A Lutwyche-based rescue group, formerly a cat cafe, shared an appeal that led to a new home for an elderly cat left alone in an Aspley house after her owner passed away.
A social media appeal shared by Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane in Lutwyche described the situation of Penny, a 17-year-old cat who was left on her own following the death of her elderly owner. While their physical cafe closed in 2022, Cat Cuddle Cafe continues to operate and raise funds through its online shop.
Penny had been living in the Aspley rental property for close to a month while the home was being cleared.
Photo credit: Facebook/Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane
The situation was brought to the cafe’s attention by a neighbour, Emily, who reached out in early April in the hope of finding the shy cat a safe place to go. In her message, Emily said Penny was affectionate towards her owner, who referred to her as his “lucky Penny.”
Penny has been described as a very shy cat, fearful of unfamiliar people and prone to hiding. With unfamiliar visitors coming in and out of the home, Penny remained frightened and largely out of sight. Emily and her husband visited daily to feed her, but the cat would only come out when the house was quiet to eat and use her litter tray.
Emily also noted that Penny, a former rescue cat, had not lived with other pets or children to her knowledge. She said a calm, quiet household where Penny could be the only animal would likely suit her best, adding that she was concerned the cat’s age and temperament might make it difficult to find the right home.
The post received a strong response online, with many people sharing it. Within two weeks, an update confirmed Penny had been rehomed, and she has since moved into a new household with two other rescue cats, Lilly and Norah.
Photo credit: Facebook/Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane
“Penny now lives with Lilly and Norah, her new fur sisters. Both rescued so they are a mishmash of girls living in a quiet home. She will be able to live her best life with her new family. They have lots of love to share with her,” Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane wrote.
Penny is still settling in and remains anxious. She remains in her own space for the time being as she adjusts to her new environment. The group noted the response from the community, stating that shares and engagement with the post helped connect Penny with her new family.
Located at 21-23 Norman Avenue, the project sits approximately 6 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD and has reached 30 per cent sold with construction already underway. The project is scheduled for its public launch in March 2026.
The $80-million development is being delivered by family-owned builder-developer Jadecorp, which has been operating since 1997. According to co-founder Maria Dracakis, the off-market sales demonstrate there is genuine demand for design-focused apartments in the area.
Property records show the 1,620 square metre site, spanning two lots, was acquired in November 2022 for a combined $3.35 million. Amended development plans were submitted to Brisbane City Council in July 2025 and received approval at the end of last year.
The building will comprise 52 two and three-bedroom residences across nine levels. HAL Architects designed the project with a 1960s hotel-inspired lobby that pays homage to mid-century design aesthetics.
The developer has reported strong interest in the penthouse residences. These apartments carry a price tag of $2.495 million, which would establish a new price record for Lutwyche if sold at that price.
The development’s centrepiece is the Residents Club rooftop, which has been designed as a private-club style amenity space. The rooftop terrace includes a sunrise pool and deck, a yoga and movement studio, an entertainment lounge, private dining areas, and a garden terrace.
The rooftop terrace features chequerboard paving paired with cobblestone elements and a raised pool sun deck surrounded by lush planting. Two private dining pavilions with integrated barbecues have been incorporated into the design. Residents can choose between pool lounges or secluded lounge nooks for relaxation.
A dedicated revitalisation zone has been created to facilitate yoga and meditation each morning, before residents settle into what the project describes as a calm retreat. The space has been crafted for both entertaining and unwinding in the Queensland sun.
The rooftop amenities have been positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane’s skyline, while the overall design celebrates the subtropical lifestyle characteristic of south-east Queensland.
The development adds to Lutwyche’s residential offering in Brisbane’s inner north. According to project marketing materials, life at The Rockwell moves at what is described as an effortless rhythm.
The suburb offers a mix of leafy streets, local cafés, shopping precincts and parklands. Residents have the convenience of direct city access while enjoying what the project describes as the quiet charm of Lutwyche, combining the best of Queensland living with proximity to the CBD.
Jadecorp has completed 25 projects throughout its history, totalling $350 million in gross realised value. The family-owned company is confident in the market depth for the residential product, as evidenced by its decision to commence construction with the project 30 per cent sold.
The off-market sales period allowed the developer to secure commitments before the broader public launch. According to the project website, The Rockwell features resort-style amenities, iconic design, and sweeping views to the Brisbane city skyline, celebrating Queensland’s subtropical way of life.
The developer’s confidence in proceeding to market while construction is already underway reflects the strong early response to the design-focused offering. The remaining 70 per cent of apartments will go on sale when the project launches officially next month, with settlement expected following completion of construction.
