Stones Corner residents have helped shape the suburb’s future, as Brisbane moves forward with a community-driven renewal plan that balances new housing, public spaces, and the character locals value most. While new building heights have drawn public attention, the real story lies in how residents’ feedback guided changes to the precinct’s next stage of growth.
Many locals supported the idea of new homes, shops, and public areas near transport. Still, they raised concerns about preserving the area’s village atmosphere and managing parking, traffic, and shading from taller buildings.
In response, Council adjusted several planning rules. Some proposed laneways were removed after feasibility reviews, and setback and design provisions were refined to provide smoother transitions between taller structures and surrounding low-rise homes. A rule that would have limited the size mix of new dwellings was also removed to encourage more flexible housing types.
Keeping Stones Corner’s Character
The revised plan aims to maintain Stones Corner’s identity as a lively urban village while supporting future growth. The framework includes stronger guidelines for subtropical landscaping, shaded pedestrian pathways, and active street-level uses to promote a connected, walkable environment.
Council said the changes respond directly to community priorities—encouraging small-business activation and improving local access to public transport and green spaces, without losing the suburb’s sense of place.
Part of a Citywide Vision
The Stones Corner renewal is one part of Brisbane’s broader “anti-sprawl” strategy to build more homes around existing transport and shopping centres instead of expanding outward. Other targeted areas include Indooroopilly, Nundah, and Carindale, each identified as precincts that can accommodate new housing while protecting bushland and reducing traffic congestion.
Council formally approved the Stones Corner precinct plan amendment in September 2025, with the state now reviewing it before it becomes part of the Brisbane City Plan.
Once finalised, it will guide future development approvals, ensuring growth remains connected to infrastructure and the community’s evolving needs.
We’ve combed Greenslopes and Stones Corner for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
JF ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had the lunch curry + rice + naan special and samosa chaat. Crispy, flavourful chaat. Beautifully tender beef korma and crispy yet soft naan. Delightful dining experience, friendly accommodating staff, and fresh food. 10/10, highly recommend.
Hannah Delbridge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a lovely dinner at Kabir Indian Cuisine, great service from an amazing team. Got to try Gol Gappe (pictured) for the first time and it did not disappoint!
Jessica H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We absolutely love the chaap butter masala, it is so divine full of flavour we are absolutely obsessed with it. The weak point is the roti/ naan hybrid, recipe for this could be improved.
Emma Gomez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I randomly searched an Indian place on google maps, when I came across Kabir Indian Cuisine. I can be quite picky with curry, it can either be a hit or miss for me. But The food here was so incredibly delicious! I had the Butter Lamb, and Papadums. You can tell it is made with so much intention and love. You can taste it!! I had a chat with Rose (the owner & chef) has only operated this place for 4 months- What an achievement. He’s also so warm and welcoming. No wonder why this place has 4.9 reviews! 🌼 I would come again. Thank You Rose!
Pixus Panda ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Delicious coconut rice and Ragma curry, Great music and dine in experience with great hospitality and customer service highly recommend eating here
Gunawathy Shan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended! The chicken curry with idli is packed with rich, authentic flavors, and the idli is soft and perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. The lamb pie with mint gravy is a beautiful fusion—flaky, hearty, and full of flavor. Vindie Restaurant truly delivers on taste and quality! Definitely will come again
Hulwina Azmi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The western / Asian fusion menu is great as it catered for all the tastebud. We enjoyed the lamb shank, beef rendang, steak, beef Pho and panna cota. The restaurant twinkling lights at night is pretty and the friendly staff were welcoming and quick service. Easy parking too.
