Students from St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School in Tarragindi have completed a public artwork on a traffic signal box as part of the citywide Artforce Brisbane initiative.
Students from St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School have added to the city’s streetscape by painting a traffic signal box on Andrew Avenue, Tarragindi. The artwork was completed under the Artforce Brisbane program, which encourages community participation in public art.
Brisbane-Wide Initiative Supporting Local Expression
Artforce Brisbane, established in 1999, allows residents of all backgrounds to design and paint traffic signal boxes throughout the city. With over 1,200 boxes completed and more than 5,000 volunteers involved to date, the program has become a platform for local storytelling and creativity across suburbs.
A Message of Light and Positivity
The Tarragindi signal box artwork features a bold blue background with a large yellow star and symbolic lanterns on each panel. The phrase “Be a Light for Others” is handwritten across the centre of the piece, aligning with the school’s mission of service and community care
School Involvement in Community Initiatives
Founded in 1958, St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School has maintained a strong focus on values-driven education and community engagement. The school currently enrols around 350 students and integrates projects like Artforce Brisbane into a broader educational program that includes leadership, creativity, and social awareness.
Photo Credit: St Elizabeth’s School/Facebook
Broader Program Objectives
Artforce Brisbane artworks not only brighten intersections but also reduce graffiti and encourage public ownership of local spaces. The program operates across more than 1,000 traffic boxes citywide, with new opportunities opened annually for residents, schools, and community groups to contribute.
The completed artwork now forms part of a growing gallery of public art across Brisbane, offering both visual interest and a message of encouragement. The contribution from St Elizabeth’s students reinforces the value of involving young people in shaping and beautifying their neighbourhood.
Tarragindi mum Melody Lawler now rides her bike with her 11-year-old daughter Katie to the Buranda train station after the 121 bus route that stopped at Gotha Street in Fortitude Valley was changed. The shift is just one example of the widespread disruption families are experiencing following a major overhaul of the Brisbane bus network.
For many parents, what was once a straightforward school commute has turned into a daily logistical challenge. Multiple families say their children now need to take two or even three buses to get to school, with concerns around safety, timing, and missed connections growing.
One mother, who moved to Auchenflower specifically for access to the 470 route to All Hallows’ School, found that the service her daughter relied on never arrived one afternoon. Unaware that the route had changed, they had to scramble to find an alternative way home. Now they are weighing options involving a more distant bus stop or switching to the train, made more difficult by the heavy load her daughter carries, including a sports bag and a musical instrument.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Katie Lawler’s own after-school journey also grew more complicated. Previously catching the 113 home from Adelaide Street, she now must navigate the bustling Cultural Centre precinct to find a connecting bus, which is a daunting task for a young student.
Brisbane’s local officials said it has worked with schools to ease the transition, noting that two-seat journeys are standard in global cities and that the changes will ultimately benefit most commuters through simpler routes and increased frequency. Special route suggestions have been provided to affected families, and some schools were given briefings ahead of the changes.
Still, for families juggling busy schedules, extracurricular activities, and concerns for their children’s safety, the transition hasn’t been easy. Many parents say they are still adjusting, testing out new routes and routines, sometimes turning to bikes, trains, or additional lifts just to make it work.
The council maintains that the Brisbane bus network overhaul, which is the largest in more than 20 years, is designed to meet growing demand and modernise public transport across the city. But for now, some Brisbane families are finding that getting to school takes more time, more planning, and a lot more patience.
A local walking event in Tarragindi is providing a supportive space for mothers, children and families to connect through shared experiences and breastfeeding support.
Community Connection Through Walking in Tarragindi
Mothers, children and families are gathering in Tarragindi for a pram-friendly walk through Toohey Forest, offering a relaxed setting for social connection, shared parenting experiences, and breastfeeding support.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at Shaftesbury Street Park on Laura Street, with the group meeting at 9:45 a.m. in the Toohey Picnic Area. Participants will follow the accessible Toohey Ridge Track, covering approximately 3 kilometres, before returning for a snack and informal chat in the picnic area.
The initiative forms part of a regular local gathering and marks the final catch-up for the term. Organisers are encouraging participation from women with prams, older children, and families, creating an inclusive environment focused on physical activity and community bonding.
