The incident occurred at Mozart Place, where Veri Kostidnovac and her husband have resided for 55 years.
“I don’t know what they were chasing,” said a visibly shaken Ms Kostidnovac, who now fears being on her own property.
Video footage shows the gang attempting to break into homes before police arrived on the scene. The group managed to escape in a car before the police could apprehend them.
The driver of the stolen car, a 15-year-old youth offender, drove so dangerously that the police had to suspend the pursuit.
Queensland Police Detective Inspector Wayne Frances described the situation as “extremely dangerous”, posing a risk not only to the police officers involved, but also to the community and the offenders themselves.
The Church of Scientology and a controversial AFL training camp known as the “Collective Mind” saga involving the Adelaide Crows has been linked to the missing Jindalee couple who vanished without a trace over two weeks ago.
Sonya and Wolfgang Wildgrace, New Age counsellors who ran a business in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast, were reported missing by police on February 25th. Their highly distinctive orange Mitsubishi Triton with the personalised plate “GROWTH” and trailer have not been seen since their disappearance.
Strange details have emerged about the couple’s background. Sonya Wildgrace had studied at Star’s Edge International, a company founded by leading Scientologist Harry Palmer that claims to have trained 10,000 people in its “Avatar” therapy.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Wildgrace was one of three figures from the Workplace Wellbeing Institute involved in the infamous 2018 pre-season “Collective Mind” camp for the Adelaide Crows AFL club. The camp, intended as a “rite of passage” to overcome “selfishness” and “entitlement” after a devastating grand final loss, has been blamed for severely damaging the club’s playing list.
However, some Crows players praised Wildgrace’s “wisdom” and thanked him for making them “better men” through programs like the “Rite of the Warrior.” The club’s coach at the time, Don Pyke, also lauded Wildgrace.
Neighbours reported seeing camping gear and a messy home interior when the couple went missing.
Lucha Brewing Co., a family-operated boutique brewery, celebrated its second anniversary, highlighting its unique contribution to local community engagement through craft beer.
Emphasising the joy of communal experiences, Lucha Brewing Co. remains dedicated to its role as a meeting place for friends, families, and beer enthusiasts.
Since its inception, the pub has stood out for its exceptional craft beer and commitment to fostering community ties. Inspired by the vibrant culture of lucha libre wrestling, the brewery offers a space where life’s moments are savoured with great company.
Photo Credit: Lucha Brewing Co
“Our brewery has become more than just a place to enjoy beer; it’s where people come together, forming lasting friendships and creating a close-knit community,” said Damien, Owner of Lucha Brewing Co.
“What started as a passion for brewing has evolved into a love for hosting our community. The connections made here, over our craft beers, have been the true highlight of these two years,” Damien added.
Damien is the brewmaster and barman. Before pursuing his passion for brewing, he had a career in public service. Sandie, his wife, manages the paperwork and operations behind the scenes efficiently. Their son, Rohan, helps out behind the bar. Together, they are the backbone of Lucha Brewing, a labor of love borne out of their desire to break free from the monotony of routine and embrace the joy of creating something new.
When you enter the taproom, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find high-quality beers and a peaceful environment where you can engage in meaningful conversations and create unforgettable memories while listening to music from the 80s to the present. Damien, the owner, keeps his fridge stocked with his latest home-brewed IPAs, reflecting his unwavering pursuit of the perfect pint.
Photo Credit: Lucha Brewing Co.
Lucha Brewing is a new addition to the Brisbane beer scene, but it has already made a significant impact. The taproom is always busy with residents and craft beer lovers. The brewery is a symbol of community spirit, providing a space where neighbours and strangers can become mates over a cold pint.
“Without your continued support we wouldn’t be here and enjoying it so much. So, thank you to the weekly regulars. Thank you to those who get here every other week or when they can. Thank you to those who travel further and visit when they are on this side of town and thank you to the amazing food trucks that keep coming to feed us.”
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucha Brewing never lost its indomitable spirit. Although the startup faced delays, the team remained determined and focused on its goals. Even when floods tested its resilience, the brewery stood strong and provided aid to the community. It is now eagerly awaiting brighter days ahead.
