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Discounts, Designer Finds, and More at the Stafford Salvos Spring Market

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of fashion, food, and festivity at the Stafford Salvos Family Store’s highly anticipated Spring Market!

Read: La Familia – Coveted Coffee and Freshly Baked French Pâtisserie Everyday In Stafford

Set to unfold on Friday, September 6, from 4:30 p.m., this vibrant event promises a delightful mix of bargains, local artistry, and community spirit.

Event Highlights

Photo credit: Stafford Salvos Family Store/Facebook

50% Off Storewide: Embrace the season of renewal with a spectacular 50% discount across the entire Family Store. Whether you’re hunting for gently-used clothing, manchester, crockery, or books, now’s the perfect time to snag a deal and support a great cause.

High-End and Designer Fashion: Discover exclusive stalls featuring high-end and designer fashion. This is a golden opportunity to upgrade your wardrobe with stylish finds at unbeatable prices.

Local Artisan Market Stalls: Support local talent and find unique, handcrafted items at the artisan market stalls. From bespoke jewellery to original artwork, these stalls offer one-of-a-kind treasures that make perfect gifts or personal indulgences.

Food Trucks and Coffee Vans: Treat your taste buds to a variety of delectable offerings from an array of food trucks and coffee vans. Whether you’re craving gourmet street food or a rich, aromatic brew, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Live Mural Art: Witness the creative process in action with live mural art displays. Local artists will be transforming blank canvases into vibrant works of art, adding a dynamic visual element to the evening’s festivities.

Live Music: Groove to the sounds of live music that will set the perfect ambiance for the event. Enjoy performances from local musicians while you shop, eat, and mingle.

About Stafford Salvos Family Store

Located at 32 Hayward Street, Stafford, the Salvation Army Stafford Family Store is more than just a shopping destination. As part of The Salvation Army, an international Christian movement, it plays a dual role as both a church and a charity.

It provides essential support to the community while offering a wide range of items for purchase. By donating quality used clothing, furniture, and homewares, you’re not only helping the environment but also supporting those in need within your community.

Join for a fun-filled evening where every purchase supports a greater cause. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a lively community event, the Stafford Salvos Spring Market is the place to be this September!

Read: New Open Arms Counselling Offices Open in Stafford to Support Veterans

For more information, follow The Stafford Salvos Family Store on Facebook for updates.

Published 3-September-2024

Bunnings Stafford Evacuated Over Reports of Bomb Threat

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Bunnings Stafford has been evacuated following reports of a bomb threat. Police were called to the home improvement store around 11:15am this morning, August 29, after a threat was made.

The store has been completely evacuated as police conduct a thorough search of the premises. No further details have been provided about the nature of the threat or any potential suspects.

Authorities have not yet indicated when the store may be able to reopen. Customers and employees were quickly ushered out of the building as a precaution once the threat was reported.

Representatives from Bunnings Stafford have not yet issued a public statement about the bomb threat incident. Queensland Police are handling the investigation and clearing the scene.

Published 29-August-2024

Lutwyche Development Scales Up to Match Housing Push in Brisbane

Photo Credit: DA A006589144

A proposed apartment tower in Lutwyche is set to significantly increase in size, responding directly to new incentives to boost housing supply across the city.

Brisbane-based developer Jadecorp has submitted revised plans for a nine-storey, 55-apartment building at 21-23 Norman Avenue, Lutwyche. This represents a substantial increase from their previously approved six-storey, 38-unit project.

The move comes after Brisbane City Council introduced a Housing Supply Action Plan last October to tackle housing shortages in critical areas. Jadecorp’s site, located within a high-density residential zone, is considered a prime location for new housing due to its proximity to public transport and a major shopping centre.

Jadecorp is keen to take advantage of the incentives, which include reduced infrastructure charges, relaxed building height restrictions in certain areas, and potential reductions in required car parking spaces.

The revised plans, designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects, feature a mix of two—and three-bedroom apartments and communal open space.

While the proposal exceeds height limits and falls short on car parking spaces, the increased density is appropriate given the site’s zoning and access to amenities.

The developers are confident that the project aligns with the city’s housing goals, significantly improving the current site and contributing to the much-needed housing supply.

If approved, the development will replace two pre-1947 houses, marking an important transformation for the site.

