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The Jam Pantry Reopens for Father’s Day, Entire Staff Negative for COVID-19

The popular Greenslopes cafe, The Jam Pantry, is resuming business in time for Father’s Day this September weekend after an unfortunate COVID-19 threat.

The new owner of the establishment, Victor Chan, immediately took action and made sure that the staff and customers are safe and healthy following reports that a woman positive for COVID-19 apparently dined at the eatery.

On 19 Aug 2020, The Jam Pantry owner confirmed shutting down the cafe temporarily for a full disinfectant clean and COVID-19 testing for the workers. Mr Chan also promised to work closely with the health department. Fortunately for all concerned, the entire team had negative results after testing two times.

With this good news, The Jam Pantry is ready to trade again by Friday, 4 Sept 2020.

“We are opening our doors on the 4th of September and we couldn’t be more excited,” Mr Chan wrote on Facebook. “We have just completed a deep clean of the cafe and are ready to get back in the kitchen. We know that you’ve all be eager for an update on how things are going so you’ll be pleased to hear that all of our wonderful staff have all taken a second test after being in quarantine for the last two weeks and the results are NEGATIVE. NO COVID!!!”

Regulars expressed their support for the cafe, especially after Mr Chan properly communicated the plan to temporarily close and get tested.

“Big thanks to Victor and his team for going above and beyond what is required. Their actions are keeping the community safe and although I haven’t been to the cafe for a while, I’ll definitely make a point of dropping in for a meal soon,” a customer wrote in support of the cafe.

Mr Chan took over the ownership of The Jam Pantry in the middle of the pandemic crisis. Previous owner Naomi “Nims” Zavackas sold the restaurant to concentrate on training at the South Bank culinary hub, Wandering Cooks.

Despite the wrong timing, Mr Chan is optimistic about the restaurant’s future. He brings that same positive spirit to the comforting cafe every day.

The Jam Pantry has retained most of Ms Zavackas menu. Before the chef left, she spent time training the kitchen crew to prepare the types of food the regulars love to order.

Greenslopes Librarian Says Kids Reading More During Lockdown

Nearly 100,000 books were checked out from Brisbane libraries two days before the closure announcement due to COVID-19 lockdown and Greenslopes State School librarian Wendy Pierce said that reading activities among the children saw a sharp rise during this pandemic crisis.

The Council revealed that checkouts were at 405 percent in recent months and Ms Pierce said that more and more children were willing to read “challenging books” as they were confined indoors. The kids also received parental influence and guidance in choosing what books to read.

Among the popular choices were children’s classics like “Secret Garden,” “Treasure Island” and “Peter Pan.”

Photo Credit: 2020 Premier Reading Challenge/Facebook

In line with nurturing the children’s love for books, the Premier’s Reading Challenge’s (PRC) registration is now open for young bookworms from prep to Year 9.

To join, register as a group or as individuals and then download the book list. With the help of their parents/guardians and teachers, participants must record the books they finish in the form to be submitted to the PRC.

This event is not a competition but it’s a way to help the children develop an enriching habit. Two lucky students who complete the challenge may get a chance to win a literacy workshop for their school, while eight kids could also win $500 book vouchers.

Greenslopes Private Hospital’s Expansion Gets Underway

Greenslopes Private Hospital’s $72-million expansion and redevelopment is now underway. The expansion will provide medical care and service that will cater to the increasing demand for healthcare needs.

Greenslopes Private Hospital has provided healthcare needs for numerous patients since it started operating in 1942, as the 112th Australian General Hospital during World War II years. This 78-year-old heritage-listed site has commenced with its expansion and redevelopment worth $72 million – one of the hospital’s largest redevelopments — with the project expected to be completed by December 2021.

The redevelopment involves the construction of a three-storey infill building, to be located next to the existing administration area, which will expand the existing services with more bed numbers and increasing the hospital’s capacity to cater for future growth in day surgery procedures, including some cosmetic and plastic cases, theatre cases and expanded intensive care unit.

Photo credit: Greenslopes Private Hospital / Facebook

Level one of the expansion will include three new rooms for day surgery procedures, including some plastic and cosmetic cases. There will also be a shell room for future expansion whilst the existing day surgery recovery area will be refurbished to improve the admission and discharge experience for patients.  