The brewery’s success is a testament to its founders’ vision of a local hub for relaxation and socialization, supported by a loyal base of regulars and the contribution of various food trucks that enhance the visitor experience.
A house on Carlyle Street in Seventeen Mile Rocks commenced construction in 1977 and was never finished. Premek Borek of Property & Beyond has decided to take on the challenge of completing it.
The project, located at 29 Carlyle St, has been a long-standing concern for residents due to its unfinished state over the past four decades. However, with the intervention of Property & Beyond in 2023, the house is currently being constructed, promising a unique design while preserving its original features.
“Construction commenced in 1977 and never got finished,” Mr Borek said.
“It has been a sore eye (sic) to local residents for the last 40+ years and now is being transformed to a unique design, whilst retaining original features. I get a lot of support from locals, whenever they walk past it and see me.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
The site, falling within the Low Density Residential Zone, is presently occupied by a post-1946 Dwelling house and ancillary domestic outbuildings. Despite the proposal for a technical third storey, it will be implemented as a mezzanine within the upper level of the house. This addition aims to optimize the utilization of existing high ceilings while maintaining the external appearance of a two-storey dwelling.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Development Application (A006315220) for the project was filed on June 2023 and decided in September of the same year.
The approval was granted considering various factors, including the consistent land use for the Low Density Residential Zone, the internal nature of the third storey, adherence to maximum height regulations, setbacks, and materials consistent with the streetscape character of Carlyle St.
Interestingly, the original building approval from nearly 50 years ago permitted the owner to reside in a caravan on the premises during the construction of the house, highlighting the lengthy history and unique circumstances surrounding the property’s development.
Keen observers would have seen that the Vietnamese restaurant was used as a filming location and featured in some scenes in the second episode of the series.
The Netflix series was inspired by the novel Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton, which tells the story of protagonist Eli Bell growing up in 1980s Darra and navigating its complications.
Photo credit: Netflix
Though Que Huong enjoyed its Netflix debut, the restaurant has been a staple in the Darra community long before the cameras arrived. It has developed a devoted customer base as a well-known restaurant in the Darra area for years.
Photo credit: Que Huong Restaurant/Facebook
More than a restaurant, Que Huong provides the backdrop for traditions, connections, and memories spanning generations of locals. For many Darra families, this unassuming eatery is where their history together has grown with each visit over the years.
Their signature dishes like chilli crab, prawns and barbecue duck have garnered quite a fanbase over the decades. Beyond these specialties, Que Huong boasts an extensive menu filled with salad dishes, soups, hotpots, and rice meals.
What makes the restaurant even more special is its retro vibes – the decor is straight out of the 1990s with mirror ball, coloured lights, and a mural depicting Halong Bay.
Photo credit: Que Huong Restaurant/Google Maps
With its mouthwatering Vietnamese fare, it’s no wonder Que Huong has a dedicated customer base who don’t mind that the restaurant is usually packed with diners.
The spacious interior can easily accommodate large groups and families. Whilst Que Huong enjoyed its time in the Netflix spotlight, it remains a darling among locals as one of Brisbane’s best Vietnamese restaurants.
For fans of the book or show who want to get a taste of the setting, Que Huong offers the perfect opportunity to dine in a place that seems frozen in time.
Following the devastation caused by the storms in South East Queensland, residents of Riverhills find themselves grappling with the reality of a beloved local bakery’s prolonged closure.
For more than two decades, Riverhills Bakery has held a special place in the hearts of its patrons but on 2 Feb 2024, the store appeared to be cleared of its items, leaving some locals to wonder if it will open again.
As concerns grew among the bakery’s patrons about its prolonged closure, social media platforms such as Facebook became a forum for discussion. Questions were raised about why the beloved Riverhills Bakery had not yet reopened.
A resident provided insight into the situation, explaining that the complex’s owners had refused to repair the damaged roof, leading to persistent leaks during rainy weather. These leaks, in turn, caused significant harm to the bakery’s equipment.
Adding to the adversity, the bakery lacked insurance coverage, which further complicated the recovery process. Some tenants within the complex grew weary of the ongoing battle, resulting in the unfortunate closure of the cherished establishment.
