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Doughnut Time in Clayfield Closes Despite Attempts at Saving the Business

Doughnut Time’s stores, including the Clayfield store, have closed after owner Damian Griffiths refused to sign over the trademark to Dan Strachotta, his former CEO and managing director. Doughnut Time is now entering liquidation and reportedly owes its workers an estimated $200,000 in unpaid wages.

Odds have not worked out in favour of the doughnut empire for the last 10 months.

Earlier this year, workers lodged their complaints to the Fair Work Ombudsman for alleged unpaid wages. Since then, other workers have taken to the streets and social media in protest, after finding out that half of the company’s stores were closed to keep the company afloat.

Unfortunately, despite Mr Strachotta’s attempt at saving the company, the owner’s refusal to sign over the trademark to the supposed new owner resulted in the company going into liquidation. In an email supplied to ABC News, workers were informed that Friday, 9 March 2018 was the last day of Doughnut Time.

In a deal that attempted to save the doughnut empire, Doughnut Time in Clayfield was among the stores that were planned to remain open in Brisbane, while half of the company’s stores would close.

In Clayfield, Doughnut Time opened in July of 2015, only a few months after the company opened its first stores. Located on the corner of Sandgate and Junction Roads, Doughnut Time Clayfield served the community, and delighted Instagram, with its glazed doughnuts and delicious milkshakes.

Propelled by an active social media campaign, the company, at one point, had more than 30 stores across the country. It even expanded to the United Kingdom in just a matter of two years. During this period, the company was able to employ more than 500 people.

This rapid rise to success, however, led to the company’s current financial challenges. In media interviews, Griffiths said that his business expanded hastily until he could no longer keep up with expenditures, mostly of rents and operational costs.

Griffiths is taking all the blame, particularly in his impulse to expand immediately.

Whilst he was heartbroken to see his whole company go, he strongly hopes that young entrepreneurs will learn a lesson or two from his mistakes.

Compensation for unpaid workers

Doughnut Time had gone into voluntary administration and the principal of Menzies Advisory, Michael Caspaney, was appointed as the liquidator of the company. Mr Caspaney said that the company has cash flow problems and couldn’t pay its employees which seemed to be the main reason for the collapse.

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, when a business goes into liquidation, employees can get help through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG).

The FEG, previously known as the General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme or GEERS, is available to eligible employees to help them get their unpaid entitlements.

Under the FEG, workers can get up to 13 weeks of unpaid wages (capped at the FEG maximum weekly wage), unpaid annual leave and long service leave entitlements, payment in lieu of notice of termination – maximum of 5 weeks, and redundancy pay – up to 4 weeks per full year of service.

However, the FEG is only applicable to Australian citizens or holders of a permanent visa or special category visa that allows workers to stay and work in Australia at the time that the employment ended.

Eligible employees of Doughnut Time can go to the FEG page to learn more about how to make a claim.

FWO can provide advice and help employees seek unpaid entitlements when a business is in voluntary administration.

As of the moment, a Fair Work Ombudsman spokeswoman confirmed that the organisation was conducting inquiries in relation to Doughnut Time, but the FWO has not started court action against the company.

Celebrate National Pet Adoption Day at PETStock Clayfield

On the 4th of February, PETStock Clayfield will welcome visitors from pet rescue organisations who will bring with them homeless pets that families can adopt. The activity is part of a campaign to raise awareness about pet adoption as part of National Pet Adoption Day.

The activity is part of a partnership among PETstock, its charity foundation PETstock Assist, and not-for-profit animal rescue organisation, PetRescue. The institutions would like for people to embrace the concept of pet adoption more openly than buying pets from shops.

The National Pet Adoption Day event will take place across different PETStock branches on 4th February. Pets will be available for adoption on the day. Pet adoption experts from different animal rescue groups will also have a discussion with people who are interested about adoption.