Level two will see an expansion of the intensive care (ICU) unit, adding two new beds along with space to cater for five new ICU beds in the future. Level three will have the total number of operating theatres (OT) increased to 22 with the addition of three new theatres. Also, a room will be allocated for a fourth OT feature to be constructed in the future.

Moreover, one of the existing OTs will be converted into a hybrid theatre; a surgical theatre equipped with medical imaging equipment, enabling both open and minimally invasive procedures. 

“This work will take Greenslopes Private Hospital into the future with the ability to grow and maintain an environment which will provide a positive experience for all in our community,” Hospital CEO, Chris Went said.

“There is currently a high demand for inpatient beds, and with both the expansion of the emergency department and the additional operating theatres, the new beds will allow us to service this increased capacity.”  

Also included in the expansion is the second building comprising 64 private en suite rooms over two levels that will be constructed on the southern side of the Greenslopes Private Hospital.

The emergency department of the hospital will also undergo refurbishment – adding seven new bays providing patients more access to the healthcare workers. The expansion in the emergency department also offers additional rooms for medical imaging services.

About Greenslopes Private Hospital

Greenslopes Private Hospital is the largest private teaching hospital in Australia, operated by Ramsay Health Care and is renowned as a world-class tertiary medical facility.

Greenslopes Private Hospital has one of Brisbane’s largest private emergency centres with expertise in handling cardiac cases, stroke patients and people with sporting injuries. Greenslopes Private Hospital was awarded as Australia’s Best Private Hospital in 1999 and the Australian Private Hospital Association’s Hospital Quality of Excellence Award in 2004.

Popular Greenslopes Cafe To Close After 5 Years

The Jam Pantry, one of Greenslopes’ busiest cafe, is closing shop after five years of serving the locals. Owner and chef Naomi Zavackas confirmed the news in a video post on social media.

Naomi said that The Jam Pantry will be serving its last meals on Sunday, the 29th of March 2020. The decision to close has been bittersweet but she also revealed the exciting reason why she had to do it.

“I’ve accepted a position as Chef in Residence Wandering Cooks,” Naomi said. It’s an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up and so we decided to go for it.”

Naomi will be mentoring foodie entrepreneurs at Angela Hirst’s multi-kitchen space, some six kilometres away from her old restaurant. She and Hirst also have big plans to turn the venue into a large restaurant with a single curated menu from the different chefs.

Still, Naomi revealed there is sadness over the coming changes despite the excitement.

“We have the incredible support of our Family and our exceptional team in this and together, are determined to create the BEST exit, for all of us and you, together. We’ll be trading 7 days a week from Wednesday the 26th right through to our last service on the 29th of March.”

The chef and her husband Gideon are actually selling The Jam Pantry so that someone else may take over. The cafe will remain close if there are no buyers once she starts work in South Brisbane.

Meanwhile, to celebrate The Jam’s Pantry’s final days, Naomi will be whipping up old favourites from the last five years. The cafe is also operating seven days a week until it’s closing date.

Sonic Masala Fest: Local Musicians Band For A Remarkable Cause

In the last seven years, Greenslopes’ coolest musical festival, the Sonic Masala Fest, has run during the second half of the year. For 2020, the party is happening earlier as local bands have come together for a worthy cause after the recent bushfire disasters.

If you’re in for a tripping good time with lots of live music and booze and you support a fundraising effort to help the victims of the bushfire, be at Club Greenslopes on Saturday, the 7th of March 2020, for the Sonic Masala Fest: Bushfires, Rack Off!

As before, the music festival will feature different genres of Brisbane talents to get you dancing and rocking to the tunes. Confirmed to perform in random sets from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. are:

These bands are donating their fees to the fundraiser but the audience is welcome to buy them a beer or purchase their merchandise (vinyl, CD, tapes, shirts). Drinks will be provided by Young Henrys.

*Photo Credit: Sonic Masala Fest/Facebook*

To add to the excitement, one lucky guest may win a new turntable, which will be raffled off courtesy of Sonic Sherpa.

A significant portion of the ticket sales will be donated to WIRES, Neil Morris’s Fire Relief for First Nations Communities and the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal Disaster Relief Fund.

The Sonic Masala Fest is a family-friendly music event. You can bring your kids and furkids.

Greenslopes’ Very Own Receives Citizen of the Year Award

Greenslopes’ very own Seamus Sullivan has been named Citizen of the Year at the 2020 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards.

