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Zmirk Co Opens in Dutton Park With Creative Asian-Inspired Menu

Dutton Park locals no longer need to venture far for a decent brunch. Zmirk Co, a fresh café has landed on Annerley Road, and it’s already generating buzz for its Asian-inspired menu and inventive drinks lineup that goes well beyond your standard flat white.

Read: ZMiRK Draws Community Attention as a New Coffee Spot Takes Shape in Dutton Park

The cafe opened in December 2025, breathing new life into a former fish-and-chip shop on Annerley Road. The 40-seat venue offers both indoor dining and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed space for the neighbourhood’s brunch enthusiasts.

Behind the venture are four Thai-born chefs—two couples who’ve spent years working in Brisbane’s hospitality scene. After deciding to leave the demanding restaurant kitchen lifestyle behind, they’ve poured their experience into this daytime café concept built around creative fusion cooking.

What really distinguishes Zmirk Co from Dutton Park’s existing café offerings is its bold approach to the menu. Rather than playing it safe with standard brunch fare, the four-chef team decided early on that fusion would be their calling card. Getting there required some spirited debates, with the chefs eventually whittling down an ambitious list of ideas to fit on just a page of offerings.

The philosophy driving the menu is refreshingly straightforward: food shouldn’t be constrained by borders. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and even Mexican influences all find their way onto plates here, blended together in ways that reflect Brisbane’s multicultural dining landscape.

The all-day ‘Anytime Line-up’ delivers familiar comfort food elevated with Asian twists. The Seoul Good Chicken Sando pairs crispy fried chicken with fresh Asian slaw and sweet-and-spicy gochujang, while the Holy Wagyu Burger gets its punch from Thai basil, garlic and chilli krapow sauce. Papa’s Sriracha Melt offers a nostalgic touch—Bell’s childhood favourite reimagined with house-made tuna salad, sriracha mayo and melted cheese.

Zmirk Co — Photo credit: Dens O’Sullivan/Google Maps

The menu pushes even further into creative territory. The AMC Fried Rice combines tomato fried rice with golden fried chicken, a fried egg and chicken frankfurter, all finished with a gochujang glaze. The menu also features udon noodles with grilled salmon in a creamy spicy rose sauce, topped with nori, tobiko and parmesan—a dish that demonstrates the team’s approach to blending diverse influences. The Fiesta Corn Fritters round out the offering with avocado smash, fresh salsa, mixed salad and a poached egg.

Coffee comes courtesy of Single O, ensuring a solid foundation for your morning brew, but Zmirk’s drinks menu ventures well beyond standard café territory. Specialty beverages reflect the same creative fusion approach as the food. Matcha features prominently across several drinks, including the matcha tiramisu latte that’s already earning particular praise from early visitors. Oat-milk hojicha lattes offer a toasty, gentler alternative to standard coffee, while chrysanthemum tea topped with matcha foam provides a lighter option.

Thai milk-tea clouds bring a nostalgic Southeast Asian favourite to the menu, and the fresh strawberry milk, made from house-made strawberry coulis rather than artificial syrups,demonstrates the kitchen’s commitment to doing things properly. Mont Blancs round out the specialty lineup.

Read: Yeronga’s Riverside Bus Cafe Becomes a Morning Favourite

For Dutton Park and Annerley residents tired of the same breakfast rotation, Zmirk Co offers something genuinely different—a café that’s unafraid to experiment while delivering the quality brews and bites that make a neighbourhood spot worth returning to week after week.

Published 16-January-2026

Yeronga Set to Become New Home for Brisbane Community Umpires

Photo Credit: AFL Queensland/Facebook

Yeronga is set to take centre stage in Brisbane’s football landscape, with community umpires preparing to shift their training base to the suburb, marking a major change in where the next generation of officials will learn, connect and grow within the game.

After several years based at Moorooka, Brisbane’s community umpire program will relocate its main training operations to Yeronga, reflecting a broader alignment with AFL Queensland’s home.

The move brings youth and South East Queensland senior umpires into a more central setting, placing training alongside the state body that oversees the sport’s development. The change is designed to strengthen links between umpires and the wider football network while keeping training accessible for participants across Brisbane.

Acknowledging Moorooka’s long-standing role

The relocation also marks the end of a long partnership with Moorooka AFC, which has hosted community umpire training for many seasons.

The AFL Queensland has formally recognised Moorooka’s contribution, noting the role the club played in supporting and mentoring umpires at grassroots level. Moorooka was an important base that helped foster a supportive and welcoming environment for officials learning their craft.

