The accident took place on Perry Street in Lutwyche, with emergency services responding to the scene just before 11:00 AM. The precise location highlights a potential safety concern for local cyclists in this suburban area.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) reported that the cyclist suffered a significant head injury after coming off his bike and striking a light pole. The cyclist was immediately transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Shoppers in Stafford have been caught off guard by Kmart’s introduction of coin-operated trolleys. These trolleys require a $1 or $2 coin to unlock, a move to reduce trolley abandonment and theft.
Kmart has begun rolling out coin-operated trolleys at select stores across Queensland, including Stafford, Capalaba, and North Lakes. The change is in response to shopping centres and councils implementing stricter trolley containment measures.
A key factor behind this decision is the growing issue of abandoned trolleys in public spaces, with retailers facing ongoing complaints and costs associated with retrieving them. Reports suggest that approximately a third of Kmart stores in Queensland now have locked trolleys.
How the System Works
The new system requires customers to insert a $1 or $2 coin to unlock a trolley. The coin is refunded once the trolley is returned to the designated bay inside the store. While Kmart’s system mirrors Aldi’s, it remains a relatively new concept for shoppers at the retail giant.
In response to concerns, Kmart has installed signs in affected stores to notify customers of the change. A spokesperson has confirmed that there are no immediate plans for a nationwide rollout, with implementation occurring on a case-by-case basis.
Mixed Reactions from Shoppers
While some customers see the move as a positive step toward preventing trolley misuse, others argue that it creates unnecessary inconvenience, particularly in an increasingly cashless society.
A shopper from Hamilton voiced her frustration after visiting a Brisbane Kmart store without any coins. She said she had to go home, change, and have a frustrated return.
Meanwhile, a shopper from Ferny Hills found a workaround using her Aldi trolley token. Some Stafford shoppers have bypassed the issue entirely, using trolleys from nearby supermarkets instead.
Addressing Trolley Abandonment
The introduction of coin-operated trolleys aims to reduce the number of abandoned carts left in car parks and public areas. Some residents have welcomed the change, arguing that it will encourage shoppers to return trolleys properly.
However, others have criticised the lack of trolley bays in car parks, which forces customers to return trolleys inside the store. Shoppers with mobility issues have raised accessibility concerns.
Future Implications
As Kmart continues to trial the system, customer feedback may determine whether coin-operated trolleys expand further. Stafford shoppers must carry spare change—or an Aldi token—to access a trolley.
She died on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, at Kawana, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering support for her family and city.
Roy Harvey (Photo credit: Queensland Parliament)
Pearl was a devoted wife to Roy Harvey for 56 years. She stood beside him through his extensive public service career, which spanned decades in local government and state politics.
Roy Harvey was elected as an Alderman of Brisbane for the Kedron Ward from 1952 to 1973, later serving as the Labor member for Stafford in the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1974.
Queen Elizabeth II and Lord Mayor Roy Harvey at the City Hall, 1982 (Photo credit: Cr Adrian Schrinner/Facebook)
Returning to local government, he represented Mitchelton from 1979 to 1982 and held the position of Vice-Mayor of Brisbane during that time. His tenure coincided with Brisbane’s hosting of the 1982 Commonwealth Games, a milestone event for the city.
Despite her husband’s public profile, Pearl was a pillar of strength and grace in her own right. She dedicated herself to her family, raising their three children—one son and two daughters—with love and care. Her role as a grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to six brought her immense joy, and she was cherished by all who knew her.
Throughout her long life, Pearl remained deeply connected to her community, embodying the spirit of service and generosity. Her warmth and dedication to those around her made a lasting impact, earning her the admiration and respect of many.
Pearl’s funeral service was held on 19 February at St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Caloundra, where family and friends gathered to honour her remarkable life. While she is now reunited with her late husband, who passed away in 2006 and was accorded a state funeral, her legacy lives on through her family and the many lives she touched.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but the values she upheld—love, resilience, and dedication to community—will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Mount Alvernia College in Kedron has applied to demolish the Elizabeth Hayes Learning Centre, a long-standing part of its campus, to make way for a new five-storey facility designed to enhance learning and student resources.
Plans showed the new building will feature a state-of-the-art library, learning centre, and auditorium. The project also includes plans for a redesigned forecourt area on the ground floor.