Whilst Riverhills Bakery had been a source of joy and comfort for the 4074 community, the storm that swept through the area left a trail of destruction in its wake. The powerful flooding inflicted considerable damage on the bakery’s valuable equipment, rendering it inoperable.
The most significant losses included an aging bread slicer and other specialised tools, the replacement costs of which proved to be exorbitant. To compound the challenge, finding the necessary parts for repair became an arduous endeavour.
In the spirit of solidarity, Stephanie Liley took the initiative to create a GoFundMe page aimed at helping the bakery owners cover the costs associated with repairing the damaged equipment.
Liley expressed her deep appreciation for Riverhills Bakery, describing it as a “wonderful fixture in the 4074 community.” Carol and her family, who have managed the bakery on Bogong Street for over two decades, have been instrumental in creating countless cherished memories and delicious meals for the residents.
However, it’s worth noting that Ms Liley’s GoFundMe campaign, initially launched to support the bakery, has now been closed without any clear indication of whether it has reached the fundraising goals.
Riverhills Bakery was renowned not only for its longevity but also for its commitment to providing affordable and high-quality baked goods. Customers were drawn to the bakery’s welcoming atmosphere and the freshness of its products.
With a remarkable four-star rating on Google, the bakery received praise and glowing reviews from its loyal patrons. Their testimonials exemplify the bakery’s reputation for excellence.
The seven-phase project (MID-1123-0745) highlights the construction of new facilities, classrooms, elevators, and parking spaces.
Despite being designed for only 186 students, Western Suburbs State Special School (WSSS), one of Brisbane’s leading special schools, currently serves 193 students ranging from Prep to Year 12.
Projections indicate that the school, which does not limit enrolments based on catchment areas, could see its student population reach 209 in the next three years.
The proposed expansion aims to provide space for up to 252 students and allow for an increase in staff from the current 90 to 114. The development’s primary goal is to address functionality challenges in the school’s senior student cohort, specifically in buildings within the F Block area, which were originally introduced to the site when state special schools did not need to cater to students with physical impairments.
Photo Credit: MID-1123-0745
Stage 1 of the expansion involves the construction of a new building, block R, with 14 classrooms and administration facilities. It also includes the development of a 68-space carpark, a 20-space carpark near the administration building, lifts, ramps, demolition of block F, and the establishment of a new bus drop-off/pick-up zone.
Stage 2 focuses on renovating block A to create two new classrooms and redeveloping block E into a new library. The subsequent stages include the construction of a new hall with therapy areas, improved accessibility features such as stairs, ramps, and lifts, relocation of existing greenhouses and horticultural sheds, demolition of block F, refurbishment of block A to accommodate two new classes and a new library, and the creation of outdoor learning spaces and play areas. Blocks G, J, K, and L will be demolished, while blocks B and C will undergo renovation or reconstruction.
Photo Credit: MID-1123-0745
This expansion comes amid discussions following the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendation last October 2023 for a 30-year phase-out of special education and a halt on new special school developments from 2025. The recommendation, which aims to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream schools, has raised concerns among Queensland’s educational sectors. The State Government is currently reviewing this proposal.
The project is now subject to public review, with submissions accepted until 16 February 2024. Look for MID-1123-0745 on the planning site.
Feedback can also be sent via email to infrastructuredesignation@dsilgp.qld.gov.au or mailed to PO Box 15009, City East, QLD, 4002.
Durack State School and Jamboree Heights State School are among nearly 100 Queensland state schools that have been damaged in Queensland’s dual disasters recently, with authorities now racing to repair facilities in time for the first day of school.
With the new school term scheduled to begin on 22 Jan 2024, repair works are ongoing to ensure that every school is ready for the return of students.
Durack State School and Jamboree Heights State School were among the casualties as roofs were ripped off and trees crashed into classrooms. Helensvale State School was hit particularly hard, with a tree causing substantial damage.
In some cases where classrooms and facilities are out of commission, demountable classrooms will be brought in as temporary solutions.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The scope of the repairs varies, from simple flood clean-ups to long-term rebuilding efforts on sections of buildings.
One school in Far North Queensland is experiencing a particularly tight race against the clock to complete repairs.
