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Clayfield Entrepreneur Steps Up With Innovative Product That Promotes Hygiene and Convenience

Under these “coronavirus times,” people are starting to get used to a new way of living in a world with a heightened focus on social distancing, personal hygiene, and increased health awareness. This “new normal” has literally opened new doors for enterprising businessman James Byrne and his product, “StepNPull.”

Riding on people’s desire to be more conscious about keeping their hands clean particularly in public places to avoid coronavirus transmission, the young entrepreneur saw a niche opportunity for “StepNPull,” a hands-free opener for swinging doors.

It eliminates cross-contamination risk by keeping people from touching germ-laden surfaces such as door handles in public restrooms, hospital doors, and similar high-traffic areas.

The “StepnPull” website describes the device as a “…foot-operated door opener that works on any latch-less commercial wood or metal door.” Using it is as easy as stepping down on the device with one foot and pulling it open.

The device currently sells for a retail price of $49. Originally developed in the United States, James Byrne has brought the product to Australia through a licensing agreement with his company, StepNPull Oceania, based in Clayfield.

Initial stocks of StepNPull have been imported from the United States. To better cater to local demand, Mr Byrne is setting up a production facility which is expected to be operational in Eagle Farm within 2020.

Once production and logistics have been established and optimised, StepNPull Oceania plans to distribute to Southeast Asia and South America, as well.

Easy to Install and Use

StepNPull is easy to install. Most concerns are addressed by the FAQ page on their website. The product also carries a 2-year warranty.

Among the enthusiastic users of StepNPull are the University of Queensland, McDonald’s Facebook, Energex, Rio Tinto, Crown Resorts, and BHP.

StepNPull users.
Photo Credit: https://www.stepnpull.com.au/

COVID-19 Precaution: All Brisbane Buses Sanitised Daily

Did you know that over 1,200 buses plying through Brisbane’s roads are sanitised everyday as part of coronavirus precautions set in place by Council?

Brisbane City Council has been amping up its COVID-19 safety precautions for its bus fleet. Clayfield residents habitually take the 306 to go around town.

Mr Schrinner said that the sterilisations take place at night at the bus depots. The Lord Mayor admits that this is a huge undertaking even under normal circumstances and the present public health situation warrants extra precautions.

“It’s important for the community to have confidence in public transport,” he said.

Services of public transports will continue as normal despite the outbreak. Earlier, Mr Schrinner had pushed for commuters to use Go Cards for bus fare payments and stop cash fares to protect the health and safety of the drivers.

The Lord Mayor said that lessening cash handling will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. At present, passengers are not allowed to use the door nearest the driver when boarding.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said that bus operators must provide their staff with hand sanitisers and any necessary safety paraphernalia such as gloves. Mr Bailey also said that transport operations may change depending on directives from health advisers.

Locals are urged to check Brisbane City Council’s Coronavirus: Council Updates and Impacts page regularly for any changes.

For COVID-19 information, check the Department of Health’s official page or call the 24-hour hotline 1800 020 080.

Innovative Learning Precinct at St Rita’s College in Clayfield Unveiled

A new era of learning begins for St Rita’s College with the unveiling of its new state-of-the-art learning precinct, the largest build to occur at the school.

The $40-million Trinity Centre is a five-level specialist facility that will be home to the school’s music studios, rehearsal spaces, drama studios, film and television studios, a multipurpose theatre/hall, social space, and twelve general learning areas with associated breakout spaces.

“The Trinity Centre will be an important landmark in today’s modern and global educational landscape, bringing together and further enhancing many existing programs under one roof,” Principal Mrs Dale Morrow said.

“The classroom furniture, adaptable technology and all spaces in the precinct aim to provide a flexible, contemporary learning environment affording peer-to-peer collaboration and seamless technology.”

“The design also highlights the College’s proud heritage, employing the words NANO and RITA architecturally.”

Photo credit: St Rita’s College / stritas.qld.edu.au

The new precinct will enhance the students’ academic, arts and communal experience and provide a space for performances, examinations, speaker programs, and College-wide functions and events.