PETStock’s community initiatives emphasize the many benefits of adopting pets. One is that pet from rescue group or shelter already has a profile. This means that it already has a record of its personality, how it behaves and reacts, its age, its special needs, and temperament. Future families have an upper hand in knowing the pets that they would welcome to their homes. Aside from this, adopting pets will be more suitable for families with small children as their rescuers could easily match a pet which is friendlier and more patient towards kids or more accustomed to being a playmate.

PETStock Assist has always been committed to find permanent homes and families for homeless animals. As part of this objective, the charity group makes it a point to involve the community through activities that educate them about fostering homeless animals. It also welcomes other animal rescue organisations across Australia to join this initiative.

Those outside of Clayfield can check here for the nearest PETStock participating in National Pet Adoption Day.

PETStock Clayfield is at 737 Sandgate Road

Learn to Maintain Your Bike: A Workshop at Kalinga Park Exclusive for Women

Women 16 years old and above are invited to attend a free workshop on “How to Maintain Your Bike for Free” at Kalinga Park, Clayfield on 14th January from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The course will teach women how to change tyres and keep their bikes rolling with basic maintenance tips that will save them from spending. All interested females may attend the workshop with or without their bikes.

Bike maintenance is important to ensure the safety of riders whenever they are out cycling. Both loose and stiff bike parts can lead to accidents, including damage and corrosion. All of these could lead to unnecessary expense, or worse, injure the rider. All bike parts need to be tightened, inspected, and properly lubricated.

Another benefit of learning how to properly maintain bikes is that regular safeguarding avoids major bike damage. Learning to maintain bikes on your own will help you troubleshoot small problems as they arise and save you from bigger and more expensive repairs or buying a brand new bike.

Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / Taliesi / Pixabay

The “How to Maintain Your Bike for Free” is presented by the Brisbane City Council as part of its Active and Healthy & Cycling programs. One of the Council’s Brisbane Vision 2031 themes is an active and healthy city. To support this initiative, the Council provides different recreational events that will promote healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. One of this is the Cycling Brisbane which holds regular activities that are similar to the How to Maintain Your Bike for Free workshop.

Regular cycling provides health benefits such as strengthening the cardiovascular and other muscles of the body. It also improves the joint mobility, posture, and body coordination. Furthermore, biking decreased stress and body fats, prevent many diseases, and reduced anxiety and depression.

Kalinga Park in Clayfield is Holding a Circus Workshop

There will be a circus workshop at Kalinga Park in Clayfield on the 6th of January 2018 at 3:00 p.m. for children ages 10 to 17 years old. Attendees will be taught plate spinning, poi, hoops, juggling, stilts, pogo, and flower sticks.

The event is free and no prior bookings are required. The workshop is to be held by the playground and to be facilitated by the Brisbane City Council. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes, put sun protection, bring a water bottle. Do these and you’re all set!

The workshop aims to develop kids’ kinaesthetic abilities like hand coordination and body alertness. Learning the basic circus acts can also instil into kids the art of being patient where “practice makes perfect”. It can teach them that things cannot be perfectly done during the first try and that one has to put their whole attention and repeated effort to achieve something.

The Kalinga Park has been a favourite among children in the neighbourhood because it is spacious and has nature-themed tree houses surrounded by bushland. The tree houses are inter-connected with climbing ropes, ladders, twisting slides, and large rock climbing wall. For smaller children, there is the smaller vine treehouse with a smaller slide. There is also a merry-go-round, different sets of swings, mini road network with a roundabout where children can be taught about basic road rules.

The park also features a large sandpit surrounded by sculptured characters shaped after the flowers and animals found at the Kedron Brook catchment. The place also has a bike path that is part of the Kedron Brook Bikeway. A ride on the bike shall take anyone along a pleasant route through Kedron Brook’s nature corridor.

Families have also been enjoying picnic at the sheltered picnic tables where they can also have outdoor BBQ sessions. Those with dogs will be happy to know that there is an off-leash area where their pets can exercise and have fun freely. Further down the creek, there are ducks swimming and playing too.

The Kalinga Park also has wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities. Other facilities include water fountain and a carpark.

