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Southeast Asian Dining Favourite Oh Boy, Bok Choy! Thrives in Stafford

Photo Credit: Oh Boy, Bok Choy!/Instagram

Oh Boy, Bok Choy! continues to build its reputation in Stafford with its Southeast Asian kitchen, offering a vibrant and inclusive dining experience focused on fresh produce.

Background and Context

Amanda and John Scott, owners of Kedron’s well-known Farm House café, expanded their hospitality portfolio by establishing Oh Boy, Bok Choy! on Stafford Road in 2021. Motivated by a long-held passion for Southeast Asian cuisine, they brought together a culinary team with family roots in Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian, and Chinese food traditions. This diverse expertise ensures the menu remains closely tied to authentic recipes passed through generations.

Southeast Asian cuisine — *Photo Credit: Oh Boy, Bok Choy!/Instagram*

Menu and Dining Experience

Oh Boy, Bok Choy! serves a broad Southeast Asian menu tailored to Queensland’s climate. Dishes highlight fresh vegetables and offer vegan-friendly options, with guests able to add proteins such as crispy duck or pork belly. Popular selections include whisky tamarind pork belly, popcorn cauliflower, Malaysian fried rice, and salt and pepper calamari.

The restaurant promotes a shared dining style, with dishes arriving progressively from the kitchen. Half the menu is vegan-friendly, with gluten-free and dairy-free options clearly indicated.

VIEW SAMPLE MENU

Special Features and Beverage Selection

Weekend lunch diners can enjoy the ‘Bubbles and Baos’ offering, which features a five-course banquet alongside two hours of unlimited prosecco, house wines, and beers for $89 per person. The drinks list includes signature cocktails like the Vietnamese Espresso Martini and Wasabi Moscow Mule, alongside a strong selection of Queensland craft beers and non-alcoholic mocktails.

The restaurant’s bar also features a wide range of gins, including local and Japanese varieties, available neat or mixed.

Stafford restaurant — *Photo Credit: Oh Boy, Bok Choy!/Instagram*

book a table

Community Sentiment

Reviews from visitors regularly praise the restaurant’s fast service, flavourful food, and accommodating atmosphere. Families, including those dining with young children, report positive experiences with helpful staff and dietary accommodations. Particular praise has been given to the venue’s gluten-free offerings and standout dishes such as the whisky tamarind pork belly and corn ribs.

Southeast Asian dining — *Photo Credit: Oh Boy, Bok Choy!/Instagram*

Locals have embraced Oh Boy, Bok Choy! as a lively, reliable addition to Stafford’s dining landscape.

What’s Next

Oh Boy, Bok Choy! has firmly established itself as a staple for Southeast Asian cuisine in Stafford, drawing ongoing support from locals who appreciate its commitment to fresh produce, flexible dining options, and vibrant service. The restaurant continues to reflect the diverse tastes and social dining culture that fit well within the Queensland lifestyle.

Published 23-Apr-2025

Have Your Say on the 20-Year Kedron Brook Vision and Master Plan

Local residents are being invited to help shape a long-term vision for one of the city’s most well-loved natural spaces, with community consultation now open on a major plan to revitalise the Kedron Brook catchment.

Read: Kedron Brook Set for Major Transformation in Olympic Lead-up

Stretching 29 kilometres from Ferny Grove to Nudgee, Kedron Brook winds through 14 suburbs and serves as both a natural waterway and a vital green corridor. Whether it’s a place for morning walks, bike rides, or spotting native wildlife, for many locals the brook is part of daily life—and now, they have a chance to help decide its future.

Kedron Brook Vision

Kedron Brook catchment (Photo credit: BCC)

The Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision and Master Plan is a 20-year, $85 million proposal that aims to protect and improve the catchment while making it more accessible, enjoyable and resilient for generations to come.

Key goals of the project include:

Developing a long-term vision and master plan for the entire catchment
Revitalising creekside areas with new planting and improved water flow
Strengthening the flood resilience of the waterway
Creating more spaces for recreation and relaxation

Four precincts along the brook will be identified for targeted upgrades, and the plan is being shaped in stages, with multiple opportunities for the community and key stakeholders to provide input.

kedron brook — Photo credit: Robert Goh/Google Maps

The current phase—running from April to June 2025—focuses on gathering ideas and feedback from the public. This will inform a draft master plan, to be released for further consultation from mid-2025 to early 2026. The final vision and plan are expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

While major projects like this often draw attention for their scale, what sets this one apart is the emphasis on everyday voices. Residents, community groups, and local users of the brook are being placed at the heart of the planning process.

