In a bittersweet turn of events, the parents of baby Luka, who suffered severe burns in an unprovoked coffee attack at Stones Corner’s Hanlon Park last August, have announced their engagement while the search for their son’s attacker continues to stall.
The couple celebrated their engagement on New Year’s Eve in their new home, where Luka’s father proposed in an intimate setting. “Starting 2025 with my best friend as my fiancé,” Luka’s mother shared on Instagram, accompanied by a photo showing her engagement ring.
The happy news comes amid ongoing frustration over the stalled investigation into the brutal attack that left then nine-month-old Luka with burns to 60% of his body. The incident occurred during a family picnic at Hanlon Park, a popular community space in Stones Corner.
Despite CCTV footage capturing the suspect fleeing the scene, police have been unable to apprehend the attacker, who is believed to have fled to China after travelling from Queensland to Victoria and departing from Sydney Airport on August 31. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton described the investigation as “one of the most complex and sometimes frustrating investigations” he’s had to lead, noting the suspect’s apparent knowledge of police methodologies.
The community rallied around the family following the attack, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $230,000 to support Luka’s treatment and recovery. The family has since relocated to a new area for a fresh start.
However, Luka’s mother recently expressed her disappointment with the investigation’s lack of progress. “No progression on our case and at a standstill from what we have been told,” she posted on social media. “Super upsetting when you see others getting the justice they deserve… but then your boy isn’t receiving the same.”
Queensland Police confirmed this week that investigations remain ongoing, though no new updates are available. A warrant remains active for the suspect on charges of acts intending to cause grievous bodily harm, which carries a potential life sentence.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, though there has been speculation in China about a possible connection to a visa application refusal. Police have withheld the suspect’s identity and specific location to avoid compromising their investigation.
If you’re searching for the best book clubs in Brisbane to join this year, look no further than Stones Corner’s very own Books@Stones. More than just a bookstore, it’s the heart of a thriving literary community, thanks to its well-loved book clubs.
Books@Stones is a family-owned business run by Karen and Michael Weibler, who, alongside their dedicated team, pride themselves on offering personalised service and a thoughtfully curated collection of books.
The bookstore has been a staple of the community for over four decades, evolving from Balding Books to Allmedic Book Supplies and, since 2011, Books@Stones (incorporating Allmedic Book Supplies).
“We have an extensive range of Australian fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books,” Karen and Michael share on their website. “We also carry international fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, as well as specialist medical textbooks.”
Books@Stones Book Clubs
Photo credit: Books@Stones/Facebook
If you’ve ever dreamed of joining a book club that blends literary discussions with a warm, community-focused vibe, Books@Stones Book Clubs are the perfect choice. They have been around for more than 13 years, providing a welcoming space for adults to connect through their shared love of reading.
Books@Stones runs four book clubs, each focusing on a specific genre: Australian fiction, crime fiction, and non-fiction. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it easy for members to share insights and explore diverse perspectives. An added bonus? Members enjoy a 10 percent discount on the monthly book club selections.
When and where: All four clubs meet at the Books@Stones store in Stones Corner, with sessions held monthly or every second month.
Cost: Members are encouraged to purchase their monthly book in-store. For those who prefer not to, there’s a small $5 surcharge to attend each meetup.
Whether you’re a local or just nearby, this bookstore offers an engaging way to discover new books, make friends, and support a cherished independent bookstore. It’s the perfect way to nurture your love of reading and be part of a vibrant literary community.
For more information or to join a club, pop into the store or visit their website. There’s always a story waiting to be shared at Books@Stones.
Established in 2010 by My Kitchen Rules contestants Bec Saul and Malcolm Gill, the cafe quickly became a beloved gathering spot known for its creative menu and welcoming atmosphere.
Photo credit: Joyce/Google Maps
In 2015, the cafe underwent its first major transition when Sonja and Howard Searle took over ownership. Under their management, Lady Marmalade flourished, undergoing significant transformations that helped it navigate the challenges of the pandemic. The couple’s stewardship saw the cafe evolve into a vibrant hub for locals, with its unique charm and historical setting playing a key role in its popularity.