Photo credit: Mount Alvernia College/Brisbane PD Online
The new facility will have a gross floor area of 1,975.59 square metres across five levels, adding 1,011.31 sqm of space. Although the existing Elizabeth Hayes Learning Centre will be removed, key structural components will be salvaged and repurposed in the new construction. The design will integrate seamlessly with adjacent buildings at the ground level and on levels one and two.
Photo credit: Mount Alvernia College/Brisbane PD Online
According to planners, this redevelopment aims to enhance the functionality of the campus without increasing student capacity. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort to modernise the school’s infrastructure and provide improved learning spaces for current students.
Photo credit: Mount Alvernia College/Google Maps
“This proposal is part of an ongoing program of upgrading and improving the College facilities and to improve the efficiency of the College Campus. It is not intended that this proposal will increase student capacity, rather the upgrading of the library building will provide for an overall improvement in the facilities available to existing students,” planners stated.
About Mount Alvernia College
Photo credit: Mount Alvernia College/Google Maps
In 1930, the Missionary Franciscan Sisters arrived in Kedron and, at the invitation of the Parish Priest, established Saint Anthony’s Primary School. Their long-term vision of a secondary school for girls was realised in 1956 when Mount Alvernia College opened with only 10 students.
Elizabeth Hayes (Photo credit: Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Australia)
The Elizabeth Hayes Learning Centre, named in honour of the pioneering educationalist who founded the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, has played a key role in the college’s history. Constructed in 1996, it has served as the school’s library but could soon be replaced by a more modern and functional educational facility.
If approved, the project will mark a significant milestone in Mount Alvernia College’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality learning environments while continuing to honour its heritage.
This beloved eatery is home to an imported Stefano Ferraro woodfire pizza oven and a team of highly skilled pizzaiolos who masterfully craft dough into something truly special. If you’re searching for a pizza experience beyond the ordinary, this Italian restaurant is the place to be.
A Menu Full of Unique Creations
NuStella (Photo credit: Prova Pizzeria/Facebook)
Prova Pizzeria doesn’t just stick to the classics—it pushes the boundaries of flavour. One of its most talked-about offerings is the pistachio pizza, an inventive creation featuring pistachio cream, mozzarella, Italian sausage, and even more pistachios for a nutty, savoury delight.
Photo credit: Prova Pizzeria/Facebook
For those with a sweet tooth, Prova delivers in spades. Traditional Italian desserts like cannoli and tiramisu are on the menu, but the NuStella—a Nutella-filled pizza pocket—adds a playful twist to the usual fare. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, their 100-layer lasagna is a must-try, featuring layers upon layers of rich beef Bolognese ragu, creamy béchamel sauce, and a generous helping of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
From Side Project to Award-Winning Pizzeria
Photo credit: Prova Pizzeria/Google Maps
Prova Pizzeria was founded by Joseph Vecchio and Caterina Sullivan, originally as a side venture while Mr Vecchio was working on building projects. However, it wasn’t long before the pizzeria took centre stage in their lives, with Mr Vecchio leading the kitchen and Ms Sullivan managing the front-of-house.
Photo credit: Kim Kimington/Google Maps
Their dedication and passion have paid off—back in 2021, readers of a local newspaper voted Prova as North Brisbane’s best pizzeria, cementing its reputation as a community favourite.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a meal or prefer to take your pizza home, the restaurant has you covered. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeaway options, ensuring you can indulge in their delicious offerings however you like.
Located at 61 Wilgarning St, Stafford Heights, Prova Pizzeria is a must-visit for anyone craving top-quality, innovative Italian cuisine. Whether it’s a perfectly charred pizza, a decadent dessert, or a hearty lasagna, this local gem delivers on every front.
One of Australia’s well-known bakery chains, Michel’s Patisserie, is set to close all its remaining stores, including its store inside shopping centre HomeCo Lutwyche.
The decision was announced by Retail Food Group (RFG), the company behind the brand, which attributed the closures to various challenges preventing future growth.
According to an RFG spokesperson, despite Michel’s Patisserie’s long-standing presence in Australia’s retail food sector, an internal review revealed several obstacles to sustaining the brand’s expansion.