Some of the key elements of the Trinity Centre include an auditorium/multi-purpose space that can seat 400 people; 12 general learning spaces, each with 2 breakout areas and greater average classroom size; flexible learning furniture advocated by the latest educational theories; and a large general assessment area ability on all levels.

Trinity Centre also houses the musical instruction classrooms, drama/rehearsal classrooms, foyer/reception area, gallery area, box office, modern new pantry, and outdoor learning areas. St Rita’s College is also the first school in Australia to use the new technology software Utelogy.

College Business Manager, Mr Ed Gleeson with Principal, Mrs Dale Morrow, in the new Trinity Centre Auditorium
Photo credit: St Rita’s College / stritas.qld.edu.au

The fit out of the Centre received a funding boost via a “Giving Day” campaign launched in late 2019. Through the help of Lead Donors, some 400 members of the College community, and the Alumnae and Parents and Friends Association, the campaign raised over $400,000 for furniture, pianos, chairs, desks, whiteboards, bag racks and more.

The Official Opening and Blessing of the Trinity Centre is set to be held in March 2020.

Bring Home A Special Cat Or Kitten On National Pet Adoption Day In Clayfield

Open your loving home to rescued cats and kittens this National Pet Adoption Day, happening on the 15th of February 2020 at the PETstock store in Clayfield.

In celebration of the Pet Adoption Month this February, various PETstock stores and pet rescue organisations nationwide will be participating in the sixth annual National Pet Adoption Day (NPAD). This event is led by PETstock’s charity, PETstock Assist, and its leading not-for-profit organisation, PetRescue.

Included amongst the participating pet rescue organisations in Queensland is Clayfield’s Little Legs Dog & Cat Rescue Qld Inc. They have partnered with PETstock Clayfield in support of helping rescued animals find safe and loving homes through adoption or foster care.

Little Legs Dog & Cat Rescue Qld Inc is a small pet rescue organisation dedicated to rescue and rehome at-risk small dogs and cats from pounds or in need of private surrender.

National Pet Adoption Day

Last year’s NPAD campaign had a remarkable result of 1,000 rescued pets finding their loving new homes. But there is still more work to do as there are still 200,000 pets living unclaimed in Australian shelters and pounds across the country.

This 2020, PETstock hopes to outmatch last year’s adoption numbers and find even more healthy, happy pets forever homes.

Cats and Kittens Up for Adoption

Interested in adopting a pet? Head over to PETstock Clayfield on Saturday, February 15th 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to get some free hugs and cuddles from all rescued cats and kittens.

*Photo credit: Little Legs Dog & Cat Rescue Qld Inc/ Facebook*

All pets available for adoption have up-to-date vaccines, have been desexed and have undergone a full health assessment.

For more information about PETstock Clayfield’s National Pet Adoption Day, click here.

Latest All You Can Eat Chicken Wings Buffet Opens in Hendra

Why are chicken wings buffet growing in popularity in Brisbane? The latest chicken wings eatery to open on the north side is in Hendra. You can find Chook Wings & Beer at what used to be The Hamptons on Gerler Road.

Chook is the newest endeavour of the restauranteurs behind establishments like Asian Republic, Chai Thai, Chapter IV, Phat Boy, Phat Elephant. Offering an all-you-can-eat chicken wings buffet for just $21.90, this foodie spot could be your next go to place for quick, affordable and easily satisfying meals.

Chicken wings buffet offers so much versatility. A basket full of chicken wings can be an appetiser, a full meal or a snack. Unlike other dishes, this food comes in a variety of flavours and sauces, giving every order a unique taste. At Chook, you can actually pick from six flavours but the owners plan to change the choices regularly.

The buffet comes with choices of unlimited sides as well, like fries (waffle or shoestring), coleslaw, or fried rice. However, if you fancy other dishes than wings, Chook also offers sliders that perfectly pair with their extensive selection of beers and siders from James Squire, Corona and VB, to name a few.

As a newly-opened chicken wings buffet, Chook is still finding its footing. However, as it’s operated by reputable restauranteurs, you can expect good food that lives up to the hype.