Published Date 28-August-2024

Kedron-based Ultimate Monster Shows Enters Voluntary Liquidation

Ultimate Monster Shows, based in Kedron, has entered voluntary liquidation, according to a notice published by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Read: Unexpected $344K Payroll Tax Debt Strikes Popular Kedron Cafe

The company, known for its monster truck events, ceased trading in March of this year. The notice, published by ASIC on 20 August 2024 stated that at a general meeting, company members resolved to wind up operations and appointed Paul Nogueira of Worrells as liquidator.

Insolvency experts function as specialised professionals in a distinct field, focusing on managing financial distress, overdue payments, and troubled enterprises. These practitioners offer assistance to both organisations and individuals, guiding them through the process of recuperating from challenging commercial or personal monetary circumstances.

Reports indicate the company owes creditors hundreds of thousands of dollars, with a downturn in the industry and overall economy cited as key factors in the decision.

Ultimate Monster Shows gained notoriety in 2020 when it faced charges for breaching workplace health and safety duties following a 2018 incident. In addition, the operator also faced a $25,000 fine because of the incident.

During a show at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, a stunt car lost control and crashed into spectators, injuring a mother and her two young daughters. Spectators were reportedly watching from just beyond flimsy makeshift fences, alarmingly close to the performing vehicles.

The accident raised concerns about safety measures at high-risk events. A senior operations supervisor from the Queensland Ambulance also revealed at the time that there were no first aid officers at the event.

Read: Unexpected Closure: Stafford City Tavern Shutters Doors Abruptly

This development marks the end of a tumultuous period for the company, which had been struggling to recover from both legal issues and the broader economic challenges facing the entertainment industry.

Published 26-August-2024

Luxury Meets Science: Contro Wellness Redefines Self-Care in Lutwyche

Lutwyche has just become home to a new sanctuary of serenity with the opening of Contro Wellness.

Read: La Familia – Coveted Coffee and Freshly Baked French Pâtisserie Everyday In Stafford

This state-of-the-art wellness centre is the brainchild of wellness veterans Madeleine Snaith and Jake Salomone, who have already made their mark in the industry with successful Pilates and Yoga studios in Mackay and Rural View.

Inspired by the vision of creating a “calm amongst the chaos,” Snaith and Salomone have brought their expertise to the bustling Brisbane suburb, offering residents a luxurious retreat from the stresses of daily life.

Photo credit: Contro Wellness/Google Maps

Contro Wellness boasts an impressive array of cutting-edge therapies designed to cater to various aspects of physical and mental wellbeing. Visitors can indulge in Float Therapy, available in both pod and open settings, allowing for a weightless experience that promises deep relaxation.

For those seeking a more traditional approach to hydrotherapy, Mineral Soakers provide a soothing soak in mineral-rich waters.

One of the centre’s most popular offerings is its diverse sauna experience. The Traditional Sauna adheres to time-honoured methods, where water is poured over hot rocks to create a surge of warmth, inviting guests into a rejuvenating cycle of heating and cooling.

For a more modern twist, the Infrared Sauna utilises patented SoloCarbon technology to envelop users in near, mid, and far infrared rays, offering a gentler heat that penetrates deeper into the body.

Both sauna experiences are complemented by invigorating ice baths, providing a contrast therapy that’s gaining popularity among wellness enthusiasts and athletes alike.

Innovative Therapies for Holistic Wellness

Contro Wellness also introduces Red Light Therapy to Lutwyche, a non-invasive treatment that’s creating buzz in the wellness world. This therapy stimulates collagen production, potentially improving skin tone and texture while addressing common skin conditions.

Unlike targeted treatments, Contro’s approach envelops the entire body, aiming for holistic benefits. Rounding out the centre’s offerings are Turkish Steam rooms and Salt Therapy, providing additional avenues for relaxation and respiratory health.

Read: Lutwyche Set for Residential Transformation with Proposed Six-Storey Development

With its comprehensive suite of services, Contro Wellness positions itself as more than just a spa—it’s a holistic wellness destination. As urban life grows increasingly hectic, this new centre offers Lutwyche residents and visitors alike a luxurious escape, inviting them to pause, rejuvenate, and emerge refreshed.

To learn more about their services, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.