Residents living near the busy Lutwyche Road corridor will soon see two new fast food restaurants take shape on a corner block, following the lodgement of modified building plans that address both engineering challenges and tenant requirements.
The development is planned for the corner site incorporating 555, 561, 563 and 567 Lutwyche Road and 137 Chalk Street in Lutwyche. Modified plans have recently been submitted for application A006935784, making adjustments to previously approved designs.
According to planning documents, the modifications don’t introduce new uses or increase the number of tenancies on the site. Instead, the revisions refine the approved layout of two fast food restaurant tenancies to accommodate tenant-specific needs and address detailed engineering constraints posed by the Northern Busway tunnel that runs beneath the property.
Verve Building Design Co., the firm behind the project, has designed two standalone food and drink outlet buildings for the site. One restaurant will feature indoor dining and a drive-through facility, while the second restaurant—characterised by a distinctive blue exterior—will offer both indoor and outdoor dining with a dual-order drive-through setup.
Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006935784
Both buildings will be set back from Lutwyche Road and the Chalk Street intersection. Vehicle access will be provided from Chalk Street, while pedestrian connections will link Bradshaw Street, Chalk Street and Lutwyche Road.
The Development Details
Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006935784
The first tenancy will span approximately 200 square metres, with an additional 28 square metres allocated for alfresco dining. The restaurant has proposed operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be supported by 14 on-site car parking spaces. The single-storey building will reach a maximum height of around 5.3 metres, with an illuminated pylon sign extending to 6.5 metres. The design includes on-site loading and servicing areas, building-mounted signage and landscaping around the tenancy.
The second tenancy, distinguished by its blue exterior theme, will be slightly larger at 249 square metres and will include a mezzanine level designated for staff use only. This restaurant will feature indoor dining, a single drive-through lane with an order bay, and nine allocated car parking spaces. The building will stand approximately 5.4 metres tall, with its illuminated pylon sign reaching 8.1 metres. Like its neighbour, it will include on-site servicing facilities and landscaped surrounds.
Community Response
The development has generated considerable interest from local residents, with multiple submissions highlighting both concerns and questions about the project’s impact on the neighbourhood.
Traffic management has emerged as a key concern for residents in the immediate vicinity. Some have pointed out that the intersection of Lutwyche Road and Chalk Street already experiences congestion, particularly during peak periods when motorists attempt to turn into the shopping centre while navigating the busy corridor. The addition of two high-traffic drive-through facilities in this location has prompted questions about how traffic flow will be managed and whether existing infrastructure can accommodate the increased volume.
Residents living closest to the development site have also raised concerns about potential impacts on their daily lives, including noise from late-night operations, increased traffic on Chalk Street, and possible odours from commercial kitchen operations. Some nearby homeowners have expressed worry about how the development might affect local property values.
The effect on Lutwyche’s existing food and hospitality businesses has also been raised in community feedback. Some residents have highlighted the area’s strong community atmosphere and the presence of established local dining options, questioning how the introduction of two fast food chains might impact these existing businesses.
The Developer’s Approach
The coordinated design approach seeks to integrate multiple previously separate lots into a cohesive development that includes parking, landscaping and pedestrian connectivity.
The modifications to accommodate the busway tunnel demonstrate the technical challenges involved in developing urban sites with significant underground infrastructure. The refined layout works within these engineering constraints while accommodating the transport infrastructure beneath the site.
The development includes on-site parking for both tenancies—totalling 23 spaces—and pedestrian connections linking the development to Bradshaw Street, Chalk Street and Lutwyche Road. The site layout includes setbacks from major road frontages and landscaping surrounding both tenancies. Both buildings will incorporate on-site loading and servicing areas.
What Happens Next
With the modified plans now lodged under application A006935784, the proposal will progress through the assessment process. This includes consideration of public submissions and compliance with planning regulations for the Lutwyche Road corridor area.
Residents wanting to learn more about the development or review the submitted plans can access application A006935784 through the Development.i website, where detailed architectural drawings, traffic assessments and other supporting documentation are available for public viewing.
The timeline for the development’s approval and potential construction start date will depend on the assessment process and any further modifications that may be required to address technical or community concerns.
Lutwyche business leader Karuna Mazzocchi of Coronis Group has been named a finalist in the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, recognising her contribution to Brisbane’s growing business community.