Photo credit: Michel’s/Google Maps
As a result, franchise owners are being encouraged to transition their businesses to either the Gloria Jean’s brand or Donut King, two other RFG-owned chains.
The spokesperson also mentioned that both Gloria Jean’s and Donut King present promising opportunities for Michel’s Patisserie franchisees who are considering their business prospects in the short or long term.
A Legacy of Baked Goods and Coffee
Photo credit: Michel’s/Google Maps
Like other stores under the brand, the Lutwyche location was best known for its exclusive coffee blends and baked goods, ranging from cakes to quiches. Michel’s Patisserie was a popular destination for customers seeking high-quality pastries, birthday cakes, and savoury treats, making its closure a significant shift in the Australian café and bakery scene.
The news has left many long-time patrons disappointed, as the brand had established itself as a go-to for affordable and delicious treats. With the upcoming closures, customers will have to look elsewhere for their favourite Michel’s Patisserie offerings.
Michel’s Patisserie was founded in Sydney in 1980 by French chef Michel Cattoen and his wife Elisabeth. Initially a small operation, it rapidly grew in popularity before being sold in 1988 to Noel Carroll and Noel Roberts. Under new ownership, the brand expanded across Australia, gaining a reputation for its European-inspired baked goods and coffee.
Retail Food Group acquired Michel’s Patisserie in 2007, overseeing the chain during its peak when it had over 300 locations nationwide. However, by 2025, only 19 stores remained, all of which are now set to be either closed or converted into other RFG brands.
The closure marks the end of an era for the brand that once dominated the Australian bakery landscape. For loyal customers, the transition away from Michel’s Patisserie signals a significant change in the country’s café and bakery offerings.
Brisbane is undertaking a citywide review of clearway regulations to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. The initiative will examine major suburban corridors where extending clearway hours could help reduce delays and enhance road safety.
Webster Road in Stafford has been identified as one of the key corridors under review as part of this initiative, which aims to improve traffic flow, increase road capacity, and enhance overall road safety.
Council will assess the benefits of extending clearway hours on this busy route to help reduce congestion and provide a more reliable commute for motorists and public transport users alike.
Project Benefits
The clearway expansion aims to deliver several key benefits:
Improved Traffic Flow: Restricting on-street parking during peak times will help maintain consistent traffic movement and reduce bottlenecks.
Increased Road Capacity: Removing parked cars from the kerb lane will allow more vehicles to use the available road space, improving efficiency.
Enhanced Road Safety: Clearer roads will reduce sudden lane changes and improve driver visibility, lowering accident risks.
More Efficient Public Transport: Less congestion means buses can operate more smoothly, leading to fewer delays and improved service reliability.
Safer Conditions for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Increased visibility and fewer obstructions will create a safer environment for active road users.
Community Consultation and Timeline
Photo credit: Google Street View
A six-week community consultation period will begin this month, allowing residents and businesses to provide feedback on proposed changes before implementation in June.
Local input will play a crucial role in shaping the adjustments, ensuring that changes balance the needs of road users, businesses, and residents. The Council will review feedback and implement the most effective solutions to improve travel conditions.
Looking Ahead
The review of Webster Road and other major corridors is part of Brisbane’s long-term strategy to optimise the road network and reduce congestion. Previous clearway adjustments in other parts of the city have led to noticeable improvements in traffic conditions.
Council urges residents and businesses to participate in the consultation process to ensure that any changes reflect community needs while enhancing overall mobility and safety.
Brisbane’s northside has lost a popular healthy eatery, with MarketCart closing its Kedron store just months before reaching its first anniversary. The restaurant, which specialised in fresh, locally sourced meals, opened on Gympie Road in February last year but ceased operations before Christmas.
MarketCart was the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Andrew and Andrea Harcourt, who set out to offer busy locals a quick and healthy alternative to fast food. Their vision was to serve “real food, real fast,” making nutritious meals more accessible to the community.
Photo credit: Marketcart/Facebook
The eatery gained a loyal following for its grab-and-go meals, all priced under $15. Customers particularly praised the menu’s breakfast burritos, salads, and toasties, which featured high-quality ingredients inspired by farmer’s market-style whole foods.
