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World Wildlife Day Reminder: Tarragindi Drivers Urged to Protect Children and Native Wildlife

With World Wildlife Day set to be marked on March 3, Queensland Police are reinforcing a message that carries particular relevance for Tarragindi — every decision behind the wheel plays a role in protecting vulnerable road users.

In partnership with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging motorists to remain vigilant, reminding the community that Queensland roads are shared not only with drivers and pedestrians, but also with native wildlife.

Every day, road users encounter what police describe as precious “little feet”. Whether it is a child walking ahead on a suburban footpath or a joey following its mother across a verge, the risks can be similar — sudden movements and limited reaction time.

“Children and wildlife can be unpredictable – they can move suddenly and enter roadways without warning,” Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said ahead of World Wildlife Day.

“Drivers must remain alert and anticipate the unexpected, especially in and around school zones, footpaths, parks and rural areas,” he said.

Toohey Road and Habitat Connectivity

For Tarragindi, where residential streets border the bushland of Toohey Forest, the warning is especially relevant. Toohey Road runs through connected habitat areas supporting koalas and other native species.

Earlier this year, a wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road was completed to help reduce the risk of animals entering traffic lanes. Located southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area, the project aims to strengthen habitat connectivity while improving safety outcomes for both fauna and motorists.

The underpass includes a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre culvert installed beneath the roadway, with a raised log pole frame providing a bridge-style crossing for wildlife. Mulch and natural materials were added to encourage use, and fauna fencing with escape hatches was installed along both sides of the road to guide animals safely toward the structure.

While the infrastructure provides a safer crossing option, authorities stress that driver behaviour remains critical.

Road Safety and Shared Responsibility

Vehicle strikes remain a major cause of injury to native animals statewide. At the same time, low-speed suburban environments continue to present risks for young pedestrians.

“Something as simple as reducing your speed, scanning verges and footpaths, and eliminating distractions can prevent devastating outcomes,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.

Police have reiterated that speeding, distraction, driving under the influence and failing to wear a seatbelt significantly increase the risk of serious incidents. Enforcement operations continue across Queensland.

Wildlife Trauma Season

The lead-up to World Wildlife Day also coincides with what wildlife carers refer to as “trauma season”. Between September and February, wildlife is more active as animals breed, forage and explore.

Wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin said road trauma places sustained pressure on rehabilitation services.

“Every year, we see an influx of patients who sustain life-threatening injuries from vehicle strikes, requiring urgent treatment and around-the-clock care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital,” she said.

The most recent season recorded almost 2,000 more patients than the previous year.

As World Wildlife Day approaches, authorities are highlighting the intrinsic link between road safety and conservation. In suburbs like Tarragindi — where bushland, parklands and commuter traffic intersect — the reminder is clear.

Slowing down, scanning verges and removing distractions are small actions that can have significant impact.

Safer roads start with individual choices.

Published 27-Feb-2026

Salisbury Station Reopens Early After Complete Accessibility Rebuild

The Salisbury train station will reopen on Monday 2 March, months ahead of its originally scheduled mid-2026 completion date, following a complete accessibility rebuild undertaken as part of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s southside station upgrade program.

Read: Salisbury Station, Other Southside Stations To Receive Major Accessibility Upgrade

The early reopening caps off a transformation that has delivered a raft of new features designed to make the station easier and safer to use for everyone in the community, with a particular focus on accessibility for people with a disability.

What’s new at Salisbury Station

accessibility rebuild — Photo credit: Queensland Rail

The station has undergone a complete rebuild. Passengers will find new accessible entry points with shade canopies at both the Dollis Street entrance and the park ‘n’ ride on Lillian Avenue. Lifts and staircases now serve each platform, and a new station overpass connects the two sides of the station. Other new additions include seating, drinking fountains, updated footpaths, two accessible parking spaces, a kiss ‘n’ ride on Dollis Street, and a secure bicycle enclosure.

Accessibility has been a defining focus of the rebuild. The station features braille and tactile station maps, hearing aid loop coverage, through lifts, and dedicated accessible parking and drop-off zones, which are features developed with direct input from people who use them.

That input came through the project’s Accessibility Reference Group (ARG), made up of representatives from the disability sector and individuals with a range of lived experiences across various disabilities. The group participated in regular site visits, meetings and feedback sessions throughout the design and construction process, helping to shape a station that aims to be genuinely usable by everyone.

