Stafford Archives - Page 2 of 4

Stafford: A Sweet Spot for Pastry Lovers

Stafford is emerging as a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Two bakeries, in particular, are drawing crowds and tantalising taste buds with their creative and classic pastries: Hugs, an ultra-cool bakehouse, and Bella & Tortie, a hidden gem with a devoted following.

Hugs: Where Comfort Meets Cool

Hugs, located at 2/27 Windorah Street, is more than just a bakery; it’s an experience. Hugs is quickly becoming a favourite among locals and visitors with its trendy atmosphere and innovative menu.

Stafford pastries — *Photo Credit:* *Hugs/Instagram*

The classic almond croissant is a must-try, but the savoury croissant slices truly set Hugs apart.

It would be best to take advantage of the culinary adventure of biting into a flaky croissant filled with creamy garlic potato bake or a medley of mushrooms and halloumi.

Bella and Tortie: A Weekend Treat

Located at 240 Stafford Road, Bella & Tortie operates on a unique model. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, this bakery has cultivated an air of exclusivity that adds to its allure.

The menu changes weekly, so following their Instagram is essential to stay in the loop.

From their signature canelés to an array of tarts, cakes, and pastries, Bella & Tortie offers a tempting selection worth the wait.

More than Just Bakeries

These bakeries are more than just businesses; they’re community hubs. They’re places where people gather to enjoy delicious treats, catch up with friends, and celebrate special occasions. The owner’s passion and dedication shine through every creation, making each visit memorable.

A Growing Trend

The rise of these bakeries speaks to a larger trend. People are increasingly seeking out high-quality, artisanal food experiences. They’re willing to travel and queue to taste something truly special. With its burgeoning bakery scene, Stafford is at the forefront of this movement.

Add Hugs, Bella, and Tortie to your itinerary, whether you’re a local or just passing through. You won’t regret it.

Published Date 19-September-2024

Emotional Windfall: Stafford Father’s Unexpected Fortune Secures Family’s Future

A Stafford father’s routine morning took an extraordinary turn when a casual ticket check revealed a $2.5 million windfall, leaving him overwhelmed with emotion and tears of joy. The life-changing sum promises to secure a bright future for his wife and children, transforming their lives in ways he never imagined possible.

Read: Stafford Heights Residence Restoration Strikes the Perfect Balance

The North Brisbane resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, was one of eight lucky winners in the Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4499 on 31 August 2024. Each winner claimed an equal share of the substantial prize pool.

Unaware of his newfound wealth, the man had been carrying the winning ticket in his wallet for nearly two weeks. It wasn’t until he passed by The Store on Eagle that he decided to check his numbers on a whim.

Upon learning of his win, the man was overcome with emotion. He explained that he was at work when he received the news and found himself crying, realising that he could now provide for his family and ensure his children’s safety. He expressed his gratitude and struggled to find words to describe his feelings.

The shock of the revelation left the winner struggling to articulate his thoughts, but he managed to convey that this windfall would be life-changing not only for him but for his family and friends as well.

With $2.5 million set to be deposited into his account next week, the overjoyed father shared his plans for the windfall. He revealed that the money would allow them to own their house outright, fund their children’s education, and provide assistance to some family members. The family is also looking forward to a well-deserved vacation during the upcoming school holidays.

The winning ticket was purchased at The Store on Eagle, located on the ground floor of Central Plaza Two. As the ticket was unregistered, officials had been unable to contact the winner, making the surprise even more dramatic when he finally came forward.

This unexpected fortune has not only provided financial security but has also given the Stafford family a chance to dream bigger and make a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. The winner expressed that this moment would be etched in his memory for the rest of his life.

Read: New Open Arms Counselling Offices Open in Stafford to Support Veterans

The August 31 draw of the popular weekend game revealed a winning combination consisting of six primary numbers – 6, 39, 15, 20, 32, and 4 – along with two additional supplementary numbers, 30 and 1.

Published 17-September-2024

Bunnings Stafford Evacuated Over Reports of Bomb Threat

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Bunnings Stafford has been evacuated following reports of a bomb threat. Police were called to the home improvement store around 11:15am this morning, August 29, after a threat was made.

The store has been completely evacuated as police conduct a thorough search of the premises. No further details have been provided about the nature of the threat or any potential suspects.

Authorities have not yet indicated when the store may be able to reopen. Customers and employees were quickly ushered out of the building as a precaution once the threat was reported.

Representatives from Bunnings Stafford have not yet issued a public statement about the bomb threat incident. Queensland Police are handling the investigation and clearing the scene.

Published 29-August-2024

ANFE Italian Club Builds New Home in Stafford, Offers $5 Membership

Photo Credit: ANFE Italian Club/ Facebook

The Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati (ANFE) Italian Club has broken ground on its new premises at 429 Stafford Rd. The club anticipates moving into its new home in late 2024 or early 2025.

