An elderly Stafford Heights couple is fighting to save their family home of 36 years as they contest a legal dispute over an alleged unpaid restaurant supply bill.
Carlo and Anna Maria Sica, who operate Carlo Naples Pizza on Lincoln Street in Strathpine, are defending a lawsuit filed in the Brisbane Supreme Court by Global Food and Wine Pty Ltd, a Nerang-based supplier.
The supplier claims the couple owes $48,013 for food deliveries made between 17 October 2023 and 14 January 2025, according to court documents filed on 3 November 2025.
Global Food and Wine alleges that Mr Sica, now 79, signed a personal guarantee on 1 June 2020 as part of a credit account arrangement with the supplier. The company has sought a court order for payment or the forced sale of the couple’s six-bedroom, three-bathroom Trouts Road home.
In August 2025, the supplier’s lawyers lodged a caveat against Mr Sica’s interest in the Stafford Heights property, which is jointly owned by the couple.
In their defence, filed on 12 December 2025, the Sicas have disputed key aspects of the claim. Mr Sica states he has “no recollection of ever executing the personal guarantee and indemnity agreement.”
The defence argues that if Mr Sica did sign the document, he was not adequately informed of its legal implications. Court documents state that at the time of the alleged signing, Mr Sica was 75 years old and “suffering from significant medical conditions and emotional stress.”
The defence further notes that English is Mr Sica’s second language and that whilst he has conversational proficiency, he “did not have sufficient proficiency to comprehend the legal meaning and consequences of the agreement.” The documents state he was not allowed to seek independent legal advice.
The couple has neither admitted nor denied the exact amount owed, stating that “complete records have not been recovered.” Mrs Sica has neither admitted nor denied being a joint holder in the partnership that operated the restaurant.
In their reply filed on 23 December 2025, Global Food and Wine stated they “remain uncertain of the truth or falsity” of Mr Sica’s denial despite making enquiries.
The supplier claims written demands for payment were made in July 2024 but remain unpaid.
No future court date has been set to hear the case.
The Sicas’ son, Max Sica, is serving a life sentence for the 2003 murders of three members of the Singh family—Neelma, 24, Kunal, 18, and Sidhi, 12—in what was described as one of Queensland’s most horrific crimes.
We’ve combed Brookside Centre, Everton Hills, Everton Park, McDowall, Mitchelton, Stafford, Stafford DC, and Stafford Heights for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Haruna J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such a nice vibe and friendly staff! They serve amazing batch brew and hand-drip coffee as well. The food and desserts were super tasty! See you soon!
Juliana A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a very nice family brunch here. The latte art was spectacular (give extra happiness 😊), and the Balinese kwe tiau goreng was especially delicious. Great service and friendly atmostphere! Highly recommend 👍
Flora N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good food, great atmosphere and friendly staff for a Friday brunch!
Thirumurugan Ponnusamy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Has few unique food items that you don’t find in an Indian restaurant which is great. All the food items were delicious and came out quick. Aloo Tikki Bao bun was a nice twist and tasted great. Prawn and Scallop curry was unique and cooked to perfection. Enjoyed the gluten-free flat bread. Great friendly service. Nice decor – though the plastic cherry blossoms were out of place 🤣. Highly recommended for food and a special dinner outing.
Aftaar Atik ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The finest Indian dining in Brisbane. From perfect ambience to the best Indian gourmet,Mezbaan Modern Indian Dining is the perfect choice for any special occasion.
Matthew Armstrong ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow. Came here impromptu based on almost all five star reviews. I’ll add to that with another five star. This is NOT your standard deep fried entree and watery curry type of Indian. This is as good as I can remember Indian food ever being anywhere in Brisbane. The service is impeccable and so friendly. We haven’t felt so welcome or attended to in some time. The food is so fresh and has such a good depth of flavour. Highly recommend you make this your local Indian or travel to try this. We will be back many times.
Lana Ostojic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Food is spectacular. Was really blown away by the flavours! Great atmosphere.100% would recommend. Will definitely be a Returning customer!
