A daring car theft took place in West End, where a black Audi A3 was stolen by a young individual from the Wheelz and Wheelz car dealership on Ingham Rd.
The incident took place around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 Oct 2023. Local authorities are now investigating the incident that saw the stolen car involved in a dramatic joy ride past the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre just an hour later.
A black Audi A3, left unlocked in the car yard of Wheelz and Wheelz, was snatched by an opportunistic young thief. The stolen car, worth thousands, was driven away from the dealership, leaving both the staff and owners in shock. Police were alerted immediately and launched an investigation into the theft.
Less than an hour after the car was stolen, the stolen Audi A3 was spotted by members of the public. It was seen driving in convoy with a stolen white Toyota HiLux outside the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, located on Old Common Rd, Belgian Gardens. The stolen vehicles were making laps near the detention centre, creating a spectacle for onlookers.
The stolen Toyota HiLux, a separate case in itself, was reported stolen from the Walkabout Palms caravan park in Wulguru. The theft occurred sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Monday and 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The vehicle had its rear and side windows smashed, indicating it had been forcefully accessed.
Local law enforcement agencies are now working tirelessly to resolve the case. The theft of the Audi A3 and the subsequent joy ride near the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre has raised concerns about the safety and security of vehicles in the West End area.
Police are urging residents to take extra precautions when leaving their cars unattended, ensuring they are securely locked to prevent such incidents in the future.
West End restaurant Yamas Greek & Drink was recently awarded ‘Best Greek Restaurant for Southeast Queensland’ at the 2023 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.
As the winner in this category, Yamas has earned a spot as a national finalist for the Hostplus Awards for Excellence as the best Greek restaurant, which will be announced in November 2023 in Sydney.
Yamas bested several other Brisbane finalists to claim the regional title, including The Opa Bar and Mezze (also operated by Yamas’ parent company), Xenia in Main Beach, and Xenia Grill in Coolangatta.
Photo credit: Yamas Greek/Facebook
The Greek restaurant is operated by the Tassis Group, the hospitality company behind other popular Brisbane eateries like Fatcow Steak & Lobster and Opa Bar and Mezze. The hospitality group is well-known in Brisbane, having recently won the contract to open two new dining venues at the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.
Photo credit: Yamas Greek/Facebook
Yamas Greek & Drink, which first opened in 2022, specialises in the flavours of Thessaloniki with a modern West Village vibe. Their menu offers Greek delicacies with a seafood focus.
Photo credit: Yamas Greek/Facebook
Their cocktails and traditional Greek banquet platters, served family-style with taramasalata (dip), sausage, salad, and lemon potatoes, are a big draw for diners. The lamb souvlaki, marinated and slow-cooked on a spit, served with lemon rice pilaf, raisins, herbs, and tzatziki, is another standout menu item. For dessert, the galaktoboureko custard pastry is a favourite among patrons.
This recent honour from the Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence cements Yamas’ reputation as one of the top Greek dining options in the area. To learn more about Yamas’ offerings, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.
The annual Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence formally honour hospitality businesses across a wide range of categories. The awards celebrate operators who deliver outstanding service and showcase culinary mastery in their respective niches.
It’s established by the Restaurant & Catering Australia, which represents over 57,000 restaurants, cafes and catering businesses across Australia.
Through its Awards for Excellence awards, Restaurant & Catering Australia celebrates the achievements of its thousands of hospitality operators.
This event, to be held Friday, 27 Oct 2023, promises to be a harmonious extravaganza featuring a star-studded line up of artists across multiple stages.
The Thomas Dixon Centre, located at 406 Montague Rd, West End, will serve as the backdrop for a night of smooth melodies and creative rhythms. The festival boasts a diverse array of jazz performers, both local and international, ensuring a captivating experience for all attendees.
Photo Credit: BIJF
Brooklyn Meets Brisbane: Kicking off the festivities is the Brooklyn-based saxophonist, Caroline Davis, and her adventurous trio Alula. Their fusion of styles is sure to captivate the audience, and their performance is bound to be a highlight of the evening.
