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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Pexels
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.
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.
Dashcam footage has revealed a heart-stopping incident on Hale Street in Paddington, just outside Suncorp Stadium, where a car was catapulted into the air and flipped onto its side following a reckless maneuver.
The incident, captured around 9:53 p.m., shows a white hatchback signaling to exit the road when a black sedan speeds up, attempting to merge into the lane. The sedan slams into the rear of the hatchback, sending it hurtling through the air, rolling multiple times before coming to a rest on its side.
A blue hatchback traveling in the opposite direction was also clipped, but the driver managed to maintain control of the vehicle. The black sedan, emitting sparks, briefly left the road before eventually coming to a halt.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) confirmed that a 26-year-old woman from Loganlea sustained minor injuries in the crash. The driver of the sedan, a 19-year-old man from Moorooka, was issued a traffic infringement notice for careless driving.
The footage, shared on the Dash Cam Owners Australia Facebook page, has drawn numerous comments expressing shock and concern. One user praised the quick response of bystanders who rushed to the flipped car, while another remarked on the sudden chaos that erupted for unsuspecting drivers.
The vibrant Bluey house in Paddington that houses television’s most beloved Blue Heeler family has been withdrawn from the market after a recent episode tugged at heartstrings and led to a collective sigh of relief from fans and frazzled real estate agents alike.
Real Estate Rollercoaster
The following section is a satirical take on the competitive world of real estate, inspired by the fictional events surrounding Bluey’s home.
When news spread that Bluey’s charming Queenslander was on the market, it wasn’t just a big day in Brisbane. The listing landed not with the seasoned pros, but with Bucky Dunstan, whose resume was as thin as tracing paper except for one notable entry: old school buddy of Bandit Heeler.
Matthew Lancashire of Ray White New Farm, famed for trading in Brisbane’s real estate crown jewels, found himself outfoxed by the newcomer. He had been playfully telling his kids that selling the Bluey house was a certainty, only to be scooped by someone who probably thought “escrow” was a new type of dog treat.
Over in Ascot, Patrick McKinnon from Place Estate Agents tried to laugh off his disappointment, likening his day of solving Bluey puzzles to strategic training for what he thought was the ultimate real estate coup—only to find out he was beaten by Bucky, the equivalent of a novice playing Monopoly.
Darcy Lord, a known face in the leafy streets of Bulimba, had thrown everything but the kitchen sink into wooing the Heelers, from relentless letterbox drops to sponsoring every dog show within a 20-mile radius. Finding out he lost to someone whose biggest deal may have previously been trading lunch boxes in primary school certainly stung.
‘The Sign’ Steals the Show
In real life, the drama peaked with the airing of “The Sign” on the 14th of April 2024, an episode that saw the Heeler family caught between a wedding and a real estate deal. Just when it looked like the “Sold” sticker was set to seal their fate, a last-minute twist kept the Heelers in their beloved home in Paddington, proving that not all drama ends in disaster.
The episode was a masterclass in emotional manipulation, leaving fans both laughing and crying into their couch cushions. This narrative jolt not only reaffirmed the Heeler home’s star status but reminded viewers why they fell in love with the charming Queenslander in the first place.
“When Bingo realized what selling the house meant and tried to lift the sign by herself..the tears 😭” viewers on Reddit posted.
“That said, this episode made my whole family cry by the end. Can’t believe how emotional I feel about a cartoon dog family deciding not to move house 😭”
“Speaking as a Brisbane native, that episode came THIS CLOSE to breaking the heart of an entire city.”
Seriously, I was like “don’t you DARE make this a Sydney or Melbourne show, Brisbane IS a main character 🤬🤬🤬” So relieved!
Photo Credit: Bluey/YouTube
Bluey Bounces Back
With the for-sale sign on the Bluey house now a relic of the past, attention turns back to Bluey’s everyday adventures. Confirming the series’ continuation, producer Sam Moor spoke on BBC Radio 4, easing fears of the show’s cancellation post-home-sale drama. This news was greeted with cheers from fans and perhaps a few groans from those still recovering from the emotional rollercoaster of “The Sign.”
The recent incident involving the sale of Heelers’ house in Brisbane has highlighted the power of storytelling and the emotional connection.
For real estate professionals in the city, this event served as a poignant lesson in the unpredictable nature of the property market. One agent noted the unique challenge of selling the Heelers’ home, stating that it was significantly more difficult than typical sales, almost like dealing in a different market entirely.
The fictional Heeler family from the beloved children’s animated TV show “Bluey” have listed their home for sale. Whilst part of an animated universe, the house beautifully encapsulated the essence and architectural heritage of Paddington.
The Heeler residence in the popular TV show “Bluey” is a depiction that has resonated with many fans. Its sprawling verandas and quintessential Queenslander design perfectly reflect the vibrant spirit and cultural backdrop of Paddington. Though fictional, this representation highlights the show’s strong connection to Brisbane, specifically the West Brisbane area, known for its picturesque hillsides and distinctive colonial architecture.