Read: Cyclone Alfred Aftermath: North Brisbane Underwater as Kedron Brook Swells

How to Have Your Say

There are two easy ways to get involved and share your thoughts:

Online
Visit the Council’s “Kedron Brook Revitalisation” project page to:

Add location-specific comments on an interactive map
Share your aspirations for the catchment
Complete a short survey

Online feedback closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, 29 June 2025.

In Person
Pop by one of the local information kiosks to speak with the project team:

Thursday 1 May, 3–5pm — Dash Street Park, Keperra
Saturday 10 May, 8–10am — Grinstead Park, Alderley
Wednesday 14 May, 3–5pm — Shaw Estate Park, Wavell Heights
Thursday 15 May, 3–5pm — Teralba Park, Everton Park
Saturday 17 May, 8–10am — Kalinga Park, Clayfield
Saturday 24 May, 8–10am — Hickey Park, Stafford
Sunday 25 May, 9am–3pm — Sustainable BNE Festival, Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane City

Whether you walk it daily or simply love Brisbane’s natural spaces, this is your opportunity to help shape what Kedron Brook will look like in 2045 and beyond.

Published 21-April-2025

Crown Hotel Beer Garden Adds Spark to Brisbane’s North

Locals from Kedron and across Brisbane’s northside are gathering at the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche, where a stylish beer garden has become the area’s go-to spot for casual catch-ups, live sport and relaxed meals under the sun.

A Fresh Take on a Northside Classic

Built in 1881, the Crown Hotel has served the Lutwyche community for over a century. Its heritage brickwork and arched windows remain, while recent upgrades have modernized the outdoor space for today’s patrons.

Renovated as part of a broader restoration, the hotel’s beer garden now boasts shady umbrellas, astroturf flooring, and a large screen for footy and major events. With both dining tables and lounge areas, it’s a versatile spot for gatherings or relaxed afternoons.

A Menu That’s Inclusive and Relaxed

The Crown Hotel’s menu appeals to all tastes, offering pub classics plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. From midweek meals to weekend family lunches, the beer garden provides a relaxed setting for no-fuss dining.

*Photo Credit: The Crown Hotel/Facebook*

Open 7 days from 10 AM, live sports stream regularly on indoor and outdoor screens, attracting locals for NRL and cricket. While there’s no playground, the relaxed vibe and central location make it a popular spot for Lutwyche, Kedron, and nearby residents.

Community First, Always

More than a bar, the Crown Hotel’s beer garden fosters community in Brisbane’s north, blending historic charm with modern comforts to keep locals coming back.

BOOK A TABLE

Management maintains a strong focus on responsible service of alcohol. Staff are trained to support a safe and welcoming environment, aligning with community standards and all local regulatory guidelines.

As locals seek out relaxed, social venues close to home, the Crown Hotel’s beer garden stands out not just for its look and feel, but for its place in the everyday life of Lutwyche.

Published 16-April-2025

North Brisbane FC: $1.3 Million Pledged to Upgrade Lutwyche Football Grounds

A $1.3-million funding boost could be just what’s needed to upgrade North Brisbane Football Club’s facilities in Lutwyche, supporting the suburb’s fast-growing community sports scene.

Funding Commitment Announced

A commitment of $1.3 million has been made to North Brisbane FC, in the event of a coalition victory by the LNP, to aid in the renovation of the club’s facilities at Prentice Park. Mr Trevor Evans highlighted the need for modern, inclusive sports facilities in Lutwyche as local participation in football continues to rise.

What the Upgrade Includes

The pledge will support a planned renovation which will include new female-compliant change rooms and public toilets, upgrades to field lighting, and a sealed car park. Existing change rooms will be repurposed into a first aid room, a community gym, and a media space.

These changes aim to support the increasing number of women and girls joining the club by ensuring they have access to safe and appropriate facilities. The improvements will also benefit the wider community by offering spaces for health, training, and emergency care.

*Photo Credit: trevorevansbne/Instagram*

Focus on Female Players and Community Inclusion

The club has seen a surge in female participation following the national excitement around the Matildas and broader awareness of women’s sport. In February 2025, community members were asked to support the funding effort by signing a petition, which calls for urgent federal investment in local sports infrastructure.

North Brisbane FC’s leadership stressed that the upgrades are vital not only for the club but for the wider Lutwyche community, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for players, families, and volunteers.