The event also provides access to a trained breastfeeding counsellor, aligning with broader efforts to support families on their breastfeeding journey.
Support Aligned with National Vision
The event is supported by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), which aims to normalise breastfeeding across Australian society. ABA is recognised as the national authority on breastfeeding education and support, providing services such as a 24-hour helpline, online resources, antenatal classes and trained peer support.
More than 1,000 volunteers, most of whom are mothers with firsthand experience, deliver ABA’s services. Many of these volunteers are qualified through a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education.
The Tarragindi event aligns with ABA’s strategic priorities, including community-based breastfeeding support and promotion of inclusive, breastfeeding-friendly environments. By bringing together families in an informal setting, the event encourages social support networks while providing access to accurate and evidence-based breastfeeding information.
Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences and offer encouragement to others who may be seeking support.
While the event marks the final local meeting for the current term, families attending have opportunities to continue engaging with ABA programs and services throughout the year. Information on upcoming gatherings and resources is available through local contact points.
Plans for a wildlife underpass at Toohey Forest are moving forward, with local residents and wildlife carers pushing for greater protections, monitoring and research, as frequent koala sightings increase the risk for more road deaths.
Earlier this month, plans were confirmed for a wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road to connect both sides of Toohey Forest. Since then, residents living near the forest have come forward with growing concern about the number of koalas seen dangerously close to traffic, calling the project overdue and urging stronger action.
Local wildlife advocate Brad Lambert, who runs a dedicated Facebook group about the area’s koalas, has observed a sharp increase in sightings over the past year. He said he spotted 10 koalas across different locations in just one week and had previously counted up to 19 in a single week. He also noted a rise in the number of road strikes involving the animals, despite the lack of an official database tracking deaths.
Lambert said more consistent monitoring and clearer population data were urgently needed to assess the risk and determine whether local koala numbers could be sustained over time.
A Call for Scientific Monitoring
While Brisbane already has a land bridge at Compton Road near Karawatha Forest and aerial rope crossings in other areas, the Toohey Forest project will be the city’s first purpose-built underpass for koalas. With that in mind, advocates are hoping it will also become a research opportunity.
Lambert and others are encouraging council to install motion-sensing cameras at both ends of the underpass to allow researchers, including those from nearby Griffith University, to track how often wildlife use the structure. Currently, there is little available data on how well these types of crossings work in urban areas like Brisbane.
By gathering information from day one, residents hope the project can provide long-term insights and shape future wildlife planning elsewhere in the city.
History, Habitat and Hopes for the Future
Toohey Forest, which borders the suburbs of Tarragindi, Moorooka and Nathan, is now one of the city’s healthiest koala habitats — but that wasn’t always the case. Around 30 years ago, there were no known koalas in the forest. Some carers believe the population may have grown as a result of rescues and relocations from other parts of Brisbane, where habitat loss has been more severe.
The underpass, funded by with a $3-million contribution through the Saving Koalas Fund, will sit just southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area. It will be designed with natural materials like mulch and logs to encourage animal use and will include fencing to guide wildlife away from the road and toward the crossing.
Cr Steve Griffiths said the fencing, along with escape hatches for trapped animals, would allow traffic to continue at normal speeds while improving safety for wildlife. He welcomed the funding and acknowledged residents’ long-standing calls for action.
Council is expected to begin construction sometime between mid-to-late 2025. In the meantime, updates will be shared with residents as the project moves closer to its start date.
Native animals in Toohey Forest will soon get a safer way to cross Toohey Road as plans will move ahead for a new wildlife underpass linking key bushland habitats.
Construction of the Toohey Road wildlife underpass is expected to start from mid-to-late 2025, backed by funding from Australia’s Saving Koalas Fund. The project will create a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre concrete culvert beneath Toohey Road, southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area, connecting sections of Toohey Forest that are home to native species such as koalas.
Safe Passage for Local Wildlife
The project plan details a purpose-built underpass with natural materials like mulch and logs inside, so animals can move safely and feel comfortable using it. A log pole frame will help wildlife cross without stepping onto the road above.
To guide animals to the crossing and keep them off the road, new fencing 1.2 metres high will run 50 metres on each side of the culvert. Wildlife escape hatches will be built into the fencing, giving animals another chance to move away from the road if needed.