Brisbane’s unsung heroes were recently recognised at the 2020 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards, honouring individuals who contributed time, resources, and talent to improve the lives of the community and enhance our city.

Seamus Sullivan received this year’s top honour for his “positive influence in the community, helping residents going through hardship.”

“Seamus also provides foster care to children in need and has been instrumental in promoting Irish culture in Brisbane by helping introduce Gaelic football to Queensland nearly 40 years ago,” Cr Schrinner said.

His peers describe Seamus as a person who willingly helps anyone who approaches him for assistance and continuously offers his support to Brisbane residents facing difficult situations, yet never seeks recognition or accolades.

“By giving up his own personal time and resources, Seamus’ actions have helped restore dignity and esteem in many individuals and families across Brisbane, positively shaping their futures,” his Winner Profile stated.

Seamus Sullivan is a founding member of the Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland and has served as President of the Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of Australasia.

*Photo credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner / Facebook*

“Australia Day is a time to come together to celebrate our fantastic country and part of what makes Australia so great is the giving spirit of people,” Cr Schrinner said

“We recognised 15 people for their contributions to Brisbane including for improving our natural environment, working with children, the elderly and people with a disability and helping those less fortunate

The 2020 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards winners:

Citizen of the Year: Seamus Sullivan, Greenslopes
Young Citizen of the Year: Cody Schaeffer, Fortitude Valley
Senior Citizen of the Year: Paul Dickie, Sunnybank
Sports Award: Jeffrey Stewart, The Gap
Cultural/Arts Award: Harmony Woollett, Chapel Hill
Green Heart Award: Gerald Dunford, The Gap
Community Event of the Year: Jacaranda Festival, Fig Tree Pocket
Achievement Awards:
- Janelle Bodman, Fig Tree Pocket
- John Child, Durack
- Marie D’Alton, Auchenflower
- Peter and Peta Davis, Brookfield
- James Devereaux, Fig Tree Pocket
- Brien Hands, Coorparoo
- Jennifer Maguire, Runcorn
- Viet Tran OAM, River Hills

Greenslopes Kerbside Collection: How To Dispose of Unacceptable Items

Greenslopes residents, take note! On Monday, the 24th of February 2020, items for kerbside collection will be picked up at 6:00 a.m. If you have stuff to dispose of, you must place these items on your kerb the weekend prior to collection time.

You also need to ensure that your kerbside collection pile is free of “unacceptable items.” Otherwise, the collectors will leave those out on your kerb and you could be fined for illegal dumping.

So, how do you dispose of unacceptable items? Below are some tips:

Bricks, concrete, dirt and stones, and commercial builders waste

Wastes after a building construction, renovation or demolition go to the landfill when at least 75 percent of these can be cleaned and reused, like concrete and bricks. You can sell or give these away to resource and recovery centres. Most of these businesses provide pick-up and drop-off services for an extra fee so you won’t have to worry about hauling stuff off your property.

Hazardous wastes (e.g. asbestos, chemicals and oil)

It is very important to handle and dispose of hazardous wastes carefully because these items may bring a serious impact on the environment if mishandled. It is never safe to put this for recycling because these are “flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic.”

The Brisbane City Council has free drop off days in its four resource recovery centres so take note of the dates.

Asbestos disposal, however, is handled by contractors. Better yet, call the Council 07 3403 8888 for questions about proper hazardous waste disposal.

General household wastes

Bin collection day for general household wastes is scheduled weekly and fortnightly. Download the Brisbane bin and recycling app to receive reminders of these schedules so you won’t have to miss the pickup.

6-Storey Multiple Dwelling And Retail Proposed For Old Cleveland Road

A development application to establish multiple dwellings and retail on Old Cleveland Road, Stones Corner has been lodged.

The proposal involves a six-storey multiple dwelling with a small commercial tenancy to be located on the ground floor level. The multiple dwelling component will comprise 28 residential units within a building with a maximum height of six storeys (22.5 metres).

The proposed site is located at 99 – 103 Old Cleveland Road, Stones Corner, surrounded by a mix of pre and post-war houses and modern mid-high rise multiple dwellings.

multiple-dwelling-retail-old-cleveland-road-proposed — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The building will contain a mix of (12) two-bedroom and (16) 3-bedroom apartments: 2 x 2 bedroom units and 4 x 3 bedroom units on Levels 1 to 3; 3 x 2 bedroom units and 2 x 3 bedroom units on Levels 4 to 5.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

The proposal provides 19 resident car parking spaces and seven visitor car parking spaces, including one disabled space, on the ground floor level. A lobby entrance will also be provided at ground level accessible by pedestrians from the Old Cleveland Road. Access to the development from Old Cleveland Road is also proposed.

