As 2025 draws to a close, Brisbane’s dining landscape has proven more vibrant than ever, with a fresh wave of cafés and casual eateries opening across the city. Among the standouts, Alby’s in Wavell Heights has captured the essence of what makes a neighbourhood café truly special, quickly becoming a beloved community hub since opening in August.
Hospitality veterans Daniel Bowles and Tiger Hsu transformed the former Kalisto Cafe site into this sun-soaked gathering place, reuniting their successful partnership from Butter Café. For Bowles, whose previous ventures include Little Loco, Miss Jones and Sister, the move to Wavell Heights represented an opportunity to bring specialty coffee culture and quality food to Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
The café’s design immediately sets it apart, featuring a striking fluted-concrete counter, a coloured-glass sunroom and a dedicated kids’ nook. But it’s the atmosphere that truly resonates—locals have quickly made Alby’s their own, settling in for long visits over specialty coffee and creative menu offerings.
“We love the idea of opening neighbourhood cafés that are community focused,” Bowles explains. “I feel like the suburbs are crying out for specialty coffee and quality food—a place that is local and special to them, where they can catch up with their neighbours and friends. We wanted to bring that to Wavell Heights.”
The menu delivers on that promise with inventive toasties, including a popular beef rendang option with American cheese and sauerkraut, alongside comfort favourites that have followed the duo from their previous ventures. Single O coffee from Sydney and sourdough from Brisbane’s Cordelia Sourdough Bakehouse round out the offering.
Photo Credit: Google Maps / maria rita mastronardi
Operating Monday to Friday from 6am to 2pm and weekends from 6:30am to 2pm at 199 Bilsen Road, Alby’s has quickly established itself as more than just another café. It’s become a gathering place where the simple pleasures of good food and warm company take centre stage.
In a year that saw Brisbane welcome Thai brunch specialists, artisan bakeries and inventive sandwich shops across the city, Alby’s stands out by reminding us that sometimes the best additions to our food culture are the ones that make us feel most at home.
A small timber yard tucked away in the quiet back streets of Wavell Heights eventually grew into one of the state’s most successful suppliers thanks to the vision of Peter Leddy, who is being remembered this week as a father figure to the trade.
Peter passed away on 15 December at the age of 79 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His journey with the local community began decades ago when he saw potential in a modest operation. In 1983, he made a deal with his former employer, Ron Versace, to buy the business. At that time, it was a small merchant shop located in Wavell Heights. He knew that for the company to serve more people, it needed more space. He eventually found a new location in Virginia, close to the city centre, and moved the operations there in 2005.
Once the new site was up and running, Peter decided it was time to retire. He wanted to travel and see Australia with his wife, Kerry. He left the business in good hands, passing the leadership to his four sons. Today, the company is still family-owned and operated. Graham Leddy serves as the managing director, while his brothers Bill, Doug, and Josh manage the production plant, accounts, and the Virginia site.
Graham noted that while products and faces change over the years, the commitment to service remains the same. He credited his father for instilling the belief that taking care of customers should never go out of style.
The business has grown significantly from its early days. It now employs 55 staff members and operates out of a large facility with yards and offices covering more than 6000 square metres. In 2012, the team’s hard work was recognised when they won an award for the best building materials centre in the metro area.
Peter was known for more than just his business skills. He was a dedicated supporter of the industry, serving on the board during the early years of the organisation now known as the National Timber and Hardware Association. He was also a long-time member of the Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218.
Before his time in the timber trade, Peter served his country. He was in the Australian Army during the Vietnam conflict in 1968. His friends and associates across the wood merchandising sector are now mourning a man who gave so much to his profession and his country.
Peter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kerry, their four sons, and ten grandchildren. A celebration of his life will take place at the Pinnaroo Cemetery and Crematorium Chapel in Bridgeman Downs on Tuesday, December 23, at 11 am. The service will offer a chance for family, friends, and colleagues to say goodbye to a man who built a lasting legacy from humble beginnings.
The Brisbane Hustlers rugby club has announced the death of founding team member and committee contributor Brett Barakat, with tributes shared by teammates and friends online.
The Brisbane Hustlers said the club rebuilt in 2012 after a hiatus, with Barakat among those who helped re-establish the team. The club described him as a committee member who supported the group’s work as it moved toward early Purchas Cup campaigns and preparations linked to the Bingham Cup.
The club said Barakat was often the first person new players met at training, regularly checking in and helping newcomers feel included.