Published 13-August-2024

A Look Back at Kedron’s Cinematic Legacy: The WinterGarden Theatre

Once the heartbeat of North Brisbane, the WinterGarden Theatre on Gympie Road stood as a hub of entertainment for Kedron residents. Over a century ago, this iconic venue not only showcased the latest silent films but also embodied the communal spirit in an era without internet or television. Crowds would gather, eager for the escape provided by the flickering images of Charlie Chaplin and other silent film heroes.

“No internet, no TV” meant that people found great joy in simple things. In Kedron, people would line up for long periods to luxuriate in the privilege of watching the latest silent movie to be released.

WW1 was in the past; post-war austerity and the Depression years were in full swing.

Charlie Chaplin was the George Clooney of his era, initially with his non-talking comedy movies, though some, like “The Gold Rush,” were later edited with spoken narration. Crime movieslike “The Unholy Three” and hero movies like Douglas Fairbanks in “Don Q-Son of Zorro” were presented by Louis B Mayer. Seeing the latest new movie was a big deal for Kedron people.

The WinterGarden Theatre in Kedron was built in 1925 at 278 Gympie Road, initially known as Kedron WinterGardens Pictures then later Kedron WinterGarden.

Its owner was Fanny Bennett, who saw the theatre more as a venue than a movie business. She would host a range of events there including the Kedron Flower Show.

As picture theatre technology evolved (from silent movies to non-talking movies with music, to non-talking movies with narration, and eventually talking movies), each stage of the evolution required new investment.

The appetite to watch the latest movie was great. But when other picture theatres invested more than Fanny in their technology, this enabled them to show better movies whilst Fanny was stuck with showing the older, less sophisticated films.

As Kedron locals voted with their feet, going to better cinemas like those in Lutwyche and in the city, financial pressure led to the cinema being sold to the Brooks family who turned it into a joinery business.

At the time, it was known by locals as having one of the first TV sets in the area, placed in the front window possibly to attract passersby to taking an interest in their business.

Gympie Road at that stage saw very few cars.

Brooks Joinery thrived for several decades until the building was sold to the developers of the Kedron Bowl.

Read about the Kedron Bowl here.

Updated 12-Aug-2024
Originally published as “Remembering the Days When Kedron Had a Cinema”

ANFE Italian Club Builds New Home in Stafford, Offers $5 Membership

Photo Credit: ANFE Italian Club/ Facebook

The Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati (ANFE) Italian Club has broken ground on its new premises at 429 Stafford Rd. The club anticipates moving into its new home in late 2024 or early 2025.

ANFE Italian Club in Stafford — *Photo Credit:* *ANFE Italian Club*

ANFE Italian Club offers a limited-time membership special for just $5 to mark this exciting transition and welcome new and returning members. This offer is available until 31 August, 2024

ANFE Italian Club: A Premier Brisbane Institution

As one of Brisbane’s leading Italian clubs, ANFE has been a hub for the Italian community, offering various activities and events. While the club prepares to move to Stafford, it hosts events at its current Newstead location. Members and those interested in joining are encouraged to stay updated by following the club’s social media pages for event announcements and further details.

Founded in Brisbane in 1962 at the request of the Italian government, ANFE has a long and proud history of supporting Italian migrants and fostering cultural preservation. It started by assisting migrants with documentation, translation, and navigating the challenges of settling into a new country. Over time, ANFE evolved to focus on preserving Italian heritage, history, and traditions while providing social welfare and a sense of community.

ANFE has a global network with branches in Italy, Europe, and other parts of the world, including five representations in Australia. The Brisbane branch, located at 10 Wyandra Street, Newstead, has been a cornerstone of the local Italian community, providing social and recreational activities, particularly for older generations.

The current clubhouse in Newstead is a testament to numerous volunteers’ perseverance and hardwork under the direction of the late Mr. Annibale Boccabella, who served as president for more than 30 years.

Take advantage of this opportunity to join the ANFE Italian Club family and enjoy all membership benefits at a significantly discounted rate. Visit the club’s website or social media pages for more information and to take advantage of this special offer.

Published Date 25-July-2024

Developer Submits Updated Plans for Stafford Residential Project

Developers have submitted updated plans for a residential project at 100-106 Webster Road and 1-5 Theodore Street in Stafford.

