Brigid of Kildare. Her life-size statue can be seen above the church’s entrance porch. St. Brigid herself is known for healing and was said to be very domesticated during her lifetime.

Heritage Building

Today, St. Brigid’s is one of six churches in the Jubilee parish. Widely regarded as one of Brisbane’s major landmarks, the church just celebrated its centennial year in 2014. Due to its heritage, the church is now a part of the National Trust as one of its heritage buildings.

Photo credit: www.catholicleader.com.au

Telstra Urges for Better Mobile Coverage in Paddington: What’s Causing the Hold Up?

Despite the need for improved mobile coverage in Paddington, Telstra is still unable to replace one of three existing mobile towers in the area because of an ongoing court case with the Brisbane City Council regarding a proposed mobile tower installation that has dragged on since 2015.

A perceived lack of mobile coverage in the suburb led Telstra to propose a solution to replace one of their existing towers in Paddington to boost coverage in the area. However, the Brisbane City Council declined the proposal and since then, negotiations have dragged. Telstra has now submitted an appeal asking for the court’s intervention, so that a decision can be made on the tower replacement issue.

The Mobile Black Spot Programme

Telstra’s move to expand and improve their base station coverage comes as a result of a $486-million dollar co-investment between the Australian federal government and the telecommunication company under the government’s Mobile Black Spot Programme (MBSP). The said programme started in 2013 as an election commitment to extend mobile phone coverage and industry competition in remote, regional, and outer metropolitan areas.

“Under the Mobile Black Spot Programme we will be delivering expanded 3G/4G mobile coverage to 577 locations across the nation, bringing a range of new benefits to these rural and regional communities,” Brendon Riley, Telstra’s COO said in an interview with ARN late last year.

Two rounds of government funding have already been released under the MBSP. Under the first round, Telstra’s upgrade will cover 429 locations across the country. A further 128 base stations are included in the second round. Paddington’s proposed mobile tower replacement is supposed to be part of the roll-out schedule under the MBSP.

Not an Isolated Case

This isn’t the first time that matters have been taken to court between Telstra and the local city councils. Previous instances include cases with the Councils in Broken Hill City and Koonorigan over the building of mobile towers in those areas.

Telstra has kept mum on the Paddington issue until a court decision is made.

Photo credit: CC-BY/Public Domain Photography/Flickr

Dog-Friendly Breakfast Cafes in Paddington

More and more restaurants in Paddington are now becoming paw-friendly. Having breakfast around the suburb just got a little better with your adorable pets in tow.

Sassafras Canteen

Sassafras Canteen is named after the sassafras tree, whose roots are one of the key ingredients of sarsaparilla, a softdrink which was originally brewed in the 19th century from the plant but is now made from artificial ingredients. Sassafras canteen’s most popular beverages include (what else?) Bundaberg sarsaparilla and Hank’s rootbeer. They also have an awesome selection of coffee for the obligatory post-breakfast caffeine fix.

As Brisbane’s first “all-day breakfast” place, this café has a menu hat broke the rules on what breakfast should be. This restaurant opened in 1997 and became a mainstay of Brisbane’s cafe scene. By 2014, they introduced a new breakfast menu and launched a new canteen lunch concept for the public.

The rear courtyard at Sassafras is a popular hangout for dogs and their humans. In fact, from Friday to Sunday, Sassafras becomes Paddy’s official dog-friendly garden bar.

Atticus Finch Cafe

Named after the fictional lawyer in Harper Lee’s famous novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Atticus Finch is a charming cafe with a homey weatherboard interior whose walls are wittily papered with (what else?) pages from the book. (Yes, THAT book!)

A custom-built deck with trestle tables and banquette seating, complete with ceiling fans and tapestry rugs provide outside seating for customers who come with their pets in tow. A special leash hook is provided, with the obligatory bowl of water to refresh the four-legged babies.

All-you-can-drink coffee. Photo credit: Atticus Finch Cafe / Facebook

Must try — drip filter brew coffee, which is served in a bottomless cup. The place turns into a bar on the weekends. Not just any bar, though. It’s a dog-friendly bar. Paddo bars sure love their paw-nimals!

Remy’s

Sunny cafe by day and friendly neighborhood bar by nightfall, Remy’s is a great chill spot where people and pups are equally welcome to sit at the courtyard and enjoy their burger and drinks menu.

Photo credit: Remy's / Facebook — Photo credit: Remy’s / Facebook

Milkshakes and coffee peacefully co-exist with craft beer, cider, wine, and cocktails in their menu that’s fit for a hungry man (or woman) and his best friend.

Cafe Bema

Cafe Berna’s menu, prepared by Benny Loh, its award-winning chef, ensures a delightful gastronomic experience. The Brekkie Burger with smoky bacon, haloumi, fried egg, smashed avo, butter lettuce & tomato on black seeded bun is a must-try. For a light lunch, customers can order their Avocado and Pesto Cous Cous salads.

No need to get a dog-sitter if you’re planning to eat at Cafe Berna. Owners can hitch their pooches to the fence under the welcoming shade of the tree in front of the cafe, where a bowl of water awaits.

Stop 13@31

A chic cafe at the tram stop situated in a laid-back neighborhood, customers can sit out on the shaded area for some fresh air. The cafe offers all-day breakfast and some delicious baked goodies that you can order at the counter. Gluten-free choices and vegan breakfast options are also available. They also have individual hitching stations for your pets.

Tall Short Espresso

A quaint coffee that will cheer you up, thanks to its bright interiors that makes it a great quick breakfast and coffee stop. Your pet gets its own astroturf by the footpath. The cafe transforms into a community bar with the people hanging out in the window overlooking the street

Java Lounge Cafe

All-day breakfast. Funky cafe with colourful couches and tables and brick walls that give the place a distinctly casual charm. Ordering from their menu is like taking a leisurely sight-seeing trip because there is so much to choose from.