Kalinga Park in Clayfield is located at 48 Kalinga Street

Where to go in Clayfield When You’re Craving for Asian Food

Asian food has been a regular offering in Australia’s food courts and fine dining establishments for more than 15 years already. In Clayfield, it is now common to find long queues in restaurants that are offering Asian cuisine.

Where to go When You’re Craving

Lam Duan Thai

Lam Duan Thai specialises in Thai dishes. They serve lunch and dinner and provides catering services too.

Here’s a piece of interesting trivia. “Lam Duan” is the name of a beautiful yellow flower in Thailand. You’ll find the pretty yellow flower in decorations all over the restaurant.

The place is owned by a nice lady named Rattana, who hails from a village in Thailand which is also called Lam Duan. Rattana has been cooking from a very young age. While it is common for young children to help out in planting rice back in Thailand, Rattana chose to remain at home to help her mother with the cooking.

Address: 278 Junction Road, Clayfield QLD

Mamaku Kitchen

The place serves Indonesian food, which according to the owner are inspired by all the mothers in her family. Hence, “mamaku” means “my mother”.

They accept dine in customers, as well as those who are keen on takeaways. They also accept catering services and deliveries through uberEATS.

The place specialises in authentic homestyle Indonesian cooking, thus booking is required before coming in.

Address: 1C/ 730 Sandgate Road, Clayfield QLD

Sakana Japanese Dining Bar

Word has gotten around about the authentic Japanese cuisine and the ambience of Sakana, making the place popular among curious and enthusiastic locals. Regular patrons are raving about edamame, deep-fried tofu and chicken karage, chicken teriyaki and rice, and the traditional Japanese udon noodle dishes.

Address: 1A/730 Sandgate Road, Clayfield QLD

Princess Thai Restaurant

The place serves traditional Thai favourites, such as Thai chicken cooked with cashew, beef massaman, noodles, and desserts. They accept online orders for delivery and takeaways.

Address: 2/752 Sandgate Road, Clayfield QLD

Asian Bay Restaurant

Asian Bay’s menu has an interesting mix of Malaysian, Chinese, and Thai food, reflecting several cultures in a complementary combination of cuisines.

Address: Cnr Bayview Terrace & Drane Street, Clayfield QLD

Map

Siam Pagoda Thai Garden Restaurant

The place serves a wide selection of authentic Thai dishes. Meals can be ordered online and for delivery. The place is pet-friendly too!

Address: 3A/318 Junction Road, Clayfield QLD

Where to Buy Prawns and Seafood in Clayfield for Christmas

Queensland Seafood Marketers Association president Marshal Betzel has suggested that people stockpile prawns before Christmas. In an interview with other members of the media, he explained that prices are expected to surge at about $40 per kilo as Christmas approaches.

This isn’t exactly good news for seafood lovers in Brisbane and suburbs. In Clayfield, shoppers looking to stock up on prawns and other seafood items can check out two options in their neighbourhood.

The Clayfield Seafood Markets

Credit: Clayfield Seafood Markets Facebook

Residents looking to buy prawns in Clayfield have only one place in mind when they think of fresh seafood – The Clayfield Seafood Markets. The Clayfield Seafood Markets has moved to a refurbished store at Clayfield Markets on Sandgate Road.

Mouth watering prawns and oysters
Credit: Clayfield Seafood Markets

They accept pre-order for Christmas and staff deliver 6 days a week. Everything is filleted fresh onsite and prepared from scratch.

All of its seafood is sustainably caught. The Fish and Chips at the Clayfield Seafood Markets has been voted 2nd Best Fish & Chips in Brisbane by Triple M 2017 and 8th in the Australian Best Fish & Chip Awards Qld 2017.

The place also sells Fish & Chips, salads, tempura, housemade sauces and condiments, as well as burgers made “from scratch” which customers can eat al fresco.

To know more on how to pre-order from The Clayfield Seafood Markets, click here.

Grilled Fish

Grilled Fish is another go-to place for seafood. The establishment also does event catering and can customise their menu based on their clients’ proposed budget.

Our main principle is great food and great hospitality. We are completely adaptable to your needs and will work to your specifications to ensure your event is a success.