ANFE Italian Club in Stafford — *Photo Credit:* *ANFE Italian Club*

ANFE Italian Club offers a limited-time membership special for just $5 to mark this exciting transition and welcome new and returning members. This offer is available until 31 August, 2024

ANFE Italian Club: A Premier Brisbane Institution

As one of Brisbane’s leading Italian clubs, ANFE has been a hub for the Italian community, offering various activities and events. While the club prepares to move to Stafford, it hosts events at its current Newstead location. Members and those interested in joining are encouraged to stay updated by following the club’s social media pages for event announcements and further details.

Founded in Brisbane in 1962 at the request of the Italian government, ANFE has a long and proud history of supporting Italian migrants and fostering cultural preservation. It started by assisting migrants with documentation, translation, and navigating the challenges of settling into a new country. Over time, ANFE evolved to focus on preserving Italian heritage, history, and traditions while providing social welfare and a sense of community.

ANFE has a global network with branches in Italy, Europe, and other parts of the world, including five representations in Australia. The Brisbane branch, located at 10 Wyandra Street, Newstead, has been a cornerstone of the local Italian community, providing social and recreational activities, particularly for older generations.

The current clubhouse in Newstead is a testament to numerous volunteers’ perseverance and hardwork under the direction of the late Mr. Annibale Boccabella, who served as president for more than 30 years.

Take advantage of this opportunity to join the ANFE Italian Club family and enjoy all membership benefits at a significantly discounted rate. Visit the club’s website or social media pages for more information and to take advantage of this special offer.

Published Date 25-July-2024

Towel Blaze Disrupts Stafford Orthodontist Clinic

A pile of towels ignited in a Stafford orthodontist’s office, causing a fire that prompted swift action from emergency services in the northern Brisbane suburb early in the morning.

Emergency services responded to a structure fire report at the intersection of Crawford Ave and Stafford Rd around 3:15 am on 19 July 2024. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the ceiling of a shop within the shopping complex.

Upon entering the premises, fire crews discovered a large pile of towels ablaze. They quickly extinguished the fire and checked adjoining shops for potential fire and smoke damage. The fire was successfully contained to the orthodontist’s office.

A Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman reported that smoke heavily affected the entire building, with the orthodontist’s shop being particularly smoke-logged. Thankfully, no one was inside the building when the fire broke out.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics were on standby at the scene. Queensland Police Service officers managed traffic control, closing Crawford Ave and both eastbound lanes on Stafford Road during the incident.

Queensland Fire Department investigators have been notified of the incident and will likely conduct a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The early morning blaze caused temporary disruptions to local traffic and businesses in the area. However, the quick response from emergency services prevented the fire from spreading to other shops in the complex, minimising potential damage and ensuring community safety.

Published 22-July-2024

Stafford Highlighted in Disturbing Australia Post Dog Attack Data

Photo Credit: Australia Post

New data reveals a troubling trend of dog attacks on postal workers, with the Brisbane suburb of Stafford emerging as a hotspot.

Australia Post’s latest figures show Queensland leading the nation in such incidents, recording a staggering 466 dog-related events in the past six months alone.

This alarming statistic is part of a larger national issue, with over 1,420 dog safety incidents reported across Australia in the same period. The data, released on the 17th of June 2024, paints a concerning picture for postal workers, who face an average of 55 dog-related incidents each week.

The Ipswich suburb of Bundamba topped the list for southeastern Queensland, followed by Darra and Stafford in Brisbane. Video footage released by Australia Post captured several incidents where posties were chased and even bitten while on duty.

Australia Post is urging dog owners to take responsibility for their pets, emphasising that even seemingly docile animals can display aggressive behaviour.

“While no single breed is more prone to aggression, we’re increasingly seeing smaller dogs exhibiting such behaviour,” a spokesperson noted.

Rod Maule, Australia Post General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, highlighted the stress and anxiety these incidents cause for posties, who simply want to carry out their duties without fear of attack.

Maule implores dog owners to secure their pets in a back garden, on a leash, or in a separate room when expecting deliveries, regardless of breed or temperament. He also suggests utilising parcel lockers as an alternative for those unable to safely restrain their dogs.

Australia Post has made it clear that deliveries will not be made if deemed unsafe and will cease altogether until the situation is resolved. Additionally, dog-related incidents are reported to local councils to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Published Date 19-June-2024

Stafford Heights Residence Restoration Strikes the Perfect Balance

Photo Credit: Paul Butterworth Architect

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

Lisa turned to Paul Butterworth Architect to breathe new life into the decaying structure.

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.

Photo Credit: Paul Butterworth Architect

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.”

Published 27-April-2024

New Open Arms Counselling Offices Open in Stafford to Support Veterans

Photo Credit: The Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling/Facebook

A new Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling office was officially opened in Stafford, significantly enhancing mental health services for Brisbane’s veterans and their families.

This facility, along with another site in Mount Gravatt, will provide free counselling, group programs, and peer support to the mental well-being of over 60,000 veterans and their families in the Brisbane area.