Support For Events And Fundraising
In its tribute, the Brisbane Hustlers said Barakat threw himself into club activities including open days, a new players night, boot camp, awards nights, Rugger Bugger events, and the club’s first trivia night in 2014.
The club also said he helped manage the team at the Bingham Cup in Sydney in 2014 and led an outdoor cinema night on the oval screening Scrum, raising funds needed to get two teams to the tournament.
Barakat had also spent time living in Sydney and was involved with community groups there, including helping put together the first Arab float in Mardi Gras, according to accounts shared in tributes.
A separate tribute described Barakat as an organiser who brought Arab LGBTQIA+ people together through regular gatherings and performances, and also recalled time spent with him in Lebanon.
An informal gathering in Sydney has been announced for Saturday 20 December, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Beauchamp Hotel, 265 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
Updates shared online stated the Barakat family will hold a funeral service on Friday 9 January 2026. A further update said the funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Queensland time at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, with additional burial and wake information shared separately. A Sydney memorial Mass is planned for mid-January 2026.
Those organising the Sydney gathering have encouraged people to share memories and photos, with ongoing details about events to be circulated through a family-linked WhatsApp update group.
Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats has suffered a loss of nearly $9,000 after an alleged scammer collected a bulk order of premium Wagyu using what the owners later discovered was a falsified payment record.
The case involved a buyer who identified herself only as “Panni,” placing an order for high-end Stone Axe Wagyu beef with the Brisbane butcher. The buyer claimed to operate a restaurant in Ballina, approximately 200km from Brisbane. She requested the Stone Axe Wagyu, a premium Australian beef product reportedly selling at up to $250 per kilogram, and the order totalled close to $9,000.
A day before the scheduled collection, the butcher’s owners say they received an image of what appeared to be a bank transfer confirmation. The printout looked legitimate, according to them, and on that basis they prepared the bulk order for pick-up.
When the time came to collect, “Panni” said her brother would pick up the meat. Staff asked for license details to verify the identity of the collector, but were instead told that noting the vehicle’s number-plate would suffice. Shortly before the shop closed, a man arrived and loaded four boxes of Wagyu into an unrefrigerated hire vehicle — footage from the shop’s CCTV confirms the loading. A staff member assisting with the loading reportedly became concerned after the man gave short, evasive answers when asked about the logistics of the long drive ahead.
The next business day the payment had not cleared. Attempts to contact the buyer failed: the phone number provided had been disconnected. Further checks revealed that the Ballina restaurant cited during the order denied ever placing it or collecting meat. They believe their business details were misused.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The incident aligns with recent warnings from scam-watch advisories about fraudulent meat-sale schemes. A consumer-protection agency cautioned that scammers posing as butchers or “farm-to-table” meat sellers have been targeting Western Australian communities, offering bulk meat at unusually low prices, requesting payment via bank transfer, then blocking buyers once payment is received.
Although the Wavell Heights case involved a physical pick-up rather than home delivery, the tactics, immediate payment via bank transfer, pressure to complete a bulk order, and use of third-party collection, echo those described in the advisory.
For businesses handling expensive perishable goods, the case underscores the risks associated with large orders from unfamiliar clients. Advice from consumer-protection bodies recommends waiting for bank transfers to fully clear before releasing high-value stock, verifying identification when third-party collection is requested, and insisting on suitable refrigerated transport for perishable products.
Queensland Police are continuing their investigation. The owners of Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats have said they will review their procedures for bulk orders to prevent similar incidents. Authorities encourage any business that suspects fraudulent activity to come forward and remain vigilant when handling large or unusual orders.
We’ve combed Nundah, Wavell Heights, and Wavell Heights North for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Nicola Pennisi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rustichella offers high quality, authentic northern Italian food. The Tagliatelle Emiliana (pork and beef ragu with a dash of cream) was beautifully cooked and so delicious. The Traditional Egg Pannacotta served with fresh fruit coulis was so amazing too. The staff were friendly and attentive. Definitely will return to try more from the menu.
Suzzanna Wallace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ WHAT A TREASURE!!! I have a severe food allergy and called to ask questions about the menu. I spoke with Roberto, and was blown away by his patience and accommodating efforts to assure me I could enjoy dinner safely. We decided to drive there and are so thrilled we did!! What a gorgeous little place!! The food is beautiful, the wine glasses are a thin-stem fans dream, the staff could not be more helpful and pleasant!! We will be back, again and again!! So worth the drive!! 10/10 we’re booked in again for Friday!!