Domanique G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Phenomenal!!!!! Best middle eastern food experience we’ve ever had, we were all fighting over the prawns with burnt butter sauce! Also ordered one of each mocktail (blue Lagoon was the table favourite), a platter and potatoes with coriander – also incredible! Service was wonderful too considering how busy they were, the lovely owner kept checking on us and making sure everything was good. 10/10 (tip: just book a little later if you don’t like the loudness of a dinner service with children etc) can’t wait to visit again!
Eve White ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Found this beautiful Restaurent through Google search. Absolutely loved the food, the meat was tender, tasty and great value for money. The waiter is very kind and friendly. Would definitely come back to try more delicious food. Thank you.
Cat D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love, love love loved this place. The food is delicious and very well priced. The make your own stir fry portion was massive. I loved the bao buns. So delicious. A small restaurant but cool vibes.
Ell Amey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredibly tasty food, super flexiblewith dietry needs. Amazing atmosphere! The service was top knotch too, They helped us with my daughters birthday and cake we brought in. Highly recommend!
shreshtha jain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The menu is extensive with tons of choices, and the food is absolutely delicious. I created my own custom ramen bowl and it was perfect, exactly what I wanted. Love the fun neon-lit design that gives the place such a cool vibe. The lighting was too dim for good photos without flash, but trust me, the food looks as amazing as it tastes. Warm, friendly service and great energy throughout. Even on a weekday evening it was busy with a steady flow of customers, always a good sign! Definitely coming back.
Jessica Turner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great venue and atmosphere. Food is a reasonable price and delicious. We got a parmi and chicken schnitzel and both were excellent. Also, large selection of beers on tap. Will be back!
Roneen Fletcher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We love The Woods, we always feel so welcomed and so is our Labrador. The Food and service is exceptional. THANK YOU until next time….
A N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Found this little hidden gem today and I’m fairly certain it’ll become our regular spot. Benton ( pretty sure that’s his name ) and the staff were amazing and so attentive. We really enjoyed the it. I would have loved another genre of music but that’s more a personal choice rather than anything. Thanks again and see you soon.
A fierce auction battle erupted in Stafford Heights last Saturday, with six determined bidders driving the sale price of a structurally challenged cottage to $1.475 million – nearly $400,000 above the reserve price.
The four-bedroom post-war home at 85 Pangeza Street hadn’t changed hands in almost five decades, but its expansive 1174-square-metre block and commanding city views proved irresistible to buyers despite the property requiring extensive renovation work.
Local estate agent Jordan Peacock from Place Estate Agents Bulimba described the outcome as exceptional, noting the sale exceeded both expectations and recent comparable sales in the area. The auction attracted 10 registered bidders, including a mix of families looking for their dream home and developers eyeing renovation opportunities.
Bidding commenced at $1 million and progressed steadily in $25,000 increments until the property was declared on the market at $1.1 million, close to the reserve. The competition intensified as three final bidders pushed the price to $1.3 million before engaging in $5,000 increments for the closing stages.
The successful purchasers were a local family who managed to outbid several developers interested in the rare large-block opportunity. Such substantial blocks have become increasingly scarce in Stafford Heights, making this property particularly appealing despite its need for significant structural work.
Current market data shows Stafford Heights has experienced strong growth, with the median house price reaching $1,128,500 and annual capital growth of 15.74%, reflecting the suburb’s increasing desirability among families and investors.
The property’s appeal extended beyond its size to include the elevated city views that large blocks in the area can offer. Brisbane’s property market has demonstrated significant momentum heading into spring, recording the strongest monthly growth of any major capital city.
The longtime owners, who had called the property home for 47 years, expressed delight with the final result. Their decision to sell coincides with broader market trends showing strong rental yields in Brisbane sitting around 4.5%–5.2% for houses, supported by vacancy rates remaining critically low—below 1% in many suburbs.
This sale formed part of 176 scheduled auctions across Brisbane for the week, with Domain recording a preliminary clearance rate of 50 per cent from 116 reported results by Saturday evening, with 18 homes withdrawn from auction.
The Pangeza Street result demonstrates the continued appetite for quality residential blocks in established suburbs, particularly those offering development potential or family lifestyle opportunities with rare city outlook positions.
For Stafford Heights residents, the sale reinforces the suburb’s growing reputation as a sought-after location that balances accessibility to Brisbane’s city centre with the community atmosphere of a well-established neighbourhood.