Some trees and plants will need to be removed to make space for the fencing, but this will be done with care and advice from qualified arborists to protect Toohey Forest’s natural environment as much as possible.
The plan aims to reduce animal strikes along Toohey Road, which will make the area safer for both drivers and wildlife. By linking habitats on both sides of the road, the underpass will help animals reach food, mates and shelter without crossing busy traffic lanes.
This connection is expected to help wildlife survive during bushfires and other emergencies by giving them more ways to move through the forest safely.
A Win for the Community
Toohey Forest is a valued green space for people living in Tarragindi, Nathan, Salisbury and surrounding suburbs. Locals who visit the picnic areas, walking trails and car parks near the site are expected to benefit too, as fewer animal crossings on the road will make driving safer.
The Council says more updates will be shared with nearby residents closer to the start of construction, and the project team can be reached for questions or feedback.
Postcode 4121, encompassing the sought-after suburbs of Holland Park West, Holland Park, and Tarragindi, continues to demonstrate its appeal to discerning buyers seeking premium family homes within Brisbane’s inner south. Over recent months, three exceptional sales have highlighted the area’s diverse luxury market, from architectural masterpieces to prime development opportunities.
1. 61 Dunrod Street, Holland Park West – $4.2 million
Leading the charge is ‘Tamerlane’ at 61 Dunrod Street, which commanded an impressive $4.2 million in April 2025. This five-bedroom luxury residence on an elevated 835sqm allotment represents the pinnacle of family living, combining spectacular city views with resort-style amenities. The four-level property features a private lift, rooftop terrace with retractable awning, and an infinity-edge heated saltwater pool complete with waterslide. Premium V-ZUG kitchen appliances, a covered alfresco area with full outdoor kitchen, and a secure six-car garage underscore the property’s luxury credentials. The home’s sophisticated design includes timber floors, 2.7-metre-high ceilings, and integrated joinery throughout, while practical additions like a three-phase power system for EV charging and commercial-grade air-conditioning system reflect modern luxury living demands.
2. 59 Salkeld Street, Tarragindi – $3.4 million
The second-highest sale occurred at 59 Salkeld Street, Tarragindi, which sold for $3.4 million in May 2025. This sale is particularly significant as it represents premium land value in one of Brisbane’s few remaining Residential A zoned suburbs. The elevated 632sqm block with 15+ metre frontage attracted buyers seeking the perfect development opportunity in Tarragindi’s highly desirable location. The suburb’s appeal lies in its rare combination of leafy residential character just 7 km from Brisbane CBD, proximity to premier schools including Weller’s Hill State School with its bilingual Japanese program, and abundance of parks and bushland. The sale reflects strong demand for quality land in established inner-south locations where development opportunities are increasingly scarce.
3. 82 Lawn Street, Holland Park – $3.38 million
Completing the top three is ‘Calli’ at 82 Lawn Street, Holland Park, which sold for $3.38 million in March 2025. This architectural statement home, designed by Graham Lloyd Architects and built by 360 Builders, sits on a prime 617sqm allotment adjacent to Glindemann Park. The five-bedroom residence showcases Palm Springs-inspired design with curved feature walls, dramatic void spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Key features include an outstanding kitchen with butler’s pantry, covered alfresco area with outdoor kitchen, in-ground saltwater pool, and secure garage with additional off-street parking. The property’s sophisticated finish, featuring timber floors, ducted air-conditioning, and premium security systems, appealed to buyers seeking turn-key luxury in a premium location.
Why These Numbers Matter
These three sales demonstrate the continued strength and diversity of postcode 4121’s luxury market. The results span from architectural excellence to premium land opportunities, reflecting different buyer motivations within the same prestigious postcode. Notably, all three properties sold within a two-month period, indicating sustained high-end buyer activity despite broader market conditions.
The concentration of sales above $3 million reinforces postcode 4121’s position as a premier family destination, where buyers are willing to pay substantial premiums for quality homes in tightly held locations. The Dunrod Street sale, in particular, sets a new benchmark for luxury family homes in Holland Park West, while the Salkeld Street result highlights the value placed on development-ready land in Residential A zones.