The hospitality industry has faced immense financial strain, and MarketCart was no exception. With the rising cost of living and continuous interest rate hikes, many small businesses are struggling to sustain operations, leading to difficult closures like this one.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The now-vacant site, located beside the Kedron Car Centre car-sales yard, features a 71-square-metre high-turnover kitchen and an alfresco deck. The modern, purpose-built facility, positioned on a high-traffic corner where over 75,000 vehicles pass daily, was listed for sale or lease last December.
While the Kedron outlet has shut, MarketCart continues to operate at its two remaining locations—one at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Herston and another at the University of Queensland. Both stores remain open Monday to Friday.
The closure of the Kedron store reflects the growing challenges for small food businesses in today’s economic climate. Whether a new operator will take over the prime location or if it will remain vacant amid financial uncertainty remains an open question.
Trailblazing Queensland entrepreneur Betty Byrne Henderson, co-founder of Byrne Ford in Kedron, has died at the age of 93. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in both the automotive industry and philanthropy.
In 1969, Betty and her husband, Bernie Byrne, established Byrne Ford in Brisbane’s northside. The dealership was granted to Bernie that year, but Betty was an integral part of the business from the start.
When Bernie passed away in 1977, Betty took the reins as Governing Director, defying industry norms in a time when female leadership in the automotive sector was rare. Under her direction, the business grew rapidly, expanding from 35 employees to over 140 and becoming a household name in Brisbane’s car market.
By 1993, Byrne Ford was selling approximately 300 new and used cars each month. In 1998, it ranked 29th in Queensland’s Top 400 privately owned companies.
Byrne Ford’s roots in Kedron were central to its success, with the dealership becoming a trusted name in the local community. Its growth was a testament to Betty’s resilience, business acumen, and willingness to challenge the male-dominated industry.
She not only had to fight for a place in the business—first against her husband’s resistance and later against corporate scepticism—but also overcame significant industry chauvinism to establish herself as a formidable leader.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
Photo credit: Betty Byrne Henderson/Facebook
Beyond business, Betty was an ardent philanthropist, dedicating much of her life to supporting women’s healthcare and education. She was repeatedly nominated for Queensland Philanthropist of the Year by the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
In 2022, the Queensland Community Foundation Board of Governors honoured her with the Outstanding Achievement Award for her lifetime of giving. Queensland Gives described her as “one of Queensland’s greatest philanthropists,” highlighting her dedication to the Queensland Philanthropy Awards and her unwavering support for initiatives benefiting women’s health.
Though she handed over the trading company to her son Peter Byrne in 1995, Betty continued to oversee her property and investment businesses while actively contributing to her community. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy—both in Kedron’s business landscape and in Queensland’s philanthropic sector—will endure for generations to come.
A young girl was struck by a car outside Stafford Heights Baptist Church while crossing the road with her family, leaving the tight-knit community shaken. The 11-year-old suffered facial injuries in the incident, which took place on Appleby Road in Stafford Heights as the family was heading to their Sunday service.
The accident occurred at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, 9 February, when the girl’s hand slipped from her father’s grip just before she was hit by a slow-moving vehicle. Her father, T Sui Dun, said the family was going to the church when the incident happened. Witnesses immediately called for an ambulance, and paramedics treated the child for scars and grazes on her right jaw before transporting her to Queensland Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
For illustration purposes only Photo Credit: QAS
According to witnesses, the vehicle’s driver remained at the scene briefly but left before emergency services arrived, leaving a contact number with bystanders. Queensland Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
The accident occurred in front of fellow churchgoers, including Pastor Cungbik Kingbawl—also known as KB—who said the congregation was rallying around the family. The church serves Chin people from Myanmar and a Sudanese congregation and has been a long-standing support system for refugee and migrant families in the area. Pastor Kingbawl emphasised that the church community offers prayers and assistance to the affected family during their recovery.
A Close-Knit Multicultural Community
Stafford Heights Baptist Church has served diverse communities since 2006, when it welcomed new families, including refugees, into its congregation. The accident has reinforced the church’s role as a pillar of support for the Chin and Sudanese communities in Brisbane’s north, with members coming together to check in on the family’s well-being.
As the investigation continues, residents express concerns about road safety near the church, particularly for families crossing Appleby Road on their way to Sunday services. Community members have suggested reviewing pedestrian safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