Jasmyin Tay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Honest good tasty food in an informal and relaxed setting! I’m working my way through the menu – food is consistently on point, service is excellent – what more can one ask for? What we’ve tried so far which we have absolutely loved: Beef pie with mushroom sauce – pie crust was buttery and delicious, beef pieces generous and superbly flavourful, mushroom sauce had depth, well seasoned, and had good chunks of mushrooms (they way we like it) Pan fried barramundi with lemon cream sauce – the sauce is *chef’s kiss*. I have never tasted lemon cream sauce this way before – it went perfectly with the fried fish; we cleaned out plates off! Pasta nepolitana – my personal favourite so far, had this twice! The sauce on this is amazing! It had a well balanced taste of the natural sweetness of tomatoes without the overtly tart taste that usually accompanies a tomato based sauce. The buttered and roasted vegetables are also a delight with the pasta. Coffee – Christina makes an excellent, just nicely extracted coffee, extra hot to be enjoyed while chatting. Love it! Will be back many more times for the good food and lovely hosts – Chef Subra and Christina!
Dilys Li ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was fantastic. We enjoyed the spring rolls and lamb, and the stuffed tomatoes were a highlight. Cosy atmosphere and friendly staff. We will be back!
Basia Kotodziejczyk ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food is to die for!! The most crispy pork belly that has ever been made! Chicken spring rolls so full of meat and flavor! Great little place for a delicious meal! Great spot for a fancy dinner with reasonable pricing
Latin American Food – Delicious family dining experience! Warmly welcomed by the staff who suggested we try a traditional Venezuelan dish. We ordered the Chicken Empanadas for entree and 2 x large traditional Cachapa for mains. The Calories and Salto Angel. What a treat! Highly recommend!!
Sharon Bencomo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re craving authentic Venezuelan cuisine, this place is a must-visit! The food is absolutely exquisite, bursting with flavors that transport you straight to Venezuela. From the arepas to the empanadas, everything is made with such care and attention to detail. What truly sets this restaurant apart is the incredible hospitality. Ronny y Raiza the owners, is always so welcoming and kind, making every visit feel like you’re dining with family. His warm personality adds an extra layer of comfort to the already amazing experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, Ronny ensures you feel right at home. Highly recommend this spot for anyone wanting to indulge in delicious Venezuelan dishes served with genuine kindness and a smile.
GINA GREGORY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Discover a taste of Latin America right in Brisbane at My Cabana! Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering delights including Cachapas, empanadas, and filled Arepas straight from Venezuela. Dive into authentic Colombian dishes like Bandeja Paisa and Ajiaco. Plus, add some fun to your visit with Karaoke nights! Don’t miss out on this vibrant culinary experience.
TI XIN Chin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went on a recommendation by a Venezuelan and have been back for the next 2 days. You know a restaurant is good when it is always full, and in this case mostly by Venezuelans and Colombians. I guess the food must be authentic enough. Tried the arepa de reina pepiada, arepa de carne mechada and the cachapa calories. All finger licking good. 4 out of 5 stars.
Bradley Theodore ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome experience from the start. Family run, our server was extremely passionate about Venezuelan food and gave us some authentic recommendations. We shared arepas and patacon. These were both very good but the arepa was our favourite. Great service and great food, would recommend!
Looked up best halal restaurants and this placed showed so gave it a try. Very good experience, we ordered mixed grill and lamb shank and both dishes were both flavourful and meat tender. The saffron rice was also nice. The owners are nice and they recommended a few dishes since it was our first visit. Very popular as there were a lot of Persians coming in for dinner on a Saturday night. Good idea to reserve in advance. Definitely worth a visit!
Parnian Zahedi ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best Persian restaurant in Brisbane! We started with Ash Reshteh, a flavorful herb and noodle soup that was rich and comforting. For the main, we had the Soltani Kebab a combination of beautifully cooked meats served with fragrant saffron rice. The flavors were authentic, and the portion was perfect. The service was attentive, making it a great overall experience. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try authentic Persian cuisine!
Angel H. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had the mixed entree . The dips were tasty. The hummus was creamy. We had the Kings 🤴 Platter for main. Beautiful saffron rice, Succulent grilled selection of lamb, chicken, and mince. Good size servings MY son also ordered Persian tea 🍵 it was warm and soothing. I had the Lebanese ice cream with nuts. It was different but I enjoyed it. Great dining experience. ✨️✨️✨️
Shiva Pour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly! My 3-year-old couldn’t get enough of their Kubideh – he kept asking for more! It’s definitely a place I recommend for both great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. A must-visit!