Part of a bigger picture

Salisbury is the sixth of seven southside stations to be fully rebuilt under the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s rolling program, which covers stations from Dutton Park through to Salisbury. Dutton Park, Fairfield, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly and Rocklea have all already reopened under the same program, with each successive rebuild informed by lessons learned at the stations that came before it.

The wider Cross River Rail project includes a new underground tunnel and stations, forming part of a broader plan to deliver more frequent and faster services across South East Queensland, including along the Logan and Gold Coast corridors.

Acting Head of Translink Dean Helm described the early reopening as a positive outcome for the local community, noting the station’s inclusive design would make it easier than ever for locals to board a train.

“The inclusive station will be a game-changer, making it easier than ever for locals to get a train with plenty of accessibility features, including two new accessible parking spaces and a kiss “n” ride on Dollis Street,” Mr Helm said.

“Salisbury’s rebuild included constructing a third platform which will support the Queensland Government’s once-in-a-generation rail transformation by linking with the new underground tunnel, stations and trains to the Gold Coast.

What to know before you travel

While Salisbury station will be fully operational from 2 March, commuters across the broader network should take note of some upcoming disruptions.

On the same day Salisbury reopens, Moorooka station, which is the seventh and final station in the program, will close to begin its own rebuild. Passengers who normally use Moorooka can access the high-frequency StationLink route 19 from nearby bus stops on Ipswich Road as an alternative. Travellers who prefer to stay on rail can also access the network at the already-open and fully accessible Yeerongpilly and Rocklea stations.

Read: How Salisbury Has Transformed Over the Years

Passengers can plan their journeys using the Translink app, by visiting translink.com.au, or by calling 13 12 30.

Published 25-February-2026

South Brisbane Sports Results Feb 20-22

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Allianz Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 18
• Sydney FC 1 | Brisbane Roar FC 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Spencer Park) – A-League – Women – Round 18
• Brisbane Roar FC 0 | Adelaide United FC 2

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Bulimba Memorial Park – Southside Eagles FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Southside Eagles 0 | UQFC 0

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Maroochydore Swans FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Maroochydore FC 2 | Annerley FC 3

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Meakin Park – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Brisbane Roar B 1 | Brisbane City 3

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Olympic FC 2 | Lions FC 1

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Olympic FC 0 | Lions FC 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Wakerley Park – Souths United FC – Field 2) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Souths Strikers 1 | Gold Coast United 1

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 22
• Brisbane Bullets 77 | Sydney Kings 117

Sat, February 21, 2026 (The Gabba) – One Day Cup 2025-26 – Men – Match 6
• Queensland Bulls 260 | South Australia Men 135

The Learning Sanctuary Tarragindi on Toohey Road Listed for Sale as Investor Demand for Early Learning Assets Grows

Real Commercial

Global real estate agency CBRE is offering The Learning Sanctuary Tarragindi, a purpose-built 95-place childcare centre at 200 Toohey Road, to the market as a premium freehold investment, with a long-term lease in place to G8 Education, Australia’s largest ASX-listed early childhood education provider.

The centre sits on a 1,363 square metre site adjacent to Wellers Hill State School, in one of Brisbane’s most consistently family-dense suburbs. It operates under a 15-year lease to G8 Education secured until 2035, with two further 10-year options extending to 2055, giving any incoming owner more than three decades of potential tenure with a nationally recognised operator. Expressions of interest close on 12 March 2026.

For Tarragindi families, the sale changes nothing in day-to-day terms. The centre continues to operate normally under G8’s Learning Sanctuary brand, which has operated from the Toohey Road site since the purpose-built facility opened its doors in early 2020. The listing is a straightforward property transaction, not a closure or change of service.

A Suburb Built for Families

The Learning Santuary listing reflects the suburb’s standing as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after family postcodes. Couple families with children make up 56 per cent of Tarragindi’s population, reinforcing the suburb’s appeal to those seeking quality schools and a supportive family environment. The centre’s median household income of $2,934 per week sits 59 per cent above the Greater Brisbane median, and the suburb’s median house price is 44 per cent above the Brisbane average, reflecting the depth of owner-occupier demand in this part of the southside.

Purpose-built childcare centre — *Photo Credit: Real Commercial*

Tarragindi’s boundaries are largely defined by the Southeast Freeway and Toohey Forest, with the main residential valley running north to south between Wellers Hill to the east and Tarragindi Hill to the west. Its position roughly seven kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, combined with easy access to the South East Busway and proximity to Wellers Hill State School, makes the Toohey Road site particularly well-located for working families.

