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A Life Well Lived: Pearl Ruby Harvey, Wife of Former Brisbane Alderman Roy Harvey

Pearl Ruby Harvey, wife of the late Brisbane alderman Roy Harvey, has passed away at the age of 104.

Read: Kedron’s Automotive Pioneer: The Legacy of Betty Byrne Henderson

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.

Read: A Marksman Remembered: Billy Sing and His Extraordinary Legacy

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.

Published 20-February-2025

Mount Alvernia College Outlines Vision for New Learning Hub at Elizabeth Hayes Building

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.

Read: Nature’s Classroom: Discover La Foresta, Mount Alvernia College’s Thriving Garden

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.

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.

Elizabeth Hayes — 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

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.

Read: Padua College and Mount Alvernia College Announce Expansion Plans in Kedron

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.

Published 18-February-2025

Woodfired Perfection: Prova Pizzeria’s Unique and Delicious Creations

Prova Pizzeria is an Italian restaurant in Stafford Heights that serves up authentic flavours to the northside of Brisbane.

Read: Enjoy Authentic Italian Pizza at the Popular Prova Pizzeria

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.

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.

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.

Read: Healthy Eatery Marketcart Shuts Doors in Kedron Amid Economic Pressures

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.

Published 17-February-2025

Michel’s Patisserie to Close All Stores, Including Lutwyche Location

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.

Read: Healthy Eatery Marketcart Shuts Doors in Kedron Amid Economic Pressures

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.

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

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.

Read: La Familia Coffee: Building Community in Stafford One Cup at a Time

About Michel’s Patisserie

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.

Published 14-February-2025

Brisbane to Review Clearways, Webster Road in Stafford Among Key Corridors

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.

Read: Concerns Raised Over Road Safety After Child Hit Outside Stafford Heights Baptist Church

Webster Road Among Streets Under Review

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

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.

Read: Street Spotlight: Kedron St, Kedron

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.

Published 12-February-2025

Healthy Eatery Marketcart Shuts Doors in Kedron Amid Economic Pressures

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.

Read: Marketcart Kedron Brings Healthy Drive-Thru Dining to Brisbane

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.

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.

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.

Read: La Familia Coffee: Building Community in Stafford One Cup at a Time

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.

Published 12-February-2025

Kedron’s Automotive Pioneer: The Legacy of Betty Byrne Henderson

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.

Read: A Marksman Remembered: Billy Sing and His Extraordinary Legacy

Establishing Byrne Ford in Kedron

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.

Read: Community-Driven Safer School Precinct Launches in Kedron

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.

Published 12-February-2025

Concerns Raised Over Road Safety After Child Hit Outside Stafford Heights Baptist Church

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.

Incident Details and Emergency Response

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.

QAS brings girl to hospital after she was struck by a car at the Stafford Heights Baptist Church — 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.

Published 12-February-2025

Stafford Winner Plans to Share Fortune with Family

A Stafford woman experienced a thrilling moment after realising she had won $2 million over the weekend.

The North Brisbane resident held one of the two division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4541, drawn on Saturday, 25 January 2025. Her total prize was $2,473,272.71, making it the first major lottery win for Brisbane’s inner suburbs in 2025.

The Stafford woman’s day off was interrupted by a call from a lottery official just as she was about to leave for a walk. Overwhelmed with joy, she expressed her disbelief and described her heart racing with excitement.

She humorously mentioned struggling to write down the prize amount due to her flustered state.

She immediately planned to share the news with her sister, suggesting a celebratory drink. As she absorbed the life-changing news, she promptly cancelled her walk.

The Queensland winner’s first thought was to use her winnings to help her family. She spoke about how significant the prize would be for her loved ones. Her winning 25-game QuickPick entry was purchased through The Lott app.

Published Date 06-Feb-2025

Kedron Fire Declared Crime Scene as Police Confirm Arson

Photo Credit: Queensland Fire Department

A massive industrial fire in Kedron that sent thick black smoke billowing across the city has now been determined to be the result of criminal activity. Authorities have declared the site a crime scene, launching a full investigation into the cause of the blaze that saw emergency crews battle the flames for hours.

The fire broke out in the afternoon of 30 January at a commercial site and quickly spread to three nearby industrial sheds. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) received the call just after 4:00 p.m., prompting a large-scale response.

By 4:30 p.m., police issued an emergency declaration, setting up an exclusion zone encompassing Gympie Road, Childers Street, Bristol Road, and Kate Street. Residents were urged to remain indoors, shut their windows, and take precautions against the smoke, which was visible for kilometres.

Firefighter Injured as Crews Battle Intense Flames

As the fire intensified, additional resources were deployed. Firefighters used both foam and water to douse the flames from multiple angles. Despite their efforts, one firefighter suffered from heat exhaustion and was transported to hospital at 6:15 p.m.

Kedron fire — *Photo Credit: Queensland Fire Department*

By 6:40 p.m., police partially reopened Gympie Road, which had been fully closed earlier in the evening. The emergency declaration remained in place until 8:20 p.m., when the fire was finally under control. However, the area was formally declared a crime scene, with authorities confirming that the fire was deliberately lit and that investigations were now underway.

Police Confirm Fire Was Deliberately Lit

Queensland Police confirmed that forensic teams are now assessing the site to determine how the fire started and who may be responsible. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as detectives work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

Nearby residents described the scene as “unreal,” with flames lighting up the sky and thick smoke reducing visibility. Witnesses also reported hearing loud bangs before the fire rapidly intensified, raising further questions about how the blaze started.

Local businesses in Kedron have expressed concern over the incident, with some reporting minor damage due to the intense heat and embers carried by the wind.

Fire crews remained on site overnight to ensure no flare-ups occurred, and authorities continue to urge the public to stay clear of the scene as investigations progress.

Published 31-January-2025