Opportunities for new and returning umpires

From 21 January 2026, weekly training for youth and South East Queensland senior umpires will take place at Yeronga AFC in Leyshon Park on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

It’s a chance for new participants to get involved, with Brisbane Community Umpires encouraging interested locals to attend sessions and learn more about officiating pathways.

What stays the same across Brisbane

Not all umpire programs will move to Yeronga. State League umpires will continue training at Zillmere AFC on Tuesday and Thursday nights, while a Brisbane North venue for youth umpires is expected to be confirmed later.

Together, the arrangements aim to balance continuity with change as Brisbane’s umpiring structure adapts for the 2026 season.

Published 7-Jan-2026

Yeronga’s Riverside Bus Cafe Becomes a Morning Favourite

Photo Credit: Baladi/Facebook

A converted double-decker bus serving coffee from the river’s edge has become one of Yeronga’s most talked-about morning stops, drawing walkers, cyclists, dog owners and locals to an unexpected cafe parked along Brisbane Corso.

A Cafe Built Around Yeronga Life

Baladi Trailer operates from a restored London double-decker bus set within parkland in Yeronga, directly beside the Brisbane River. The business is run by a local family and focuses on serving the neighbourhood rather than destination crowds.

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The location places the cafe on a well-used walking and cycling route, which has shaped how the space functions day to day. Visitors often arrive mid-walk or after exercise, stay briefly for coffee, then continue along the river.

Sources describe the cafe as informal and welcoming, with seating inside the bus and upstairs where customers can look out across greenery and the water.

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Food And Coffee With A Simple Focus

According to multiple local guides and the business’s own material, Baladi Trailer centres its menu on coffee and a small selection of baked items. These include croissants, pain au chocolat, savoury pastries and slices, along with lighter options such as gluten-free snack items.

*Meghle – rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and caraway topped with coconut and a variety of nuts*
*Photo Credit: Baladi Trailer/IG*

The menu is designed for takeaway or short visits rather than long meals. Sources consistently describe the offering as straightforward and suited to early mornings, with quality coffee as the main draw rather than an extensive food range.

*Photo Credit: Baladi Trailer/Instagram*

A Space For Community Connection

Community use is a recurring theme across coverage of the cafe. Sources state the business provides dog treats for visitors walking pets through the park and welcomes families, runners and nearby residents. The bus setting itself has become a point of interest, often photographed and shared online.

The cafe has added activity to this section of Brisbane Corso, encouraging people to stop rather than pass through. The owners are described as present on site and engaged with regular customers, which has helped establish familiarity within Yeronga.

How The Idea Fits Yeronga’s Riverside Setting

Coverage from local news and lifestyle platforms highlights how the converted bus complements the outdoor character of Yeronga rather than changing it. The cafe does not replace existing park use but sits within it, offering a service aligned with how the space is already used.

Sources indicate the business trades in the early part of the day and closes before midday, which limits disruption and keeps the focus on morning community activity. The concept has been received as a practical addition to the area rather than a major commercial development.

House Fire Destroys Home in Yeronga Days Before Christmas

Photo Credit: Pexels

A residential home in Yeronga has been destroyed after a fire broke out early Monday morning, prompting a large emergency response.

Fire Breaks Out on Arras Street

Emergency services were called to Arras Street in Yeronga on Monday, 22 December 2025, after reports of a house fire shortly after 6:30 a.m. When crews arrived, the two-storey Queenslander-style home was fully engulfed in flames.

Six fire crews initially attended the scene, with reports later confirming that up to nine crews, including senior officers, were involved in extinguishing the blaze. Firefighters worked for around an hour to bring the fire under control.

Yeronga house fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Occupant Escapes Safely

One person was inside the home at the time of the fire and was able to self-evacuate before emergency services arrived. Paramedics attended as a precaution, but no medical treatment was required. No injuries were reported.

Crime Scene Declared as Investigation Continues

Police and fire investigators remained at the property following the incident, with a crime scene declared as inquiries into the cause of the fire commenced. Authorities confirmed the cause of the blaze had not yet been determined. Emergency services also spoke with nearby residents during the investigation.

Brisbane house fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Neighbours Wake to Heavy Smoke

Residents described the street as close-knit and said they were shocked to wake to heavy smoke and flames. Smoke was visible from several streets away as the fire spread through the property. The fire occurred just days before Christmas, adding to the impact on those affected.