Chook opens for dinner seven days a week. Phone for table bookings and orders +61 7 3268 4331.

“Delicious wings, burgers & fries. Even though they were busy we didn’t have to wait long for our takeaway. If you love wings this is the place for you!”
~ Rachael Creese, Facebook

“Best wings we’ve had for a while. Buffalo & sweet n sour for the win. We’re going again tonight, expecting the line to be down the street because it’s a Friday but it’s worth it.”
~ Jasmin Taylor, Google Reviews

Pablo’s Mexican Cantina in Clayfield Resumes Trading After Long Holiday Break

After three weeks on holiday break, Pablo’s Mexican Cantina in Clayfield is back to serve Mexican street food delights that “bring people together and make their bellies smile.” The outlandishly decorated restaurant on Sandgate Road isn’t hard to miss with its bright and colourful interiors, bringing the lively vibe of Mexico.

Elements of Latin American culture are all over Pablo’s Mexican Cantina with its cacti sculptures, figurines and wall decorations. Long, cushioned seats in vibrant colours and quirky prints provide a spacious seating area, where you can find several throw pillows with Frida Kahlo’s image.

*Photo Credit: Pablo’s Mexican Cantina/Google Maps*

If you’re looking for authenticity, the food at this restaurant is all about traditional goodness. The menu lineup consists of a variety of cheesy, limey and satisfying choices, such as nachos, burritos, chili con carne, soft tacos, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, quesadillas and chimichangas made from locally-sourced ingredients.

This restaurant has a licensed bar as well, serving sangrias, mezcal, frozen margaritas, tequila and cerveza.

By the counter are several gift items, if you’re feeling generous and eager to spoil your friend with tokens like hand-painted ceramics, indigenous earrings or quirky pinatas. If you’re really into Mexican flavours, you can also buy bottles of hot chilli sauce and spice rubs for your meals at home.

Pablo’s Mexican Cantina trades daily, except Mondays, beginning at 5:00 p.m. On some days, they serve a Mexi Banquet menu during happy hour. For reservations and other inquiries about their food, phone 0738623531.

“YUM! Tasty and filling, without the greasy after-taste you sometimes get with Mexican dinner. The place has Really friendly staff and enjoyable decor, which is combined with a varied but not overdone menu that has something for everyone. Reasonable drinks menu options too, including unlimited sparkling water for a small fee. Great value. Absolutely worth a visit!”
~ Simone Lane, Google Reviews

“This place Pablo’s Mexican Cantina has soul and the best tasty freshly daily made food to tantalize your taste buds. Great value for food and great service such an amazing atmosphere! To top it up the restaurant is run and owned by a great and amazing talented chef Debbie. Love the food and everything about Cantina.”
~ Ada Daher, Facebook

“Finally, there is a decent Mexican restaurant in Brisbane! Amazing authentic food. Great customer service. I will certainly be back. Highly recommend.”
~ Loren Cunliffe, Zomato

U-Tong Thai Brings Authentic Vegan Thai Cuisine to Clayfield

Satisfy your tastebuds with flavourful vegan dishes at U-Tong Thai Vegan Restaurant in Clayfield.

Craving for some Pad Thai, Panang Curry, or Mango Sticky Rice? You can spice up your day with authentic Thai dishes at U-Tong Thai Vegan Restaurant.

This cosy Thai eatery located at Sandgate Road in Clayfield prides itself in offering flavourful and authentic Thai food and other popular Asian dishes such as Laksa Noodle Soup, Fried Spring Rolls, Steamed Dim Sum, Crispy Konnyaku Ball and more.

*Photo credit: U-Tong Thai Vegan Restaurant/ Facebook*

U-Tong also specialises in freshly prepared vegetable dishes and other plant-based stir fry and curry meals that will surely suit any vegan’s preference.

Apart from vegan dishes, there are plenty of gluten-free, MSG-free, garlic-free and onion-free options available on the menu.