To know more about Grilled Fish, click here.

Why Prices Are Going Up

According to Mr Betzel, his prediction about the looming price hike is based on China’s increasing demand for Australian prawns.

In a separate interview with other media, Betzel’s prediction has been echoed by David Lock, Managing Director of agribusiness company Mareterram. Mr Lock, however, attributed his projection to the ban on imported prawns which started in January 2017, after the discovery of what was termed as “white spot disease.”

After extensive treatments, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries announced all previously infected prawns farms in SE Queensland have tested negative. These farms will remain uncultivated for a year to eradicate the virus. As of September, further surveillance across the region returned all negative results.

Likewise, NSW areas have also turned up negative results, indicating that the disease may not have reached the Moreton Bay Region and has not spread to other places in Queensland. Follow-up surveillance will be conducted in 2018.

Manage Stress with Clayfield Mindfulness Workshop at St Mark’s Church

Mindfulness Works Australia will run a 4-week introductory course on “mindfulness” techniques. The sessions will begin on the 9th of November and will be held until the 30th of November at St Mark’s Clayfield Church Hall.

Credit: Mindfulness Works Australia/Facebook

On Stress and Mindfulness

Psychology Today defines “mindfulness” as:

a state of active, open attention on the present. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.

A study into stress and wellbeing conducted by the Australian Psychological Society in 2014 has found that almost two in five Australians are experiencing some symptoms of depression, with 13 percent of them battling depression symptoms in the severe to extremely severe range. The study further revealed that more than one quarter of Australians are experiencing some anxiety symptoms, with 13 percent of them battling severe to extremely severe levels of anxiety.

Stress:
Credit: CCO Public Domain / David QR / Pixabay

Both anxiety and depression are results of unmanaged stress. In the same study from the Australian Psychological Society, it was found that financial concerns have been the largest contributor to stress among Australians. Of the 48 percent who participated in the study, 58 percent said that pressure to afford basic food has caused them undue stress. Stress can also be the result of family problems, health issues and conflicts in the workplace, according to Health Direct.

Learning About Mindfulness

Mindfulness Works Australia takes pride in being one of the country’s largest mindfulness training organisations. An estimated 600 people are said to be completing the Mindfulness Works introductory course not just in Australia but in New Zealand as well.

Credit: Mindfulness Australia Facebook Page

The 4-week introductory course on mindfulness which will be held in Clayfield includes:

a 45-page guidebook
12-month subscription to the premium Wildflowers Mindfulness app
weekly emails with extra articles and instructions
downloadable guided mindfulness meditations for the participants to keep

People who have engaged in mindfulness exercises regularly have attested to the following benefits:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Feel more joy
Increase feelings of well-being
Increase self-acceptance
Improve sleeping patterns and the immune system.
Increase self-acceptance and self-love

For more information on how to attend the Mindfulness Works introductory course in Clayfield, please click here.

St. Rita’s College in Clayfield Proposed Plans for New Arts Building

Professional planning firm John Gaskell Planning Consultants (JGPC) lodged a development application to the Brisbane City Council (BCC), in behalf of St. Rita’s College, for a new Arts Building. The proposal is still awaiting the Council’s approval to move forward.

The new Arts Building is seen to provide the students a “state-of-the-art” facility to develop their raw talents in music, drama, film, and television. The facility will help the College community to deliver their art programs that are included in their curriculum and to have an efficient place to hold their co-curricular programs.

Proposed Plans for the New Arts Building

Photo credit: D.A. No. A004754429, Brisbane City Council

M3Architecture, a Brisbane-based architecture firm, designed the proposal for the new building. The plan seeks a construction of a five storey building, positioned on the south western area of the school grounds. However, it will only appear as a three storey building on the northern side due to the sloping.

The design indicated that there will be 13 general learning areas to accommodate the students and teachers. To further support the students’ talents in performing arts, the new building will feature music, rehearsal, drama, film, and television studios and a multipurpose theatre for performances.