Melanie Heffernan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This restaurant has amazing food! Their pasta is incredibly fresh, and the flavours are perfectly balanced. Every dish we had was perfect and delicious! I can’t rave about it enough! And the pannacotta – it was a revelation! Wish I had ordered 3! Will definitely be back again! 🤩🤩
William Cheung ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very flavourful and fresh food. The care taken in cooking and preparing is obvious in each item we ordered. I would say it’s kinda oily but I think that’s normal and authentic.
J K (Jee) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Extremely chuffed to have a Korean restaurant in Nundah. Food definitely has more of a Mum’s home style combined with street market vendor but absolutely delicious and hearty regardless. Portion sizes are generous and served in good time. Take away but also very casual eat in options but limited table seating.
CC Transfers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So much flavour. The Kim Chi Fried Rice with Spicy Chicken was yummy. Well done, next time ill be back for the Kim Chi Stew.
Lavinia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ LATE NIGHT FEED 💯 Initially thought the burger looked a bit small, but one bite in—delicioso! Juicy patty cooked to perfection, cheese melted beautifully over the meat, toasted bun, and crisp, fresh salad—so good. The hotdog was decent, and the cheesy fries hit the spot. Solid late-night fix! 💯
Jeffrey Yuen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stumbled upon this burger shop through a random Google search, and it was a great find. It wasn’t crowded on a weekday afternoon. The burger was delicious, and the bun choice was particularly impressive. Prices are reasonable. They only accept card payments, and the staff are nice and friendly. I would definitely recommend this place to others.
Michael Agi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love to promote awesome burger places in Brisbane. I took my family tonight and everyone was super impressed with service and food. My son and I had the Grand burger 🍔 and it was amazing. Also had their fries 🍟 and chicken tenders and they were cooked to perfection. Last but not least they know how to make a thick shake and the Caramel flavour was amazing. Atmosphere was also really nice including the area with all the other restaurants. Thanks to all staff working tonight you did a great job. See you again very soon.
Sam Sonter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast unobtrusive service. I had a coffee frappe and the smashed avo toast with ricotta cream, cherry tomatoes, and grilled peach slices, plus chorizo – the flavours complemented each other perfectly. Absolutely delicious!
Nour Obaid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had an amazing experience at Fuel & Co. The food and coffee were superior! Everything tasted so fresh and well prepared. Service was also spot on. Will definitely be back here again!
Deborah Davis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Warmed my tummy this morning with Apple Porridge served with yoghurt and fresh fruit. My friend had the Egg Benedict which she said was great We also enjoyed good coffees. My first visit but I’ll be back.
Jo Bell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Blockhouse is a fabulous hidden gem tucked away in suburbia. Recommended by a family member, our group of three enjoyed an excellent midweek lunch. Service was friendly and efficient. All our meals were generous and delicious. My Portugese chicken dish was outstanding. Blockhouse is a relaxed place to enjoy great menu options for breakfast and lunch. Highly recommended.
Shishir Chaudhary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the best coffees I’ve had recently. Food was fresh and full of flavour too!
Kamila mendonça ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The place has table options in the dining room and the outside area. I had a great experience. The dishes we ordered were delicious, well presented, refined and flavorful. The staff is friendly. The coffee (mocha and espresso) was tasty, as were the tumeric latte and hot chocolate, which were also very good. I hope to return to try more options. I highly recommend the banana bread, the popcorn chicken, and the rash cakes. The portion sizes are not large, if compared to breakfast dishes at similar establishments, and the price is a little above the range.
Wavell State High School is celebrating a milestone moment as its students make standout achievements across robotics and engineering, showcasing the strong STEM culture growing at the heart of the Wavell Heights community. From a robotics team heading to a national championship for the first time to Year 10 engineers building and racing their own 3D-printed creations, the school is proving that innovation is becoming one of its defining strengths.
WSHS Robotics Team Qualifies for National Championships
For the first time, students from Wavell State High School (WSHS) have earned a place at the FIRST Tech Challenge Australian Championships this December in Sydney. According to the school’s announcement, the team — Liam, Zahra and Kathrina — not only qualified for the national stage but also earned the Judges Award at regionals.
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a high-level robotics competition where students design, build and program robots to complete engineering challenges. It draws teams from across Australia and internationally, with the Sydney championship serving as the gateway to the world titles.
The team’s success is supported by mentor Eli McMillan and BotBuilders, a group known for guiding robotics teams across Queensland and around the world. Their involvement has helped WSHS students strengthen their technical skills and gain experience in competitive STEM environments.