While the cost of repairing the schools remains unknown, the state government has assured that no state school will suffer financially due to the storm damage.
Education officials confirmed that a total of 96 state schools had been damaged. About 35 schools were affected in South East Queensland, while the Far North bore the brunt with 61 schools in need of repairs.
Although acknowledging the extent of the damage, Helensvale State School Principal James Forrest expressed gratitude that the situation was not worse, considering the fallen trees scattered throughout the school grounds. Despite the challenges, the damaged building at Helensvale State School is expected to be unavailable for approximately the first three weeks of the school year.
A new five-storey mixed-use development has been proposed for Warrender Street in Darra, featuring residential units, restaurants, offices, and retail spaces.
Designed by architecture firm Refresh Design, the development aims to activate the area with new housing, dining, and commercial options.
Located at 45 Warrender Street, the proposed development will have two main buildings across 2,744 sqm of total floor area. Building 1 will be 820 sqm, whilst the larger Building 2 is planned at 2,422 sqm.
Site plan (Photo credit: Refresh Design)
Between the two structures, there will be space for eight retail shops (644 sqm in total), four commercial office tenancies (282 sqm), and 12 rooming accommodation units (523 sqm) on the ground floor.
The upper levels include a mix of four single-story units, four loft-style units, and four two-story townhouse units for residential spaces totaling over 1,400 sqm.
Outdoor areas are a focus as well, with 498 sqm of private open space and 113 sqm of communal courtyard. Significant deep planting, landscaping, and parking spots round out the site plan.
Photo credit: Refresh Design
The proposal incorporates 31 on-site parking spaces to accommodate residents and visitors. Refuse storage and collection has also been addressed with a dedicated area for RCV pickup service within the site.
For vehicle access, there will be two entry points to the development from Warrender Street via new crossovers to be constructed. The planned parking and servicing arrangements aim to fully support the mixed-use complex onsite once operational.
45 Warrender St, Darra (Photo credit: Google Street View)
According to planners, the proposed development utilises several design elements to minimise the perceived size and scale across the site. Careful articulation, varied roof pitches, and a mix of exterior materials and finishes help break up building mass. An active ground floor and upper level balconies facing the street frontage further reduce bulk whilst enhancing street activation and casual surveillance opportunities.
The proposed mixed-use complex aims to bring new housing diversity and commercial activity through its blend of shops, offices, restaurants and residential spaces conveniently located near public transport in Darra. With city approval, construction could begin soon on the development.
After an initial round of consultations in early 2023, the second round of community engagement for the Centenary Motorway Upgrade – Darra to Toowong will start this year.
Local residents will have the opportunity to review updated draft plans and provide input on the proposed masterplan.
Over the four-week consultation period earlier in 2023, there were over 2,000 interactions with stakeholders and community members. Some of the key issues raised included reducing congestion on the motorway; improving biking and walking facilities; and considering additional public transportation services.
Centenary Motorway (Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au)
The current project encompasses improvements along the entire stretch of road from the Ipswich Motorway interchange to the Toowong Roundabout.
Project map (Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au)
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) stresses the importance of public feedback in finalising designs for the next phase of construction after the current bridge upgrades are completed.
The $298.5 million Centenary Bridge Upgrade represents the first stage of the broader motorway enhancements.
Works on the new three-lane northbound bridge, rehabilitation of the existing southbound bridges, and improved pedestrian/cycling infrastructure were slated to commence in late March 2023.
The Centenary Bridge, which forms part of the Motorway, currently carries over 85,000 vehicles daily, and projections estimate over 150,000 vehicles will need to cross it by 2036; the upgrade will improve safety to reduce crashes, increase capacity to meet current and future traffic demand with better travel time reliability, provide better facilities for active transport, and lengthen entry and exit ramps for safer merge lanes.
TMR and contractors aim to minimise impacts to motorists and residents throughout construction. The team is currently finalising work plans and permits ahead of the start date. Initial on-site activities will involve surveys, site preparation, and utility relocations.
The federal government has pledged $10 million through the Major Project Business Case fund, in additional funding to support planning and development of the corridor upgrades.
TMR plans to hold a series of community information sessions beginning February 14. Further information including the survey form can be viewed on TMR’s website.