Reza shobeyri ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Taste of Saffron is amazing! With delicious dishes like kebabs, ghormeh sabzi, and crispy tahdig, plus a warm atmosphere and attentive service, it’s a perfect place to enjoy authentic Persian flavors.
Erica Thompson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great spot for dinner. Had the godfather parmigiana. Good pub meal Reasonably priced on special on Tuesday. Good atmosphere and friendly efficient staff
T Young ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’ve been here twice now (bistro dining) as a family in the past 6 months or so and have left each time being very satisfied with the meals. The steaks are good quality (better than nearby steak restaurants) and the other dishes have been tasty (including the schnitzel and green goddess salad). There’s plenty of seating but it can get rather busy (you can book online). The service is generally good however on our most recent visit we felt somewhat interrupted by a waitress clearing our table and asking us to pass her empty glasses / plates etc, whilst some of us were still eating. I wouldn’t normally mind helping with this if items were out of reach or if we were finished however our conversation was interrupted.
Bella Kumar
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ An update to my review given one year ago. Went for lunch yesterday, nice place as always. We ordered fish tacos and chicken and halloumi burger, the later meal was delicious. The fish tacos was another story.. 2 small pieces of fish with 3 pieces of soft tacos served with side serving of avocado tomato onion n lettuce. 🤔. I asked the waiter to check if chef has accidentally put 2 pieces fish instead of 3 Well… guess not apparently they serve only 2 pieces fish to 3 pieces tacos. Wow Wonder if they got a new chef since I was there a year ago Below my review a year ago Wow….what a surprise… been here many times, the meals were usually ok n so was the menu. But this was just 5 Star in comparison. Delicious generous potion and very reasonably priced. We learned they had a new chef. Congratulations, we shall definitely be coming back
Andrew McNicol ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The service was great and the steak I ordered for lunch was cooked to perfection. It was my first time at the venue but definitely won’t be the last. Thoroughly recommend the Rump!
Keryn Oneil ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had the beef salad and the pasta dish. It was amazing and we definitely will be back
If you’re looking for the fluffiest brunch in Greenslopes, locals will point you towards Soufflé Japancakes. Known across Brisbane for its sky-high, jiggly stacks of Japanese pancakes, the café has firmly established itself in the suburb as a go-to spot for those who like their brunch with a little bounce.
What began as a modest stall at Eat Street Markets has blossomed into a Brisbane favourite. Soufflé Japancakes first won over crowds with its wobbly, cloud-like pancakes that were unlike anything else on offer in the city. The popularity of those jiggly stacks soon led to permanent cafés, including the Greenslopes outpost that now draws a steady stream of regulars.
The pancakes everyone’s talking about
Photo credit: Facebook/Soufflé Japancakes
At the heart of Soufflé Japancakes’ appeal are its soufflé pancakes. Light, airy, and almost impossibly fluffy, these pancakes are cooked low and slow to achieve their signature height and melt-in-your-mouth softness. They wobble on the plate, making them as much fun to admire as they are to eat.
The menu caters to every taste, from classic to creative. The Original Soufflé Pancake is the simple, cloud-like starting point, while the Philadelphia Berries Cheesecake Pancake layers cream and fresh fruit. For something more decadent, there’s the Oreo-filled Philadelphia Oreo Pancake, the indulgent Choc Salted Caramel Banana, or the torched Crème Brûlée Pancake.
Photo credit: Facebook/Soufflé Japancakes
For adventurous eaters, the Kyoto Uji Matcha Pancake brings a refined green tea flavour, while the Kuromitsu x Kinako Pancake combines roasted soybean flour and Japanese brown sugar. And if you’re in the mood for something savoury, the menu includes Japanese twists like the Okonomiyaki Pancake Special, Eggs Benedict on a soufflé pancake base, and Smoked Salmon with Avocado.