Mr Evans has said the investment will help meet strong demand for sport and recreation in the area, adding that the upgrades are overdue and necessary for the club to keep up with growing community needs.

Published 14-April-2025

Internal Modifications Proposed for Lutwyche Shopping Centre

Photo Credit: DA/A006715772

A proposal has been lodged to modify and expand internal retail space at Lutwyche Shopping Centre, aiming to improve layout functionality and tenant offerings.

Proposal Seeks New Retail Layout in Lutwyche

A development application (DA/A006715772) has been submitted to BCC for internal modifications at Lutwyche Shopping Centre, located at 501 Lutwyche Road. The changes are designed to enhance the shopping experience through a revised internal layout and the creation of a larger retail tenancy.

Brisbane development application — *Photo Credit: DA/A006715772*

Background and Site Information

The proposed changes are situated within the existing Lutwyche Shopping Centre precinct. Previous approvals have allowed for retail development at this location, with the current application aiming to optimise space usage and improve customer flow through reconfiguration.

The shopping centre has been a key retail hub for the surrounding community, with ongoing updates reflecting changes in consumer demand and tenancy requirements. This latest application continues that trend of incremental improvement.

Internal Modifications Proposed — *Photo Credit: DA/A006715772*

Details of the Proposed Changes

According to planning documents designed by Verve, the works will include the reconfiguration of food court tenancies and the removal and relocation of various internal spaces. The primary objective is to establish a larger single retail tenancy.

Additional modifications will include façade improvements along Chalk Street and revised site plans and elevations. The proposal outlines an increase in the total gross floor area (GFA) to 635 square metres, reflecting a net gain of approximately 83 square metres.

There will be no changes to current car parking provisions, and both pedestrian and vehicle access will remain unchanged.

The tenancy layout is designed to provide expanded retail space without disrupting existing traffic patterns or external access points.

Lutwyche Shopping Centre — *Photo Credit: DA/A006715772*

Architectural and Planning Considerations

The planners from Urbis stated that the design introduces variation through form, external detailing, and materials. The modifications are described as consistent with existing approvals and local planning controls.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The application is currently under assessment. The proponents have requested BCC approval to proceed with the proposed modifications, with no alterations to broader site access or parking arrangements anticipated.

Published 10-Apr-2025

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

Photo Credit: The VC and GC Association

Stafford honours Warrant Officer Keith Payne VC, Australia’s most decorated living war hero. Renowned for his bravery during the Vietnam War, he earned the Victoria Cross after saving his comrades under intense enemy fire.

From Enoggera to Stafford: A Legacy of Courage

Warrant Officer Keith Payne VC, AM, is celebrated as Australia’s most decorated war hero. Born in Ingham, Queensland, he worked as a cabinet maker before enlisting in the Australian Army in 1951. He trained at Enoggera Barracks and served in conflicts worldwide. Later, he settled in Stafford.

His military career spanned over two decades, including service in the Korean War, the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, and the Vietnam War. His commitment to duty and his comrades marked him as a dedicated soldier.

A Night of Bravery in Vietnam

On 24 May 1969, near Ben Het Camp, Vietnam, Warrant Officer Payne, commanding the 212th Company of the 1st Mobile Strike Force Battalion, faced heavy enemy fire. The battalion consisted of approximately 300 indigenous soldiers known as Montagnards, along with Australian and US Special Forces. They were attacked by between 1,200 and 3,000 North Vietnamese Army personnel.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Warrant Officer Payne held off the enemy. He alternated between firing his weapon and collecting grenades to throw at advancing forces. He suffered from shrapnel wounds to his hands, arms, and head, but he continued to fight. At one point, a large splinter from a rocket-propelled grenade lodged in his scalp. Still, Warrant Officer Payne persisted despite bleeding heavily.

When his rifle became unusable due to a piece of shrapnel lodging in the magazine housing, Warrant Officer Payne discarded it. He picked up another weapon to continue the fight. Throughout the chaotic battle, he ventured beyond the defensive perimeter. He kept rescuing isolated and wounded soldiers, spending three hours crawling through enemy-held jungle. In the darkness, he found and brought back about 40 soldiers to safety.

*Caption: Warrant Officer Payne receiving Victoria Cross award from Queen Elizabeth (1970)*
*Photo Credit: Australian at War Film Archive*

For his heroic actions, Warrant Officer Keith Payne received the Victoria Cross, the highest honour for gallantry. He remains Australia’s most decorated living hero, also receiving the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star from the United States, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star.