Western Australia’s Finest: Western Australian collective, Quiet Country, will showcase their exceptional talents, with a lineup featuring Harry Mitchell (piano), Ben Vanderwal (drums), Allira Wilson (vocals), Karl Florisson (bass), and Ben Witt (guitar). They will also premiere their much-anticipated new album, adding an element of anticipation to the festival.
Melbourne’s Musical Magic: Melbourne’s Loose Leaf trio, led by the talented Andrew Saragossi, promises to bring their unique charm to the festival, and their performance is expected to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Brisbane International Jazz Festival will also feature some of Queensland’s most exceptional artists. Attendees can look forward to the impressive talents of Hannah Macklin, Cigany Weaver, and the Joshua Hatcher Quartet, among others. These local artists will showcase the vibrant jazz scene in the Sunshine State, adding a distinctive local flavor to the festival.
Photo Credit: BIJF
In a show of international collaboration, Chris Stover’s Imaginary Hybridities (USA) will grace the stage, demonstrating the global appeal of jazz. Additionally, the Sharon Nobs Trio, Khito, Tyler Cooney Quintet, SHAMIN, and the Theo Parrott Organ Trio will further contribute to the festival’s diverse line-up, ensuring a night of musical exploration.
The festival will commence with an open rehearsal of the commissioned works by Kayleigh Pincott and Brendan Foster, the recipients of the inaugural Lynette Irwin MF Composition Commission. This will offer a unique glimpse into the creative process of these talented composers and set the tone for the evening.
Don’t miss this musical extravaganza as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival graces West End with its diverse and talented line-up. With artists from around the world and some of Queensland’s finest talents on display, it promises to be a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.
Zazu Dining is making waves in the West End dining scene with its opulent take on the classic Italian lasagne. Their version of this cult favourite is served with caviar and comes with an eye-popping price tag of $75 per serving.
Queensland celebrity chef Gillian Hirst initially crafted this singularly Australian interpretation of traditional Italian lasagne back in 1992. At the time, her sand crab lasagne, a departure from the traditional meat-based version, was an instant hit, with Il Centro, a now-closed fine dining establishment, serving an astonishing 400 portions of it each week.
Hirst shared her recipe for the sand crab lasagne with Jova Lou, the owner of Zazu Dining, who decided to revive this iconic dish for a new generation of food enthusiasts. The result is a lavish creation that boasts layers of creamy bechamel sauce and sand crab bolognese, bathed in a rich abalone bisque and crowned with a generous spoonful of black caviar.
Whilst this luxurious lasagne has captured the attention of foodies and social media aficionados, the price has raised more than a few eyebrows. At $75 per serving, it significantly surpasses the cost of the 1990s original.
Zazu Dining suggests that the portion can be shared between two people, but according to Queensland food journalist Anooska Tucker-Evans, who recently sampled and reviewed the dish, it “could easily be polished off by a hungry solo diner.”
However, the extravagantly priced lasagne is not the only unique offering on Zazu’s eclectic menu. Rather than adhering to a single culinary tradition, the restaurant, which opened in July 2023, has assembled a diverse array of global flavours.
Photo Credit: Zazu Dining/Facebook
Photo Credit: Zazu Dining/Facebook
Dishes such as edamame with truffled butter and smoked garlic salt ($9) coexist with Thai beef salad ($26) and Balkan-style kofte kebapi ($19). The menu features “eclectic oval pizzas” adorned with Middle-Eastern style lamb, while dumplings and bao buns share the spotlight with Szechuan duck pancakes and confit chicken roulade.
In an era where culinary fusion and daring experimentation continue to captivate diners, Zazu Dining’s extravagant lasagne has firmly established itself as a conversation piece within Brisbane’s vibrant culinary scene, offering a unique and indulgent dining experience that comes at a premium cost.
The developer, Pradella, has managed to strike a deal with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), which has put an end to the relentless troubles and issues plaguing the construction site for the past four months.
Building industry insiders and sources have pointed out that it was likely the CFMEU orchestrating the sit-ins and blockades at The Lanes since April 2023. The situation escalated, causing a stalemate in construction progress.