Beyond pancakes
Photo credit: Facebook/Soufflé Japancakes
Soufflé Japancakes isn’t just about pancakes. Its Japanese-style sandos – soft, pillowy sandwiches – are another drawcard. The Free Range Egg Sando is creamy and light, while the Chicken Teriyaki Sando balances sweet and savoury flavours. To wash it down, colourful drinks like the Iced Fresh Strawberry & Uji Matcha Latte make the café feel just as much about presentation as taste.
A local brunch favourite
Photo credit: Sophie Yan/Google Maps
Greenslopes already has plenty of cosy cafés, but Soufflé Japancakes stands out for offering a brunch that’s as playful as it is satisfying. For locals, it’s become a reliable spot to indulge in something a little different – whether that’s a towering stack of pancakes or a Japanese sando that disappears in just a few bites.
Stones Corner is on the brink of its most significant change in more than a century, with buildings as high as 20-storeys now permitted in areas of the suburb, part of a busy retail and hotel precinct in the late 19th and early 20th centuries because of its accessibility to major routes to the south and east.
Over the years, Stones Corner has seen periods of prosperity and decline. More recently, upgrades to Hanlon Park and Norman Creek have given the community an award-winning green space, and the suburb has found a renewed sense of local identity. Now, its skyline is preparing for a new chapter.
What’s Changing
Photo credit: BCC
Under the approved framework, developers will be allowed to build towers up to 20 levels in designated areas of Stones Corner. The plan also makes provision for 20,000 square metres of commercial space, improved pedestrian access between streets, and stronger connections to Hanlon Park.
Supporters of the changes say they will help meet Brisbane’s housing needs, with hundreds of new residents moving to the city each week. Critics, however, have raised concerns about traffic, parking, and whether the character of the suburb can be preserved as taller buildings emerge.
A Wider Strategy
Photo credit: BCC
The Stones Corner plan is part of a broader push to accommodate population growth through higher-density housing in well-connected areas. A separate precinct plan has been approved for Wynnum, where buildings up to 15 storeys will be permitted around the train station.
Similar changes are being considered in other suburbs. Around Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Nundah, building heights may also rise significantly as part of an anti-sprawl approach that directs growth towards existing transport and shopping hubs rather than expanding the city’s footprint.
Balancing Growth and Heritage
Community views remain divided. Some residents see potential benefits in new housing and commercial opportunities. Others worry about the impact of large-scale development on local streets and on the heritage character of Stones Corner.
Cr Fiona Cunningham, who represents the area, said the planning process had prompted valuable discussions about how to balance growth with the preservation of culture and heritage.
The suburb has already undergone cycles of growth, decline, and renewal. The introduction of towers up to 20 storeys marks another turning point, one that will shape how Stones Corner evolves in the decades to come.
Beneath its modern façade and world-class facilities, Greenslopes Private Hospital holds a significant part of the country’s history. With the opening of the Bunker Museum, visitors can learn and appreciate the role of the hospital during the Second World War.
Not many people know about the rich history of Greenslopes Private Hospital and what role it played in the biggest global war in history. The hospital was designed just weeks after WWII was declared. It was inaugurated on February 1, 1942, and included three bunkers.
Only one of the air raid shelters has survived the war. Years after, the bunker was used to store wheelchairs and archives.
Thanks to the efforts of resident historian and endocrinologist Dr Chris Strakosch, the shelter has been transformed into a museum to showcase the important role that the hospital played during the historic war.
Greenslopes Military Hospital
During the Second World War, the Greenslopes hospital was the nearest military hospital to the frontline. When it was designed, Australian troops were fighting in Italy and Germany. It was opened to accommodate returning soldiers.
Beds on the verandah of the Greenslopes hospital.
Its opening in 1942 was just around the time that the Japanese had joined the war. At that time, the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbour and started raids on Darwin.
It was first named as 112th Australian General Hospital and was later called Repatriation General Hospital before it took its current name.
