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Not Just Pizza: Doughcraft Brings Pinsa Romana to Brisbane’s Food Scene

Doughcraft, which has venues in the CBD and in Albion, is redefining the art of dough-based delights with its innovative take on Roman-style pinsa, house-made pasta, and an array of mouthwatering mains.

Read: Inside Doughcraft, Home Of European Pastries In Albion

At the core of Doughcraft’s menu is the star attraction: Pinsa Romana. This lighter, crispier, and more flavorful cousin of traditional pizza is taking Brisbane by storm.

Pinsa Romana (Photo credit: Doughcraft/Facebook)

For those seeking a taste sensation, the Sfizio Pinsa is a must-try. This culinary masterpiece features a delicate balance of cured salmon, peppery rocket, and creamy whipped bufala, further enhanced by vibrant beetroot, zesty lemon, and crispy fried capers. It’s a fresh and exciting combination that promises to captivate even the most discerning palates.

But Doughcraft’s expertise extends far beyond pinsa. Pasta enthusiasts will delight in their house-made creations, with weekly specials that showcase the kitchen’s creativity. A recent highlight was the King Tiger Prawns Pasta, a tantalising dish featuring juicy prawns paired with cherry tomatoes and spicy nduja, brightened by a burst of lemon zest and fresh parsley.

For those with a sweet tooth, Doughcraft doesn’t disappoint. Their croissant with coconut almond cream, luxuriously covered in white chocolate and coconut flakes, is a testament to their mastery of pastry. And for an indulgent twist, don’t miss the Pain Suisse – a rich, gooey chocolate chip cookie nestled inside a buttery pastry shell.

The culinary experience at Doughcraft is complemented by a carefully curated selection of cocktails and Italian wines, all served in a beautiful dining room that transports guests straight to the heart of Rome. With its commitment to quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and a constantly evolving menu, Doughcraft is quickly establishing itself as one of Brisbane’s most exciting dining destinations.

Read: Tee Off, Sip Craft Brews: Landers Pocket to Offer Unique Brisbane Experience

Whether you’re in the CBD or venturing to Albion, a visit to Doughcraft promises a journey through the best of Italian cuisine, reimagined with a distinctly Brisbane twist. From pinsa to pasta, and pastries to prawns, these masters of dough are proving that when it comes to Italian-inspired dining, the possibilities are endless.

Published 10-September-2024

Students from Hendra State School Gallop into Racing History at Doomben

In a unique celebration of its 160th anniversary, Hendra State School treated 18 of its Prep to Year 4 students to an unforgettable day at Doomben racecourse.

The historic school, predating even the iconic Eagle Farm racecourse by a year, marked its milestone with an educational visit intertwined with the excitement of live racing.

The young students were immersed in horse racing, many experiencing their first close encounter with the majestic animals as they patted and fed carrots to the gentle grey horses of the Clerks of the Course. The visit to the Jockeys’ Rooms proved a hit, with riders generously sharing their gear, including the tiny saddles and safety vests.

Racing Queensland’s educators, Shane Scriven and Jorge Villamizar, offered each student a thrilling ride on the Mechanical Horse, a training tool usually reserved for apprentice jockeys. Champion trainer Barry Baldwin shared his expertise, demonstrating horse handling techniques with the life-sized fibreglass horse, “Bernborough.”

The children even witnessed the behind-the-scenes action of post-race interviews with Sky Thoroughbred Central’s Bernie Cooper.

The day’s highlight was witnessing the race that the Brisbane Racing Club graciously named in honour of the school’s anniversary. With its special title displayed, the event was broadcast across Australia and internationally, providing a unique platform to showcase the school’s historic milestone.

The Thoroughbred Racing History Association, which organised the visit, emphasised that such excursions are tailored to the school’s curriculum, with resources developed to align with the Australian Curriculum’s Learning Areas.

Published Date 05-September-2024

Preliminary Design of New Albion Station Hub Revealed to Brisbane Community

The preliminary designs for the new Albion station hub, aimed at transforming transit and community infrastructure in Brisbane’s inner north, have been released.