The protests at The Lanes had prompted Pradella to go to extraordinary lengths, including hiring “special duty” police officers to work extra hours and overtime to safeguard the site. The disruptions had affected communication with buyers, causing uncertainties about the project’s progress and completion dates.
However, recent developments suggest that a breakthrough has been achieved, allowing construction to move forward once again.
Pradella released a statement expressing its satisfaction with the resolution of the protests at the West End construction site. The company mentioned that construction activities were now back in full swing, with the crane erected on the site. The delays caused by the protests had frustrated both Pradella and home buyers, as well as subcontractors involved in the project.
Photo Credit: Pradella
Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni, who initially placed blame on local environmental activists, specifically the Greens, seemed to shift his stance in light of the developments. Last month, Mr de Brenni hesitated to condemn the actions of the protesters, opting to lay the blame on the Greens for blocking housing projects.
When asked about the recent ceasefire and the involvement of CFMEU, Mr de Brenni refrained from giving a direct answer and reiterated his criticism of the Greens. Despite the apparent resolution, the exact details of the agreement between Pradella and CFMEU remain undisclosed.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming weeks as construction activities escalate, leading to increased progress at The Lanes, which promises to offer luxurious living spaces and amenities to the community.
Get ready to embark on a journey to better health through the power of fermented foods at the Fermentation and Gut Health Workshop hosted by Gabrielle from Marcia’s on Montague in West End.
Scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on 24 Aug 2023, this workshop is poised to provide participants with valuable insights into the world of probiotics and their benefits.
Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the significance and inner workings of incorporating probiotic-rich foods into their diets. The event promises to be an enlightening experience, featuring hands-on demonstrations that will showcase just how simple it is to create a variety of fermented treats at home.
From yogurt and sauerkraut to kimchi, kombucha, and kefir, the workshop aims to inspire a newfound appreciation for the art of fermentation.
Renowned presenter, educator, author, and resident expert at Green Living Australia, Valerie Pearson, will lead the workshop. She will share her extensive knowledge on fermented foods and their positive impact on health. Throughout the event, Pearson will guide participants through the step-by-step process of fermenting vegetables.
The workshop will also cover techniques for crafting dairy and non-dairy yogurts, as well as other delights such as Quark, Kefir, and Kombucha. Ms Pearson will teach participants how to enhance their gut health that aligns with the growing body of research highlighting the vital role a diverse gut microbiome.
Marcia’s on Montague is an independently owned and family-operated establishment established in 1999. Marcia’s vision was to craft a haven in Brisbane, where individuals could indulge in the acquisition of premium homewares and gifts. The space was intended to be more than a store— it was meant to be an experience where customers could engage their senses and seek advice whilst shopping for gifts and items.
Waves Barber Shop (also known as Langanis) has been completely overhauled as a nod to the evolving diversity and popularity of West End. In an effort to stay true to its roots, Waves will also be the brand’s very own practical hub where apprentice barbers gain experience with the tools before making their way up the ranks as qualified barbers.
One of them is Jasiah Mackie, an Indigenous Aussie who works as the Store Manager, alongside a host of other young and dissimilar barbers who all have one thing in common – they love what their company is bringing to the local community and they’re proud to be working for the ‘best barber shop in town.’
“Waves is a great example of how the Langanis brand is growing with their clientele and, as an indigenous Aussie and lead barber, I’m pumped to be a part of it,” barber Jasiah Mackie said.
Jasiah at Waves. Photo Credit: Instagram/Waves Barber Shop
Here are Jasiah’s thoughts about what it’s like as a young barber in West End.
How did you get into barbering?
I cut hair at Langanis once a week while I was in high school. I’ve been working with Langanis for four years now so I’m really happy to step up and take the lead at Waves.
What do you love most about the job?
Every single day is different – you never know what you could be doing or who you might be servicing. West End definitely keeps things interesting. There’s always something going on in the area and the vibes are really high around here lately. It’s a great spot. I also really love meeting new people. A lot of my friendships have been formed while barbering – it’s the best thing in the world. At the core of things though, I’ve always had a passion for art. I love painting, and cutting hair is just another expression of art for me.
Tell us a bit about the people you work with at Waves?
