Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers Looking to Hire a ‘Nonna’ to Mentor Staff at Paddington, Other Outlets

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, with outlets in Paddington and six other locations, has opened a unique job opportunity for a woman over the age of 65 to serve as their honorary nonna.



As an honorary nonna, or Italian grandmother, the person to be hired for this job stands to earn $25.51 an hour but they will not need to fulfill a 12-hour shift. Instead, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers co-owners Ben Cleary-Corradini said that the honorary nonna will have a mentorship and guidance role. She will help the gnoccheria’s young staffers develop the right skills for preparing authentic, old-school Italian food.

Mr Cleary-Corradini said that they have chosen to tap the “grey army” or the retired population because nonnas have the wisdom and the skill for this job. Women over the age of 65 are usually discriminated against during recruitment but Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers need their expertise. 

“For the last two years, we found it very, very difficult to recruit enough people to be cooking, to be making our gnocchi,” Mr Cleary-Corradini said. “We decided instead to recruit a nonna,” adding that she should have at least 10 years of gnocchi-making experience. 

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers
Photo Credit: GnocchiGnocchiBrothers.com.au

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers was established in 2016 at the Wednesday markets in the city before the store opened its original gnoccheria in Paddington. The compact location on Given Terrace, which is a short walk from the Suncorp Stadium, has a small number of seats but it is a very popular takeaway site, where gnocchi lovers get their fresh Italian meal prepared fast.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers became in demand because there is no other restaurant in Australia that’s solely focused on one Italian dish: gnocchi. Today, aside from Paddington, the eatery has an outlet in South Bank, New Farm, North Lakes, Southport, and Newtown in NSW.



Bluey’s House In Paddington Is Now On AirBnB!

Attention, Bluey fans! You now have a chance to stay at the Heeler family’s iconic home in Paddington for just $10 a night, for a unique Bluey-themed getaway.


Read: Little Locals Early Learning Auchenflower Now A ‘Waste-Smart Kindy’


The colourful Queenslander has been transformed to recreate Bluey’s home, complete with familiar touches like the red letterbox, bone-adorned chimney and iconic bay window.

bluey home
Photo credit: Airbnb
bluey play room
Photo credit: habs.uq.edu.au

Other features to look forward to include Bluey and Bingo’s colourful bedroom, toy-packed playroom and lush backyard which comes with a trampoline.

Rooms are re-imagined with a breezy Mid-century modern aesthetic coupled with playful pops of colour. The girls’ playroom, with its signature rainbow canopy, kiwi rug and numerous toys – including Bluey’s beloved Chattermax toy and Magic Xylophone – is the ultimate setting for creative play.

bluey bedroom
Photo credit: Airbnb
bluey room
Photo credit: Pinterest 

Then parents can retreat to Bandit and Chilli’s airy and plant-filled master bedroom – complete with queen-sized bed, rattan furnishings and neutral tones.

bluey trampoline
Photo credit: Airbnb
bluey backyard
Photo credit: Kidspot.com.au

The lucky family also gets to play games in the backyard, such as Horsey Ride and Keepy Uppy. The backyard is equipped with a BBQ, kids’-sized trampoline, Grannies’ car, custom toadstool seats and bespoke dog garden gnomes.

Those who are interested to stay in the Heeler family-inspired home in Brisbane can book their stay on a first come first served basis. Booking opens on 15 February 2022 at 5:00 a.m. 

Aside from having the home to yourselves, you also get to enjoy some of the amenities offered, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a private backyard, and free parking on premises. 

This one-of-a-kind experience is a partnership between AirBnB and BBC Studios, co-commissioner and global distributor of Bluey.

bluey kitchen
Photo credit: Airbnb


bluey family
Photo credit: Official Bluey TV/Twitter

“The Heeler house is almost a character in its own right. We’ve been amazed at the outpouring of love the fans have shown for this iconic setting, and for all the beautiful Queensland locations the crew have so lovingly included across the three series. Bringing Bluey’s backdrop to life in such an ingenious and colourful way for our fans has been an absolute delight,” said Madeleine Jelfs, Bluey Senior Marketing Manager, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand.