Read: Lutwyche Set for Residential Transformation with Proposed Six-Storey Development

The new proposal, put forward by Red & Co after taking over the site, calls for three residential buildings accommodating 60 apartments, a slight increase from the previously approved 57 units.

The revised plan, designed by AG Architects, focuses on larger living spaces, offering a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments. Notably, the developers have eliminated one-bedroom units in favour of more three-bedroom options, responding to current market demands for family-sized homes.

A key feature of the development is a communal recreation area at the centre, promoting a sense of community among residents. The project maintains the original approved plan’s well-separated building layout and three-storey height limit.

In response to Brisbane’s critical housing issues, the developers have cited the need to “better respond to market conditions” in their assessment report to Brisbane City Council. The report emphasises the importance of addressing housing supply, diversity, affordability, and delivery in the area.

“The changes to the unit mix have been proposed to allow for the provision of more appropriately sized and functional units, to respond to current market conditions and support housing diversity in the form of a low-medium density residential outcome for families in a well-located and serviced location,” planners stated.

The new plans also include a significant increase in parking provisions. The number of car spaces has nearly doubled from 69 to 132, with 117 resident spaces and 15 visitor spots. Vehicular access will be via Lindley Street, with the development featuring two separate basement areas.

Read: Stafford Heights Residence Restoration Strikes the Perfect Balance

To learn more about the proposal, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online with the reference A006564499.

Published 24-July-2024

Towel Blaze Disrupts Stafford Orthodontist Clinic

A pile of towels ignited in a Stafford orthodontist’s office, causing a fire that prompted swift action from emergency services in the northern Brisbane suburb early in the morning.

Emergency services responded to a structure fire report at the intersection of Crawford Ave and Stafford Rd around 3:15 am on 19 July 2024. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the ceiling of a shop within the shopping complex.

Upon entering the premises, fire crews discovered a large pile of towels ablaze. They quickly extinguished the fire and checked adjoining shops for potential fire and smoke damage. The fire was successfully contained to the orthodontist’s office.

A Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman reported that smoke heavily affected the entire building, with the orthodontist’s shop being particularly smoke-logged. Thankfully, no one was inside the building when the fire broke out.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics were on standby at the scene. Queensland Police Service officers managed traffic control, closing Crawford Ave and both eastbound lanes on Stafford Road during the incident.

Queensland Fire Department investigators have been notified of the incident and will likely conduct a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The early morning blaze caused temporary disruptions to local traffic and businesses in the area. However, the quick response from emergency services prevented the fire from spreading to other shops in the complex, minimising potential damage and ensuring community safety.

Published 22-July-2024

Stafford Highlighted in Disturbing Australia Post Dog Attack Data

Photo Credit: Australia Post

New data reveals a troubling trend of dog attacks on postal workers, with the Brisbane suburb of Stafford emerging as a hotspot.

Australia Post’s latest figures show Queensland leading the nation in such incidents, recording a staggering 466 dog-related events in the past six months alone.

This alarming statistic is part of a larger national issue, with over 1,420 dog safety incidents reported across Australia in the same period. The data, released on the 17th of June 2024, paints a concerning picture for postal workers, who face an average of 55 dog-related incidents each week.

The Ipswich suburb of Bundamba topped the list for southeastern Queensland, followed by Darra and Stafford in Brisbane. Video footage released by Australia Post captured several incidents where posties were chased and even bitten while on duty.

Australia Post is urging dog owners to take responsibility for their pets, emphasising that even seemingly docile animals can display aggressive behaviour.

“While no single breed is more prone to aggression, we’re increasingly seeing smaller dogs exhibiting such behaviour,” a spokesperson noted.

Rod Maule, Australia Post General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, highlighted the stress and anxiety these incidents cause for posties, who simply want to carry out their duties without fear of attack.

Maule implores dog owners to secure their pets in a back garden, on a leash, or in a separate room when expecting deliveries, regardless of breed or temperament. He also suggests utilising parcel lockers as an alternative for those unable to safely restrain their dogs.

Australia Post has made it clear that deliveries will not be made if deemed unsafe and will cease altogether until the situation is resolved. Additionally, dog-related incidents are reported to local councils to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Published Date 19-June-2024