They’re a really diverse bunch, which is great. In store we around a dozen staff total, two others are also First Nations. We all get along really well and love what Langanis is doing at Waves and it’s awesome to be a part of it.
Photo Credit: Waves Barber Shop
What makes Waves different from other barbers?
We really aren’t your average barbershop. We’re trained by the best to provide the best, and Waves is cool because we can still do what we do but at a lower price point, making our service more available to everyday people. Our company really cares about providing that quality service and haircut for everyone, which I love.
Customers of Waves love the unique Bohemian-Moroccan décor and four different kinds of delicious coffee served whilst they wait. The shop offers a total grooming experience, with loyal customers coming in for the men’s style cut, full facial shave, and eyebrow shaping.
Popular cuts include the razor head shave, buzz cut, undercut, and men’s style cut. Children can get the “Little Man’s Cut” and they also have a special “Student’s Cut”on offer.
Beard trimming and waxing services are available as well.
A major development proposal for South Brisbane’s central Kurilpa precinct has entered the consultation phase, in the wake of recent disagreements and opposition to the plan.
The Kurilpa plan aims to transform the riverfront area to provide thousands of new homes whilst preserving the city’s character and lifestyle. However, the Kurilpa planning instrument has been the subject of contention, particularly surrounding the inclusion of affordable housing options.
Community groups like Kurilpa Futures and the West End Community Association (WECA) recently held a rally to express their opposition to the proposal. They argue that the plan will lead to extensive development in a flood-prone area and lack adequate social infrastructure to support the growing population.
Community groups also question the claim that the plan will increase the supply of affordable housing. They believe that the plan could drive land speculation, leading to even higher housing costs and displacing low to moderate-income residents.
Criticisms, protests from residents
On 17 July 2023, residents in South Brisbane took to the streets in protest this morning, opposing the Council’s plans to raise the height limit in the area to 90 storeys or 274 meters. WECA president Seleneah More criticized the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) as “densification by stealth.” She argued that developers already had approved projects since 2018 in South Brisbane that would provide 1000 to 1500 new units, questioning the necessity for further height increases.
More further criticised the TLPI for not mandating affordable housing requirements for developers within the area. She pointed out that the Council’s definition of affordable housing meant rental prices only 10% below market rates, which fell short of the State Government’s definition of 30% below market rates.
The protesters also demanded a more extensive public consultation process, including drop-in sessions and opportunities for residents to engage with town planners.
In response, Deputy Mayor Krista Adams accused the protest of being influenced by “the Greens’ radical politicking,” though WECA and Kurilpa Futures have no connections to the Greens or any other political party. Adams argued that the Greens had opposed numerous housing projects, including 10,000 new homes in the Kurilpa Precinct, exacerbating the housing crisis.
State & Council addressing concerns
Last month, Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon wrote to Cr Schrinner, citing public concerns and stating it may block the proposal if it does not include adequate affordable and social housing, whilst also praising the inclusion of green spaces and sustainability initiatives in the Plan.
Photo Credit: BCC/DSDILGP
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner have decided to proceed with the consultation phase for the proposal, confident that it will address the Minister’s concerns and allowing two weeks for public and industry feedback.
Mr Miles expressed support for enhancing housing supply and reducing urban sprawl in the region but maintained his reservations about the availability of affordable options. He emphasised the need for the proposed temporary local planning instrument to focus on increasing housing supply, affordability, and diversity.
For its part, Brisbane City Council remains confident in the Kurilpa plan’s ability to provide suitable measures to address the points raised by the Housing Minister in her missive and urged the government not to allow any red tape from stopping any new homes being built in the midst of a housing crisis.
“I welcome the State Government’s decision to progress our Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct plan to the next stage,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The Kurilpa plan will deliver thousands of new homes while protecting the character of Brisbane’s suburbs and the lifestyle our residents love.
“In exchange for CBD-style height limits, residential buildings throughout Kurilpa will need to meet higher sustainability standards and deliver community benefits, such as housing diversity and affordability and public facilities.
“Given the area’s incredible existing connectivity to train, bus and active transport infrastructure, Kurilpa will be Brisbane’s most sustainable community, where owning a car really is optional.”
