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Stafford Medical Clinic Among Dozens Affected as Queensland GP Group Collapses Owing Millions

A Stafford medical clinic is among more than a dozen across Queensland caught up in the collapse of DoctorLink, a once-prominent GP network now in administration and owing millions of dollars to creditors.

Read: Stafford MP Ousted Following Internal Review

The collapse has impacted more than 10 medical centres operating under the DoctorLink banner, with clinics in Stafford Heights, Gumdale, Sunnybank Hills, Albany Creek, Bundaberg West, Brighton, Cooroy, Maroochydore and Geebung either shut down or sold off. Several independent medical practices not under the DoctorLink name, including in Indooroopilly and Fortitude Valley, were also affected.

Some sites have already closed permanently, while others appear to have been acquired by national operator Family Doctor. A notice filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission confirmed the group entered administration in late May, with a tangle of interrelated loans and unpaid debts across its network.

Financial documents revealed that more than $14.5 million was owed to the parent company by its own clinics, with the Stafford Heights medical clinic alone accounting for $1.4 million of that amount. Meanwhile, around $2.7 million is owed to six unrelated creditors, and tax debts are also listed.

Administrators said the business assets were sold in August 2024 to an unrelated third party, but many creditors remain out of pocket. A proposal is expected to be put forward in the coming week, offering a deed of company arrangement as an alternative to liquidation in an effort to secure a better return for those owed money.

Read: Stafford Centre Sold as Brisbane Retail Market Hits $32.3M in Sales

DoctorLink’s founder, who has long ties to the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, had envisioned a more patient-centred model of care, but the collapse has left that vision in doubt for the communities it once served.

Published 3-July-2025

Kedron Clinical Hub Upgrade Doubles Triple-Zero Capacity

Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook

The Kedron Clinical Hub, housed within the suburb’s Emergency Services Complex, is receiving an $8.31-million upgrade that will more than double its ability to handle Triple Zero (000) calls and free up front-line crews for life-threatening jobs.

Opened in 2020, the hub uses senior paramedics, doctors, nurses and allied-health specialists to assess callers remotely and steer many toward telehealth consultations, mental-health teams or community falls units instead of hospital queues.

Current works will lift clinical workstations from 30 to 66, creating space for extra clinicians and allowing the service to keep pace with soaring demand across south-east Queensland.

Kedron Clinical Hub — *Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook*

Once complete, the expanded centre is expected to redirect up to 1,700 patient interactions each day away from busy emergency departments and ambulances while real-time telehealth monitoring escalates cases the moment conditions worsen.

Construction began in March 2025 and is already underway on-site, with fit-out and technology installation scheduled to follow later this year.

Part of a Wider Ambulance Uplift

The Kedron project sits inside a broader $1-billion investment that will deliver more than 600 extra paramedics, 300 additional ambulance health workers and 170 new or replacement vehicles fitted with the latest life-saving equipment across Queensland.

That package also includes $250 million for new and upgraded stations, $45 million for vehicles, $16.8 million for defibrillators and other operational gear, and $23.7 million to maintain existing facilities and regional paramedic accommodation.

Queensland Ambulance Service — *Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook*

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls said the expanded hub “will ensure more patients are linked to the right care first time, keeping ambulances on the road for emergencies.”

QAS Assistant Commissioner for Statewide Planning and Coordination Alex Thompson added that the refurbishment “allows our multidisciplinary team to manage up to 1,700 daily interactions and match callers with specialist programs such as mental-health or falls co-responder units.”

The investment forms part of a wider push to cut ambulance ramping below 30 per cent by 2028; the most recent reported figure was 45.5 per cent.

The expansion aims to divert up to 1,700 daily patient interactions away from emergency departments and ambulances, improving overall service efficiency. The hub’s telehealth capability is also being strengthened to better monitor patient conditions and escalate responses as required.

Published 3-Jul-2025

Stafford Man’s Snack Run Leads to $100,000 Win

A Stafford man’s spontaneous decision to buy a finger bun on his way home from work resulted in him scratching a $100,000 winning instant play ticket from Homezone Newsagency in Windsor.

The lucky north Brisbane resident, whose name was not released, bought the winning $5 Crosswords Instant ticket at the Homezone Newsagency, located at Shop 104, Homezone, 142 Newmarket Road, Windsor. The win came as a complete surprise to him, as he had not planned on purchasing any tickets that day.

A Sweet Detour

The winner recounted that the unexpected win stemmed from an unplanned stop. He had been on his way home from work and decided to grab a finger bun. Noticing the newsagent next to the bakery, he felt a sudden urge to buy a couple of tickets, leading to his substantial win.