Warrant Officer Payne was presented with the Victoria Cross by Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and also received the Keys to the City of Brisbane from then Lord Mayor Clem Jones.

*Caption: Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Clem Jones presenting the Keys to the City of Brisbane to Warrant Officer Payne VC with his wife Florence.*
*Photo Credit: State Library Queensland*

A Life of Service Beyond the Battlefield

After his military service, Warrant Officer Payne became an instructor at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1970. He retired from the Army in 1975 but continued serving as a captain in the Sultan of Oman’s Royal Army during the Dhofar War (1975–1976).

Back in Australia, he supported the veteran community, focusing on those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His dedication to veterans’ welfare led to the naming of the mental health ward the Keith Payne Unit at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane. In 2012, he became a Patron of the Victoria Cross Trust, advocating for the preservation of VC recipients’ stories.

*Caption: Warrant Officer Keith Payne and Florence Plaw (1954)*
*Photo Credit: Australian at War Film Archive*

Warrant Officer Payne and his wife, Florence Plaw, raised five sons and live in Mackay, Queensland. He received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2006 for his work with veterans, while Florence was honoured in 2011 for her community contributions in surf lifesaving and support for veterans’ families. In 2015, Warrant Officer Payne became a Member of the Order of Australia.

Ongoing Recognition and Dedication

*Caption: The park named after Warrant Officer Payne in Stafford.*
*Photo Credit: State Library Queensland*

Warrant Officer Keith Payne’s legacy remains significant as a war hero and community advocate. He has continued representing the veteran community in recent years. Warrant Officer Payne attended Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in 2022 and represented VC recipients at the 2023 Coronation. His presence at these events highlights his commitment to honouring service and sacrifice.

The Stafford community continues to celebrate his contributions, with a local park named in his honour. As ANZAC Day on 25 April approaches, the community reflects on his enduring commitment to country and veterans. His story remains a powerful reminder of courage, sacrifice, and dedication.

Published 8-Apr-2025

Tributes Flow for Victim of Kedron Brook Bikeway Tragedy

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Kerri Clevens, a much-loved woman who tragically died on the Kedron Brook bikeway on 24 March.

Read: Incident on Perry Street Leaves Cyclist In Critical Condition

Kerri, known affectionately as ‘Aunty Kerri’, is believed to have passed away after falling and sustaining fatal injury while trying to retrieve a dropped water bottle at the bikeway. However, it was not clear how she was injured. Local authorities considered her death “non-suspicious.”

Described by loved ones as a warm and generous soul, Kerri’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of many. Her niece Jacqueline shared a heartfelt tribute online as the family launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and give Kerri the honourable farewell she deserves.

“Aunty Kerri was an incredible person who touched the lives of everyone she met,” Jacqueline wrote. “She was always so thoughtful, kind and giving. She always had gifts & shared what she had—and if she didn’t have it, she would find a way to get it and give it.”

Those closest to Kerri say she was known for her big heart and the way she made time for everyone around her. Whether it was a warm smile, a helping hand, or a small thoughtful gesture, she made a lasting impact on people from all walks of life.

“She will be missed dearly,” Jacqueline said. “There are no words or time that could ever compensate for the love and kindness that woman shared. So let’s dig down and help support the family and give this beautiful woman a send-off she truly deserves.”

Read: Intersection in Kedron a Fines Frenzy with 700+ Notices

Kerri’s funeral service will be held on 16 April at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 350 Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge. All who knew her are welcome to attend and celebrate a life so well lived.

Published 6-April-2025

Alderley Residents Demand Better Lighting in Grinstead Park

Grinstead Park in Alderley is a well-loved green space, serving as a key link for pedestrians and cyclists accessing major transport routes. However, as the sun sets, this bustling thoroughfare becomes a source of concern for local residents due to a lack of adequate lighting.

Read: Incident on Perry Street Leaves Cyclist In Critical Condition

For years, community members have raised the alarm about poor visibility along the pathways, particularly for those using the park to reach the 345 bus stop—one of the main transit connections to the city. With limited streetlights, sections of the park become shrouded in darkness, making it an intimidating route for evening commuters, cyclists, and families.

The issue extends beyond mere inconvenience; it is a matter of public safety. Residents report feeling uneasy traversing the park after dark, and with crime rates on the rise, the lack of lighting increases the risk of potential incidents. Vulnerable members of the community, including elderly residents, women, and young people, are particularly affected.

