A proposal has been lodged to modify and expand internal retail space at Lutwyche Shopping Centre, aiming to improve layout functionality and tenant offerings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: JaQs Ovelc/Facebook
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Tom Wang/Google Maps
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.
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.
Photo credit: Shane Hird/Google Maps
“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.
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.
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.
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.
New research from property firm PRD highlights the growing financial challenge of buying in Brisbane’s best-performing school areas.
Photo credit: Google Street View
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
Photo credit: Kedron State High School/Google Maps
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.
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.
The Kedron Emergency Services Complex will expand its 24/7 Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Clinical Hub by $8.31 million, designed to redirect up to 1,700 daily patient interactions away from overstretched emergency services.
The $8.31-million expansion will increase the hub’s capacity to handle calls and direct patients to appropriate care. The initiative, which began in 2020, aims to relieve pressure on ambulances and emergency departments across the state. It has been deemed necessary to manage the increasing demand for emergency services better.
The QAS Clinical Hub, located within the Kedron complex, operates with a team of senior paramedics, specialist doctors, registered nurses, mental health and social workers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. The expansion will increase the number of desks from 30 to 66, allowing more staff to manage the high volume of calls.
The hub’s primary function is to triage Triple Zero (000) calls and determine the most suitable care pathway for each patient. This may involve dispatching specialised units, such as falls referral teams or mental health co-responders, or connecting patients with telehealth services. The additional funding will also improve the hub’s telehealth capabilities.
The expansion aims to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. The hub frees up resources for those who require immediate, life-saving assistance by diverting non-emergency calls away from ambulances and emergency departments. The hub monitors patients through telehealth and can escalate responses if a patient’s condition deteriorates.
The government has highlighted the importance of this expansion in improving the overall efficiency of the Queensland health system. This investment will help ensure that ambulances are available for genuine emergencies and that emergency departments are not overwhelmed with non-critical cases.
Construction has begun at the Kedron Emergency Services Complex, with BADGE awarded the tender for the expansion. The existing QAS Clinical Hub will be refurbished to provide additional offices and training spaces. The government has said this expansion is part of a broader plan to improve access to healthcare services across Queensland.
Residents of Kedron affected by flooding caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now apply for financial assistance to support their recovery. This comes after Queensland has activated the Personal Hardship Assistance Grant to help those impacted by the severe weather event, which has left homes and public spaces damaged.
The Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant, one of the grants offered, provides $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more. This grant is designed to cover essential needs such as food, clothing, and medicine for those facing immediate hardship.
The Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant is available for residents who have lost access to essential services like power, gas, water, or sewage for more than five days. This grant provides $150 for individuals and up to $750 for families of five or more.
Other available support includes the Household Contents Grant, which helps uninsured residents replace damaged household items, including white goods and linen; and the Structural Assistance Grant provides income-tested support for uninsured residents to reconnect essential services or carry out structural repairs to make their homes safe.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s Impact on Kedron
Kedron Brook, which spans over 110 square kilometres and runs through multiple Brisbane suburbs, burst its banks during Cyclone Alfred, flooding homes, roads, and sporting fields across North Brisbane. Emergency crews remain on high alert as they monitor water levels and work to prevent further damage.
Photo credit: Sharon Rowley/Facebook
The flooding followed days of relentless rainfall, with more than 400mm recorded in the region. While much of the immediate crisis has passed, Kedron residents are now focused on cleaning up. Many properties are clearing fallen trees from backyards, and debris, mud, and branches remain scattered along footpaths and car parks. Despite this, businesses have resumed normal operations, and local events such as the Kedron Park Run proceeded as scheduled on March 15.
Eligible Kedron residents can apply for personal hardship assistance online at www.qld.gov.au or call the 24/7 Queensland Community Recovery Hotline at 1800 173 349. Residents are encouraged to apply promptly to access the support needed for their recovery.
A small bakery tucked away in Stafford has gained a cult following, with customers travelling across Brisbane to get their hands on its coveted pastries. Bella & Tortie, operating only on Fridays and Saturdays, consistently sells out within hours, making it one of the city’s most exclusive food destinations.
Bella & Tortie was founded by pastry chef Suzi Unwin in 2018. It started as a humble market stall with an online store. Demand for her baked goods rapidly grew. This led to wholesale supply partnerships with popular Brisbane cafes. By November 2019, Ms Unwin opened her first shopfront in Grange. She employed a team of four pastry chefs, one apprentice, and six retail assistants.
However, the rapid expansion came with challenges. The bakery faced difficulties during COVID-19. Staff shortages, and global supply chain disruptions prompted Ms Unwin to close the Grange store in December 2022. She later revived Bella & Tortie in Stafford, focusing on a more sustainable approach to business.
Photo Credit: Bella & Tortie
Stafford’s Best-Kept Secret with a Limited Window
Located at 12/240 Stafford Road, Stafford Central, Bella & Tortie operates just two mornings weekly. The bakery opens from 7:30 a.m. to midday on Fridays and Saturdays, or until sold out.
Visitors can enjoy their pastries at picnic-style tables. They can also order coffee from the neighbouring café, Papa’s Corner, via QR codes provided at the seating area. However, some customers prefer to take their baked goods to a nearby park for a quieter dining experience.