Described by property agent Becky Dunstan, the listing reveals a charming, animated family residence tucked away in a secret Brisbane spot. The property features mid-century design elements blended with whimsical accents, embodying the classic Queenslander style and exuding a sense of heritage allure, complete with over a hundred concealed miniature-long dogs scattered throughout.
Situated at a cul-de-sac’s end, the house is perched on a hill, offering scenic views of Mount Coot-Tha. It comprises three bedrooms and approximately four bathrooms, alongside spaces conducive to working from home, adorned with beautiful period floorboards and hallways.
Real estate experts predict the sale could fetch upwards of $6 million, reflecting the soaring property values in areas akin to Paddington, where the show’s setting draws heavy inspiration.
Market Buzz and Fan Sentiments
A clip from the poignant episode, titled “Ghostbasket,” which aired on the 7th of April 2024, had Bandit showing their old house to potential buyers.
Although just a storyline in the animated series, the listing of the Heeler family home has ignited a flurry of excitement in the real estate market and amongst the global fanbase of “Bluey.”
“Can we talk about the ending? It’s not just the zoom out of the for sale sign but the music suddenly faded once the credits start,” a viewer asked on Reddit. “I have one question. Why is the house for sale or will that be answered in The Sign?”
“I think its been in the works for a while,” another commenter said. “Two obvious clues being Chili complaining about the house falling apart in Hammerbarn and it being small in Cubby…”
The sale of the house introduces themes of change and moving on, resonating with those who view the Heelers’ home as a symbol of love and adventure.
Anticipation for What’s Next
The Heeler home in the “Bluey” series has an aesthetic appeal and also serves as a cultural touchstone, offering viewers a glimpse into Brisbane’s architectural heritage and suburban lifestyle. In the upcoming episode titled “The Sign,” set to air on April 14th, 2024, the Heelers will embark on a journey of finding a new home. This storyline promises to delve into the emotional nuances of relocating, reflecting the show’s commitment to addressing real-life challenges through its narrative.
In 2022, a replica of the Heeler family’s Paddington home was made available to rent on Airbnb. The replica has been carefully designed to capture the charm and warmth of the Heeler household, allowing fans to immerse themselves in this unique experience. This initiative brings the animated world to life and offers a chance for fans to experience it firsthand.
As Grammy-winning artist Pink brings her Summer Carnival Tour to Brisbane for three epic nights, The Paddo, just a 5-minute walk from Suncorp Stadium, is gearing up to provide the perfect pre- and post-event party vibes in Paddington, for concert-goers looking to amplify their Pink experience.
Before the concerts on 16 and 17 February 2024 and 19 March 2024, get the night started early with vibrant pre-concert party vibes, featuring delicious drinks, mouthwatering bites, and a pre-concert buzz that’ll set the tone for an epic evening.
And after the show, keep the celebration alive with The Paddo‘s late-night party scene, where the energy and excitement linger long after the final note of Pink’s extraordinary set list.
The renowned American pop star has a special connection with Australia, particularly Brisbane, which goes beyond her regular concert tours. In 2009, Pink was honoured uniquely at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Recognising her as their best-selling artist ever, following her hugely successful Funhouse Tour, the Centre dedicated a suite of toilets to her, whimsically named the “Pink Ladies.” This gesture humorously underlined the affection and admiration that Australian fans, especially those in Brisbane, have for her.
Pink’s affinity for Australia is reciprocated by her Australian fans, making her one of the most popular female acts in the country’s history. Moreover, Pink’s tours in Australia have been record-breaking. Her performances, which often include daring acrobatics, bring a unique element to her concerts, further endearing her to Australian audiences.
A fine imposed on a developer for the unlawful demolition of a historic Paddington cottage, located in one of Brisbane’s most prestigious streets, has been increased from $20,000 to $100,000.
In a landmark decision, District Court Judge David Kent fined Natural Lifestyle Homes (NLH), an inner-city luxury home builder, after pleading guilty to two charges related to conducting development activities without proper permits.
The subject of the demolition was a Paddington cottage that dated back to 1888. It was believed to be the oldest residence on the revered Wilden Street in Paddington.
Earlier, the Brisbane City Council had levied a fine of $20,000 against NLH, a penalty which Judge Kent deemed “manifestly inadequate” to deter future violations of this nature. He emphasied the necessity of a financial cost that would effectively deter developers from viewing such offenses as a mere business expense.
The cottage at 41 Wilden Street was originally intended to be preserved and relocated to allow new construction work on the site. However, NLH proceeded to demolish the protected building without consulting the Council, building certifier, or the Planning and Environment Court.
Serious Consequences for Disregarding Heritage
The actions of NLH not only flouted the Council’s refusal of demolition but also overturned the protective measures in place for the 1888 cottage. This act of destruction resulted in the loss of a significant heritage asset, with only minimal artifacts such as an original door and portions of windows remaining.
Judge Kent noted that NLH’s actions enabled them to evade consulting structural engineers on the feasibility of relocating the cottage. This lack of due diligence and disregard for heritage considerations led to the irreversible destruction of the historic structure.