The Learning Sanctuary itself is purpose-built across multiple levels, with extensive outdoor environments including a climbing fort, bike track, water play area, sandpits and a vegetable garden. Indoor spaces include a dedicated STEM room. It serves children aged six weeks to six years across long day care and kindergarten programmes, drawing families from Tarragindi, Nathan, Greenslopes, Holland Park West, Moorooka and Annerley.

Early Childhood Education as an Investment Class

The Tarragindi listing is part of a dual campaign run by CBRE, which has simultaneously listed a G8-leased centre in Cowra, New South Wales. CBRE reported almost $440 million in childcare investment sales nationally in 2025, reflecting sustained transaction activity in what the agency describes as a resilient investment sub-sector, underpinned by essential service status, long lease terms and consistent federal funding support.

G8 Education operates more than 430 centres across Australia under 21 brands, caring for around 50,000 children each week through a workforce of close to 10,000 staff. Australia will invest more than $16 billion in early childhood education and care in 2025–26, giving investors in long-leased assets a stable and reliable operating environment.

Brisbane will grow by 28 per cent to 3.288 million residents by 2035, and that growth will fuel strong demand for childcare places across established suburbs. In areas such as Tarragindi, where family households dominate and character residential zoning limits new supply, that demand is likely to remain strong.

Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest for the Learning Sanctuary Tarragindi at 200 Toohey Road close on 12 March 2026. The campaign is managed by CBRE Senior Director Yosh Mendis and Director Michael Vanstone. Further information is available through CBRE’s commercial listing or by contacting the CBRE Brisbane through +61 1300 227 311.

Published 23-February-2026.

Tarragindi Rent Pressure Builds as Low Vacancy Limits Options

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Tarragindi renters are now looking at a typical house rent of about $795 a week, a figure that shows how quickly a “stay-put” suburb can become a stretch when more households are chasing the same small pool of homes.

After the December 2025 quarter, the December 2025 Domain Rental Report reported Brisbane’s median house rent rose to $670 a week and the median unit rent rose to $650, with Brisbane recording the strongest quarterly rise in house rents of any capital city.

What the Data Says in Tarragindi

Tarragindi’s typical house rent is about $795 per week and typical unit rent is about $525 per week, based on recent listings and market tracking. That keeps Tarragindi above the Brisbane-wide median for houses, even as renters become more careful about what they can afford.

Different snapshots can vary depending on which slice of listings is counted. A Tarragindi unit snapshot on rentals page puts the median unit rent closer to $500 a week, based on recent unit listings. Taken together, the figures point to the same message for locals: costs remain high, and small changes can look big when only a limited number of units are listed over a year.

Why Competition Stays Strong

One reason rents can stay elevated, even when conditions soften in parts of the market, is the lack of slack in the wider system. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland reported Greater Brisbane’s vacancy rate at 0.9% in its latest quarterly update, a level it describes as firmly tight. When vacancies sit that low, renters have fewer back-up options and less room to negotiate.

Reports for the December-quarter rise also point to tight supply as the main driver of higher rents across the city, while noting the pace of growth can ease when more renters hit affordability limits.

What Does This Mean for Tarragindi?

For Tarragindi households, the pressure often shows up in the time it takes to find a suitable home within budget. When the typical house rent is near $800 a week, families and sharers who want to stay near established schools, transport links and everyday services can be forced to widen their search or accept trade-offs on size, condition or location.

The citywide trend is also important because it shapes where people look next. An ABC report on Brisbane’s December-quarter results noted Brisbane was a standout for renewed rental growth, while also pointing to a practical limit on what renters can pay.

Economists have suggested rents may keep edging higher in the near term, but the speed of increases can slow as households push back on price.

In a suburb like Tarragindi, that can mean renters place more weight on value and liveability, while the wider vacancy rate remains the key factor shaping the amount of choice people have.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Wildlife Underpass And Fauna Fencing Added On Toohey Road

Photo Credit: CrSteveGriffiths/Facebook

A newly completed wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road is designed to help koalas and other native animals move safely between habitat areas within Toohey Forest, while reducing the risk of wildlife entering traffic lanes.

Why The Underpass Was Built

Project information outlines the underpass as a measure to minimise animal crossings across Toohey Road and improve safety outcomes for both motorists and fauna. The location sits within a connected habitat area linked to Toohey Forest, where maintaining movement between food sources and shelter areas is considered important for wildlife resilience and survival.