Set to rebuild and upgrade the existing Albion train station, the New Albion Station Project is designed to meet the expected rise in passenger traffic from the upcoming Cross River Rail project. With four updated, wider platforms, the design caters to increased interchange activity. This development is closely integrated with housing, retail, and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant community hub around the station.

The project is tied with the ‘Albion Exchange’ initiative, a significant Transit Orientated Development led by Geon Property. This development will introduce up to 1,200 new residences, along with commercial, retail, and entertainment facilities, marking a major urban renewal for the Albion area.

The revamped station will feature an array of modern amenities, including new lifts, stairs, a ticket office, accessible toilets, and enhanced wayfinding and signage. Security will also be improved with updated lighting and CCTV systems. Moreover, the station design includes a new pedestrian overbridge and a southern concourse that promises better connectivity across the rail corridor, thus making it easier for people to access the station from different parts of Albion.

“This will be the key piece of infrastructure for the creation of a genuine Transit Oriented Development, providing for up to 1200 new residences, commercial, retail, lifestyle, and entertainment uses,” GEON Executive Director and CEO, Ben Griffin said.

“It will advance the suburb’s renewal by providing a high level of convenience for residents and workers in the community.”

Community Engagement and Feedback

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will host information sessions to engage the community, offering a platform for feedback and further insights into the project plans.

Details on these sessions, along with opportunities for online feedback, are available on the TMR website, ensuring community members have ample opportunity to contribute to the project’s final design.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Submissions will remain open until 20 September.

New Albion Station Key Features

Four straighter, wider and raised platforms, with shade cover;
An elevated concourse at the southern end of the platforms, providing opportunities for a high-quality public domain and accessibility across the rail corridor;
A new station building with customer facilities including lifts, stairs, ticket office, accessible toilets, wayfinding and signage, lighting and CCTV;
A new pedestrian overbridge at the northern end of the platforms and cross corridor connection to Hudson Road and Mawarra Street;
Reconfiguration of the rail corridor, infrastructure and systems;
A kiss ‘n’ ride; and
Bicycle storage facilities.

Published 29-Aug-2024

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot is set to transform its campus with an ambitious Performing Arts Precinct and additional classroom facilities. The school has applied to modify its masterplan, paving the way for a state-of-the-art arts hub and expanded learning spaces.

The proposal outlines plans for the St Margaret’s Arts Precinct (SMAP), a cutting-edge complex designed to nurture students’ talents in music, drama, and various performing arts disciplines. In addition to the SMAP, the project encompasses constructing an exam room building and a secondary classroom building to address the school’s growing enrollment.

The Performing Arts Precinct will be strategically situated adjacent to Lapraik Street. At the same time, the new classrooms will find their home at the end of Petrie Street, seamlessly integrating with the existing campus layout. Specific existing structures, including the Labyrinth, the decommissioned 50-metre and 25-metre swimming pools, the Daphne Mayo Centre, and other buildings, landscaping, and pathways, will be removed to accommodate these additions.

This redevelopment represents the next phase in the school’s master plan, with Stage 1 (the Sports Precinct) already completed. The amendment to the master plan will incorporate three new buildings, car parking provisions, landscaping enhancements, and acoustic fencing.

The SMAP building itself promises to be an architectural and functional marvel. It will feature a basement parking lot with 29 spaces and multiple levels dedicated to performing arts activities, including rehearsal rooms, a black box theatre, dressing rooms, and a recital hall. The top floor will boast classrooms, a control room, and specialised music practice spaces. Construction will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption.

The additional two-storey buildings will house general learning areas, a kitchen, an exam room, and an arrival plaza with stair and lift access. The secondary building will provide six general learning areas and stair access.

Planners at John Gaskell Planning emphasise the project’s importance in optimising resource allocation and ensuring the timely delivery of community infrastructure. They assert that the new facilities will enable the school to meet the evolving needs of its students and staff, empowering St Margaret’s to uphold its commitment to providing high-quality education and maintaining exceptional teaching standards.

Published Date 13-August-2024

Albion Precinct Set for Major Upgrade as Brothers Rugby Club Secures 25-Year Lease

A new 25-year lease has been granted to Brothers Rugby Club for their Albion base, paving the way for a significant upgrade to the community’s sporting facilities.