Please note that only a maximum of two adults and two children can spend some time at the house for a weekend stay. For more details, check out their AirBnB listing.

Kerbside Collection Returns to Paddington

It’s your turn Paddington! Kerbside Collection returns on the 7th of February 2022. Here are some quick reminders for a stress-free collection day.



First off, here is a rundown of the items that you can and cannot place on the kerb:

Acceptable ItemsUnacceptable Items
bath and laundry tubscommercial builders waste
bicycles and sporting equipmentcar parts and tyres, including car batteries
carpet and rugsdirt and stones
electronic waste (e.g. televisions and computers)garden waste (e.g. trees, grass, potted plants)
furniture and white goods (e.g. fridges and stoves)gas bottles
small household appliances (e.g. fans and toasters)general household waste (e.g. food scraps)
wood products less than 1.5 metresglass and mirrors
bricks and concrete
hazardous wastes (e.g. chemicals, oil, asbestos)
household waste that normally goes into your waste or recycling bin
liquids

Doing our share in resource recovery efforts

Did you know that according to the National Waste Report 2020, the resource recovery rate in Australia has maintained its upward trend in 2018-19? During the period, resource recovery improved to 63 per cent from 61 per cent in 2016-17 and 50 per cent in 2006-07. 

SA was the highest-ranked jurisdiction with 85 per cent; Qld and Tas ranked fifth with 45 per cent. Moreover, Queensland managed to divert 5.4 Mt of waste materials by recycling 350,000 tonnes of household and business wastes.

You can do your share in helping Brisbane and Queensland become cleaner and greener by donating your useable items to any charitable institutions or not-for-profit organisations that can reuse or recycle them. Organisations including GIVIT, Charitable Recycling Australia and the Council’s treasure troves would be happy to accept them.

Photo credit: twarezak / Pixabay

Council reminders

Help speed up the collection process and allow better chances of recycling by sorting your items into separate piles. And whilst you do that, remember to keep the footpath or roadway clear and safe by keeping your pile of rubbish tidy on the kerb and do not leave sharp or dangerous objects on the footpath. 

As another safety measure, refrigerator and cupboard doors should be removed since there is always that possibility of a living creature or a child getting trapped inside.

Also, only put items for the collection that can be lifted easily and safely by two people. Note that Council will not collect piles larger than two cubic metres which are about equal to a small box trailer load. 

Kerbside rubbish foragers best practices 

Kerbside collection offers opportunities for scavengers to turn someone else’s bulk rubbish into treasure. Whilst nothing is stopping anyone from browsing through the items left on the kerb, certain etiquette must be observed to make hunting less stressful to both the forager and the homeowner.

As a courtesy, try to seek permission from the homeowner first whilst being respectful of their time and privacy at the same time. Avoid asking a barrage of questions about the item or if they have anything more to discard for you.

And for everyone’s safety, try not to break anything whilst you rummage through the pile. This is especially true for those with parts made of glass. And more than likely, these broken items will not be picked up by the Council, leaving the homeowner to clean up after you.



If you chance upon a furniture set, don’t just take one or two of its pieces, such as a chair, but take the entire set instead. Otherwise, leave it and let someone else find a new purpose for it.
Lastly, tidy up before you leave. and return the items you don’t need exactly where you found them. Happy “treasure” hunting!

Revisiting History: Ithaca Memorial Park

Did you know that the heritage-listed Ithaca Memorial Park used to be called Alexander Jolly Park, Ithaca’s landscape gardener who laid out the park grounds?



The Monument

Ithaca Memorial Park features Brisbane’s lone war memorial clock with a face on all four sides, perched on a concrete platform. Dry stone retaining walls surround the clock tower with four steps leading to each side, thereby forming a cross around it.

Although many types of war memorials exist in Queensland, not too many clock towers were built. The Ithaca Memorial clock tower is the earliest of its kind built in the state, and only clock memorial in Brisbane.

The war memorial was erected between 1921 and 1925 at a cost of £650 through the funds raised by a committee representing the Ithaca citizens. A. H. Thurlow was commissioned to design and create the clock tower under the supervision of Ithaca Engineer, R Black. 