Photo credit: Lady Marmalade Cafe/Google Maps
The cafe is housed in a 1930s heritage-listed building that carries its own rich history. Before becoming Lady Marmalade, the site served a variety of purposes, including a canary house, bird hospital, and later a record shop. This blend of vintage character and modern cafe culture made this cafe a standout destination in Stones Corner.
Photo credit: Jenna/Google Maps
In 2022, new owners took over the business, marking another chapter in the cafe’s story. However, as of this week, operations have come to an end. A brief and cryptic message on the cafe’s website simply reads, “Something is happening!” This has sparked curiosity among regulars, with many speculating about what might come next for the iconic site.
While the closure marks the end of an era for Lady Marmalade, the cafe’s legacy as a cornerstone of the Stones Corner community will not be forgotten. Its unique setting and long-standing connection to locals leave open the possibility for exciting new developments. For now, the community waits eagerly to see what the future holds for this storied location.
Hanlon Park in Stones Corner will transform into a lively community hub on Australia Day, featuring free rides, cultural activities, and live entertainment for the whole family.
Organised by St Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church Brisbane, with assistance from the National Australia Day Council, the event promises a full day of activities to celebrate Australian culture and heritage.
Scheduled for 26 January, the festivities will take place at Hanlon Park and offer free entry.
Families attending can enjoy attractions such as free rides, an animal farm, competitions, food stalls, and face painting.
The event also honours Australia’s rich cultural diversity, with First Nations cultural performances featured as part of the program. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, picnic mats, and umbrellas to enjoy the day comfortably.
Photo Credit: St Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church Brisbane
A Church with Deep Roots
St Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church Brisbane, the event organiser, has long been a cornerstone of its community. Founded in 1989 under the leadership of Archbishop Gibran Ramlawey, the Church has grown to serve approximately 200 families across regions like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Toowoomba.
The Church’s journey has been marked by a dedication to fostering faith and community. In its early years, services were held in various borrowed spaces before the Church established its permanent home at 66 Junction Street in 2002. Along the way, the Church built initiatives such as Sunday School and youth programs, which remain active today.
Bringing People Together
The Australia Day event highlights the Church’s ongoing mission to strengthen community ties and celebrate shared values. With various activities and entertainment, the event allows people of all backgrounds to come together.
The festivities reflect the spirit of collaboration and cultural respect, which are central to both the Church’s work and the broader significance of Australia Day. The organisers have ensured the event is accessible and enjoyable for all, making Hanlon Park the perfect setting for a memorable celebration.
Baby Luka, now one-year old, has undergone seven operations at Queensland Children’s Hospital since the August 27 attack, which left him with serious burns to 60 percent of his body, including his face, upper body, and arms.
“In those first few weeks, we had no idea what his future was going to look like, especially because the burns were so significant,” his mother told The Courier Mail.
While Luka’s skin has “healed really well” since receiving synthetic skin grafts, his father indicated it could take years for the scars to settle. The infant remains wary around people and becomes shy in group settings, often hiding behind his mother’s legs before gradually warming up to others.
The 33-year-old suspect, captured on CCTV leaving the park, fled overseas via Sydney Airport three days after the attack, just hours before police confirmed his identity. Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police have issued an arrest warrant for acts intending to cause grievous bodily harm.
The police are searching for this man who poured a thermos of scalding coffee over the infant. Photo Credit: Facebook / True Crime Trending
According to extradition expert Jasmina Ceic from Nyman Gibson Miralis law firm, the process to bring the suspect back to Australia could take between three to five years due to the complexity of international extradition procedures.
Brisbane has released detailed plans for the Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct, marking a significant milestone in the city’s Sustainable Growth Strategy. The precinct plan outlines a comprehensive vision to transform the suburb into a vibrant urban village with increased housing options and enhanced community spaces.
The precinct plan aims to breathe new life into this well-connected suburb while preserving its distinctive character. Located along the Eastern Busway and home to the award-winning Hanlon Park, Stones Corner is positioned as an ideal candidate for sustainable urban development.
A Blueprint for Modern Urban Living
The renewal strategy centres on four key themes: housing choice, vibrant village atmosphere, subtropical lifestyle, and connected communities. At its heart, the plan seeks to address Brisbane’s growing housing needs while creating a more dynamic and liveable neighbourhood.
The focus area encompasses the core sections of Cleveland Street and Logan Road, extending to include Gladys Street, Hanlon Park, the local library, and the busway precinct.