For homeowners in the area, these results provide strong validation of property values in suburbs that combine inner-city convenience with family-friendly amenities. The proximity to elite schools, major universities, shopping centres, and transport links continues to drive demand from upgrading families and investors alike. For agents and developers, the results confirm where premium buyers are focusing their attention, particularly for properties offering exceptional land holdings, architectural merit, or development potential in established, well-connected locations.
We’ve combed Holland Park, Holland Park East, Holland Park West, Tarragindi, and Wellers Hill 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!
GJ D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Been wanting to try this place for a while. Family and I made a reservation for Wednesday night, and were glad we did because it was absolutely packed! Should be noted that they have those QR codes to order, which I find annoying, but they do still let you order at the counter as well. I have a couple of allergies, and the staff were really good about noting it on the order to be extra careful with cross-contamination, and were also really knowledgable about what I could and couldn’t have on the menu. All of the meals were absolutely delicious & very generous portion sizes. We will definitely be back!
Esteban M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food is excellent quality, as is the service. Every dish I’ve had has been masterfully cooked, having great flavour, texture, presentation, and with generous portion sizes. I’m not a local, but I will keep coming back here, it has quickly become one of my favourite Thai restaurants in Brisbane!
Menu highlights:
– Massaman beef curry – Duck red curry – Cashew nut sir fry – Thai fried rice – Pad Thai
Nikki W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Went here for dinner last night 🌙 So glad we made the reservation (you definitely need to) and the food was delicious!
Loved the variety of the dinner menu and how much is GF. Timely service and attentive staff.
Thanks for an amazing dinner and we will definitely be back for more.
Jeehae ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cafe Dolce is run by the loveliest couple, who always welcome customers with warm smiles. It’s such a joy to visit every time!
I had the mushroom sandwich, and it was perfectly seasoned and served warm—so delicious that I keep thinking about it. Their coffee is also excellent. Highly recommend this cozy little gem!
Alena R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow, it was one of the most amazing breakfasts I had in Australia! So delicious food.
Craig C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good quality food, nice coffee and fast, friendly service was what we experienced at this unassuming suburban café today. The staff are absolutely lovely and eager to please, the premises are not at all pretentious and the food we were served came in a timely manner and was delicious. Definitely a hidden gem. We will be returning again soon!
Kezi K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A beautiful quiet cafe with lovely scenery and attentive staff. My pie was delicious and huge and the homemade relish was yummy. Was a really wonderful space to work from for a few hours.
Alan D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We came here to celebrate a birthday and the customer service could not be better. They made the birthday girl feel very special. The food was fantastic and catered for both gluten free and dairy free. It was a wonderful atmosphere and we can’t wait to return.
Peng C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome place the food is absolute delish. The staff were really friendly and the service was great definitely going here again.
Emma A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beautiful little hidden cafe in Mt Gravatt. If you love açai bowls they have different flavours such as the sunshine bowl with t blended mango and banana which is what I got and it was delicious. Good strawberry matcha here and coffee.
Heather A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Have loved this place for years, great and friendly staff, delicious meals that aren’t over the top. In my opinion, the best breakfast burger in Brisbane.
Robert B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My favourite local coffee shop! Excellent coffees and great food (highly recommend the banana bread or a smoked salmon bagel). The service is also very efficient and the staff are nice and friendly.
Melissa W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a beautiful spot for decadent sandwiches! Great coffee and the staff were super kind.
Went at 6am with a friend and sat in the front window. Such a nice location to sip coffee and watch the world go by.
Inside seating is a little limited, so either sitting in the window or on the tables attached to the garden beds are the way to go.
Ellie B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ this place is the grooviest little neighbourhood sandwich spot. best cappuccino that serves the perfect amount of choccy dust + the chicken sanga – AMAZING !
Rebecca S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tasty sandwiches at a busy suburban cafe. Not a huge amount of seating but people come and go often enough that you eventually can sit down. Got the Tarragon chicken which was great, highly recommended.
Chadwick Street in Tarragindi offers a unique glimpse into the charm of suburban living, where a small number of homes foster a strong sense of community. With just 13 properties lining this quiet street, Chadwick has maintained an intimate, close-knit atmosphere reflecting its historical roots and the enduring appeal of life in Tarragindi.
Historical records from 1936 hint at a very different landscape, with the street’s sparse development standing in contrast to the vibrant, established neighborhood it is today. Over the decades, Chadwick Street has evolved, yet its character remains shaped by long-term residents—50% of whom have called it home for over a decade—creating a sense of stability and connection rarely found in modern suburbs.