Part of Series of Weekend Fires

The Yeronga incident was the third house fire reported in Brisbane over the same weekend. Separate fires were reported in Salisbury on Saturday and Parkinson on Sunday. Investigations into the Parkinson fire were also continuing at the time of reporting. Authorities have not indicated whether the incidents are connected.

Published 22-Dec-2025

Yeerongpilly Green Land Opens Doors for High‑Density Residential Development

Inner‑south Brisbane is poised for new development, with two parcels of land at Yeerongpilly Green opened to the market for high‑density residential and mixed‑use projects.

Read: Plans Submitted for Mixed Residential and Heritage Project in Yeerongpilly

The land, marketed by Ray White Special Projects, including director Mark Creevey alongside Matthew Fritzsche and Tony Williams, comprises a 7,105 square metre site for high‑density residential use and a 2,949 square metre site earmarked for residential‑led mixed‑use development.

Submissions for proposals are due by 4 pm (AEST) on 12 February 2026.
This release forms part of an opportunity within the broader Yeerongpilly Green precinct, which is strategically located near transport, retail and recreational facilities.

A Well‑Serviced Precinct

Yeerongpilly Green sits beside the upgraded Yeerongpilly Cross River Rail station and the Yeerongpilly Green Riverside retail village anchored by Woolworths. The precinct already benefits from established infrastructure, including connections for water, sewer, electricity and telecommunications, and more than $30 million in community infrastructure investment such as roads and parklands.

The sites are accessible from Godiva Avenue (the larger parcel) and Fig Tree Street (the smaller parcel), and both are considered development‑ready. The area’s transit‑oriented setting reflects its inclusion within a planning framework that supports intensified land uses near key transport corridors.

Just a short distance away, plans are underway to expand the Queensland Tennis Centre, with facility upgrades intended to support sporting events as part of Brisbane’s role during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Flexible Housing Opportunities

The planning framework for the Yeerongpilly Green precinct allows a range of housing and mixed‑use outcomes. Developers can propose high‑density apartment buildings, build‑to‑rent projects, retirement or aged‑care facilities, student accommodation, social and affordable housing, and options such as short‑stay or hotel uses.

To illustrate local planning support for denser residential outcomes, a consolidated development application has gained approval for a 25‑storey residential tower with 181 apartments at another site within the precinct.

This flexibility responds to broader housing needs in Brisbane, where demand for well‑located housing close to transport and services remains strong. By opening these parcels to market, planners and developers can explore diverse housing typologies in an inner‑south location with established amenities and infrastructure.

What This Means for Developers and Community

For developers, the Yeerongpilly Green land release provides a chance to contribute to Brisbane’s evolving urban landscape in a location that combines connectivity with lifestyle assets. The sites’ proximity to public transport and retail, as well as major facilities like the Queensland Tennis Centre, make them attractive for a range of project types.

Read: Yeerongpilly Line: A Forgotten Link in Brisbane’s Rail Network?

For the local community, increased housing supply near existing amenities and transport may help address some pressures in the housing market while complementing the precinct’s long‑term growth trajectory.

Published 16-December-2025

Suspicious Powder Prompts Emergency Response in Denham Street

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Emergency services conducted three controlled detonations in Denham Street on Friday afternoon after discovering suspicious powder at a vacant residential property.

The Queensland Police bomb squad, supported by Queensland Fire Department officers, carried out the explosions at 4pm, 4.11pm and 4.20pm as part of an operation that had been underway since Thursday.

Local residents received advance warning about the detonations, with authorities informing neighbours they would hear loud noises that could shake nearby homes. Sirens sounded before each controlled explosion to alert the community.

Police confirmed they had located suspicious powder inside the residence, which necessitated the controlled disposal through detonation. Following the operation, authorities assured residents that no further detonations were planned and there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

According to a local resident who spoke to media, the property has been vacant for approximately 18 months since the owner relocated to a retirement home. The resident noted that family members had been gradually clearing belongings from the property over the past year.

“The bomb squad were here yesterday afternoon with the robot, but they didn’t tell us they were going to detonate until about 3pm today,” the neighbour said.

The nature of the suspicious powder and the circumstances of its discovery have not been disclosed by police. No injuries were reported during the operation.

Residents in the immediate area were able to return to their normal routines following confirmation from authorities that the situation had been resolved safely.

Published 12-December-2025

Annerley’s Vietnamese Icon Red Lotus begins New Chapter at Cafe O-Mai

For more than a decade, Red Lotus has been a familiar name to many locals seeking Vietnamese flavours in Annerley. Now, the Nguyen family is bringing the restaurant even closer to its sister venue, with Red Lotus relocating a few doors down to operate from the existing Cafe O-Mai site on Cracknell Road.