Key Development Features
Artist’s impression of plans for Cleveland St (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)
The precinct plan outlines several transformative elements:
Diverse housing options catering to various demographics, with a particular focus on essential workers and older residents
Enhanced streetscapes featuring improved landscaping, lighting, and public art
New public spaces including arcades and laneways
Expanded retail and commercial opportunities along street frontages
Innovative parking solutions that promote active transport
Preservation of character and heritage build
Smart Growth for a Connected Community
Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au
What sets this renewal approach apart is its targeted nature. Unlike broad-scale neighbourhood plans, the suburban renewal precinct model focuses on maximising opportunities in smaller, strategically located areas. The plan emphasises creating walkable neighbourhoods with comfortable, shaded connections between local destinations.
The selection of Stones Corner as the first suburban renewal precinct reflects its unique potential. With its historic main street, established public transport links, and strong community foundation, it offers an ideal testing ground for Brisbane’s sustainable growth principles.
Community Engagement
Residents and stakeholders have until 19 November 2024, to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The consultation period offers an important opportunity for the community to shape the future of their neighbourhood while ensuring the renewal process aligns with local needs and aspirations.
The precinct plan aims to provide clear guidance to both the local community and building industry, ensuring that opportunities for new homes and jobs are maximised in appropriate areas while maintaining the suburb’s character and enhancing its appeal.
As Brisbane continues to grow, the Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct may serve as a model for how established suburbs can evolve to meet contemporary needs while preserving their unique identity and improving quality of life for residents. Residents can provide their feedback on these plans by visiting BCC’s website.
As the warmth of an Australian summer approaches, so does the unfortunate reality of natural disasters. The Salvation Army is gearing up to face this challenge head-on, calling 1,000 volunteers to join their Emergency Services (SAES) teams before summer’s start.
These emergencies range from summer bushfires to the recent floods in Queensland. They offer those affected by disasters vital meals, supplies, and emotional support.
The Salvation Army seeks to bolster its ranks in anticipation of the upcoming disaster season. It’s calling on Australians to step forward and become part of its SAES teams, ready to respond whenever and wherever disaster strikes.
Volunteering with the SAES is a significant commitment. It entails providing vital aid to first responders and evacuees and offering comfort and a listening ear to those in distress. The Salvos emphasise that volunteering is an enriching experience, allowing individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of others during their darkest hours.
The application process to become an SAES volunteer is thorough, including interviews, reference checks, and police checks. Successful applicants will participate in online training and may receive calls to assist in their local area anytime throughout the year.
While the Salvation Army encourages Australians to consider volunteering responsibilities carefully, it also stresses that it will work to find meaningful ways for everyone to contribute.
The Salvos urge interested parties to join their SAES family and help support those in need during crises.
The Brisbane Broncos face the top-seeded Cronulla Sharks in a crucial match this Saturday, 14 September, with the top position on the NRLW ladder hanging in the balance. Broncos vs Sharks kick off 1:45 p.m. at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast.
The Broncos enter this crucial match riding the wave of a historic comeback against the Knights last week. Down 18-4 in the 37th minute, the team staged a momentous second-half comeback, clinching a 32-24 victory.
The second half was a clinic, an impressive display with five tries from five different players: Julia Robinson (46’), Brianna Clark (50’), Stacey Waaka (57’), Lavinia Gould (60’), and Romy Teitzel (64’). Teitzel’s near-perfect conversion record (4/5) in the second half further solidified the win.
Broncos vs Sharks
Currently sitting third on the ladder, the Broncos have a golden opportunity to leapfrog the first-placed Sharks with a victory in their final home game of the home-and-away season. This match is pivotal for both teams as they head into the final stages of the season, each aiming for a strong finish.
Broncos head coach Scott Prince stresses the team’s focus, stating, “We want to chase that top 2 for a home final. That’s the advantage we’re striving for.”
The Broncos have turned their season around with five consecutive wins, recovering from a challenging two-loss start. A win in this match would put them on the verge of securing a spot in the finals series, though mathematically, they need another victory to guarantee it.
“We were put on the back foot initially, it wasn’t the perfect start, but the resilience that the girls showed to stick to their process and get back in the game and come home like a wet sail was well done.”