Photo Credit: Bella & Tortie
Menu Highlights That Keep Customers Coming Back
Bella & Tortie’s rotating menu offers an array of meticulously crafted pastries and savouries, changing each week. Some standout items from the recent menu include:
Choux au Craquelin – Hazelnut praline, espresso caramel, and espresso mousse.
Matcha Yuzu Chiffon – A soft matcha chiffon cake with yuzu curd and matcha cream.
Sausage Rolls – Featuring pork, prawn, and water chestnut; beef, mushroom, and thyme; and pork, fennel, and apple options.
Strawberry & Rhubarb Trifle – Layers of vanilla custard pannacotta, compote, sponge, and mascarpone cream.
Quiches – Flavours such as mushroom, leek, and parmesan; caramelised onion and goat cheese; and maple bacon with semi-dried tomato.
Smoked Beef Brisket Pie – Made with jalapeños, pickles, and cheese, using locally sourced meat.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – A permanent menu staple.
Russian Honey Cake – A delicately layered dessert.
Bella & Tortie maintains its reputation for high-end, handcrafted pastries that draw food lovers across the city.
A Bakery That Sells Out in Hours
Bella & Tortie’s limited operating hours contribute to its exclusivity. Many items are selling out quickly. Customers often arrive early to secure their favourites. Others visit Stafford purely for the experience.
For owner Suzi Unwin, the bakery’s relaunch has been a lesson in balance. It has allowed her to continue her passion for baking while maintaining a sustainable approach to business. With a dedicated fanbase and a weekly menu, Bella & Tortie remains one of Brisbane’s most sought-after bakery experiences.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a developing story. Last update: 10 March 2025 12:00 p.m.
Kedron Brook has burst its banks, flooding homes, roads, and sporting fields across North Brisbane, leaving communities bracing for further damage. Streets have turned into waterways, and backyards are submerged as emergency crews work to monitor rising water levels. The heavy flooding follows days of relentless rainfall brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has dumped more than 400mm of rain on the region.
Widespread Impact Across Kedron and Surrounding Suburbs
The Kedron Brook catchment spans over 110 square kilometres, running through suburbs such as Mitchelton, Everton Park, Lutwyche, Kedron, and Nundah. The overflow has affected several key areas, including Montrose Street Bridge in Gordon Park, where floodwaters have cut off roads, and Windsor, where parts of Homezone and Noble Street are underwater. Footage shared by residents shows Downey Park in Windsor resembling a river, with water creeping towards nearby properties.
Kedron Brook Overflow Damage Local Sporting Clubs
The flooding has dealt a heavy blow to local sporting clubs, some of which are still recovering from Brisbane’s devastating 2022 floods. Norths Rugby Club in Wavell Heights is facing an estimated $50,000 in potential damages, as water levels have reached the crossbar of the goalposts at Hugh Courtney Oval.
In Mitchelton, the football club has warned locals to stay off their waterlogged fields after children were seen boogie boarding through the flooded grounds. Club representatives expressed frustration, stating that the damage could cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in repairs.
Residents Rally as Recovery Efforts Begin
Despite the destruction, community members are stepping up to help those in need. Locals have been seen assisting neighbours with sandbags and offering shelter to those forced to leave their homes. Social media posts from the area show streets lined with residents assessing the damage and working together to protect their properties.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of staying out of floodwaters due to hidden dangers, including fast-moving currents and potential contamination. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from Brisbane City Council and the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest flood warnings and recovery plans.
Evacuation Centres Open for Residents Affected by Flooding
Updated: 10 March 2025
Brisbane City Council has opened evacuation centres for residents needing to leave their homes due to flooding.
Evacuation Centres Now Open:
Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler Arena) – 757 Tilley Road, Chandler, 4155 (access via Old Cleveland Road, Car Park 3)
Kedron Wavell Services Club – 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside, 4032
Community-led Evacuation Centre: Riverlife Community Centre – 47 Jennifer Street, Seventeen Mile Rocks, 4073
Safety Reminders:
Check alerts and road conditions before evacuating.
Leave early and avoid driving through floodwaters.
If stopping, avoid parking near trees, creeks, or drains.
What to Bring:
Essential items – mobile phone, charger, spare clothing, toiletries, towel, important documents (e.g., insurance papers, passports, medical prescriptions).
Medication and infant supplies – formula, nappies, or any special medical needs.
Bedding – pillows and blankets are recommended.
Before leaving: Inform neighbours, turn off electricity and gas, and lock your home.
Pet Guidelines:
Sleeman Sports Complex & Riverlife Community Centre – Pets allowed but must be crated, leashed, and securely transported. Owners must bring food and litter trays.
Kedron Wavell Services Club – No pets allowed, except for registered service animals.
Council continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates. For more information, visit the Council’s emergency dashboard or call Brisbane City Council on 3403 8888.
Brisbane Council Service Updates Following Cyclone Alfred
Updated: 10 March 10:00 a.m.
Council has adjusted its services and facility operations due to Alfred’s impact.
Closures Until Further Notice:
Cemeteries, City Hall, Community Halls, Libraries, Pools, and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Five Council Customer Service Centres (North & South Regional Business Centres, Indooroopilly, Carindale, Brisbane Square)
Golf Courses and Off-Street Parking (King George Square & Wickham Terrace)
Mountain bike tracks at Gap Creek and Mt Coot-tha Reserve