Coronis Group, headquartered in Lutwyche, is represented in the 2025 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards through its Chief Executive Officer, Karuna Mazzocchi. She is a finalist for Business Person of the Year Award, which acknowledges outstanding leadership and impact across the city’s business landscape.
Mazzocchi’s recognition places Lutwyche on Brisbane’s business map, highlighting the suburb’s contribution to the broader economic growth of the city.
Photo Credit: Karuna Mazzocchi/Facebook
Coronis Group’s Growth and Milestone
After joining Coronis Group more than two decades ago, Mazzocchi became CEO in 2023. Under her leadership, the company now operates 23 offices, manages more than 10,000 properties, and maintains over 36 national partnerships.
Her leadership has been instrumental in driving expansion across multiple sectors, including finance and conveyancing, with the company achieving consistent growth. This achievement follows her being named the Most Influential Woman in Property at the 2024 REA Excellence Awards.
Business Awards Mark 20 Years
Now in its 20th year, the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards celebrate the city’s innovators, visionaries and entrepreneurs. The program acknowledges individuals and organisations shaping Brisbane’s economic future through creativity and enterprise.
The awards are organised by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency and aim to showcase local businesses across 11 categories, including innovation, sustainability, and investment.
For Mazzocchi and the Lutwyche-based Coronis Group, the nomination represents both recognition of past success and motivation to continue contributing to Brisbane’s business development leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A charming three-bedroom Queenslander in Lutwyche is set to welcome new owners for the first time since it was built in 1927, marking the end of an era for the Palmer-Broad family who have called 129 Fuller Street home for nearly a century.
Stephen Broad, 65, has made the difficult decision to sell the home his grandparents, Gordon and Dolly Palmer, built 98 years ago. The property will go under the hammer on 18th October, but with one firm condition: developers need not apply.
“It was a very hard decision to put it up for sale,” Mr Broad told Domain. He explained that while reaching the 100-year milestone would have been meaningful, concerns about the home’s care and the reality that neither his children nor grandchildren plan to live there made selling the right choice.
The home’s rich history is documented in remarkable detail. Mr Broad still possesses the original 1926 land purchase receipt showing his grandparents paid £630 for the block. Among other treasured documents are receipts for connecting electricity (£1) and installing a gas pipe, along with the original blueprints from a 1948 extension, complete with the builder’s handwritten notes.
After his mother Janice Broad (née Palmer) passed away earlier this year at 88, Mr Broad discovered precious family mementoes whilst clearing the house. These included a 1961 photograph of himself as a baby with his mother and grandmother in the front yard, and 1946 war bonds his grandfather never cashed in.
The property holds especially poignant memories for the family. Janice was born in the main bedroom in 1936, with the bottom drawer of the room’s wooden dresser serving as her makeshift crib. Much of the original furniture, purchased from Whincup & Co in Fortitude Valley, remains in the home today.
The Queenslander has been carefully maintained and updated over the decades. Renovations in the 1950s and 1980s added concrete stumps, a rear deck, a modernised kitchen, and a garage below, while preserving the home’s character features including polished floorboards.
Despite offers that might come from developers, Mr Broad is resolute about finding the right buyer. He told Domain that even an extra $200,000 from a developer would result in a definite “no”.
“I’d like to see this house filled with new life,” Mr Broad said, noting that neighbouring properties have recently been purchased by young couples starting families.
The home features one bathroom, multiple living spaces, and a backyard deck, with significant potential for expansion. Its location offers convenient access to transport, parks, cafés, and the CBD.
Sales agent Rohan Banning of REMAX Central Residential described the listing as incredibly unusual, saying he had never encountered a house held by one family for such a length of time.
The property auction will be held on-site on Saturday, 18th October 2025.
Lutwyche has remarkably emerged as Brisbane’s leading inner-ring suburb for house price growth, recording an impressive surge of over 21 per cent, even as the city’s overall access to affordable housing significantly tightens.
The latest PRD Smart Moves report, covering the period between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, reveals a notable shift in Brisbane’s property landscape. During this time, median property prices in the River City rose by 6.8 per cent.
For the first time, Melbourne has overtaken Brisbane in terms of the percentage of suburbs offering affordable units. Melbourne now boasts 42.9 per cent affordable unit suburbs, compared to Brisbane’s 38.7 per cent and Hobart’s 41 per cent.
This marks a significant drop for Brisbane units, which saw a dramatic decline from 60.3 per cent affordable suburbs in the latter half of 2024.
A suburb is considered both affordable and liveable if its median sales price is below the city median, while also providing good amenities, lower crime rates, and a lower unemployment rate. The report suggests that this decline in affordable options points to a clear undersupply for both houses and units in Brisbane, resulting in reduced sales volume and ongoing price increases.