Ithaca Memorial Park clock tower
Photo credit: The State of Queensland / apps.des.qld.gov.au

The clock was manufactured by Synchronome Electric Company. A master clock located at the adjacent Ithaca Fire Station was originally used to drive the clock mechanism.

The front inscription of the memorial reads:

“Honour The Brave

Ithaca

Ithaca War Memorial

1914 – 1919

Erected by the townspeople of Ithaca 

In honour of their soldiers who fell in the Great War”

The back inscription, on the other hand, reads:

“This memorial was unveiled by His Excellency the Governor Sir Matthew Nathan P.C., G.C.M.G., on Saturday, February 25th 1922

J. F. Hayward (Ex Mayor) Hon. Chairman.

Ald J. Tait       Mayor, Hon. Treasurer.

C. Campbell   Hon. Secretary.”

All four side inscriptions include the names of the soldiers who died in the Great War.

War memorial
Photo credit: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

The memorial was unveiled on 25 February 1922 by Governor Sir Matthew Nathan.

The Park

The park where the memorial monument resides lies between Enoggera and Latrobe Terraces, Paddington. Alexander Jolly, Ithaca Town Council’s landscape gardener, was the man responsible for the landscaping of the park.

Alexander, the son of a Scottish farmer, came to Brisbane at age 22. An avid horticulturist, he was the head gardener on Alexander Stewart’s Glen Lyon estate in Ashgrove, prior to working for Ithaca Town Council.



His other landscaping works include the rockeries along Musgrave and Waterworks Roads and the landscaping of Cook’s Hill, which was removed when the Paddington Tramways Substation was erected in 1929–30.

Alexander Jolly
Photo credit: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

In memory of his death, the park was renamed the Alexander Jolly Park. Today, it is known as Ithaca Memorial Park, under the care of Brisbane City Council since 1925.

Alexander Jolly’s son, William Jolly, became the first Lord Mayor of Greater Brisbane. Years after Alexander’s death, his legacy continues.

New Statue of Queen Elizabeth Proposed For Platinum Jubilee

A new statue of Queen Elizabeth II has been proposed, in celebration of her 2022 Platinum Jubilee. The statue will be the state’s second monument of Her Majesty, which will complement the sculpture of her at the Government House in Paddington.



The idea was broached by MP Jarrod Bleijie to the State Government as the 95-year-old Queen marks her Platinum Jubilee this year. She is the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and the 53 members of the Commonwealth, including Australia.

Mr Bleijie believes that Queen Elizabeth’s new statue should stand in a prominent place, accessible for all Queenslanders to see. He is hopeful the state has begun discussions with Buckingham Palace regarding the new sculpture.

Statue at Government House

In September 1986, the Honourable Sir Walter Campbell unveiled Queen Elizabeth’s first statue in Queensland at the corner of George and Alice Streets at the Queen’s Place in the CBD. It is one of two bronze sculptures of Her Majesty as created by South Australian artist Dr John Dowie.

Photo Credit: Australians for Constitutional Monarchy/Facebook

The statue depicts Queen Elizabeth in her 50s. It was subsequently relocated from the CBD to the Government House in Paddington in May 2016. 

“The statue is emblematic both of the central role the Crown plays in our constitutional arrangements, as she looks back from here towards Parliament House and the Executive Building, and of the enduring, warm affection and high regard in which Her Majesty is held by Queenslanders,” former Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey said during the 2016 move.



“It is now my great honour to unveil this plaque, marking the relocation of the statue of Her Majesty The Queen to its new home here, in the grounds of “the peoples’ house”, where I know it will be enjoyed and marvelled at by the many thousands of people who visit each year!” 

Before And After: Paddington Queenslander Transforms Into Lavish, Spanish-inspired ‘Arcos’

An old Paddington Queenslander has been transformed into a luxurious Spanish-inspired villa. ‘Arcos’ is the forever home of prominent builder Robert Gray and his wife Meghan. 


Read: The Christmas Lights are Back at the Government House in Paddington


It’s the first time in over six decades that this home has undergone a major makeover. Records indicated that it was sold in 2019 for around $1.5 million, the first time in 65 years that it was put on the market.  