When Lisa bought her Stafford Heights property almost a decade ago, she fell for its bones and the sweeping Moreton Bay views. The house itself was another matter. A roof past its use-by date, dodgy wiring, peeling paint, and a carpet that had seen too many decades of wear meant it was teetering between renovation and demolition. With a $400,000 budget, she had a choice: clear the block and start again or see if creativity could stretch further than cash.
Lisa’s renovation journey began in 2021, just as building costs began to surge during the pandemic. Architect Paul Butterworth, who has long championed mid-century design, joined her on the project. Together they mapped out an ambitious plan—restore the façade, widen the balcony, sand back the original floors, update the plumbing and wiring, and add bursts of colour that would reflect Lisa’s lively character.
But as prices kept climbing, their spreadsheets told a harsher story. A plunge pool earmarked for the front yard was quickly scrapped. The roof, plumbing and electrical repairs were deemed non-negotiable. Cosmetic upgrades would have to wait. Lisa and Butterworth pared back the list, focusing on essentials that would preserve the structure while still giving the home a personality refresh.
Balancing Colour and Character
Despite the cutbacks, the home never lost its identity. A chartreuse front door and a striking mural on the balcony became its defining flourishes. Inside, the kitchen and bathroom were lightly modernised while retaining their original footprint. The balcony, widened from one to three metres, opened the living space to the surrounding views.
Butterworth often said that bold colour needed to be treated as carefully as any other design element. The risk of turning the home into a patchwork of mismatched hues was real, but careful composition allowed the colours to feel deliberate and confident.
The decision to renovate rather than rebuild went against the grain in a city where demolition often feels easier. Yet Lisa’s choice to invest in what already stood shows how Brisbane’s post-war and mid-century housing stock can adapt. Her home, once described as a “Palm Springs hangover,” now carries an unpretentious retro flair that fits the suburb’s hillside character.
Butterworth said the project demanded a balance of restraint and boldness—resolving structural problems first, then adding personality through targeted design moves. By the time practical completion was reached in February 2024, the house no longer looked tired. Instead, it reflected the reality of budget constraints: you can’t do everything, but you can do enough to make a place feel alive again.
Neighbours and visitors have watched the transformation with interest. What was once a rundown property on a Stafford Heights street has become a local talking point. The story has resonated with others planning renovations of their own. It shows that prioritising essentials over luxuries doesn’t have to mean compromising on individuality.
Investor appetite for suburban retail properties in Brisbane has reached new highs, with Stafford Heights among the locations where fully leased neighbourhood centres were recently sold. RWC Retail, a division of the Ray White Group, facilitated the transactions, which totalled seven centres over seven months and achieved a combined value of $32.3 million.
The Stafford Heights asset, located at 67–71 Wilgarning Street, sold for $4.213 million. It was acquired through a competitive process that attracted multiple bidders and delivered a yield of 5.55 per cent.
RWC Retail reported that buyer interest in the sector is currently outperforming historical trends, averaging over 350 enquiries per campaign. Analysts noted that demand has remained strong across Brisbane despite broader economic uncertainties. The firm said both the Stafford Heights and Camp Hill centres were fully leased at the time of sale, which helped drive investor interest.
Yields for these assets reflect market confidence, with the Stafford Heights sale closely followed by the Camp Hill site at 82 Bennetts Road, which sold for $6.1 million on a 5.72 per cent yield.
Photo Credit: RWC Retail
Key Drivers of Investment Appeal
Buyers focused on established centres with long-term tenants, favourable lease terms, and well-positioned landholdings. These factors, according to RWC Retail, continue to influence high levels of engagement across their campaigns.
The team involved in the sales – Michael Feltoe, Pablo Routledge and Lachlan O’Keeffe – cited these attributes as consistent motivators for investors looking for quality suburban retail assets.
Photo Credit: RWC Retail
Long-Term Outlook Remains Positive
Despite broader global uncertainty, RWC Retail expects buyer interest in neighbourhood centres to persist through the remainder of 2025. The agency highlighted continued demand from private, high-net-worth local investors who remain active in the market.
With access to a broad investor network through the Ray White Group, RWC Retail has positioned itself to continue capitalising on this trend in key Brisbane suburbs such as Stafford.