The agreement comes after changes to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue plan, which previously earmarked the area for redevelopment. Under the new arrangement, Brothers Rugby Club will spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of Crosby Park, transforming it into a modern sports and community hub.

Planned Improvements

The master plan for the 5.5-hectare precinct includes several key developments:

1. Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre

A new indoor facility will be constructed to accommodate various sporting activities.

2. Enhanced Parking and Learn-to-Swim Classes

Additional car parking will be provided, along with the introduction of learn-to-swim classes for local families.

3. Community-Focused Amenities

Plans include a new clubhouse, café, gym, function room, and public seating areas.

4. Upgraded Change Rooms

New change rooms will be built to cater for the growing number of female players, which now make up over 40% of the club’s membership.

5. Allied Health Services

The final stage of development may include on-site allied health services to benefit both facility users and the broader community.

Community Impact

Brothers Rugby Club president Geoff Rodgers highlighted the need for modernisation, noting that the club’s amenities had not seen major additions since the early 1980s. He expressed the club’s aim to become a hub for the local community, catering to sporting, social, leisure, and recreational needs.

The upgrade aligns with the city’s vision for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While the original plans for a Breakfast Creek Sports Precinct have changed, with Racing Queensland retaining its raceway at Albion Park, the Brothers Rugby Club development ensures the local community will still benefit from improved facilities ahead of the Games.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner emphasised the importance of investing in grassroots sports. He stated that the development would help make Brisbane an even better lifestyle capital for years to come.

As the Brothers Rugby Club project moves forward, the state government is yet to decide whether the previously planned Brisbane Indoor Sport Centre will be built at Zillmere or Boondall. Meanwhile, Racing Queensland is planning a mixed-use development around its raceway, complementing new residential towers planned for the Breakfast Creek area.

Published 13-Aug-2024

Road to Recovery at Eagle Farm: Racing Set to Resume in September

Photo Credit: Brisbane Racing Club

After a month of uncertainty following a jockey walk-off in July over safety concerns, Brisbane’s premier racecourse, Eagle Farm, is set to welcome back racing by mid-September.

A collaborative effort between the Brisbane Racing Club, Racing Queensland, the Queensland Jockeys Association, and the Australian Trainers Association has paved the way for the track’s revival.

The controversial mesh covering the construction site, identified as the primary cause of safety issues, will gradually be removed this week. As builders install glass panels, each floor will be uncovered progressively. While the entire covering won’t be removed by the targeted September 14th race date, it will be lowered significantly, addressing the jockeys’ concerns.

Additionally, a protective sightscreen will be erected around the exterior of the building to mitigate any potential distractions or disruptions for the horses and jockeys. Racing Queensland chief executive Jason Scott expressed optimism that these measures will be in place for the September 14th meeting.

Recognising that many horses have yet to have recent exposure to Eagle Farm, officials are collaborating with the Trainers Association to facilitate familiarisation sessions. This may involve opening the course proper midweek for horses to acclimatise themselves, potentially accompanied by compensation schemes for trainers.

Resuming this event at Eagle Farm is crucial to resolving the safety concerns that led to the July walk-off. It signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring the well-being of horses and jockeys while maintaining the track’s premier status in the Australian racing scene.

Published Date 12-August-2024

Historic John Power Grandstand Faces Demolition in Eagle Farm Racecourse Revamp

The Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) has submitted a development application for a major redevelopment at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot, aiming to replace the ageing John Power Grandstand with a modern four-storey facility dubbed ‘The Terraces.’

Read: Royal QLD Golf Club in Eagle Farm Eyeing New Short Courses, Practice Facilities

The proposal, designed by architects from Hassell and RWA, features a new grandstand with glazing on all sides to provide panoramic views of the racetrack, including corporate and patron viewing amenities, as well as a community hub designed to enhance local involvement in racing events.

‘The Terraces’ is a four-storey building designed to optimise racetrack views and community engagement. It features a ground-floor plaza, public and patron areas on the first two floors, and a rooftop restaurant and bar.