The project also aims to strengthen habitat connectivity, allowing animals to move more freely between bushland areas and reducing the likelihood of animals attempting to cross the road surface.

What Was Installed

The underpass includes a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre culvert installed beneath Toohey Road, positioned southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area. Inside the culvert, a raised log pole frame was constructed to provide a bridge-style option that allows animals to move through the crossing without travelling directly along the ground.

Mulch and natural materials were placed at the base of the culvert to help the structure blend with the surrounding environment and encourage wildlife to use the crossing. Fauna fencing with wildlife escape hatches was installed on both sides of the road to guide animals towards the underpass and away from traffic.

Construction Timing And Access

Construction commenced in mid-November 2025 and was completed within the expected two-month timeframe. Works were undertaken between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sunday to Thursday, to minimise traffic disruption. Toohey Road was fully closed from 8 p.m. Friday 14 November to 5 a.m. Monday 17 November 2025, with detours in place, including via Tarragindi Road.

Vegetation Management

Some tree and vegetation removal was required to allow installation of the culvert and fencing. The project design includes replanting native vegetation selected to support local wildlife habitat, with specialist input guiding vegetation management.

Toohey Road wildlife underpass — *Photo Credit: Brad Robinson/Facebook*

Community Feedback And Next Steps

Community responses have included questions about fencing design and long-term performance. A site walk-through has been flagged to identify any gaps or defects in the fencing near the underpass, with repairs planned where needed to ensure the crossing functions as intended.

Published 15-Jan-2026

Remembering Keitha Drake: Ekibin Roots, Redcliffe Impact

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay Libraries/Facebook

Few people may realise that one of Redcliffe’s most influential civic leaders began life in Ekibin. Keitha Drake would go on to quietly reshape life on the Redcliffe Peninsula, becoming its first female alderman and one of its most tireless community workers, long before women were a common sight in council chambers.

Born in 1906 as Keitha Mary Cousley Scurr, she was educated at Junction Park State School in Annerley and Brisbane State High School in South Brisbane.

Her early life in Ekibin would ground her in community values that later defined her public service, according to historical accounts compiled by local historians and media outlets. In her younger years, she was an accomplished hockey player and, in 1939, was considered for selection in Brisbane’s A-Grade competition.

A Newcomer Who Stepped Forward

She married George Drake in 1940. They had a son named Henry in 1947. She married George Drake in 1940. They had a son named Henry in 1947.

After arriving on the Redcliffe Peninsula in 1950, Ms Drake quickly became involved in local organisations and welfare work. Within two years, she stood for election to the Town of Redcliffe council and was elected in February 1952.

At the time, council meetings were small affairs with just six aldermen, modest pay and heavy workloads. She served continuously until she died in 1966, a period that saw Redcliffe transition from a town to a city in 1959.

Historical reporting shows voters repeatedly returned her to office and, in later elections, that she attracted more votes than any other candidate, reflecting strong community trust.

Focused on Practical Needs

Ms Drake focused on everyday issues affecting local families rather than ideology. She worked to improve health services for the peninsula and represented Redcliffe on hospital boards at a time when access to medical care required travel to Brisbane. The opening of the first Redcliffe Hospital in 1961 aligned with the period of her advocacy.

At the time of her death, she chaired the council’s Building and Health Committee. She represented the council on both the Redcliffe Hospitals Board and the Redcliffe Municipal Library Committee.

A Life Beyond Council Chambers

Ms Drake’s influence extended well beyond local government. Over more than a decade, she led the Redcliffe Peninsula branch of the Queensland Spastic League, now known as the Cerebral Palsy League, and played a key role in establishing the local committee. She also served as secretary of the Red Cross for 10 years and chaired the Humpybong Welfare Committee.

Her involvement spanned sporting clubs, arts groups and educational support bodies. Records show she supported cricket, hockey, horticulture, writing groups and youth organisations, while also serving as the first president of Redcliffe State High School’s Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Lasting Recognition

Drake died at Brisbane General Hospital on 12 February 1966. Over a decade later, her contribution was formally recognised when an 18-unit pensioner housing complex at Woody Point was named Keitha Drake Lodge.

Drake Street at Woody Point also bears her name, a reminder of a woman born in Ekibin whose impact reached far beyond her Brisbane beginnings.