Despite the broader affordability challenges, several Brisbane suburbs have experienced strong growth. In the inner ring, Lutwyche led for houses with a 21.8 per cent growth, while Balmoral saw unit prices jump by 41.8 per cent.
In the northern parts of the city, Virginia stood out for houses with a 35.8 per cent increase, and Boondall was a top performer for units, growing by 35.5 per cent. The southern suburbs saw Rocklea’s house prices rise by 34.4 per cent and Woodridge units by 43.4 per cent.
To the east, Birkdale houses increased by 28.3 per cent, and Alexandra Hills units by 39.9 per cent. Finally, in the west, Moggil houses saw a 28.9 per cent rise, with Mitchelton units experiencing 38.6 per cent growth.
The median sales price for houses in Brisbane now stands at $989,000, and for units, it is $698,000. Analysis of vendor discounts between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025 shows a shift for houses to a neutral zero per cent, suggesting a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers have a distinct advantage. Units, however, still command a premium, though it has lessened to 1.4 per cent, indicating a potential shift that could favour buyers.
Council has substantial development plans in Brisbane Metro for 2025, with $21.3 billion worth of projects focused on mixed-use and infrastructure. These developments aim to boost supply, but the emphasis is heavily on constructing townhouses (2,262), units (10,108), and residential lots (13,194), with only 186 stand-alone houses planned. This imbalance suggests that the undersupply of houses is likely to continue, which will further drive up median property prices across all property types.
The report highlights that the dominant proportion of homes sold in Brisbane Metro during 2024/25 were in more accessible price brackets: less than $849,999 for 43.8 per cent of houses and less than $549,999 for 33.1 per cent of units. This presents encouraging opportunities for home buyers in these segments.
Furthermore, strong sales were observed in the premium price points, with 30 per cent of houses selling at $1.15 million and above, and 19.7 per cent of units selling at $850,000 and above, signalling positive prospects for existing property owners. Both the house and unit markets in Brisbane Metro have yet to reach their peak.
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.
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 accident took place on Perry Street in Lutwyche, with emergency services responding to the scene just before 11:00 AM. The precise location highlights a potential safety concern for local cyclists in this suburban area.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) reported that the cyclist suffered a significant head injury after coming off his bike and striking a light pole. The cyclist was immediately transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.
One of Australia’s well-known bakery chains, Michel’s Patisserie, is set to close all its remaining stores, including its store inside shopping centre HomeCo Lutwyche.
The decision was announced by Retail Food Group (RFG), the company behind the brand, which attributed the closures to various challenges preventing future growth.
According to an RFG spokesperson, despite Michel’s Patisserie’s long-standing presence in Australia’s retail food sector, an internal review revealed several obstacles to sustaining the brand’s expansion.
Photo credit: Michel’s/Google Maps
As a result, franchise owners are being encouraged to transition their businesses to either the Gloria Jean’s brand or Donut King, two other RFG-owned chains.
The spokesperson also mentioned that both Gloria Jean’s and Donut King present promising opportunities for Michel’s Patisserie franchisees who are considering their business prospects in the short or long term.
A Legacy of Baked Goods and Coffee
Photo credit: Michel’s/Google Maps
Like other stores under the brand, the Lutwyche location was best known for its exclusive coffee blends and baked goods, ranging from cakes to quiches. Michel’s Patisserie was a popular destination for customers seeking high-quality pastries, birthday cakes, and savoury treats, making its closure a significant shift in the Australian café and bakery scene.
The news has left many long-time patrons disappointed, as the brand had established itself as a go-to for affordable and delicious treats. With the upcoming closures, customers will have to look elsewhere for their favourite Michel’s Patisserie offerings.
Michel’s Patisserie was founded in Sydney in 1980 by French chef Michel Cattoen and his wife Elisabeth. Initially a small operation, it rapidly grew in popularity before being sold in 1988 to Noel Carroll and Noel Roberts. Under new ownership, the brand expanded across Australia, gaining a reputation for its European-inspired baked goods and coffee.
Retail Food Group acquired Michel’s Patisserie in 2007, overseeing the chain during its peak when it had over 300 locations nationwide. However, by 2025, only 19 stores remained, all of which are now set to be either closed or converted into other RFG brands.
The closure marks the end of an era for the brand that once dominated the Australian bakery landscape. For loyal customers, the transition away from Michel’s Patisserie signals a significant change in the country’s café and bakery offerings.