Year 10 Engineers Race Ahead
STEM achievement continued in the school’s engineering classrooms, where Year 10 students have been working through a hands-on mechanical engineering project built around mousetrap-powered cars.
Throughout the term, students researched successful designs, developed prototypes, produced detailed 3D models and brought their creations to life using the school’s 3D printers. The project culminated in the end-of-term race, where Callum Kearney took first place and secured his name on the Year 10 Perpetual Engineering Championship Plaque.
The task encouraged critical thinking, design refinement and practical problem-solving — essential skills that mirror real-world engineering processes.
A School Growing in Strength and Opportunity
Wavell State High School, located on Telopia Avenue, has long been known for its diverse curriculum and strong Programs of Excellence in areas like dance, drama, music, netball and rugby league. Now its achievements in robotics and engineering highlight an evolving focus on innovation, technology and future-ready skills.
Guided by the school motto Esse Quam Videri — “To be rather than to seem to be” — WSHS continues to build a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, create and push themselves further.
The recent wins in robotics and engineering show that Wavell State High is not only honouring its long-standing traditions but also shaping a new reputation as a school where STEM pathways thrive.
Many Geebung households are noticing that older pipes, hot-water systems and long-standing fixtures are starting to show their age, especially in post-war homes and classic brick properties scattered throughout the suburb. As locals look for reliable tradespeople who can respond quickly when something goes wrong, Brisbane Plumbers says it has expanded its services to support growing demand from areas like Geebung.
The business reports a steady increase in calls from Geebung residents seeking help with everyday plumbing issues, including blocked drains affected by tree roots, leaking taps in older kitchens and bathrooms, and hot-water units reaching the end of their lifespan. The suburb’s mix of older homes and renewed family dwellings often means plumbing systems vary widely, making trustworthy, experienced tradespeople particularly important.
Brisbane Plumbers highlights its same-day and after-hours availability for urgent work — something many Geebung locals value when unexpected issues interrupt daily routines. The company also uses modern diagnostic tools such as CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure jetters, allowing quicker identification of blockages and leaks. This helps avoid unnecessary digging, which is especially useful in Geebung’s larger backyards, many of which still retain established trees and older stormwater layouts.
The company notes that Geebung homeowners increasingly prefer plumbers who explain issues clearly, provide upfront pricing and offer long-term maintenance advice rather than short-term fixes. With ageing infrastructure meeting new home renovations and upgrades across the area, Brisbane Plumbers expects demand to stay strong.
For Geebung residents, the expanded service means more support when stormwater drains clog after heavy rain, when older pipes finally give way, or when a hot-water system fails without warning. Brisbane Plumbers encourages locals to contact them for routine maintenance, general repairs or urgent call-outs, reaffirming their commitment to Brisbane’s northside communities.
Gateway Capital has bought a recently completed industrial estate at 405 Newman Road in Geebung in a $72.5-million deal that reinforces the suburb’s position as one of Brisbane’s key industrial locations.
The property, which covers 3.5 hectares and features 12 high-quality units, is 91 per cent leased to nine tenants. It offers modern warehouse capabilities designed for today’s logistics and industrial users.
According to Gateway Capital’s co-founder Peter McDonald, the estate’s average tenancy size of about 2,400 square metres, its diversified tenant mix and its strong potential for rental uplift in the medium term made the asset a strong match for the firm’s investment strategy.
Why Geebung Matters in the Industrial Market
The estate is located about 12 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD and is surrounded by major transport routes, including Sandgate Road, Gympie Road and the Gateway Motorway. These links provide direct access to Brisbane Airport, the Port of Brisbane and the wider metropolitan network, helping the suburb attract major national and global industrial operators. Companies such as Australia Post and Linfox Transport are already located in the broader Geebung area, supporting its status as one of Brisbane’s established logistics hubs.
Gateway Capital is continuing to expand its Industrial and Logistics Partnership, which it aims to grow into an $800 million portfolio focused on core logistics and industrial assets. With this purchase, the partnership’s assets have risen to $259 million.
The 405 Newman Road property’s modern build, high internal clearance design and strong leasing profile align with the types of assets Gateway Capital is seeking.
McDonald noted that the estate is less than two years old and largely leased, which the company sees as well-suited to current and future industrial demand. The facility’s high-clearance warehouse spaces were purpose-built for logistics, offering features that are positioned to support a range of industrial occupiers.
As Geebung continues to hold its place as one of Brisbane’s premier logistics locations, observers will watch how this newly acquired site fits into the suburb’s broader industrial precinct.