He shared that even days after scratching the ticket, the reality of the $100,000 prize had not fully settled in, and he believed it would only feel real once the money was in his bank account. While still processing the news, he acknowledged the prize would be incredibly useful.

Local Business Shares in the Joy

Doug Belyea, the owner of Homezone Newsagency, expressed immense happiness upon learning that a local customer had secured such a significant win. He stated that it was always wonderful to hear about customers achieving major prizes.

Mr Belyea noted that while his newsagency had recently sold several Division Two winning tickets, securing a top prize like this was particularly exciting for the team. The entire team at Homezone Newsagency extended their congratulations to the winner, hoping they would fully enjoy their good fortune.

Instant Play Success Across Australia

The win in Stafford is part of a broader trend of success for instant play game players across Australia. In 2024, a total of 142 instant play top prize winners collectively took home more than $11.8 million in top prizes across all of The Lott’s jurisdictions. During the same period, instant play game players enjoyed over 25.6 million wins across all prize tiers, amounting to more than $251.4 million. This impressive figure translates to almost half a million winners and over $4.8 million on instant play games every week.

For those with eligible non-winning instant play tickets, there is also a 2nd Chance Draw each month, offering another opportunity to win through thelott.com. The Lott, which is the official home of Australia’s lotteries, reported that in 2024, more than 195.3 million winners shared over $4.84 billion in prize money from various games

Published Date 25-Jun-2025

Swan Street House in Gordon Park Fetches $1.7M at Auction

Photo Credit: Ray White Wilston

A renovated Queenslander in Gordon Park has sold under the hammer for $1.7 million, setting a new price record for a three-bedroom home in the sought-after inner-north Brisbane suburb.

A Classic Queenslander With a Modern Touch

The auction for 101 Swan Street in late June attracted strong interest, with ten bidders registering and five competing actively. The opening bid of $1.2 million quickly rose, and the fully renovated Queenslander sold within 15 minutes for $1.7 million—$200,000 above the previous suburb record.

Set on a 405 square metre block, the home features three bedrooms, one bathroom, high ceilings, hoop pine floors, and a modern kitchen leading to a spacious back deck. Buyers were especially drawn to its move-in-ready condition, combining classic charm with updated interiors. Agent Holly Bowden noted its location near parks and schools also added to its appeal.

Suburb in High Demand

Gordon Park, located just six kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, has become a tightly held and growing suburb. Known for its quiet, leafy streets and easy access to the Kedron Brook bikeway, the area is popular with professionals, young families, and long-time locals alike. The suburb’s limited housing stock and lifestyle appeal have helped push values upward.

Recent data places the median house price in Gordon Park at $1.51 million, representing a 13.1 percent increase over the past year. The $1.7 million result for Swan Street reflects the strength of the local market, particularly for properties that combine classic design with modern upgrades.

Location, Lifestyle, and Liveability

The home’s location was another key driver behind its strong result. Kedron Brook is just a short walk away, offering bike paths, walking tracks, and dog-friendly parks. The property is within the Wooloowin State School and Kedron State High School catchments, making it appealing to young families.

Essential services, including cafés, supermarkets, and public transport, are close by. Easy access to major roads and tunnels such as the Clem 7 and Airport Link adds to the suburb’s convenience. For many bidders, the chance to secure a well-finished home in a quiet, connected pocket of the city made this listing stand out.

Future Growth on the Horizon

The Swan Street result is expected to influence future sales in the suburb. While not the largest home or block in Gordon Park, its quality finish and presentation helped achieve a standout price. Local agents say the outcome signals the continued growth of inner-north Brisbane, especially in suburbs where homes rarely change hands.

As more buyers seek homes that offer both lifestyle and convenience, properties like this are likely to remain in high demand. For Gordon Park, it’s another sign that the suburb is no longer just a hidden gem, it’s now firmly on the radar.

Published 25-June-2025

Children Lead Accessibility Action in Gordon Park

Photo Credit: The Brook Early Education and Care/Facebook

Children from The Brook Early Education and Care in Gordon Park have raised concerns about a deteriorating section of the braille trail along their regular Bush Kindy walk.

The initiative began when students noticed parts of the tactile ground indicators were damaged, impacting the safety and accessibility of the footpath for vision-impaired pedestrians.

Community Advocacy Through Bush Kindy

As part of their Bush Kindy program, the children developed awareness of the shared use of public spaces. After identifying the issue, they used traditional letter writing to contact local official Danita Parry. Cr Parry responded and later joined the group on their walk to inspect the site firsthand.