The hospital’s first patients came from battlefields in Europe, North Africa, Middle East and the Pacific. For many patients, the hospital was a refuge and symbol of hope for the future.
A Shelter for History
Once an air raid shelter, now the Greenslopes hospital bunker serves to shelter a piece of history that the people of Australia should not forget.
Three bunkers were constructed after the hospital was completed. The surviving bunker was built between the walls, which explains its odd shape. As visitors enter the museum, they will see a blast wall in front of the original door, which would give them a sense of its original purpose.
Dr Strakosch wrote the history of the hospital in 2002 in time for hospital’s 60th anniversary. He was inspired by the stories he found, so he suggested using the surviving bunker as a museum.
The Bunker Museum houses photographs and newspaper clippings since the pre-opening of the hospital. There is also an audio-visual display describing the hospital’s 60-year history.
The museum is open to visitors from Monday to Friday. Interested parties may contact the hospital’s volunteer services at 3394 6753.
Greenslopes residents are preparing for the opening of the new Parkside Community & Services Club, set to begin operations in early December 2025. The transformation of the old Greenslopes Bowls Club at 131 Ridge Street is being carried out as part of the Coorparoo RSL & Community Club’s relocation to the suburb.
The venue, long familiar to locals, is being rebuilt as a contemporary community space designed to serve Greenslopes’ growing neighbourhood.
On 5 October 2025, the club hosted a community morning that drew families and residents. The free event featured barista coffee, face painting, and a petting zoo for children. It offered locals a chance to visit the new site, meet members of the Parkside team, and hear about the club’s upcoming programs, membership options, and job opportunities.
Plans outlined a bistro, casual bar, modern café, and event spaces. Construction work has been underway through winter and spring to deliver a venue that combines contemporary facilities with familiar community character.
What was once the old front bar is being converted into a café, and the club has teased a partnership with a local coffee roaster. The design includes open dining areas, landscaped greens, and a shaded alfresco deck.
Barefoot bowls will remain a feature, maintaining a link to the club’s bowling heritage. Multiple function rooms are planned to support private and community events such as family gatherings, local group meetings, and RSL activities.
Preparing for Launch
In September, the club announced key kitchen appointments, naming Executive Chef Brenton Crook alongside Head Chef Daryl Taylor. The appointments mark a focus on dining quality, with the kitchen expected to feature seasonal menus once operations begin.
Around 30 new positions will be created across hospitality and support roles, contributing to local employment opportunities in Greenslopes.
Residents can register on the official website for updates about the opening, membership, and upcoming events. Social media channels have also been sharing behind-the-scenes updates from the renovation and recruitment process.
Community and Connection
The relocation of Coorparoo RSL to Greenslopes brings with it a continuation of the RSL’s commitment to supporting veterans and families. Plans include a dedicated welfare office, as well as programs and community grants to benefit local organisations.
Beyond its physical redesign, the project represents an investment in the social fabric of the area. The Parkside Community & Services Club aims to create a space where long-time locals and newcomers can participate in the same neighbourhood activities that once made the old bowls club a central part of Greenslopes life.
A tender process has now commenced to identify providers for a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in Greenslopes, which is set to give local residents more accessible walk-in health care while easing demand on hospital emergency departments.
The clinic, to be open seven days a week with extended hours, will provide bulk-billed urgent care for illnesses and injuries that can’t wait for a GP appointment but don’t require a hospital admission.
Services expected at the Greenslopes UCC will include treatment for:
minor fractures, sprains and sports injuries
infections such as urinary tract infections and respiratory illnesses
cuts, insect bites, rashes and mild burns
ear, eye and throat concerns
gastroenteritis and other minor acute conditions.
The new centre will allow people to walk in without an appointment and receive timely care, particularly for families with young children and people needing urgent help outside regular business hours.
Photo credit: Urgent Care Network Australia
While the clinic will handle many common health issues, it won’t treat serious trauma or complex conditions. Patients requiring more specialised care will be transferred to local emergency departments under agreed referral pathways.