The plan also includes a “Long Room” that will directly link the Arts Building to the courtyard spaces of the Kennedy Centre and Sacred Heart. This will help the students to access the buildings easily, whilst providing social spaces.

Development Details

The development application for the school’s new Arts Building includes:

New building with maximum height of 22.5 metres;
New Stafford Street access;
Landscape works to the Kennedy Centre;
Two-metre wide landscape buffer along the southern boundary;
Lane widening along the southern site boundary and Hunter Lane driveway crossover;
Modifications of facade; and
28 new car park spaces, adjacent to the proposed building.

Several Buildings to be Affected

Based on the proposal, several buildings will be affected. This includes demolition of the existing Trinity Hall and the old pantry. Sacred Heart Building’s Level 1 classrooms will also be demolished, once approved.

Although Kennedy Building’s south wing together with the stairs, walkways, and garden, will be removed, the building will be redeveloped. Refurbishments of its existing ground and second floors will also commence to accommodate a new pantry.

The development will also require some demolition works of covered walkways, driveways, and courtyards to give way to the new facility.

Further details about the development application can be viewed on the BCC PD Online.

Vintage Lane Tattoo Makes its Mark in Clayfield

Photo credit: Vintage Lane Tattoo/Facebook

Vintage Lane Tattoo will be officially opening their doors to the Clayfield community on Sunday, the 17th of September, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Opening Day will be filled with “old school” tattoo fun as they retro and classic flash designs at affordable prices. It will be a day of entertainment, raffles, prizes and yes, tattoos.

Get a chance to win a $500 Vintage Lane Tattoo Gift Certificate at the event raffle when you attend.

Get Inked

Tattoo artists Ms. Britt and Amylou are the artists of the open day. Customers who come on Opening Day can choose from various designs on their flash sheet for their tattoo. The sizes of the designs can range between the size of a 10-cent coin and that of a tennis ball, with prices at $20 and $40. The designs will be tattooed as is. The artists can’t change the sizes of the designs.

Here are some reminders from them if you want to get a tattoo.

No pre-booking
No outside designs
No colour
No necks and ribs
Cash Only

Potential customers should remember the drill. Do not not take any blood thinners like Ibuprofen up to a day before going in for a tat. Strictly no alcohols after getting inked. Always remember to wash the tattooed area with soap and water, but be mindful of instructions from the shop about when it will be safe to start wetting it. Apply a small amount of moisturisers like After Ink and Bepanthen once the area is air-dried. Do not over moisturise it.

For starters, do not, by all means, scratch it or peel off the scab. You can get your tattoo messed up. Do not forget to wash your hands before doing any tattoo aftercare regimen. These are basically minute wounds that can be infected. That also means that you should not let anyone touch your tattoo, unless their hands are clean.

It’s a Kid-Friendly Event

You heard it right. This is a kid-friendly event. The outside entertainment area will keep the kids busy throughout the day (while you’re getting a tattoo). There are BBQs, popcorns, fairy floss, drinks, and hotdogs, with vegan options. This could be a family fun day, too.

However, the indoor area of the tattoo studio are always “off limits” for the kids.

Are There Entry Fees?

The day’s entertainment is FREE. Only the tattoos will require cash from your pocket. Food and drinks, while not free, will only cost a gold coin donation ($1 to $2).

Just a reminder, tattoos are permanent. Think before you ink. Choose the design that you know you will never regret. Tattoo is a form of art that lets you express yourself. Choose wisely.

Visit the event page and the Vintage Lane Tattoo Facebook page for updates on the flash.

Channel Your Inner Cowboy as Clayfield & Ascot Celebrate Country Music Race Day

Howdy! Rock the cowboy look this weekend as the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) celebrates their third annual Country Music Raceday on Saturday, 16th of September, at the Doomben Racecourse. This will be a day of nonstop entertainment, live racing, mechanical bull challenges, and eating and drinking. The gates will open at 10:30 a.m., while the functions will open at 11:30 a.m.

For this event, a portion of the ticket sales will go to the Queensland Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS). It is one of the oldest community-based helicopter rescue services in the world since 1976. They provide a full-time service in providing coastal surveillance and search and rescue that is operating 365 days a year.