“The proposed development will provide opportunities for increased housing density and a mixed use development of a height and scale that is consistent with the intent of the Mixed Use Zone Code,” the AAD Assessment report said.

99 Old Cleveland Rd, Greenslopes QLD 4120

Comic Empire Logan Road to Close Indefinitely After Fire Damage

Fire broke out at Comic Empire, a popular rare comic store on Logan Road, a few hours before it was set to open for its first day of business this year, leaving considerable damage to property and its extensive comics and games library. Tony Nasser, store manager, has announced a temporary shutdown.

Comic Empire, will still need time to assess the extent of the damage. Fortunately, no one was injured from the fire and the damage did not spread to the other commercial establishments in the building as firefighters were able to contain the blaze by 12:30 a.m.

According to Mr Nasser, some pretty rare and valuable items, such as the first appearance comics of characters like Wolverine and Venom, were among those that burned. Most of Comic Empire’s stocks were set in the middle of the store. Per reports, investigators determined that this was where the fire broke out.

“We understand that there are going to be lots of questions and we will answer what we can when we are able,” Tony wrote in his Facebook message.

“We thank you for your understanding during this trying time.”

Mr Nasser said that the fire investigators are sure that the fire was accidental. However, further investigations will be underway this week to confirm how the fire started.

Comic Empire has been in operation for three years and Mr Nasser has been with the comic industry for over two decades. The store has insurance but Mr Nasser admitted this incident is not a great start to 2020.

Following the news, expression of support and sympathy poured for Mr Nasser and Comic Empire on social media.

“Tony’s such a great supporter of our local community, generously donating prizes to schools and patiently waiting while children (and adults!) spend hours checking out his memorabilia and comics,” Sally Dillon of Greens for Coorparoo said.

“The fire has caused extended damage to the shop and the merchandise — Tony has lost thousands of dollars worth of rare comics. All the best Tony over the coming days. Please let us know if the community can give you a hand in any way.”

Broadway Hotel Owner Advised to Carry Out Works to Protect Building

Broadway Hotel in June 2018 (Photo Credit: Google Street View)

In order to ensure that Broadway Hotel will be protected and stabilised, the Brisbane City Council has issued an enforcement notice requiring its owner to carry out essential work.

According to Minister for Environment Leanne Enoch, the State Government has welcomed the tribunal’s decision to uphold Council’s Enforcement Notice, which was issued after calls from the Palaszczuk Government for Council to do its job and utilise its more extensive powers under the Building Act.

“The Tribunal’s ruling upholds Council’s authority to compel the owner to carry out any necessary works to stabilise and preserve the building,” Ms Enoch said. She said the Department of Environment and Science had commissioned several expert reports after a fire at the unoccupied former hotel in September 2018.

“The reports confirmed the fire had not compromised the building’s overall structural stability, and only limited demolition was necessary,” she said. “However, the reports showed that temporary propping of masonry walls was required and a new roof was needed to ensure the building’s long-term preservation.”

The Minister for Environment placed a Stop Order on the site after the hotel was ravaged by fire. In November 2018, BCC issued a Show Cause, wherein the owner responded that the building is beyond repair due to compromised structural integrity.

Ms Enoch added that it will be up to the owner to ensure essential work is carried out to ensure the building continues to be protected. The current owner of the hotel is Malcolm Nyst, a general practitioner who also owns the hotel’s neighbouring vacant office building at 44 Balaclava Street. He bought the Broadway Hotel for $700,000 in 1998.

About the Broadway Hotel

Broadway Hotel in 1991 (Photo Credit: apps.des.qld.gov.au)

The Broadway Hotel was built in 1889-90 for Brisbane publican Michael McKenna, formerly of the nearby Woolloongabba Hotel. The hotel site is at 93 Logan Road, Woolloongabba. It was designed by John Hall & Son and built by Wooley & Whyte. John Hall & Son is known for executing the designs of several hotels across Brisbane, including Oriental Hotel, Pineapple Hotel, and the Edinburgh Castle Hotel.

It was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. It has eclectic style and it serves as a great example of late Victorian architecture in Brisbane.