11 Upper Cairns Terrace before renovation
The house at 11 Upper Cairns Terrace before the transformation (Photo credit: realestate.com.au)

Arcos’ was named Spanish for after the Spanish word for ‘arches.’ It is a grand, three-level house with three living rooms, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, parking for eight vehicles, and a spa big enough for 12 people, as well as a backyard patio with an outdoor lounge area. 

11 Upper Cairns Terrace after renovation
The newly transformed house. Photo credit: Graya

Perched on a 819-sqm lot at 11 Upper Cairns Terrace, the block is strategically located because aside from unparalleled CBD and district views, it’s right opposite Petrie Terrace State School and just a short walk down the hill to parks.

One of the distinct features of Arcos is its many curves and arches, something that’s become a bit of a trend again around the world in recent years. There are indeed a lot of arches of the aptly named Arcos, from the doorways and hallways down to the joinery and decor.

Arch in Arcos
Photo credit: Graya

Joe Adsett has breathed new life into the former Queenslander house by creating immersive arched tunnels made from concrete. 

The project is a collaboration between Graya and Joe Adsett Architects. Graya is known for building homes for well-known personalities, including Brisbane Broncos player Darius Boyd and British rapper Example.

Arcos
Photo credit: Graya 

Aside from being a home for the Grays, Arcos can also be hired for photoshoots and events. With its natural and warm colour palette, it doubles as a perfect backdrop for fashion shoots.

For more photos of Arcos, you can check out its Instagram page @arcos.villa.

The Christmas Lights are Back at the Government House in Paddington

The Christmas lights at Government House, a popular holiday landmark in Paddington, will be on display once again for everyone to enjoy. This year, the free and festive event will no longer need prior bookings but visitors will have to check in via the QLD app and observe COVID-19 protocols when they are in the area.



The gates of Government House will open from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from 10 to 16 December 2021. 

Visitors who arrive with cars can park on the streets as there is no on-site parking. However, there are designed drop-offs for guests with mobility issues. Please ask the security personnel for assistance. The main entrance is at the Service Gate at 168 Fernberg Road, Paddington. 

2020 Christmas Lights Display

Photo Credit: GovernorofQueensland/Facebook
Photo Credit: GovernorofQueensland/Facebook

2019 Christmas Lights Display

Photo Credit: GovernorofQueensland/Facebook
Photo Credit: GovernorofQueensland/Facebook

Aside from witnessing the magical Christmas lights display around the gardens, visitors may go inside the Drawing Room to see the Christmas tree, upon the invitation of the new Governor of Queensland. 

Families who look forward to this annual event can expect a showcase of over 10,000 Christmas lights all over Fernberg, the official home of the Governor of Queensland since 1910. 

New Governor of Queensland

Photo Credit: GovernorofQueensland/Facebook

Dr Jeannette Young PSM was appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and has been sworn in as the 27th Governor of Queensland in November 2021. Her main role is to advise the members of the Executive Council, a central organ of government that meets at the Government House once a week so she could give her formal effect to decisions of government. She also performs her constitutional duties on behalf of the Queen. 



Artist Kirstie Page Shares Her ‘Secret Stories’ in Paddington

Did you know that Brisbane artist Kirstie Page is sharing her “Secret Stories” at the Empire Revival Antique Centre in Paddington? The must-see showcase is a collection of intricate artworks and symbolism that demonstrate her joyful, colourful, and distinct artistic style. 



Trained as a mixed media artist, Kirstie loves to feature the diversity of Australia’s beauty  by creating pieces that “reflect and celebrate fleeting moments and emotions.” Her work, especially to those who are first-timers at her exhibitions, can be described as “Art Nouveau combined with a 70s wallpaper retro edge.”

“People will often laugh at this description until they see my actual paintings and then they’ll be saying ‘You’re so right!'” the artist said.

Photo Credit: Ange Coste Photography/Supplied

Kirstie’s Secret Stories Exhibition will be running at the Latrobe Terrace antique centre’s Loft Gallery until 25 November 2021 seven days a week. 