Photo credit: The Java Lounge / Facebook

All their guest pooches are pampered and kept well-hydrated. There are water bowls on the footpath (try to find a photo of this). A trip to Java Lounge wouldn’t be complete without ordering the Java brekky bagel. People are also raving about the pumpkin smash.

Enjoy breakfast or lazy afternoons with your pets whilst you sip a good cup of coffee accompanied with delicious breakfast spreads.

Photo credit: CC-BY /Jonathan Lin / Flickr

The Best Vintage Places in Paddington

Located just 2km west of Brisbane CBD, Paddington exudes a vintage feel with its streets filled with distinct indie boutiques and quaint antique shops. The area’s colloquial architecture lends a classic ambiance that makes vintage shopping a truly pleasurable experience.

Queenslander Homes

Photo credit: Wade Johanson / Wikimedia Commons

One of the things that you’ll notice when you’re walking or driving around town is the number of timber houses on stilts. These houses on stilts are a distinct feature of the Paddington neighbourhood. Due to the steep terrain of this suburb, houses were naturally built on stumps. Such houses can be seen all over the suburb because some residents decided to maintain such architecture that emphasizes Paddington’s profile. Tourists can have their photos taken in front of the famous Queenslander homes that have been around since the 1860s.

Paddington Antique Centre

Photo credit: CC-BY/David Jackmanson/Flickr

If retro is your thing, a visit to the Paddington Antique Centre should definitely be in your itinerary. This place is a haven for vintage clothing, shoes and even things for the home. Their selection of period clothing, gowns, frocks, and shoes will transport you back in time to a bygone era. Heirloom trinkets and vintage decor for the home are popular finds too. When you inevitably get tired from shopping, the Plaza Theatre Cafe serves a comforting cup of tea and a delectable assortment of pastries for the perfect pick-me-upper.

Ra Ra Superstar

A pop of color along Given Terrace, Ra Ra Superstar’s pink alley lined with vintage and colourful clothes will definitely catch your attention. Stylist Kathy Szwedzinski is the mastermind behind this eclectic boutique. The idea started in 2005 when Kathy began selling her wares at several stalls in different markets and festivals. Later on, an old dental surgery office in Paddington came up for lease, and Kathy, who had already been planning to open her own store, snapped it up. Since then, the store has became Paddington’s go-to place for high-quality vintage clothing and accessories. Her pieces are definitely worthy of an Instagram flat lay. Or two. Or several.

Retro Metro

Stepping inside Retro Metro will take you back to the roaring ‘20s. If you feel a definite affinity for the Flapper Era, or you’re looking for something to wear to a special occasion, or you just need a beaded bag, Retro Metro is the place to go. Check out their display of gadgets from the twentieth-century, quaint or unusual vintage finds such as old German pottery, fob watches, and martini glasses. You could spend hours in the store and feel like you haven’t seen enough.

Hope & Anchor

If playing the vintage voyeur all day has made you tired and hungry, go on down to Hope & Anchor. Grab a bite at this traditional wooden building, which started as a bakery in 1888. Sit down in uber-comfy, deep leather booths. The dim pub lighting gives you a cosy and relaxing feeling the minute you sit down. Dig into their homemade fish fingers and enjoy other English pub classics to get your energy meter back up, for one last shopping hurrah. Or for the trip back home lugging the fruits of your (shopping) labor.

Paddington’s strong appeal lies in its streets filled with vintage fashion shops and indie boutiques, most of which are charmingly located in quaint cottages that lend a unique character and ambiance to one’s shopping experience. The suburb is known to be the home of artists, musicians, and aspiring writers. Paddington, with its mix of the old and the new, vintage and retro chic, truly lives up to its reputation as the “old soul” of West Brisbane.

Photo credit: Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

Paddington Business Owner Sleeps Out for the Homeless

It’s unusual to find a man sleeping in a box on the street in an upscale area like Paddington. That’s why passersby were surprised to find a Paddington real estate business owner camping out on the street.

Urban Property Agents principal Daniel Argent is one of the volunteers of this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout, and he’s sleeping out in a box to help the homeless. He will be camping out for one night in June as part of the fund-raising event.

To prepare for the June event, Mr Argent camped out inside a box on Given Tce to let people know about the charity event. The charity campaign is a yearly event run by St. Vincent de Paul Society, a community organisation that manages crisis accommodation facilities across the country.

Mr Argent, who was awarded the Rate My Agent’s “Agent of the Year for Paddington” for 2017, believes in the good intentions of St Vinnies. Even as he sells multi-million dollar properties as part of his day job, Mr Argent feels for those who are not as fortunate to have a roof over their head.

The business leader believes that the event is an excellent opportunity for everyone to realise how lucky they are to have a home that will keep them safe, sheltered and comfortable.

Mr Argent will be joining other volunteers on June 22 for the actual sleepout event. He aims to raise $5,000 for the charity.

He posted this video on Facebook to inform about homelessness in Australia.

Assisting Homeless People in Crisis

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout aims to support the homeless and people in crisis needing temporary shelter. The event encourages top CEOs and managing directors to spend one rough night out on the street.

The participating business leaders get donations from employees, family and friends. Proceeds from the charity event will go to St Vinnies homeless services.

Through the annual event, St Vinnies hopes to raise awareness about homelessness in the country. Vinnies CEO Sleepout’s website and Facebook page provide valuable information about the state and struggles of homeless individuals, including women in crisis and people who are struggling to pay rent and need temporary shelter.

To find out more about the charity drive, visit the Vinnies CEO Sleepout website at www.ceosleepout.org.au.