Published 7-Jan-2026

A Year of Crime in Tarragindi: Theft and Property Offences Lead Local Statistics

Tarragindi recorded 335 offences between 6 January 2025 and 5 January 2026, according to the Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map. The figures reveal a suburb where most incidents involved theft and property-related matters rather than violent crime, with clear patterns emerging around timing and location.

Read: Tarragindi Residents Demand Action After Pring Street Hit-and-Run

The QPS heatmap shows strong concentrations of offences along Toohey Road, Arunta Street, Weller Road, the Pacific Motorway, and Vinray Street near the park. These locations align with the suburb’s main thoroughfares and recreational areas, suggesting that proximity to major roads and parkland creates more opportunities for opportunistic crime. The concentration along transport corridors also provides quick escape routes for offenders.

The most common offences were other theft (excluding unlawful entry), unlawful entry, and traffic-related offences. The dominance of property crime over violent offences indicates Tarragindi experiences primarily opportunistic incidents rather than targeted or violent crime.

Time-of-day data reveals a striking pattern: the 2 pm to 10 pm window recorded the highest number of offences (127), followed closely by 10 pm to 6 am (126). Combined, these periods account for nearly 76 per cent of all reported crime, while the 6 am to 2 pm period saw just 82 incidents. This suggests criminals prefer low-visibility hours or target homes when residents are away during evening commutes and social activities.

By day of the week, Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday were the busiest for reported incidents, creating an extended high-risk period from Friday through to Monday. In contrast, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday saw considerably fewer offences, with the mid-week lull suggesting that routine and predictability during the traditional working week may deter opportunistic crime.

The seasonal data reveals some interesting anomalies. July recorded the highest monthly total with 33 offences, despite winter typically seeing lower crime rates. This was followed by March with 32 offences and December with 30. The quietest months were August with just 19 offences—a dramatic 42 per cent drop from July—and November with 22, before the expected holiday-season spike in December.

The yearly average works out to roughly one offence per day across the suburb, with most incidents being non-violent and property-focused. The data suggests that practical vigilance remains the most effective prevention strategy: securing homes and vehicles, particularly during the 2 pm to 6 am window and on weekends, and taking extra care if living near major roads or parkland areas.

Read: Tarragindi Family Home Destroyed by Blaze Weeks Before Christmas

For residents in the Toohey Road, Weller Road and Pacific Motorway corridors, or near Vinray Street and the park, the statistics indicate heightened awareness during peak times could make a meaningful difference in preventing opportunistic theft and property crime.

Published 6-January-2026

Tarragindi Streets Come Alive with Vibrant Artworks on Signal Boxes

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The streets of Tarragindi have been transformed into an open-air gallery, with local residents painting vibrant artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the suburb. These eye-catching installations celebrate everything from native wildlife to school milestones, turning everyday street furniture into conversation starters.

Life in Tarragindi

At the corner of Toohey Road and Weller Road, Year 5 and 6 students from Wellers Hill State School have captured the essence of suburban life in their artwork “Life in Tarragindi”. Completed in July 2025 with support from teachers and parent volunteers, the box depicts locally owned businesses, the leafy canopy of Toohey Forest, and scenes of families, pets and children at play. The students incorporated the area’s characteristic rolling hills and city views into their design.

Camp on the Hill

Derek Johnston’s “Camp on the Hill”, located at Toohey Road and Marshall Road, delves into the area’s history and natural environment. Created in August 2016 through Brisbane Visual Arts Community, the artwork references Tarragindi’s naming after a blackbirded Loyalty Island native who worked for a local landowner. The box also features native wildlife from Toohey Forest. The piece was nominated for Overall Winner and Best Organisation awards.

Love Your Unique

Laila Lagilli collaborated with her daughters Safia (7) and Chelsea (11) to create “Love Your Unique” at the intersection of Marshall Road, Birdwood Road and Bapaume Road. Completed in May 2018, the artwork centres on trees as symbols of grounding and growth. Lagilli designed elements specifically to catch children’s attention as they pass by in cars, repositioning the magical qualities of trees that often go unnoticed. The work was nominated for Overall Winner and Best 12 and under categories.

Kookaburra’s Having a Laugh

Belinda Peel’s “Kookaburra’s Having a Laugh” sits at Bapaume Road and Peronne Road, depicting the iconic Australian bird amused by environmentally friendly transport. The November 2017 artwork earned a nomination for Overall Winner and Best Adult.