Following this weekend’s game, the Broncos will take on the ninth-placed Dragons in the final game of the season—in what could be another decisive match for their charge towards the minor premiership.
A heinous act of violence has shaken the Stones Corner community in Brisbane, leaving a nine-month-old boy hospitalised with severe burns and his parents pleading for justice.
On Tuesday, the infant, Luka, was enjoying a sunny winter day at Hanlon Park with his mother and a friend when a stranger approached and poured scalding liquid from a Thermos onto the child before fleeing the scene.
Luka suffered severe burns to his chin, neck, and chest, the full extent of which remains unknown until his dressings are removed. His distraught parents, who witnessed the attack, are reeling from the trauma. Luka’s mother expressed online that her son didn’t deserve this, and no one did. She wishes the hot coffee had been poured on her instead of her boy. She emphasised that the man needs to be found and charged.
Police have released chilling CCTV footage of the attacker fleeing the scene and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, a 35-year veteran of the force, expressed his shock at the “callous and cowardly” attack.
The attacker is described as being in his 30s or 40s, with a proportionate build and tanned skin. He wore a black hat, glasses, a shirt, and shorts. Police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend him and vow to hold him accountable for his actions.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page set up by Zara Mazza, a friend of the victim’s mother who witnessed the attack, has already surpassed its $5,000 goal. The funds will assist the family with medical and household expenses during Luka’s long road to recovery.
This senseless act of violence has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about safety in public spaces. As police continue their investigation, residents are left grappling with the aftermath of this horrific incident, hoping for swift justice and a sense of security restored to their neighbourhood.
A Stones Corner-based company Surgery TV Pty Ltd is at the forefront of medical innovation, developing a groundbreaking app and cloud-based surgical data recording software platform.
In a recent announcement, Innovation Minister Leanne Linard revealed that 56 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would receive a share of $5.5 million in funding. Among them is the Stones Corner-based firm, which was recognised for its innovative approach to transforming surgical procedures through advanced data recording and analysis.
Surgery TV Pty Ltd
Surgery TV Pty Ltd is an Australian-based media production company that specialises in creating and distributing high-quality, educational content focused on surgical procedures and medical practices. The company aims to provide valuable resources for medical professionals, students, and the general public interested in the intricacies of surgical techniques and advancements in medical technology.
Photo Credit: Pexel
Surgery TV Pty Ltd produces a variety of programming, including live broadcasts of surgeries, detailed instructional videos, interviews with leading surgeons, and documentaries that explore the latest developments in the field of surgery. The company’s content is designed to be both informative and accessible, making complex medical procedures understandable to a broad audience.
Through partnerships with hospitals, medical schools, and professional organisations, Surgery TV Pty Ltd ensures that its content is accurate, up-to-date, and reflective of current best practices in medicine. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and high production standards, the company has established itself as a trusted source of surgical education and an important contributor to the global medical community.
The Ignite Ideas Fund, now in its eleventh round, distributed $3.3 million among 26 businesses, acknowledging their high-growth potential and commitment to commercialising groundbreaking products and services.
The funding will also support projects like ‘You After X,’ a mobile app designed to assist women navigating separation or divorce, and ‘Clean&Recover,’ an initiative aimed at helping mining companies repurpose waste streams into valuable assets.
Additionally, the inaugural Ignite Spark Programme funding round will allocate $2.2 million to 30 innovative enterprises. This support will enable them to further develop their prototypes and move closer to bringing their products to market. Among the recipients are ‘Attunga,’ a tethered drone designed to enhance rural communication networks, and a project focused on developing ultraviolet water sterilisation devices for health and aged care facilities.