Must-Try Dishes at U-Tong

Haven’t decided what to order? Here are our top picks from U-Tong that you might want to try on on your next visit.

U-Tong Bao

For the entree, enjoy this mouth-watering platter of 3 pcs of soft buns with barbecue roasted vegetable duck and pickled carrots. A bite at this soft bao will definitely set you up in the mood for more dishes to try on at U-Tong.

Vegan Pad Thai

Ordering a classic Pad Thai is always a good idea. Enjoy a plate of authentic and vegan stir-fried thin rice noodles with vegetables, tofu, and peanuts. This is definitely a dish you wouldn’t want to miss.

Thai Green Curry with Pumpkin

Treat your tastebuds with one of U-Tong’s special curry dishes, Thai Green Curry with Pumpkin. All curry dishes have a choice of veggies only, veggies and tofu, or veggies and plant-based meat.

Opening Hours

Monday	11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday- Sunday	11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

For more table reservation and food delivery, click here.

War Survivor Celebrates 100th Birthday in Wooloowin

Wooloowin resident Ann Damen turned 100 years old on the 18th of Dec 2019. After nine children, 23 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, Ann acknowledges that she’s had a good life as a Dutch native living in Australia. Her life, however, could have been cut short during the Second World War.

Ann was born in The Hague and still remembers the time the Germans occupied the Netherlands some seven decades ago. An airstrike from the British army retaliating against the Germans destroyed the home she shared with her husband and children. It was a miracle they all survived.

“I remember, but not fondly, we went through the war. With all our kids we didn’t have much to eat. It was very hard, but we made it,” she shared.

Ann, who lost her mother to tuberculosis at two years old, met her husband Pieter as a teenager. They married at the age of 20 years old in 1939, just before the Second World War broke.

In 1950, Ann and Pieter decided to uproot their lives in Australia.

“Because we had nine kids, and especially with six boys I was thinking, ‘Holland is lovely and beautiful but it’s very small so maybe it’s better if we go somewhere else’, so we decided to go to Australia,” Ann said.

The move took Ann some time to get used to. Before the war, she and her husband used to enjoy a leisurely walk at night in Holland. However, her neighbours in her new community would go to bed early with the streets so dark and quiet in Australia.

She also missed Holland, especially during the snow at Christmas time. Before long, however, she got comfortable with the nice and warm weather of her adopted country.

Sarina, one of Ann’s daughters, said that their mother’s love for her Australia sways with her love for her homeland.

“When mum watches the Olympics, tennis or swimming on the TV she always barracks for Australia, but if there are no Australians in the race she then barracks for the Netherlands,” Sarina said.

Until she was 99-years-old, Ann lived on her own in a unit in Newmarket. She has since moved to the Carinity Clifford House where she spends her time gardening, watching movies, singing and listening to music, playing Scrabbles and puzzles, and reading books by Rosamunde Pilcher and Cathy Kelly.

Carinity, established in 1949, is a non-profit Christian organisation with a mission to provide an affordable retirement community for the aged, the homeless and the struggling families. It has seven retirement lifestyle villages and 11 aged care centres spread out across Queensland, including the Clifford House in Wooloowin.

The Clifford House specialises in memory assisted living with the residents given access to. a team of medical experts like a GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist, dentist. The centre also has its own library, chaplain, hairdresser, and a community hall for various group activities and entertainment.

Satisfy Your Morning Cravings at this Brunch Spot in Hendra

Photo Credit: The Hamptons Restaurant/Facebook

Looking for a brunch spot where you can gather with family and friends? If you’re in Hendra, start your day at The Hamptons, a kid and dog-friendly cafe offering specialty coffee and an all-day breakfast menu.

The Hamptons’ philosophy is to bring people together and bond over good food. Breakfast is served seven days, with everything from light meals like croissants and eggs on toast to a big breakfast consisting of eggs, meat, veggies, and sourdough toast.