For local GPs, the Greenslopes UCC will act as a complementary service, bridging the gap between standard appointments and hospital care. Patients whose conditions don’t require urgent treatment will be referred back to their regular doctor for ongoing management.
With demand for urgent, bulk-billed services continuing to grow, the Greenslopes clinic aims to give the community a convenient, safe and accessible option for health care closer to home.
Across the country, 90 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have already opened since June 2023, recording more than 1.7 million patient visits. In Queensland alone, the 16 existing clinics have seen over 344,500 presentations, highlighting the growing demand for accessible urgent care services.
The tender process, now underway for Greenslopes as well as Capalaba and Carindale, is open to general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, with applications closing on 4 September.
A couple in Stones Corner reported finding raw mince containing a white substance wedged in their front screen door, sparking concern for their dog’s safety.
On 10 August 2025, residents of a Stones Corner apartment block returned from walking their dog, Abby, to find raw mince pushed into the handle of their front screen door. When pulled apart, the meat was found to contain a powdery residue.
The couple said they were home when the meat was placed, hearing the screen door click shut while they were sitting nearby. At first, they dismissed the sound as the wind but later discovered the mince when re-entering their unit.
The owners said the discovery was unsettling due to the location of their apartment. The front door is hidden from street view and can only be accessed through a walkway, staircases, and multiple sections of the block. Abby is the only pet in the building, leading them to believe she may have been deliberately targeted.
They added that Abby is generally quiet, only barking briefly when startled, and they had not received complaints from neighbours.
Alternative Explanations Raised
While the couple considered the possibility of deliberate baiting, some locals suggested another explanation. Residents noted that butcher birds, which are common in Brisbane, often store food in unusual places such as peg baskets or aerials. Some people also feed the birds mince mixed with white powder to aid digestion.
This theory led others in the community to suggest that the meatball may have been hidden by a bird rather than intentionally placed by a person.
The case prompted further discussion online, with one resident in Lutwyche describing a similar experience at their unit block. Others in Hawthorne also reported finding unusual meat or bird remains around their homes, raising speculation about animal involvement.
However, some commenters remained concerned, warning that deliberate baiting incidents have been reported in other suburbs in past years.
The Stones Corner couple said they had contacted police to report the matter and planned to install security cameras at their unit for precaution. They also notified neighbours and encouraged other dog owners in the area to remain cautious.
Baby Luka continues his remarkable recovery nearly a year after suffering severe burns in a shocking attack at Hanlon Park, whilst authorities pursue diplomatic channels to secure justice for the family.
Baby Luka, who will turn two in October, was just nine months old when a stranger approached his family’s picnic at the popular local park on 27 August 2024 and poured hot coffee over him before fleeing. The incident occurred around midday when the infant was enjoying time outdoors with his mother.
The attack left young Luka with burns covering 60 per cent of his body, including his face, arms, and upper torso. The severity of his injuries required multiple surgeries and extensive medical treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Community Impact and Investigation
The random nature of the assault sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Stones Corner community, with Queensland Police immediately launching a comprehensive investigation. CCTV footage captured the suspect fleeing from Hanlon Park, running approximately half a kilometre to the Apostolic Church of Queensland in nearby Annerley, where he changed clothes before taking a rideshare vehicle to Brisbane’s CBD.
Despite the extensive police investigation involving 30 detectives, the 33-year-old Chinese national suspected of the attack managed to evade capture by mere hours. Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton revealed the devastating moment when investigators identified their suspect, only to discover he had already left the country.
The man had departed Australia via Sydney on 31 August 2024, just four days after the attack and approximately 12 hours after police confirmed his identity. He is believed to have returned to China via New Zealand.
Diplomatic Challenges
Queensland Police issued an arrest warrant for the suspect on charges of intending to cause grievous bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. However, the pursuit of justice has encountered significant diplomatic obstacles.