Read: Asian Restaurant Invasion in Annerley: Pho Queue Joins In the Fun

The move marks the end of Red Lotus’ standalone tenancy, but not the end of the restaurant itself. According to the family’s announcement, it will be business as usual with a new and improved dinner menu once the relocation is complete. The shift allows the two long-running venues to work side by side under one roof rather than maintaining two separate shopfronts on the same street.

Photo credit: Facebook/Red Lotus Vietnamese Chargrill Annerley

Cafe O-Mai will continue its daytime service, offering its well-known breakfast and lunch menu. In the evenings, the venue will transition seamlessly into Red Lotus mode, serving the restaurant’s traditional dishes from the Nguyen family’s longstanding repertoire. By bringing both operations together, the family aims to simplify staffing and kitchen logistics while keeping the experience consistent for customers.

The Nguyen family has noted that the change has been planned for some time. With both businesses only metres apart, staff previously had to prepare and transport ingredients between the two kitchens each day. Consolidating everything into one location reduces that workload and creates a more sustainable setup for the team, particularly for family matriarch Kim Nguyen, whose cooking has shaped both venues over the years.

While the move reflects operational efficiencies, it also opens the door for something new on the local dining strip. The former Red Lotus premises will eventually become available for another tenant, potentially adding more variety to the Cracknell Road pocket that has evolved into a popular food destination for Annerley and Moorooka residents.

One change diners can look forward to is the availability of Cafe O-Mai’s banh mi later in the day. The family hopes to cater to customers seeking a quick evening bite, especially those who enjoy eating outdoors. Picnic benches behind the cafe offer views stretching towards the Scenic Rim, and takeaway banh mi can be enjoyed in this quieter, leafy corner behind the building.

Red Lotus began its life in Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall before later settling into Annerley, where it developed a loyal local following. Cafe O-Mai, which opened later, has gradually become one of the suburb’s most recognisable Vietnamese eateries, known for its casual setting, colourful murals and relaxed neighbourhood feel. Bringing the two venues together is seen as a natural next step for the family as they look to streamline operations without changing what long-time customers love.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

The first Red Lotus dinner service in its new home is scheduled to begin on a Tuesday evening, with the family expecting a smooth transition for regulars. For locals who have visited both venues over the years, the change means the same flavours and faces—simply under one roof.

Published 10-December-2025

ZMiRK Draws Community Attention as a New Coffee Spot Takes Shape in Dutton Park

Photo Credit: zmirk.bne/instagram

ZMiRK is set to bring a fresh coffee and brunch space to Dutton Park, giving locals a new meeting spot in a neighbourhood that has seen steady growth in small, independent cafés.

Early Plans for the Space

The upcoming venue sits across from the South Brisbane Cemetery and is preparing to introduce a mix of specialty brews and Asian influenced brunch dishes shaped by the team’s Thai background.

The owners plan to begin operations in early December 2025, following weeks of construction and fit out work that they have shared through their social media updates. ZMiRK is led by two Thai born couples with years of hospitality experience. Their goal is to create a simple café that focuses on strong coffee and a menu built around flavours from their culture.

They describe the venue as nothing fancy and want people in the area to feel welcome to stop in for quick drinks or a short sit down meal. Their Instagram posts show the space in active construction with stripped walls, loose wiring and staff installing new frames. The team has been hands on with most of the work to keep control of the look and function of the shop.

A Simple Menu With Clear Focus

The team plans to feature specialty coffee from respected roasters along with house made matcha drinks. They also aim to offer toasties and brunch plates shaped by Asian flavours.

Their goal is to build a menu that suits local workers, hospital staff and residents who want something fast but not generic. The menu is designed to support the coffee program rather than compete with it. They want regular customers to have a few favourites they rely on and enjoy.

A Local Space for Short Visits

ZMiRK aims to serve the immediate Dutton Park community. The design is minimal with a muted colour palette to keep the space feeling calm. Seating inside will stay limited to encourage short visits rather than long stays.

The location near hospitals, schools and residential streets helps the team shape a service style that supports people on the move. Dine in and takeaway options will both be available and the team intends to keep their hours practical for morning and midday traffic.

Building Community Interest

The café’s social media presence has attracted interest even before opening, with followers watching the build phase unfold.

As interest grows, the owners emphasise that ZMiRK aims to stay grounded, simple and community centred. They want the café to feel accessible to locals who want consistent coffee without unnecessary extras.