Chadwick Street, Tarragindi Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 13 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years and 1 month % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 50%
Chadwick Street, Tarragindi – As It Looked in 1936
Chadwick Street, Tarragindi in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON CHADWICK STREET, TARRAGINDI
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
24 Chadwick Street, Tarragindi
$1,200,00
Nov 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON CHADWICK STREET FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
19 Chadwick Street, Tarragindi
$240,000
Dec 2002
12 Chadwick Street, Tarragindi
$135,000
Nov 1989
28 Chadwick Street, Tarragindi
$67,000
Jan 1988
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2025 was $1,205,000 The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2021 was $667,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN TARRAGINDI SINCE 2021 : $538,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2025 was $1,230,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2021 was $775,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN TARRAGINDI SINCE 2021 : $455,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2025 was $1,590,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2021 was $927,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN TARRAGINDI SINCE 2021 : $663,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2025 was $2,640,000 The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Tarragindi in 2021 was $1,360,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN TARRAGINDI SINCE 2021 : $1,280,000
If you know Chadwick Street, Tarragindi well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.
St John Henry Newman College, a new Catholic primary school set to open in Tarragindi, is now welcoming enrolments as it prepares to launch next year. With a focus on classical education, the independent co-educational school is already generating significant interest, with a significant part of its initial enrolment capacity filled.
Located on the grounds of St John Fisher Catholic Church at 17 Messines Ridge Road, the college will begin by offering classes for Prep to Year 3 students in its first year. Over time, it aims to expand into a full Prep to Year 12 institution with separate primary and secondary campuses.
Artist’s impression of the school (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)
The college’s curriculum is designed around classical education principles, immersing students in timeless works of literature, history, and Latin. This approach, known as the Great Books method, will introduce students to influential thinkers and writers, from Homer and Plato to Austen and Shelley, encouraging them to engage deeply with the ideas that have shaped Western thought.
Photo credit: St John Henry Newman College/Facebook
Leading the college as its founding principal is Kenneth Crowther, who is guiding the school’s development and its mission to provide a faith-centred, virtue-driven education.
Photo credit: St John Henry Newman College/Facebook
While the school has yet to open its doors, it has already fostered a sense of community. Last month, families gathered for the college’s first Community BBQ & Family Day, enjoying games, face painting, and a free sausage sizzle while getting a first look at the school’s masterplan.
With enrolments for Prep to Year 3 in 2026 already at 50 percent capacity, interested families are encouraged to apply soon to secure a place for their children at this unique new educational institution.
The foundations of one of Ray White’s top-performing businesses trace back to Tarragindi, where a mother’s early real estate career inspired a family legacy.
Ray White Collective, now Australia’s highest-performing Ray White business, has its origins in Tarragindi, where Judith Cush first entered the real estate industry. After relocating from Papua New Guinea, she purchased a colonial home in the suburb and developed a strong interest in property. That interest led her to join Ray White Moorooka, where she negotiated flexible work hours to balance parenting with her new role.
Judith’s children quickly became part of the daily routine. After school, they would help stamp boxes of contracts in the office, an early task that introduced them to the profession. They occasionally accompanied her to inspections, experiences that played a formative role in Haesley Cush’s later career choice.
From Local Beginnings to Industry Leader
Haesley eventually joined his mother at Ray White Moorooka, spending six years learning the business alongside her. In 2005, he purchased Ray White New Farm and went on to establish Ray White Collective, leading its expansion across Brisbane and into national prominence.
Throughout his career, the influence of Tarragindi and his mother’s work remained a reference point. His understanding of work ethic and community engagement was shaped by watching Judith’s efforts during those formative years.
Photo Credit: Haesley Cush/Instagram
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
The family’s real estate journey has now entered its third generation. Haesley’s daughter, Vivienne, regularly joins him at auctions, reflecting the role he once had supporting his mother’s work. This continuity highlights the intergenerational nature of their involvement in the industry, rooted in experiences that began in Tarragindi.
Judith Cush remains active in the profession, currently leading the Living Here Cush Partners sales team. Her ongoing work continues to reflect the approach that originally inspired her children’s interest in real estate.