This beloved eatery is home to an imported Stefano Ferraro woodfire pizza oven and a team of highly skilled pizzaiolos who masterfully craft dough into something truly special. If you’re searching for a pizza experience beyond the ordinary, this Italian restaurant is the place to be.
A Menu Full of Unique Creations
NuStella (Photo credit: Prova Pizzeria/Facebook)
Prova Pizzeria doesn’t just stick to the classics—it pushes the boundaries of flavour. One of its most talked-about offerings is the pistachio pizza, an inventive creation featuring pistachio cream, mozzarella, Italian sausage, and even more pistachios for a nutty, savoury delight.
Photo credit: Prova Pizzeria/Facebook
For those with a sweet tooth, Prova delivers in spades. Traditional Italian desserts like cannoli and tiramisu are on the menu, but the NuStella—a Nutella-filled pizza pocket—adds a playful twist to the usual fare. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, their 100-layer lasagna is a must-try, featuring layers upon layers of rich beef Bolognese ragu, creamy béchamel sauce, and a generous helping of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
From Side Project to Award-Winning Pizzeria
Photo credit: Prova Pizzeria/Google Maps
Prova Pizzeria was founded by Joseph Vecchio and Caterina Sullivan, originally as a side venture while Mr Vecchio was working on building projects. However, it wasn’t long before the pizzeria took centre stage in their lives, with Mr Vecchio leading the kitchen and Ms Sullivan managing the front-of-house.
Photo credit: Kim Kimington/Google Maps
Their dedication and passion have paid off—back in 2021, readers of a local newspaper voted Prova as North Brisbane’s best pizzeria, cementing its reputation as a community favourite.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a meal or prefer to take your pizza home, the restaurant has you covered. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeaway options, ensuring you can indulge in their delicious offerings however you like.
Located at 61 Wilgarning St, Stafford Heights, Prova Pizzeria is a must-visit for anyone craving top-quality, innovative Italian cuisine. Whether it’s a perfectly charred pizza, a decadent dessert, or a hearty lasagna, this local gem delivers on every front.
A young girl was struck by a car outside Stafford Heights Baptist Church while crossing the road with her family, leaving the tight-knit community shaken. The 11-year-old suffered facial injuries in the incident, which took place on Appleby Road in Stafford Heights as the family was heading to their Sunday service.
The accident occurred at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, 9 February, when the girl’s hand slipped from her father’s grip just before she was hit by a slow-moving vehicle. Her father, T Sui Dun, said the family was going to the church when the incident happened. Witnesses immediately called for an ambulance, and paramedics treated the child for scars and grazes on her right jaw before transporting her to Queensland Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
For illustration purposes only Photo Credit: QAS
According to witnesses, the vehicle’s driver remained at the scene briefly but left before emergency services arrived, leaving a contact number with bystanders. Queensland Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
The accident occurred in front of fellow churchgoers, including Pastor Cungbik Kingbawl—also known as KB—who said the congregation was rallying around the family. The church serves Chin people from Myanmar and a Sudanese congregation and has been a long-standing support system for refugee and migrant families in the area. Pastor Kingbawl emphasised that the church community offers prayers and assistance to the affected family during their recovery.
A Close-Knit Multicultural Community
Stafford Heights Baptist Church has served diverse communities since 2006, when it welcomed new families, including refugees, into its congregation. The accident has reinforced the church’s role as a pillar of support for the Chin and Sudanese communities in Brisbane’s north, with members coming together to check in on the family’s well-being.
As the investigation continues, residents express concerns about road safety near the church, particularly for families crossing Appleby Road on their way to Sunday services. Community members have suggested reviewing pedestrian safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Updating an old home is a balancing act of adding modern elements while retaining the charm of its original character. The Stafford Heights Residence is the perfect example of a restoration process that strikes the balance effectively.
After acquiring the property eight years ago, Lisa has decided to restore the home’s retro charm. The house suffered from maintenance issues such as utility problems, peeling paint, and roofing concerns. It’s about time for a much-needed restoration.
The house suffered from maintenance issues such as utility problems, peeling paint, and roofing concerns. Photo Credit: Paul Butterworth Architect
Paul’s direction was simple. He retained most of the existing home with fresh coat of paint, refinished floors, and a new roof to ensure the longevity of the house. The living space was expanded to accommodate an open, spacious dining area.