Published 26-November-2025

Yeronga Eagles Football Club Leads Push for Safer Grounds Amid Fresh Funding Boost

Photo Credit: Yeronga Eagles Football Club/ Facebook

The Yeronga Eagles Football Club is set to combat a streak of break-ins and illegal dumping by installing new security cameras after securing vital support from a major Brisbane safety initiative.

Protecting Local Sports Grounds

This funding comes as part of the second round of the Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs Grants. The program has distributed nearly $500,000 across more than 70 community clubs in Brisbane. For the Yeronga Eagles at Lyshon Park, the support addresses a critical need. The club has faced repeated vandalism and safety issues that affect both players and neighbouring groups. With the new grant, the club plans to install CCTV systems to deter future crime and improve safety for members using the grounds.

The grants offer up to $10,000 to help local organisations implement practical security measures. The goal is to stop money being wasted on repairs so volunteers can focus on supporting residents and sport. The Lord Mayor noted that when clubs are targeted by crime, the whole community suffers, as these groups play a major role in bringing people together.

Neighbourhood Clubs Upgrade Security

Other clubs across the city are also using the funds to fix specific security gaps. Toombul Cricket Club intends to replace locks throughout its clubhouse, groundskeeping sheds, and changerooms to strictly limit access. Toombul District Cricket Club President Andrew Cranstoun explained that the club has dealt with its fair share of break-ins over the years. He added that the new funding allows them to secure the facility properly, meaning less time fixing damage and more time playing cricket.

Meanwhile, the Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club in Calamvale and Brothers Rugby Club at Albion will both use the funds to enhance their CCTV coverage. This helps protect the facilities and gives peace of mind to members who might arrive early or leave late in the evening.

Broader Safety Measures

Beyond the direct grants to clubs, the Brisbane City Council is continuing a wider program to improve suburban safety. This involves deploying both fixed and mobile CCTV cameras. Ten fixed cameras are already in place, while 26 mobile cameras are being moved around different suburbs. The location of these mobile units is determined by feedback from the police, local residents, and security experts to target areas of concern.

With this latest round of 72 grants, the total investment in the program has reached more than $980,000 since it began. Future funding rounds will be decided based on how much demand comes from the community.

Published Date 25-November-2025

Matt Denny says New Little Athletics Discus Cage may Help Develop Future Olympians

Photo Credit: Little Athletics Queensland

“When I was growing up I wanted to give the Discus a go but I finished last in the State in Grade 8 at the age of 13 and so asked my mum if I could get some coaching,” says Wynnum-based Matt Denny, who went on to become one of the greatest Discus throwers the world has ever seen.

“My mum thought I’d only want one lesson. I was always playing multiple sports including swimming and footy, and loved competing with my older brothers,” says Denny.

Growing up in Allora and attending Toowoomba Grammar, Denny has put together an extraordinary career. In 2024, he put together the greatest series of throws of all time, averaging 72.72m; grabbed a Bronze in the Paris Olympics; and also won the prestigious Diamond League Final. The heartbreak of finishing 4th in the last two World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics has only made him more determined to keep bringing home the bacon.

“So at the age of 13, I started training with Graham Pitt, who had previously coached an Olympian Discus thrower, and I went from last in the state to second in the country within three months.”

This extraordinary jetison turned into Matt’s epicentre as Pitt continued to train Denny until he was 22, through a first world Youth title in Donetsk, Ukraine –sadly, the stadium was destroyed three months after — whilst in Year 11 at Toowoomba Grammar. An anonymous donor connected with the school threw financial support behind Matt that enabled him to compete in that first major international event.

“Toowoomba Grammar were really great to me. I was a boarder but I would be away competing in Brisbane mainly at weekends. The school allowed me to pursue Athletics at a crucial development time without the academic side getting too high pressure. And now, I have a Business Degree with a Double Masters from Griffith Uni.”

Matt is an ambassador for Coles in their support and sponsorship of LIttle Athletics, and he’s delighted to be unveiling and christening a new discus cage that was made possible thanks to a $1,900 Coles grant the club received as part of this year’s grant program.

Denny will be at the Souths Little Athletics Club in Yeronga this Saturday, 22 November, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., on behalf of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.

Cages enable junior Discus throwers to trust the training process without worrying about the obvious dangers. Denny says, “It’s really important that throwers, officials, parents and teachers in the juniors establish eye contact before the throw is taken. Everyone needs to be aware in that fairly narrow landing zone, but I’ll never forget the poor parent who was hit clean in the jaw during my junior days from 45 metres out.”

Published 21-Nov-2025