Grinstead Park — Photo credit: Liam Crowe/Google Maps

Adding to the frustration, a long-standing issue with inoperative lights between Stafford City Shopping Centre and Royal Parade remains unresolved, despite repeated reports to the Council and Energex. The continued neglect of these vital pedestrian routes raises concerns about the priority given to community safety and accessibility.

Residents are now calling for urgent action. An e-petition has been launched demanding immediate repairs to the faulty lights and a clear, transparent plan for additional lighting installations throughout Grinstead Park and the Kedron Brook corridor. Petitioners argue that well-lit public spaces are essential for ensuring safe access to transport options, recreational areas, and community services.

“We wish to have communicated to the community, an action plan for the installation and maintenance of additional lighting through parks within Alderley and the Kedron Brook that outlines dates of implementation and locations,” Julianne, the principal petitioner wrote.

The concerned citizens hope their voices will be heard. As the petition gains traction, they are pushing for the council to take responsibility and deliver a timely solution. Until then, residents remain wary of navigating the darkness, hoping for change before another preventable incident occurs.

Read: North Residents to Face Major Traffic Changes with $10-B Gympie Road Tunnel Plan

Brisbane’s suburban parks should be spaces of leisure and connectivity—not fear. The community’s plea for lighting upgrades is not just about visibility; it’s about fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone who calls Alderley home.

Published 31-March-2025

Woman’s Death on Kedron Brook Bikeway Likely Accidental, Police Report

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

A woman’s death on the popular Kedron Brook Bikeway in Lutwyche last week may have resulted from an accidental fall while retrieving a dropped water bottle, according to Queensland Police.

The body of the woman, identified only as being in her 50s and referred to in memorial tributes as “Kerri,” was discovered by a passerby at approximately 5:40 a.m. on Monday, March 24. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the woman was declared dead upon their arrival.

“Initial investigations suggest that the woman may have been attempting to retrieve a dropped water bottle when she fell and sustained a fatal injury,” a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed on Tuesday. The exact circumstances of the fall, including the height and specific injuries sustained, have not been disclosed.

A makeshift memorial has appeared at the site, with red and orange flowers lining the barrier alongside coloured balloons bearing messages including “love you Nan Kerri,” “love you,” and “fly high momma K” written directly on the railing.

Following the discovery, temporary orange fencing was installed on both sides of the bikeway, which was closed while police conducted their investigation. By Tuesday night, the temporary fencing had been removed, with permanent railings now blocking direct access to the brook.

The Brisbane City Council has declined to comment on questions regarding the condition of the barriers before the incident, citing the ongoing police investigation. Police have stated they will prepare a report for the coroner, and the death is being treated as non-suspicious.

The Kedron Brook Bikeway, which connects several northern Brisbane suburbs, is a popular route for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians in the area.

Published 25-March-2025

School Catchment Property Prices Soar—Why Stafford is Still a Smart Buy

For families looking to secure a spot in one of Brisbane’s top school catchments without breaking the bank, Stafford is emerging as a viable option. Stafford offers one of the most affordable entry points into highly ranked school zones, with a typical three-bedroom house in the Kedron State High School catchment costing around $1.1 million.

Read: Then and Now: Waldheim, the Stephen Family’s Homestead in Annerley

Rising Property Prices in Top School Zones

New research from property firm PRD highlights the growing financial challenge of buying in Brisbane’s best-performing school areas.

The data reveals that nearly all suburbs within the top 10 school catchments now have median house prices exceeding $1 million, with some surpassing $2 million. As demand continues to rise and housing supply remains constrained, affordability in these areas is expected to decline further.

The Importance of School Catchments for Buyers

Families prioritising education are facing tough choices. Many are willing to pay a premium to secure a home in a sought-after school catchment, recognising the long-term benefits of quality education for their children. However, the increasing price tags mean that buyers must either stretch their budgets or explore alternative property options such as units.

Stafford stands out as an entry point for those seeking affordability without compromising on school quality. While the median house price remains high, units in the area provide a more accessible option. For families unable to afford a standalone house, purchasing a unit could be a strategic move to gain access to Kedron State High and other reputable schools.

Read: Street Spotlight: Mitchell St, Kedron

Market trends suggest that the affordability window may not remain open for long. As more buyers look to Stafford as a cost-effective solution, property prices are likely to rise. Those considering purchasing in the area may need to act quickly before the market shifts further out of reach.

With Brisbane’s property market continuing to evolve, Stafford presents a rare opportunity for families to invest in a top school catchment without spending millions. As demand increases, securing a home in this suburb could be a smart long-term investment for families focused on education and future growth.

Published 22-March-2025