The judge said that the $100,000 fine better reflects the seriousness of NLH’s offense, particularly when compared to the project’s total cost, ranging from $2 million to $2.4 million. This substantial penalty sends a clear message to developers that preserving heritage and adhering to legal requirements are paramount.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
NLH’s Background and Intentions
NLH, co-owned by Clifford William Keane and Mathew Ralph Carroll, was not seeking profit from this project, which was intended to serve as a new residence for Mr Keane and his wife, Jacinda. The Keane family purchased the cottage in October 2018 for $1.08 million and embarked on the construction of a new $2.4 million home.
Mr Keane, a carpenter with a degree in the built environment, and M. Carroll, a registered builder since 1998, had been involved in inner-city property development for many years.
Paddington has no shortage of Italian eateries, from hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale restaurants. Yet the recently opened Fratelli brings something new to the neighbourhood – a truly authentic taste of Italy and hands-on cooking classes.
Using seasonal ingredients and fresh local flavours, Fratelli transports guests straight to the vineyards and shores of Italy with each bite. But what makes them especially unique is that they offer hands-on cooking classes with their expert chefs, so you can learn how to craft fresh cheese or shape your own homemade pastas.
Inside Fratelli, the stone walls and rustic decor make you feel transported to Italy, although it’s the food takes your tastebuds even further. Fratelli sources only the finest local ingredients and collaborates with Tambourine Cheese Factory to create burrata bursting with smooth, creamy flavour.
Photo credit: Fratelli Paddington/Facebook
One of their crowd pleasers is the spicy salami pizza loaded with ricotta-filled crust, olives, mozzarella and that signature Fratelli zest. Pizza lovers will delight in the restaurant’s array of Italian pizzas paired perfectly with wines from their impressive drink menu.
Signature cocktails provide a refreshing balance alongside espresso drinks for those looking for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Photo credit: Fratelli Paddington/Facebook
Whilst the interior transports your senses to Italy, their beautiful outdoor patio allows you to soak up Brisbane’s sunshine as you feast on Fratelli’s seasonal delicacies. From their cheese boards and pastas to the desserts like the light and sweet peach sorbet, each dish sings with the flavours of an Italian summer.
For those longing to linger in the warm hospitality and rustic ambience, Fratelli offers a home away from home right in the neighbourhood Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). Visit their website to book online or to learn more about their classes.
When her baby Charlotte was born prematurely, Red Hill mum Julia Plackner looked at her little daughter’s tiny frame and marvelled at the miracle that enabled her safe delivery at Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital via emergency caesarean, despite being 15 weeks early.
Today, the little baby that weighed the same as a mango at birth thrives at home under the loving care of her parents, having undergone life-saving treatment during a remarkable three-month stay in Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit.
Mum Julia said her pregnancy had been progressing normally until she suffered an infection at 25 weeks, which caused severe cramps and bleeding.
“Doctors told me I was about 4 cm dilated when I got to hospital,” she said.
“I needed an emergency caesarean when doctors realised Charlotte’s heartbeat was irregular – beating fast and then sometimes suddenly slowing.
“She was given a 60 to 70 per cent chance of survival before she was even born.”
Mrs Plackner described her daughter’s birth on June 13 as “pretty scary”.
“I was under general anaesthetic when Charlotte was born,” she said.
“Chris my husband was there and witnessed it all – even Charlotte being resuscitated when she wasn’t breathing.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“She weighed just 754 grams. The doctors told me Charlotte was lucky to be alive.”
The Plackners have thanked the multidisciplinary team who saved their daughter’s life ahead of World Prematurity Day on 17 Nov 2023.
Mater Neonatologist Dr Richard Mausling cared for baby Charlotte while she remained in hospital and said her strength was impressive.
He said Charlotte’s prematurity caused her to have respiratory distress syndrome, which required a short period of ventilation. She also subsequently went on to develop chronic neonatal lung disease.
“To think she weighed the size of a mango when she was born and went home at 3.3 kg, fully suck feeding and only needing low flow home oxygen, is truly remarkable,” Dr Mausling said.
“I feel very privileged to play a very small part in a truly exceptional team at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital Neonatal Critical Care Unit whose sole purpose is to look after babies and families like Charlotte’s.”
Charlotte required a single blood transfusion when she was 36 days old, Dr Mausling said.
“This is quite exceptional really as many babies born at this gestational age and birth weight would usually require several blood transfusions during their stay in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU),” he said.
“We are very lucky to have access to very safe and readily available blood and blood products from the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Without the generosity of regular donations of blood from blood donors, babies like Charlotte would possibly have very different outcomes.”
Photo Credit: Supplied/Annette Dew
Each year more than 2000 very sick and premature babies receive round-the-clock specialist care from the team in Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit.
Now tipping the scales at a healthy 4.6kg, Mrs Plackner described Charlotte as a happy and bubbly girl.
“Charlotte still requires oxygen support while sleeping but other than that, she’s smashing everything out of the park. For someone who has been in hospital for 90 days, she’s doing fine,” Mrs Plackner, a lawyer, said.