An upgrade to security fencing at Wavell Heights State School has been completed as part of a wider program delivering around 50 infrastructure projects across Queensland state schools. The fencing improvement in Wavell Heights forms part of the first group of works finalised under the program, which also includes upgrades at other campuses across the state.
The current program covers more than 50 projects across 49 state schools. Eight projects have already been completed, including security fencing upgrades at Wavell Heights State School and a school in Townsville, along with new air-conditioning for a high school in the same region. These projects contribute to a broader effort aimed at improving safety, teaching spaces and general school amenities across Queensland.
The statewide program also involves new classrooms, school halls, sports courts, outdoor learning areas and playgrounds. These upgrades follow contracts exceeding $100 million for classroom-related projects across Cairns, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. The works reflect ongoing priorities to maintain and improve facilities needed by students in both metropolitan and regional areas.
The completed project at Wavell Heights State School focused on upgraded security fencing. This improvement forms part of the early projects delivered and contributes to enhanced on-site safety for students and staff. No additional works for Wavell Heights were listed in the program at this stage.
Wider Program Works Across Queensland
Beyond the completed projects, a large number of upgrades remain underway. These include various improvements to learning spaces and school facilities across multiple campuses. The program also aligns with a broader $1.09 billion investment supporting the construction of new schools in Caloundra South, Ripley Valley and Gracemere to meet future population growth.
Local Community Impact in Wavell Heights
The fencing upgrade is expected to support improved security and strengthen site safety for the school community in Wavell Heights. Similar upgrades across other schools are designed to improve learning environments and support day-to-day operations.
Additional projects across Queensland will continue to progress as part of the infrastructure rollout. Future works will remain focused on classrooms, outdoor spaces and essential school facilities.
Long before Golden Circle became a household name across Australia, its roots were firmly planted in Northgate. In 1947, the suburb welcomed the opening of the company’s first canning factory, an event that would forever etch Golden Circle’s name in the records of Queensland’s pineapple industry and the nation’s food heritage.
The grand opening of the Northgate facility on 28 October 1947, was a significant event, attended by 1,500 people, including 500 fruit growers from the Sunshine Coast who arrived on a special train.
The then Premier of Queensland, the Hon Edward Hanlon, officially inaugurated the factory, which was initially named ‘Queensland Tropical Fruit Products,’ with ‘Golden Circle’ serving as their brand name.
Pineapple cannery under construction at Northgate, 1946 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)
Since its inception, the Northgate factory has been the heart of Golden Circle’s operations, processing and canning a wide range of fruits and vegetables, from iconic pineapples to an array of other produce.
Process workers at work at the Golden Circle cannery in Northgate (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Over the years, the company’s product line has diversified, now encompassing fruit cordials, juices, carbonated beverages, and baby food, but the Northgate facility remains the company’s main production hub.
Photo credit: Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 1076737
Golden Circle, once one of the few remaining Australian-owned food companies, was acquired by international corporations. In 2007, Coca-Cola Amatil made a conditional bid to acquire 100 percent of the company’s shares.
However, in 2008, Heinz launched a competing takeover bid, offering $1.65 per share, totaling $288 million. This bid was deemed attractive by Golden Circle’s chairman, Phillip Cave, especially given the challenging economic conditions at the time.
Photo credit: The Pineapple Pantry by Golden Circle/Google Maps
Ultimately, Heinz’s takeover bid succeeded, and the acquisition was finalised on 19 December 19 2008, marking Golden Circle’s transition from an Australian farmer-owned company to an international ownership.
Whilst Golden Circle’s ownership has changed hands over the years, most recently acquired by Heinz in 2008, the brand’s connection to Northgate remains a point of pride for the company and the local community. The factory’s presence has been a constant in the area, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the suburb’s identity.
Golden Circle factory at Northgate, 2008 (Photo credit: CC BY 3.0/Enya2008/Wikimedia Commons)
In 2023, Golden Circle revived its Pineapple Pantry at Earnshaw Road, offering locals a unique opportunity to purchase select products from the company’s extensive range at discounted prices. The in-store offerings vary weekly, featuring items nearing their best-before date, product lines discontinued from supermarkets, or surplus inventory.
Photo credit: The Pineapple Pantry by Golden Circle/Google Maps
Today, Golden Circle’s Northgate facility stands as a testament to the company’s rich history and its deep-rooted ties to Brisbane. As the brand continues to evolve and expand its reach, the Northgate canning factory remains a cherished landmark, reminding Australians of the company’s humble beginnings and its commitment to quality and innovation.