Understanding the Role of Braille Trails

Braille trails consist of tactile indicators embedded in footpaths to guide individuals who are blind or have low vision. These markers include raised lines and dots that signal directions, changes, and warnings such as street crossings. However, sighted individuals often obstruct or overlook these paths, sometimes inadvertently creating hazards.

inclusive infrastructure — *Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook*

Accessibility Needs in Brisbane

An estimated 357,000 Australians are currently living with blindness or vision impairment, a number projected to increase to 564,000 by 2030. In Brisbane, more than 6800 kilometres of roads include 50,000 intersections—making consistent tactile accessibility features crucial. Studies have shown that 8% of visually impaired pedestrians have experienced a collision with vehicles or bicycles, while 20% reported near misses over a five-year span.

Brisbane’s original Braille trail in Queen Street Mall was established in 1989, and an additional $90,000 has been invested to extend the network in recent years. The longest continuous trail now stretches approximately 1.6 kilometres through the CBD.

City of Brisbane Accessibility Measures

BCC has implemented several measures aimed at enhancing accessibility, including audio-tactile traffic signals that adjust to ambient noise levels, tactile street signs, extended crossing times, and consistent footpath upgrades. As part of its long-term strategy, the Council launched the “Inclusive Brisbane Plan 2019–2029,” building on the achievements of its 2012–2017 Access and Inclusion Plan, which invested $6.8 million annually into inclusive infrastructure.

braille trail — *Photo Credit: The Brook Early Education and Care/Facebook*

Community Response and Educational Value

City official Parry responded positively to the children’s concerns, sharing her support publicly. The event has also highlighted the potential of early education in shaping responsible community members, aligning with the centre’s broader goals of encouraging global citizenship in children.

Looking Ahead

The damaged braille trail in Gordon Park has been brought to BCC’s attention following the children’s advocacy. The engagement has reinforced both the importance of accessible infrastructure and the role of education in civic participation.

Published 20-June-2025

Kedron Home Defies Flood Fears, Fetches $2.2M at Auction

A newly built five-bedroom Kedron home has sold for $2.2 million, defying traditional buyer concerns over flooding and neighbouring a cemetery.

Read: Stafford Centre Sold as Brisbane Retail Market Hits $32.3M in Sales

The auction result reflects the growing demand for high-end homes in Brisbane’s inner north, where land scarcity is pushing buyers to reconsider properties that may have previously been overlooked.

The property at 5 Bloxsom Street, which sits on a 683 square metre block, was designed and built by developer Andrew Bourner, who acquired the original house in 2014. Rather than demolish it, the house was relocated to Toowoomba to make way for the elevated, flood-conscious design now in its place.

Photo credit: Brisbane Flood Awareness Map

Despite the site’s overland flow classification—meaning it’s prone to stormwater runoff—the home was carefully designed with elevation across the sloping block. Even the pool was raised to the same level as the living areas, creating a seamless layout while protecting against future weather events.

The Kedron home spent just three weeks on the market before going under the hammer. It opened at $1.5 million and swiftly climbed to $2.2 million as two serious bidders competed. The agent, Caleb Mayberry of Ray White Ascot, believed the price reflected the home’s quality and the suburb’s growing popularity.

Mayberry said the presence of the adjacent cemetery, once seen as a deterrent, actually became a point of interest for buyers seeking value in a tightly held suburb. He felt that many saw the opportunity to buy into Kedron at a price point that wouldn’t be possible on a nearby street without such perceived compromises.

Flood concerns, too, were addressed proactively. Bourner and Mayberry provided detailed information about insurance premiums and excerpts from a hydraulic engineering report to reassure prospective buyers. They aimed to show that the risks were manageable, especially with the home’s elevated construction and stormwater planning.

Mayberry noted that in the current climate—where extreme weather events have become top of mind for Queensland buyers—what mattered most was how the property might be impacted and whether insurance remained affordable. The campaign addressed these concerns early on, helping build confidence in the home’s resilience.

Bourner emphasised that while the floor height had been raised, the home retained an appealing and cohesive look, avoiding the awkwardness often seen in flood-prone builds perched high on stilts. The rear fence was also designed to be removed in extreme weather, allowing water to wash through without damaging the property.

Read: Street Spotlight: Beauval Street, Kedron

The strong result, Mayberry suggested, could signal a new wave of interest in homes like this across Kedron. With land values in the suburb now exceeding $1 million and many post-war homes being replaced with new builds, the area is reaching a tipping point. He predicted that more premium properties will emerge on formerly overlooked blocks and that similar sales are likely to follow in the next property cycle.