Consultation process opened
The consultation process for the Kurilpa plan aims to collect opinions from various stakeholders, community members, and industry representatives, with a particular emphasis on assessing the potential impact of the Kurilpa plan on housing supply and affordability.
A feedback portal has been set up, where residents can submit their comments and concerns regarding the proposed changes until 26 July 2023.
The feedback from the consultation will be considered along with advice from the Planning Department before a final decision is made. If approved, the Kurilpa plan will undergo an additional public consultation process and take 18 months to two years to be incorporated into the local planning scheme.
Maurice McCallum, a spokesperson for Kurilpa Futures, expressed concerns that South Brisbane was already projected to have an additional 36,000 residents by 2046 under the existing height limits. But he also said that the TLPI’s maximum height would lead to an increase of 120,000 residents, resulting in an overcrowded population density.
Waves Barber Shop, one of Brisbane’s best, is celebrating in pairs this week, offering FREE services to First Nation’s peoples for NAIDOC Week whilst also revealing a vibrant new hub that’s meant to be a melting pot for youth and culture.
In true West End style, the new Waves Barber Shop has been designed solely to be more accessible for younger and more diverse demographics and they’re kicking things off this Saturday, 8 July, with FREE haircuts for all National Aboriginals and Islanders.
Located at 173 Boundary Street, Waves occupies the previous Langanis Barber storefront and will be the brand’s very own practical hub where apprentice barbers gain experience on the tools while bringing the latest in styling trends to the people of West End.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Waves Barber Jasiah Mackie said that as an Indigenous Australian, he can’t wait to see the hype throughout the community as this innovative new space comes alive this weekend.
“It’s cool to be a part of a brand that’s really staying true to its roots,” Jasiah Mackie said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“This weekend will be an opportunity for us to introduce Waves and to show our fellow NAIDOC’s the respect they deserve in our own unique way.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Director Michael Langanis said that this location has received immense support from locals since it opened in 2016, welcoming 30,000 people through the doors over the past seven years.
“We’ve got such loyal customers here in West End so we wanted to give the shop an overhaul while staying true to our customers and giving something back,” Michael said.
Servicing Brisbane via four locations and employing over 30 staff collectively, the Langanis brand also launched On the Rocks late last year – a city-based barbershop designed for gentlemen to gather, enjoy a glass of whiskey and get a haircut.
The neighbourhood, known for its rich cultural heritage, has transformed dramatically over the years, with high-end apartment complexes and luxury shopping centers dominating the landscape. But as the area undergoes urban renewal, long-time residents, small traders, and community organisations have raised concerns about displacement, rising rents, and the impact of exclusive developments.
According to data from CoreLogic, the average weekly rent for a house in West End now exceeds $900, while units demand nearly $700 per week. The local community association has criticised a plan by Council to allow mega-buildings in the flood-prone peninsula of Kurilpa, arguing that the area is already over-developed. Critics contend that such developments have pushed people to the fringes of the city, disrupting the fabric of the community.
Mama Saba Abraham, a former freedom fighter from Eritrea who runs a social enterprise training African refugee women at her West End restaurant, Mu’ooz, feels the impact of the crisis. Mama Saba’s kitchen has provided training and full-time employment for over 400 women, but the skyrocketing rent, estimated to be more than $100,000 per year, is pushing the restaurant to the brink of collapse.
With the opening of a new luxury shopping complex across the street, Mama Saba’s business struggles to retain customers and faces fierce competition from new eateries in the area.
Seleneah More, of the West End Community Association and former urban planner, highlights the challenges posed by rapid development. She notes that since 2010, West End has undergone dense development, putting pressure on infrastructure, schools, and increasing traffic congestion.
More laments the loss of affordable housing, resulting in many people being unable to afford to stay in the neighbourhood. With rent prices far exceeding the affordability threshold, even key workers such as nurses and teachers struggle to find suitable housing.
The challenges faced by Mama Saba’s restaurant and the concerns raised by the West End Community Association underscore the urgent need for a thoughtful and balanced approach to development that takes into account the affordability and sustainability of the suburb.