The building includes spaces for viewing, dining, events, and socialising, aiming to serve both racing enthusiasts and the broader community with modern amenities throughout its levels.

John Power Grandstand History

Originally constructed in 1958 and named after former Queensland Turf Club President Dr John Power, the existing grandstand has undergone several modifications over the years. The John Power Stand was designed by architect Martin Conrad and built by KD Morris & Sons, Pty Ltd, at a cost of £450,000.

However, its deteriorating condition and limited cultural significance compared to other on-site structures have led to the decision for its demolition.

The development application has been lodged under Ministerial Infrastructure Designations with the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works. If approved, the project will also involve the removal of existing trees and the Steward’s Tower.

“The decision to demolish the existing John Power Stand to establish The Terraces development has been made for a number of reasons, predominantly in relation of the poor condition of the current John Power Stand, but also its limited cultural significance when compared to the other buildings at the site,” planners at Urbis stated on behalf of BRC.

“The location of the new facility has been chosen in relation to the best possible viewing areas for racing at the site, the general lack of alternative locations at the site for a new grandstand facility,” they continued.

Read: Racecourse Road Precinct Getting Back On Track

This redevelopment is part of a larger initiative to modernise Eagle Farm Racecourse, which has been operating since 1863. The BRC, formed in 2008 from a merger of the Queensland Turf Club and Brisbane Turf Club, aims to ensure the venue remains a high-quality racing facility for years to come.

Published 19-July-2024

Hendra State School Enrolment Shrinks to 31 Students

Hendra State School, the smallest state school in Brisbane, has only 31 students enrolled across two multi-age classes for 2024, reflecting a significant decline in numbers for the 160-year-old institution.

The sharp decrease in enrolment contrasts starkly with the school figures last year, when it had 65 students. Principal Clare Williams describes the school as having a “country in the city” atmosphere, emphasising its strong sense of community despite dwindling numbers.

School’s Unique Character

Despite its small size, Hendra State School maintains a vibrant educational environment. Its structure allows for a more personalised learning experience, with teachers able to offer tailored activities to students based on their individual progress.

Ms Williams notes that the school’s compact nature has transformed the typical sense of community into something more akin to a family. This close-knit environment is reflected in the school’s 2023 opinion survey, where every student agreed they liked their school, felt safe, and were motivated by teachers to learn.

Enrolment Trends and Projections

The decline in student numbers at Hendra is part of a broader trend affecting some Brisbane schools. Projections suggest this number could fall to as low as six by 2028, despite 138 potential students living within the school’s catchment area.

In contrast, some of Brisbane’s largest schools are experiencing significant growth. Kelvin Grove State College, the city’s biggest school, has 3706 students and added 138 in just two years. Indooroopilly State High School saw a 13 per cent increase in enrolments since 2021, while Stretton State College grew by more than 6 per cent.

Department of Education Response

A spokesperson for the Department of Education stated that catchment sizes are regularly reviewed to manage changing student numbers. These reviews consider factors such as in-catchment student numbers and trends, distance to the nearest school, transport availability, and potential for future enrolment growth.

While some regional and remote schools have closed recently due to lack of students, the last school closures in Brisbane occurred in 2013. At that time, three schools with low enrolments were shut down.

Despite its small size, Hendra State School continues offering various programs and facilities. The school provides Japanese language classes and coding and robotics instruction from Prep to Grade 6. It also strongly emphasizes community engagement, with events such as a six-week horse riding program in Term 4 and regular family fun afternoons.

The school continues to welcome new students, hoping to maintain its unique character despite changing enrolment patterns across Brisbane.

Published 15-July-2024

QCAT Rules in Longstanding Albion Tree Dispute

A long-standing disagreement between neighbours in Albion has been resolved by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The dispute, which lasted eight years, centred around several eucalyptus trees growing on one property that were reportedly impacting the adjacent residence.

Read: Brisbane Icon Threatened As Albion High-Rise Could Loom Over Breakfast Creek Hotel

Last month, QCAT issued a 13-page decision rejecting an application by the owners of a home on Marne Road. The couple had sought to compel their neighbour from Stoneleigh Street to trim or remove branches from nine eucalyptus trees to a height of 3.5 metres.