Published 19-June-2025

Kedron Man Arrested With Firearm and Drugs in Operation Brisbane Safe

A man has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly being found with a homemade firearm, ammunition, and drugs during a major police operation in Brisbane’s north. The 27-year-old was arrested on June 12 in Kedron as part of Operation Brisbane Safe — a coordinated police blitz targeting property crime and knife offences across the Gateway area.

Read: 100 Lives Lost on Queensland Roads: Authorities Urge Safer Driving

Officers from the Boondall Tactical Crime Squad intercepted a stolen Kia sedan in a Gympie Road car park around 9:30 p.m. after it was allegedly taken from an address in Burpengary sometime between May 25 and June 4.

Police said the driver reversed into a police car before surrendering without further incident. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a bag containing a homemade firearm, ammunition, methylamphetamine, cannabis, and various drug paraphernalia.

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

The man is facing 11 charges, including unlawful possession of a Category H weapon (handgun), possession of dangerous drugs, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, driving without a licence, and possession of explosives. He was also charged with possessing restricted substances including 4-hydroxybutanoic acid and pregabalin, as well as suspected stolen property.

He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 14.

The Kedron arrest was one of several outcomes from Operation Brisbane Safe, which involved police from the North Brisbane District Tactical Crime Squad, Highway Patrol, and general duties units. In total, the day-long operation saw 36 people charged, 47 wandings, and nearly 400 random breath tests conducted.

Read: Tributes Flow for Victim of Kedron Brook Bikeway Tragedy

Police say the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to tackle property and weapon-related offences in Brisbane’s north. Locals are urged to report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers or call 1800 333 000.

Published 17-June-2025

100 Lives Lost on Queensland Roads: Authorities Urge Safer Driving

With 100 lives already lost on Queensland roads this year, local emergency leaders are joining the urgent call for safer driving behaviour as part of a state-wide plea from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).

Read: Incident on Perry Street Leaves Cyclist In Critical Condition

April marked the deadliest month so far in 2025, with 27 fatalities. QAS Metro North Assistant Commissioner Tony Armstrong said the loss of 100 lives is a sobering reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility.

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and it’s up to all of us to make the right decisions so we all get home safely,” Assistant Commissioner Armstrong said.

“Road fatalities not only impact you – but your loved ones, your community, and the emergency services who are dedicated to assist you.”

While Armstrong’s Metro North office covers a wide area including Kedron, the message hits particularly close to home for local paramedics and responders based at the recently expanded Kedron Emergency Services Complex, which plays a central role in responding to serious traffic incidents across Brisbane’s northside.

The upgrade to the complex, completed in late 2023, was aimed at improving emergency response capacity in a growing region—but as the fatal crash toll rises, even upgraded facilities are no substitute for prevention.

QPS Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner Shane Holmes said authorities are doing all they can—boosting patrols, using data to target high-risk areas, and launching public awareness campaigns—but cannot solve the problem alone.

“These 100 lives lost aren’t just statistics,” Holmes said. “They’re mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends—real people whose lives were cut short.”

Holmes added that enforcement alone won’t fix the issue, and stressed the need to address the “Fatal Five” road risks: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, driver fatigue and distraction.

The reminder comes at the close of National Road Safety Week (May 11–18), a time for communities to honour lives lost or changed forever by road trauma—and to commit to safer behaviours behind the wheel.

As Kedron locals commute daily along some of Brisbane’s busiest arterial roads, Armstrong and other emergency service leaders are urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and think of the wider impact of their actions.

Read: Community-Driven Safer School Precinct Launches in Kedron

“Simple decisions—like driving sober and putting your phone away—can save a life,” Armstrong said. “Maybe even your own.”

To learn more about the Fatal Five and how to stay safe, visit the QPS road safety page: police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads

Published 22-May-2025

Lutwyche Volunteers Create Thousands of Lunches for Hungry Brisbane Children

Photo Credit: Eat Up Australia/ Facebook

Over 1,700 nutritious sandwiches were prepared by dedicated volunteers at HomeCo—Lutwyche, destined for disadvantaged children across Brisbane who might otherwise go to school without a proper lunch.

Community Comes Together

The public volunteering session was part of Eat Up Australia’s ongoing efforts to address childhood hunger. These “fast and fun” sandwich-making events are regularly held, inviting community members to contribute directly to ensuring no child goes hungry at school.