Each new counselling office will host specialist staff, many of whom are veterans or members of veteran families, equipped to offer military-aware and trauma-informed care. This initiative ensures that the services provided are finely tuned to the specific needs of the veterans and their families.

Established initially by Vietnam veterans as the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service, Open Arms has been a pivotal part of veteran mental health support since 1982. To date, it has provided over 2 million free mental health sessions to more than 300,000 veterans and their family members.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling — *Photo Credit: OpenArms-Veterans & Families Counselling/Facebook*

The Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to the mental health and welfare of ADF personnel, veterans, and their families is demonstrated through the expansion of Open Arms counselling services across Brisbane.

Assistant Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite highlighted Brisbane’s significant role as one of Australia’s largest homes for veteran communities and noted the facility as the leading specialist mental health service for the demographic.

“Our veterans have given much in the service of our country. Although we can never fully repay them, we can ensure robust support systems like Open Arms are readily available,” he stated.

Open Arms offers specialised, free, and confidential support across Australia and is accessible 24/7 at the contact number 1800 011 046. For more information, individuals are encouraged to visit the Open Arms website.

Published 26-April-2024

Oscar Retrospective: ‘Oppenheimer’ Triumphs and Continues to Captivate at Hoyts Stafford

“Oppenheimer,” a monumental cinematic portrayal directed by Christopher Nolan, celebrated an impressive triumph at the Oscars while continuing to captivate audiences at Hoyts Stafford.

This masterpiece, delving into the complex life and pivotal contributions of J. Robert Oppenheimer to the Manhattan Project, has been lauded for its profound narrative, stellar performances, and Nolan’s unparalleled vision.

Cillian Murphy, in the titular role, a distinguished cast including Robert Downey Jr., and the expert cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, have brought to life a historically significant and deeply human narrative.

At the Oscars, “Oppenheimer” clinched seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan, Best Actor for Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Downey Jr. This sweep is a testament to the film’s impact, which resonated well beyond its narrative through its technical brilliance and dynamic storytelling.

Oppenheimer at Hoyts Stafford — *Photo Credit: IMDb*

The awards night was particularly memorable, highlighted by producer Emma Thomas’s heartfelt acknowledgment of the collaborative effort behind the film’s success, and the significant support from IMAX and theatres worldwide that believed in Nolan’s vision.

What makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its Oscar wins and its universal acclaim. From a nearly unanimous critical approval to a significant box office success, the film has proven to be a cultural and cinematic landmark. Despite its three-hour run time and R-rating, it approached the $1 billion mark in global ticket sales, underscoring Oppenheimer’s story’s universal appeal and timeless relevance.

Get Tickets

“Oppenheimer’s” ongoing showing at Hoyts Stafford offers film enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this Oscar-winning spectacle in a cinematic setting, reaffirming the timeless allure of movie theaters and their communal experience.

What’s Showing in Brisbane?

Published 15-March-2024

Unexpected Closure: Stafford City Tavern Shutters Doors Abruptly

Stafford witnessed a sudden turn of events as the renowned Stafford City Tavern, a beloved local hotspot, announced its permanent closure.

Within hours of the announcement on Friday, 9 February 2024, the tavern’s doors were shuttered for the final time, marking the end of an era for the venue that had been a fixture in the Stafford City Shopping Centre since its opening in 2005.

The staff and loyal customers scrambled to come to terms with the sudden loss of a beloved gathering spot.

Swift Closure

Star Group’s decision to close the doors of the Stafford City Tavern came after efforts to negotiate a new lease, which had been ongoing since September 2023, were unsuccessful. The closure not only leaves a void in the local community but also raises questions about the future of the space within the shopping centre.

“Love going in there, best steak sandwich ever!!! I hear it’s because the shopping centre put the rent up too high. They did it to Australia Post & Bubble Car Wash. Started shopping at Stafford Heights on Rode Road now. Wishing the team at Stafford Tavern All The Best, going to miss the place,” a local said on the tavern’s Facebook announcement.

“I’m so sorry to hear this. My mum, dad and I enjoyed lunch there on 9 February, with no knowledge that it would be the last time we would be able to do so. Our meals were fabulous and such great value (including the largest chicken parmigiana we’d ever seen, which even my dad – who doesn’t believe in wasting food – couldn’t finish). What stands out the most though is the wonderful, friendly service from the staff, who made our visit so enjoyable. Thank you to you all, and I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”

“So devastated to hear this news tonight. It’s been our regular weekly family Snitzel Friday night for so long…. Even before this iteration. Perfect placement, parking readily available, not too loud, not too quiet. Amazing food! I have never had a bad meal there. Staff have always been amazing. You will most definitely be missed. I know you have the same menu at West End… but that’s a little too far for us. Stafford Shopping Centre will feel your absence!”

The Stafford City Shopping Centre remains optimistic about finding a new tenant but the loss of the tavern leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to replace.

Published 15-Feb-2024