The tribunal heard that the Marne Road residents have lived at their property since at least 1995, while Stoneleigh Street resident has occupied his home since 2003. The properties share a common boundary at the rear of the Marne Road yard.

In their submission, the Marne Road owners claimed there were up to 20 eucalyptus trees as tall as 15 metres on their neighbour’s property. However, the neighbour disputed this assertion, stating the trees were not as numerous or as tall as alleged.

The decision noted that the Marne Road property had been renovated and expanded at the rear in 2013/2014, with an upper deck added in 2020. The owners argued that the trees were obstructing their view, which they claimed to have enjoyed before the trees were planted.

The Stoneleigh Street resident, in his response to the tribunal, highlighted a previous compromise. He explained that in 2016, he had agreed to remove a very tall gum tree as an act of goodwill. He indicated that this decision was made when his neighbour had allegedly threatened to enter his property and cut all of his trees to a height of 2.5 metres.

The resident went on to clarify that the tree in question was removed for safety reasons, and he asserted that no other large eucalyptus trees prone to dropping branches remained on his property.

On the other hand, the applicants asserted that they had attempted to resolve the dispute amicably since April 2016 through various communications and offers to maintain the trees at their own expense. However, they reported that these efforts were met with constant arguments and refusals to acknowledge responsibility.

Before submitting an application to QCAT for resolving a tree dispute, parties are required to attempt informal resolution; however, if issues remain unresolved, QCAT can help settle neighbourhood tree disputes by making legally enforceable decisions, and may appoint a tree assessor to conduct an on-site evaluation with both neighbours.

Read: Hendra Residents Challenge Mega Childcare Centre on Flood-Prone Site

Despite the lengthy history of the dispute, the tribunal ultimately ruled against the Marne Road residents’ application to force the trimming of their neighbour’s trees.

Published 10-July-2024

Albion Mourns the Loss of ‘Loveable Rogue’ Danny Carr

Photo Credit: Swanborough Funerals

The Albion community came together to honour Danny Carr, a cherished grandfather who tragically perished in a suspicious fire.

Family, friends, and former coworkers paid tribute to the 67-year-old on Friday, 5 July 2024, during an emotional service at Mount Gravatt Cemetery. He was known for his kind nature and unfiltered humour.

Emergency services responded to a fire at a small apartment complex on Amelia Street, Albion, around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 13 June. Carr was discovered deceased in his living room, while Jasmin Boyd, 33, managed to escape the blaze and collapsed on the street.

Boyd, identified as Carr’s carer and friend, was later hospitalised in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital’s burns unit. She remained in critical but stable condition for several days before being released.

Peter McCarthy, the funeral celebrant, highlighted Carr’s life and character. McCarthy described Carr as a “loveable rogue” who had a unique bond with his grandchildren and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Carr’s straightforward nature and penchant for storytelling were also remembered fondly.

Clint, a close friend of Carr, recounted the significant impact Carr had on his life since he was 18. Known as “Wheels” during his youth, Carr left school in Year 10 to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic, a profession he passionately followed until health issues forced him into retirement. Despite being legally blind due to an eye stroke 15 years ago, Carr remained active and involved in his family’s lives.

Carr’s passing leaves a void in the lives of his mother Val, his three children Belinda, Shontelle, and Jay, his eight grandchildren, and his great-grandchild, Storm. The service was a poignant reminder of the joy and support he brought to those around him, encapsulating the sentiment that “Danny did it his way until the very end.”

Boyd’s absence from the funeral was notable, but there is no implication of wrongdoing on her part. The Queensland Police have declared the unit a crime scene and are continuing their investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Shontelle Robinson, Carr’s daughter, expressed frustration at the lack of answers three weeks after the incident, clarifying that media reports of her father being wheelchair-bound were incorrect. Instead, he used a walking stick to aid his mobility.

The community of Albion remains in mourning, united in their memories of Danny Carr, a man who will be dearly missed for his robust personality and enduring kindness. As investigations continue, the legacy of this “loveable rogue” lives on through the stories and affection of those who knew him best.

Published Date 10-July-2024