The recent Lutwyche event saw many returning volunteers, highlighting a strong community spirit and commitment to the cause. While yesterday’s event focused on Brisbane, similar sessions are organised in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, with details shared on social media for those interested in participating.

Addressing a Critical Need

*Photo Credit:* *Eat Up Australia/ Facebook*

Eat Up Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing free lunches to Australian schoolchildren. The organisation states that one in four children at the schools it supports requires an Eat Up lunch.

Many children arrive at school without adequate food due to various family challenges, including financial difficulties, homelessness, or being from refugee backgrounds. This lack of proper nutrition can significantly impact a child’s ability to concentrate, leading to learning and behavioural issues in the classroom.

How Eat Up Australia Operates

Eat Up Australia primarily operates through volunteer-driven sandwich-making events. Volunteers, including individuals, corporate groups, community organisations, and even school students, come together to prepare fresh sandwiches and pack snacks.

These prepared lunches are delivered directly to schools, where teachers and support staff distribute them to needy students. Eat Up collaborates with various partners, including businesses that provide in-kind food donations such as bread, spreads, and cheese, alongside financial support.

The organisation began in Shepparton, Victoria, and has since grown to a national initiative, delivering lunches to schools across New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia.

Significant Impact Achieved

Since its establishment, Eat Up Australia has provided over 4 million lunches to Australian children in need. In the 2024 financial year alone, they delivered close to 950,000 lunches to 940 schools. Schools have reported that Eat Up’s lunches improve students’ nutrition, energy levels, concentration, participation in class, academic performance, and overall well-being.

The organisation engages thousands of volunteers annually, offering a direct way for people to help combat hunger in schools. Notably, in partnership with Wonder, Eat Up recently achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest sandwich line ever assembled, creating over 14,500 sandwiches distributed to children in need.

By providing these essential meals, Eat Up Australia helps remove barriers to education, allowing disadvantaged children to engage in their learning and pursue a brighter future fully.

Published Date 21-May-2025

Remembering Jack Pool: A Legacy of Service Honoured During National Volunteer Week

As Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week from 19 to 25 May, the spotlight turns to the millions of people who generously give their time to strengthen and connect their communities. Among the many stories of dedication and compassion, one name continues to resonate deeply — John “Jack” Pool.

Read: Stafford Celebrates Keith Payne: Australia’s Most Decorated Living War Hero

Jack, a finalist for the Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award, is being posthumously recognised in 2025 for his extraordinary lifelong commitment to community service. Though he passed away in March this year, Jack’s legacy remains firmly rooted in the hearts of those he served, led, and inspired.

A Life Devoted to Service

Jack Pool’s volunteering journey began in 1998 as a delivery driver for Stafford Meals on Wheels, an organisation he would help shape for more than 30 years. His dedication quickly led him into leadership roles, serving as Vice-President and President from 2001 to 2021. In later years, he became Patron — a role he embraced with heartfelt pride.

From 2011 to 2018, Jack extended his influence to the state level, serving as a Board Member for Meals on Wheels Queensland. His strategic vision and tenacity were instrumental in securing long-overdue repairs and upgrades to the Stafford facility — a major achievement that took nearly a decade to realise.

Even into his 90s, Jack remained a familiar and reassuring presence. He greeted volunteers with warmth, encouraged staff, and proudly represented the organisation at countless community events and expos. His commitment exemplified this year’s National Volunteer Week theme: Connecting Communities.

A Celebrated Contribution

Jack’s service did not go unnoticed during his lifetime. In 2020, he received the Westfield Local Heroes Award, and just last year, the Mary Lowe Living Legend Award celebrated his lifetime of contribution.

These honours reflect a legacy defined by kindness, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of giving back.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As we reflect on the impact of volunteers like Jack Pool, National Volunteer Week serves as a call to action. Volunteering Australia is inviting Australians from all walks of life to discover how their own skills, time, and passions can contribute to building stronger, more connected communities.

For those feeling inspired, opportunities can be found by visiting the GoVolunteer website, contacting state or territory volunteering peak bodies, or simply reaching out to local organisations.

This year, while the Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award was awarded to Noel Sherrington and Peter Morley, Jack’s recognition as a finalist is a poignant reminder that volunteering isn’t just about service — it’s about legacy.

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

Jack Pool lived his values, led by example, and showed what it means to serve with heart. As Australia celebrates its volunteers this May, we honour not just the hours given, but the spirit in which they are offered. Jack’s story is not only one of service — it’s one of community, connection, and compassion that will continue to inspire for generations.

Published 19-May-2025