Sitting on a corner once occupied by The Tuckshop cafe (now moved down the road to 270 Nudgee Rd), this sleek cafe will satisfy your morning caffeine fix with a cup of cappuccino or latte from Campos Coffee. If you need something a little stronger to kickstart the day, order a shot of long black. Or have a cup of Piccolo when you’re up for a good milk-coffee experience. They have milkshakes and cold drinks, too, to match your favourite breakfast.`

Aside from bringing people together, The Hamptons aims to add a little finesse to traditional Aussie dishes. You’ll find old school dishes given a twist, like the bacon and egg rolls which combines maple cured bacon, organic egg cooked over easy, and smokey BBQ sauce all served in a soft brioche bun.

The main dining area (Photo Credit: The Hamptons Restaurant/Facebook)

Foods for your little ones include scrambled eggs, cheesy grin toasty, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and dino-shaped nuggets. All of their kids’ meals come with a pop-top juice or babyccino, or you may upgrade to a delicious milkshake for only $3.

Photo Credit: The Hamptons Restaurant/Facebook

The Hamptons is located at 49 Gerler Rd, Hendra. They are open Mondays to Sundays, from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. For bookings or more information about the cafe, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

This Urban Playground and Adventure Park on Nudgee Road Isn’t For Kids Only

Unleash that daredevil within you at Australia’s ONLY indoor ski and adventure park at Nudgee Road, Hendra. Urban Xtreme is the ultimate playground for active children and daring adults who love a bit of a workout and physical challenge.

This adventure park features six sections where you can learn new skills, improve on your strength and endurance, release bodily and mental tension, or play an epic game with friends or family.

Xtreme Climb

The climbing wall has a creative and exciting route suitable for new or experienced climbers. Instructors will be on hand to guide and help guests as they take the top rope and lead routes or the auto belays and speed climbing.

There is no age limit to use the climbing wall but the auto belays have a weight limit (minimum 15kg/maximum 120kg). Guests between the ages of 8 to 12 may also sign up for climbing classes.

Ski + Snowboard

Learn and enjoy skiing and snowboarding all year round at this indoor facility. Build your muscles and hone your snowsports skills by trying the taster sessions or the public sessions.

Ninja + Parkour

Urban Xtreme’s obstacle course is built for the super adventurer in mind. This adventure park has a rock climbing area, several parkour platforms and an obstacle training course. All of these were designed to improve balance and agility — just like a ninja!

If you’re really serious about your ninja training, the adventure park offers a 10-week program for three different groups: 4 to 7 years old, 8 to 12 years old, teenagers and adults. Each class welcomes a maximum of 20 aspiring ninjas.

*Photo Credit: Urban Xtreme Ski + Adventure Park/Facebook*

Laser Tag and Dodgeball

If you’re not keen on training or learning for now, you can still enjoy the adventure park to round up your group for a game of laser tag or dodgeball or to celebrate birthdays or organise a weekend competition for bonding and team building. You may also enlist in the weekly social tournaments to make new friends.

Trampolines

Keep fit and have fun bouncing, flipping and rolling at Urban Xtreme’s extensive trampoline. This particular adventure park attraction is always a hit for any age. It’s also a great form of exercise that keeps you and your kids unglued to the screen.

Playland

The little ones also have their very own “extreme sports” section. Start their physical fitness early at the junior play gym, super slide, trampoline and a mini climbing wall.

Urban Xtreme offers Parents + Totts classes every school term.

Booking, Passes, Memberships and Parties

The facility operates based on bookings, which you can make in advance online. Urban Xtreme also offers passes and memberships for guests who might like to keep coming back to play or train.

The centre also open to hosting parties, events and functions. The coaches are also available for personalised and individualised training.

Take note of Urban Xtreme’s operating hours:

ADVENTURE PARK (Ninja Parkour/Laser Tag/Dodgeball/Trampoline/Playland)	Sun–Thurs: 10am–6pm Fri–Sat: 10am–9pm
SKI CENTRE	Mon–Tue: Closed (exclusive to group/private functions) Wed–Fri: 4pm–9pm Sat: 9am–9pm Sun: 9am–6pm
XTREME CLIMB	Mon–Fri: 4-9pm Sat: 10am-9pm Sun: 10am-6pm