Ignite Spark Program inaugural funding round recipients
Organisation
Project
Location
Amount
15 Times Better
Igniting And Scaling First Nations’ Engagement
Brinsmead
$75,000
Aamber Software Pty Ltd
Academic Electronic Medical Record and Simulation Platform for Health Education
Brookfield
$74,800
AirBridge Networks Pty Ltd
ARNI-Emergency Communications Infrastructure Benefitting Australians in Remote Locations
Smithfield
$75,000
Carbonaught Pty Ltd
A Platform to Carbon Neutralise QLD Agriculture
Brisbane City
$74,800
Convergence Medical Pty Ltd
The World’s First Arthroscopic Surgical Robot
Newstead
$55,100
D3 Genetics Pty Ltd
Precision Management for Agriculture using D3 Genetics Platform
Oxley (Recipient HQ)St Lucia (project location)
$75,000
DefenceX Pty Ltd
AI Enabled Edge Data Recorder (Military, Ground Applications)
Fortitude Valley
$75,000
Defining Future Solutions Pty Ltd
Integrated Smart Downlight and Smoke Alarm System with App Connectivity
Parkwood
$75,000
Everlast Networks Pty Ltd
Single-Use Encrypted Connections for Trusted and Heavily Secured Communications
Noosa Heads
$75,000
Finn Biogas Pty Ltd
Small-Scale FOGO Composting System For Remote and Regional Communities.
Sumner
$75,000
G S Sturman and M Sturman
Carbon Dioxide to Ethylene Electrochemical Device for Producing Carbon-Neutral Fuels
East Barron
$75,000
Genics Pty Ltd
Genics Shrimptracker – Advancing Shrimp Health and Breeding Program Management
St Lucia
$75,000
integratedPRIVATE Pty Ltd
Cloud Platform for Project And Retention Trusts
Fortitude Valley
$75,000
Intelligent Software Design Pty Ltd
Hazview
Caloundra West
$73,950
Legacy Habitats Pty Ltd
Cost-Effective Artificial Reef Modules for Ecosystem Enhancement and Coastal Protection
Burleigh Heads
$72,500
Mirragin Project Isidore Pty Ltd
Airborne Cellular Repeater for Emergency and Temporary Communications Infrastructure
Brisbane City
$75,000
New Building Solutions Pty Ltd
Innovative Wall Construction for Single and Multi-Residential Buildings
Noosa
$74,938
Paile Solutions Pty Ltd
PAILE – Win First Clients!
Daisy Hill
$,650
Pathmaster Pty Ltd
Above-Ground, Modular Travelator: the Future of Sustainable Urban Movement
Hope Island (Recipient HQ)Northgate (project location)
$75,000
Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd
Modular, Variable Rainwater Filter for any Rainwater Collection System Globally
Milton
$75,000
Rainstick Pty Ltd
Rainstick Mimics Lightning to Germinate Seeds and Increase Food Production
Smithfield
$75,000
Repurpose Recycling Pty Ltd
Textile Recycling Plant – Microniser
Luscombe
$75,000
Resilience Design & Build Pty Ltd
EVGLE: Autonomous, Solar Powered Awning To Charge EVs & ES
Brisbane City
$75,000
Specialist Airway Solutions Pty Ltd
D-FLECT Bougie: a Steerable Introducer for Tracheal Intubation
Seven Hills
$74,966
Surgery TV Pty Ltd
App and Cloud-Based (Medical) Surgical Data Recording Software Platform
Stones Corner (Recipient HQ)Brisbane City (Project location)
$74,824
The Research & Development Company Pty Ltd
Development of Australia’s First Dual-Purpose Hydraulic Rock Mining Drill System.
Mount Isa
$74,250
The Trustee for Trikids Family Trust
UVC Water Sterilisation Devices
Robina
$75,000
Think Logic Pty Ltd
Intelligent Earth Fault Detection Device
Corinda
$66,025
Valiant Space Pty Ltd
Small In-Space Thrusters for Cubesats
Tennyson
$75,000
Will Surety Pty Ltd
Prototype Modifications, Industry Compliance Integration and Testing
Varsity Lakes
$75,000
Minister Linard highlighted the government’s commitment to assisting these innovators in developing and commercializing their products as he expressed pride in the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Queenslanders. The Ignite programme already plays a significant role in job creation across the state and represents a substantial investment in Queensland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Selina Millers, founder of ‘You After X,’ expressed gratitude for the funding, stating that it marks a pivotal moment in the app’s development. The financial support will enable the company to expand its reach, assisting more women across Queensland and beyond in navigating the challenges of separation or divorce.
Millers emphasised that the app’s POWERHOUSE Method equips users with practical tools and emotional support, empowering them to thrive during this difficult transition.
Applications for the next rounds of both funding programmes are now open, encouraging further innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours in Queensland.