Under Chinese law, Chinese citizens cannot be extradited to foreign countries for prosecution. This legal protection has prompted Australian authorities to work through diplomatic channels, providing evidence to Chinese officials in hopes they will prosecute the case under their domestic jurisdiction.
Former Australian Federal Police officer David Craig recently expressed concerns about the likelihood of securing justice through traditional extradition methods. However, authorities maintain that China has extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for conduct occurring outside the country.
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy assured the community in June that the investigation remains active. The case has clearly affected investigating officers, who describe the incident as particularly distressing given the victim’s age and the random nature of the attack.
Suspect’s Background
Reports indicate the alleged perpetrator had been in Australia since 2019 on various visa arrangements, including working holiday and student visas. He had lived in multiple locations across Australia’s east coast and previously worked in meat processing.
Chinese media reports suggest the man became frustrated after his most recent visa application was rejected, though no clear motive for targeting baby Luka has been established.
Despite the traumatic circumstances, Luka’s parents report their son is thriving. The toddler continues to receive regular medical treatment, primarily for cosmetic purposes to reduce scarring, with doctors optimistic about his long-term prognosis.
The family notes that whilst Luka initially showed wariness around strangers following the attack, he no longer appears to remember the incident. The prominent burns that initially covered much of his body have healed better than medical professionals initially expected, though he retains scars on his chin, shoulder, and back.
Luka’s mother recently emphasised that her son deserves justice, expressing frustration that someone could commit such an act and seemingly escape consequences.
Ongoing Efforts
Both Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police continue working with Chinese authorities to explore all available options for prosecution. In a joint statement, the agencies affirmed their commitment to securing justice for Luka and his family, whilst acknowledging the complexity of the international legal situation.
The case has highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces when suspects flee to countries without extradition treaties, prompting discussions about diplomatic cooperation in criminal matters.
For the Stones Corner community, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of random crime, whilst Luka’s recovery demonstrates remarkable resilience. Local residents continue to use Hanlon Park, though many remember the August day that shocked their peaceful suburb.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the focus remains on supporting Luka’s ongoing recovery and ensuring such incidents don’t go unpunished, regardless of international boundaries.
Greenslopes Private Hospital has become the first private hospital in Queensland to offer advanced microsurgery for lymphoedema, marking a significant step forward in the management and prevention of the condition.
Specialist plastic surgeons Dr Matthew Cheng and Dr Andrew Lewandowski recently completed Queensland’s first private hospital-based lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), a complex supermicrosurgical procedure that connects tiny lymphatic vessels directly to veins. The surgery was performed on a patient with aggressive skin cancer to help prevent the onset of lymphoedema following lymph node removal.
Photo credit: Ramsay Health Care
“With LVA, we’re offering patients a surgical solution that can ease symptoms or even prevent lymphoedema altogether,” said Dr Cheng. “Historically, people with lymphoedema have had very limited options, often relying on compression, massage or simply learning to live with the condition.”
Dr Lewandowski said the procedure helps address a long-standing gap in post-cancer care. “While we excel at treating cancers and saving lives, we have fallen short on managing the long-term consequences of invasive surgery,” he said. “Lymphoedema can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and put them at greater risk of skin infections such as cellulitis. Being able to prevent or treat this condition is a huge step forward.”
Understanding lymphoedema
Photo credit: Ramsay Health Care/Facebook
Lymphoedema is the accumulation of excessive fluid that leads to swelling in certain parts of the body, most commonly the arms and legs, but it can affect other areas too. It often occurs after cancer treatments involving lymph node removal, and affects an estimated 70,000 Australians. The condition can cause chronic pain, swelling, recurrent infections, and significantly reduce quality of life.
At Greenslopes Private Hospital, patients now have access not only to surgical options like LVA but also to non-surgical therapies through Ramsay Health Plus. These include Level 1 and 2 accredited lymphoedema therapists offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage, prescription and review of specialised compression garments (both off-the-shelf and custom made), and compression bandaging.
This comprehensive approach positions Greenslopes Private as a leader in lymphoedema care, giving patients a better chance at living comfortably post-treatment.