To support this great cause, visit their Everyday Hero fundraising page.

Celebrate Racing, Country Music, and Good Food

Live racing will be on track all-day. After the two sell-out events, this year will see a heightened giddy-up action on the track.

The musical lineup is inspired by the bootin’-scootin’ lifestyle. Troy Cassar-Daley will be there to perform his platinum and gold record set list. The Wolfe Brothers will give the pumping crowd a dose of “This Crazy Life”. And to keep Country Music alive, Baylou will also take over the main stage as they perform heartfelt singles from their playlist.

Photo credit: The Wolfe Brothers/Facebook

The Music Lineup

Troy Cassar-Daley
The Wolfe Brothers
Benn Gunn
Baylou
Phoebe Jay
Brooke Schubert
Bridget O’Shannessy
Jase Lansky

The Public Lawn will be filled with Queensland’s best Country market stalls, including the infamous Ringers Western and Four Hats stalls. Complete the cowboy-vibe and find the perfect gears to match at these Country market stalls.

It’s not a party without food and drinks. At this event, even the food will be trendy! Food trucks will offer the tastiest options of western dishes. Pop-up bars will keep your thirst at bay.

Dress to Impress

Slip into your favourite cowboy boots and put on the coolest Akubra you have. Dress to impress at the Johnny Ringo’s Fashion on the Field. Judges will be looking for contestants who will nail the outback style, while embracing the Australian Country theme. Winners will get a $1,000 Johnny Ringo’s Party Voucher.

Anyone can walk the trackside catwalk. Just head to the registration desk, sign up, and grab your contestant number. Register on the day at 11:00 a.m.

Dress Code

Follow the dress code to avoid inconveniences. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in RMs and Akubras to keep the Country vibe on. Gents, you can wear your regular denim jeans, tailoured trousers, chinos, button-up shirts, and blazers. For the ladies, you can either put on those jeans and button-up shirts or those Country-inspired dresses.

Just be wary of the clothes you’re not supposed to wear. Singlets, offensive shirts, and rubber thongs are not allowed. For guests that will be joining the day on the Members’ Reserve area, denim, joggers, thongs, and shorts are not permitted. Wear smart-casual attire and you’re guaranteed to fit in.

Infield Camping

Roll out your swag or pull up the caravan and go infield camping. Make it a remarkable weekend. Camping on-site gives the convenience of being in a short proximity from the Country Music Festivities.

Camp sites measure six square metres with security and staff surrounding the camp site area. Booking a camp site also gives an access to shared portable toilets, showers, and water station. A one-night camp costs $25 per six square metre site and two nights will cost $20 per 6- square metre site.

Camp site access does not include an entry ticket to the racecourse.

Tickets

General Admission is $25 per head for online purchases and $30 at the gate. Buy tickets online and save on gate prices. Avoid the hassle of queueing up at the site. Children and pensioners are free.

Other tickets range from $35 to $155 per person, depending on the ticket package. View tickets and packages here.

Transport

The bus heading to Doomben is the Route 301 bus. You can catch the bus at Sandgate Road at Noble Street, Stop 31/30 on Clayfield and get off at Nudgee Road at Hampden Street, Stop 33 on Ascot. The bus stop is only a two-minute walk away from the racecourse.

Traveling via train will only take 6 minutes from the Clayfield Station to the Doomben Station, which is only a five-minute walk to the racecourse.

There are taxi ranks at the Hampden Street, while the Uber pick-up and drop-off point is at the the Gate 2 Float Car Park.

Visit the Translink Journey Planner for detailed timetables.

Parking

Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook

All car parking is free. Public car parking is accessible via Gate 2 on Nudgee Road at Doomben Racecourse, while the disabled parking spaces are at the Gate 5, via Hampden Street, car park.

The Doomben Members Infield car park on Gate 2 and Gate 5, will be open for members.A BRC membership card should be presented upon entry.

Celebrate racing and country music this weekend. Check out the event website for updates.