However, if you’d like the opportunity to meet the artist for questions and discussions about why she paints the way she does, feel free to drop in and say hello at the following schedules:

TIMEDATE
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Friday 5 November
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday 13 November
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Sunday 21 November
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday 24 November

Follow Kirstie on her official pages:



Catchment Brewing Co Acquires Darling & Co’s Lease in Paddington

Six years after the rebranding and refurbishing of Darling & Co in Paddington, a new owner has taken over its leasehold on the Given Terrace property.



West Ends’ Catchment Brewing Co has acquired Darling & Co in its plans to expand operations despite these challenging times for the hospitality industry. Catchment Brewing Co chief Matt Newberry said that they have been looking at breweries and other venues around Brisbane to grow their business.   

Darling & Co‘s location across the Suncorp Stadium has been a plus point for the new lease owner but Newberry said they chose this location because it’s one of the best local spots patronised by residents of Paddington and the other suburbs nearby. 

Photo Credit: Darling&Co/Google Maps
Photo Credit: Darling&Co/Google Maps

As part of its acquisition, the restaurant will undergo some renovation work by January 2022 and transform into a Catchment site in the hopes of resetting customers’ interest post-pandemic.

CBRE Hotels National Pubs Director Paul Fraser will manage the leasehold for Australian Venue Co, which owns Catchment Brewing Co. 

“We are passionate about craft beer, memorable food and great service and this acquisition enables us to expand our offering from Brisbane’s West End into Paddington,” Mr Newberry said. 



“We look forward to showcasing our award-winning Catchment Beers to the local residents as well as the many visitors attending sporting matches, concerts and events at Suncorp Stadium.”

Paddington Local Seeks To Build New Park At Latrobe Tce

Paddington local Ken Roney is exploring the possibility of asking the community to contribute to secure a retail complex at Latrobe Terrace and transform it into a central park for everyone to use and enjoy.


Read: Locals Object Proposal For Three-storey Development In Latrobe Tce


Roney has big plans for the site at 78 Latrobe Terrace, but it would mean a lot of money. The site has been listed on the market since the second week of September 2021 for $4.5 million. It would require ten people willing to put in $450,000 in order to acquire the site. 

“This location has incredible city views and is perfect to lounge in the sun with a coffee in hand, while the kids play on an expanse of grass,” said Roney.

“I’ve worked out that if we can find about 1000 Paddo people to invest $4,500, (or another variation of these figures), then it’s ours. I’d be interested in what other people think, and any other thoughts on enhancing that section of Latrobe Tce,” Roney said.

The 703-sqm property is currently occupied by three tenants, including Merlo Coffee, who has a five-year tenancy contract on the site. No matter who purchases it, the new owners have to honour that contract, but it comes with a guaranteed income for five years. But Roney believed what’s important is to secure the site before other entities do.

Paddington local Ken Roney’s concept of Paddington Central Park (Photo credit: Ken Roney/Facebook)

Roney, also a member of the Facebook group Paddington, Milton, Rosalie 4064 residents, has received overwhelming support from the Paddo community. Whilst Roney is hoping Council or the State Government would chip in some of the money, or buy it outright, he’s wondering if the community can do it for themselves.

“Love this initiative! This is exactly what the world needs right now – especially in our inner suburban areas which are gradually becoming higher density. More outdoor space, more trees, more shade, and most of all more space to connect as a community,” said one local in Roney’s post in the group.

Local state MP, Jonty Bush with Paddington locals (Photo credit: Ann Aitken/Facebook)

Local state MP, Jonty Bush, who is supportive of the proposal has met with local residents of Paddington to discuss their vision of turning the Merlo site into a park.

On the contrary, Councillor Tracy Davis, the civic Cabinet Chair of the Environment, Parks and Sustainability Committee at the Brisbane City Council believes the site would not be ideal for a new park because it’s on a busy corner.

Cr Davis explained it would need significant remediation work at the ratepayer’s expense, given that it’s a former service station site.

Roney said it is included on the Environmental Management Register but not on Contaminated Land Register which means the plan requires the site to be inspected every two years.

Whilst the Environmental Management Register would deem it suitable for commercial use, shops, offices, and residential apartments and flats, a developer would need to submit a new site management plan, as well as remove and dispose of properly the remaining contaminated soil on site.

“If left untouched and capped, then this is not required. Anything we’re trying to do, will be above ground if possible,” Roney added.