The mid-century terrace at the entrance sets the tone for the home. Breeze blocks and V-shaped steel beams mimic the geometric blue triangles painted on the garage below.
Lisa loves the mid-century style, and it clearly reflects on the project. Inspired by iconic residences such as the Rose Seidler House and the now-demolished El Dorado Motel in Gold Coast, she aimed for the same playful elements.
Yellow became the central theme, with the front door sporting a vibrant chartreuse hue. Similarly coloured square creates striking accents.
The outdated kitchen received an overhaul. The floating island remained with a lively yellow laminate countertop, but the real eye candy of this space is the abstract mural done by local artist, Drapl. This area seamlessly connects the indoors to the outdoors, capitalising on the views of Morton Bay, refreshing sea breezes, and the subtropical climate.
Paul emphasises the value of preserving historical homes. “They are a legacy for memory and a testament to the people that built them & the families that were born & raised in them,” he says. He believes that even if the owner has the budget to demolish and rebuild, he wouldn’t still have done it.
“Lisa didn’t know how to ‘fix’ her home, but we helped curate her initiative into an outcome that fulfils her needs and enriches her lifestyle. The opportunities to create interesting outcomes for existing homes and homeowners are endless, we just need to ask the right questions.”
A couple, a 26-year-old man from Warner and a 33-year-old woman from Chermside, have been arrested and charged concerning a series of break and enter offences in the Stafford Heights and Chermside areas earlier this week.
The incidents began unfolding around 7:15 am on Tuesday, February 6th when residents of a home on Ringrose Street in Stafford Heights arrived to find two men allegedly loading property from their residence into a red Hyundai IX35. The offenders had allegedly forced entry through the front door and stolen items from three bedrooms.
As the alleged thieves fled the scene in the Hyundai, the quick-thinking residents avoided their cars from the thieves’ route, narrowly avoiding a collision. Some stolen goods spilled from the open boot of the getaway car along Webster Road and Kitchener Road.
A short time later, police received a report of the suspected red Hyundai parked in the car park of a unit complex on Spark Street in Chermside. Upon arriving at the location, officers allege they found not only the vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Aspley on January 25th, but a large haul of suspected stolen property inside.
Further investigations led police to a nearby hotel room, where they allegedly uncovered more stolen goods taken from a unit on Latham Street in Chermside.
The 26-year-old Warner man was arrested and charged with entering a dwelling to commit an indictable offence, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, receiving tainted property, and possession of a knife in a public place. He is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 28th.
His alleged 33-year-old female accomplice from Chermside was charged with receiving tainted property and possessing drug utensils. She is scheduled to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 8th.
Police state a third man allegedly fled the scene and remains at large. They are appealing to the public for any further information related to the case.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
After 43 years in the business, the couple behind Rode Meats, a beloved neighbourhood butcher shop in Stafford Heights, has retired and handed over the reins to new management.
Rode Meats isn’t closing, however. Brad and Julie will be passing on the business to a new owner, Will. With Will’s determination and commitment, customers will enjoy a reassuring continuity in the same legacy of quality and services that Rode Meats provides.
The enduring loyalty of the staff further bolsters this assurance, as familiar faces will remain to ensure the business retains its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Rode Meats has been a mainstay at the Rode Road Shopping Centre since 1980, supplying premium meats and fostering community connections with generations of customers.
Photo Credit: Rode Meats/Facebook
With heartfelt messages pouring in from customers, Brad and Julie conveyed their mixed emotions regarding their retirement.
Brad’s journey started as a 13-year-old clean-up boy and he expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of the community that propelled his and Julie’s dream to fruition. Julie, who handled the business operations behind the scenes, also bid a sentimental farewell to her role in the enterprise.
Brad’s promise to continue aiding during peak periods serves as a comforting reassurance that the transition is not a complete departure, but rather a seamless evolution.
“This isn’t a goodbye, I’ll still be around to help out around the busy periods. But for now, a massive thank you and a see you soon!” he said.
Photo Credit: Rode Meats/Facebook
Kay Meredith, a long-time customer, expressed her appreciation for the enriching experiences shared around the dinner table, while Tris Rowland commended the seamless transition the couple achieved after taking over from the previous owner.
Anne-Maree Houghton underscored the diverse array of products that had adorned countless dining tables throughout the years.