The Natives

Also at Birdwood Road and Weller Road is “The Natives” by Natalie Peel, created in September 2017 with assistance from Matthew and Su Ann Peel. The box presents a snapshot of Toohey Forest and was nominated for Overall Winner and Best 12 and under awards.

Butterflies in the Breeze

Lizz Robb’s “Butterflies in the Breeze” graces 8 Kogarah Street with bold, fluid forms dancing amongst wildflowers. Completed in July 2025 with family members Bentley, Braxton, Ava, Paityn, Aria and Lettee Phillips, the abstract work uses blues, yellows and greens to create a meditative space celebrating nature’s resilience. The expressive composition invites viewers to find solace in the rhythmic movement of flora and the ethereal flutter of butterfly wings.

100 Years of Wellers Hill State School

Wellers Hill State School students marked another milestone at the Toohey Road pedestrian crossing at Salkeld Street with “100 Years of Wellers Hill State School”. The July 2025 artwork celebrates the school’s centenary from 1926 to 2026, featuring the four school houses (Kangaroo, Koala, Platypus and Emu), mascot Wellie, and the school’s unique Japanese bilingual programme and connection to Japan.

Be a Light for Others

St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School students Chantelle Webb and Lucia Willis, working with artist Lucy Hamer and Learning Enhancement Teacher Jane Goddard, created “Be a Light for Others” at Fernvale Road and Andrew Avenue in July 2025. The artwork honours Nano Nagle, known as the Lady of the Lamp, one of the school’s patron figures. Nagle visited the poor through narrow streets guided by lantern light and laid foundations for Catholic education in Australia.

Swimming Axolotls

Jim and Matilda Strachan added “Swimming Axolotls” near Bapaume Road and Sterculia Ave in March 2022. Painted on a busy road beside a freeway bridge where native Australian birds and animals already adorn the bridge supports, the father-daughter duo chose to feature axolotls, adding another beautiful creature to the local collection.

About Artforce Brisbane

These artworks are part of Artforce Brisbane, an annual community art programme run by Brisbane City Council since 1999. The initiative invites Brisbane residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to paint original artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the city’s suburbs. More than 5,000 volunteers have painted over 1,200 boxes across Brisbane, celebrating local characters, cultures, histories and landmarks while reducing graffiti and vandalism. The programme is managed by Artfully, a Brisbane-based arts consultancy specialising in public art and placemaking. Each year, approximately 80 painting opportunities become available as the council upgrades intersections and replaces old cabinets.

Residents interested in participating can register at the Artforce Brisbane website or email info@artforcebrisbane.com.au for more information.

Published 26-December-2025

Oh Monk: Tarragindi’s Fast-Rising Modern Asian Restaurant

Tarragindi locals don’t need to look far for a dining experience that feels fresh, fun and full of personality. Tucked along Denham Terrace, Oh Monk has quickly built a reputation as one of the suburb’s standout modern Asian eateries, and for good reason.

Read: Get Ready to Indulge in Modern Asian Delights at Tarragindi’s Oh Monk Asian

With a menu designed to push past tradition while still honouring the flavours people love, the restaurant has become a genuine community favourite.

Head chef and co-owner Chef Batt brings extensive experience to the kitchen, having trained at Bangkok’s Michelin-starred Le Du and worked at Brisbane restaurants Pawpaw and Longtime. This experience informs the bold flavours found in the restaurant’s contemporary Asian dishes.

The menu is designed to be inclusive. Oh Monk offers several gluten-free and vegan options, and the kitchen has a dedicated gluten-free fryer to cater for coeliac diners. Guests can enjoy a variety of small plates and larger dishes, with highlights including popcorn cauliflower, slow-cooked curries such as Massaman and Panang, Peking duck pancakes, and slow-cooked beef ribs.

Diners and reviewers have praised both the food and service. Feedback mentions warm, attentive staff, as well as dishes described as fresh, flavourful, and balanced, with standout items including the Beijing roast duck, Massaman Beef Curry, and chocolate dessert. Takeaway options are also available for those who prefer to enjoy Oh Monk at home.

Read: How This Tarragindi-based Entrepreneur Created A Global Brand

Note: Oh Monk will take a short festive break from 22 December to 1 January, reopening on 2 January. Locals planning summer catch-ups may want to book early — especially with the restaurant’s popularity continuing to grow. Bookings and takeaway orders can be made through their website.

Published 12-December-2025