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LPO Neighbourhood Wine Store Brings Community Wine Culture to Tarragindi

Photo Credit: L.P.O. Neighbourhood Wine Store/Instagram

A neighbourhood wine store in Tarragindi is reshaping how locals experience wine, blending education, accessibility, and community connection in one welcoming space.

Redefining the Wine Experience in Tarragindi

Opened in March 2025, LPO Neighbourhood Wine Store has quickly become a focal point for local wine enthusiasts. Located at 100 Windmill Street, the store was co-founded by Dan Wilson and comedian Matt Okine, who shared a goal of creating a relaxed venue where residents could learn about wine while enjoying a tasting experience.

The store operates under a wine merchant licence, which allows the sale of wine by the glass. Between eight and twelve bottles are open daily for tasting, providing visitors with the opportunity to sample different varieties before deciding on a purchase. This approach encourages discovery and builds confidence among customers looking to expand their palate.

Queensland wine — *Photo Credit: L.P.O. Neighbourhood Wine Store/Instagram*

A Space Built on Accessibility and Discovery

LPO aims to make quality wine more approachable. The store offers a range of bottles at various price points, including options under $20, ensuring accessibility for casual drinkers and enthusiasts alike. The interior is designed to encourage browsing and conversation, focusing on experience rather than transaction.

The name “LPO” pays homage to the building’s history as a Local Post Office, maintaining a sense of local character and connection. Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the shop has quickly become a community gathering point for those who enjoy exploring new flavours in a relaxed, social setting.

*Photo Credit: L.P.O. Neighbourhood Wine Store/Instagram*

A Return to Community and Craft

After spending years running wine bars in London, Dan Wilson returned to Brisbane in 2021 with the vision of bringing that same sense of neighbourhood connection to his hometown. To meet the requirements of the merchant licence, Wilson collaborated with Konpira Maru winemakers in the Granite Belt to produce SQUID, a Queensland-made skin-contact Verdelho. The project reflects his commitment to supporting local production while encouraging education and experimentation.

Part of Brisbane’s Independent Wine Movement

LPO is part of a growing network of independent wine retailers across Brisbane that are transforming how the city experiences wine. Similar venues, such as Craft Wine Store and Wineism, share a focus on education, conversation, and the joy of discovery rather than traditional retail transactions.

Through these efforts, independent stores like LPO are not only selling quality bottles but also helping residents understand and appreciate the diversity of wine. This shift marks a broader move towards a community-driven wine culture, positioning Tarragindi as one of the city’s emerging destinations for approachable and enjoyable wine experiences.

Published 30-Oct-2025

Toohey Forest BioBlitz Doubles Brisbane’s Species Count

Photo Credit: Griffith University/LinkedIn

When scientists and volunteers took to Toohey Forest for a weekend survey, they documented part of a rich ecosystem hidden in plain sight at the forest, home to more than 500 species.

Community Effort in Action

Between 5 and 6 September 2025, more than 80 volunteers joined Griffith University researchers for the Toohey Forest BioBlitz. This two-day survey invited everyday nature lovers to help document the forest’s rich ecology.

Using the app iNaturalist, they photographed plants, insects, birds and fungi across the campus and surrounding bushland. In total, they recorded 4,166 observations and identified 516 unique species, nearly doubling the site’s previously known biodiversity record.

Lead organiser Wade Hadwen from Griffith’s School of Environment and Science said the data not only mapped the forest’s ecological health but also created a valuable baseline for future monitoring. The project was run in partnership with the Griffith EcoCentre, with community engagement at its core. Many participants were new to biodiversity surveys, yet their observations significantly expanded scientific records of the area.

*Photo Credit: Griffith University/LinkedIn*

Findings That Matter

Among the hundreds of records were sightings of endangered and vulnerable wildlife, including the Koala and the Powerful Owl. The findings confirmed that Toohey Forest still supports species of conservation concern despite sitting within metropolitan Brisbane.

Specialists and enthusiasts working across plant, insect and fungi groups helped uncover major data gaps, especially among smaller species such as spiders, beetles and fungi.

Griffith University noted that the expanded dataset could inform management of the forest, including habitat protection, fire control and biodiversity planning. The results also showed how collaborative research can reconnect urban residents with the natural world in their own backyard.

A Baseline for the Future

Hadwen explained that Toohey Forest acts as a “biodiverse island oasis” surrounded by urban development, making it an ideal site to track how ecosystems adapt to environmental pressures. Organisers said the success of this first BioBlitz could pave the way for ongoing volunteer monitoring programs that continue to build on the dataset.

Participants reported the experience as educational, with many saying it strengthened their connection to the local environment. The BioBlitz has become a model for community-driven conservation, blending academic research with public participation to protect one of Brisbane’s last remaining forest corridors.

Published 22-Oct-2025

How This Tarragindi-based Entrepreneur Created A Global Brand

Tarragindi-based entrepreneur Barbara Spooner launched her cyclewear from scratch back in 2017 and there seems to be no stopping her, with bigger plans for the brand.

Read: Tarragindi Community Garden: Championing Domestic Waste Reduction

Spooner, who created Birds on Bikes for plus-size and older women with the help of her husband, wanted to hire new staff and expand across New Zealand, Britain, Canada, and the US.

The company now proudly manufactures all of its products in-house, ensuring production meets the highest quality and ethical. From a home-based business, it has now expanded to a professional manufacturing facility, which serves as its hub located at Annerley Arcade. This transition has allowed them to maintain their commitment to ethical practices and sustainability.

birds on bikes wear — Photo credit: Birds on Bikes/Facebook

Spooner also carries cyclewear for ‘normal-sized’ women.

It all started when her husband, an avid cyclist, encouraged her to ride but the problem was she couldn’t find cyclewear that would make her feel comfortable and stylish.

barbara spooner brisbane — Birds on Bikes founder Barbara Spooner (Photo credit: Birds on Bikes/Facebook)

“I’d go into the cycling stores and the reaction would be ‘No sorry we haven’t got anything like that, but we have been asked a lot lately…’ It was then that I decided to create my own range of cycling clothing for women of ALL sizes. Lumps, bumps and all,” she shared.

Whilst Birds on Bikes was launched in 2017, it was in 2019 that the business kicked off.

She was inspired to develop and launch the new range of products after participating in the Fashion 360 Incubator programme, an intense 6-month programme where she worked on the business, spoke to industry specialists and had access to great mentors.

It helped that she has a diploma in Graphic Design and Advertising, which she obtained from the Commercial Arts Training College in Brisbane.

One of the things that will help her with her expansion plans is the $5,000 grant she received through the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business program. It would allow her to invest in an industrial coverstitch machine for her business.

More than being a brand, Birds on Bikes also has an online community group for like-minded women that ride or want to ride a bike, providing a safe space for the ladies to share their stories, make new friends, and encourage the other riders.

bob nest — Photo credit: Birds on Bikes/Facebook

Through her group, Spooner wanted members to feel safe and to enjoy bike riding whilst sharing time with family and friends; to be active participants, involved and engaged with the beautiful outdoors.

“When I look at this group it always reminds me why I created Birds on Bikes. The joy on the faces of women that are normally neglected when it comes to cycling fashion is what keeps me going,” she said.

First published 2-May-2022 / Updated 10-October-2025

Historic Church Title for St John Henry Newman as New Tarragindi College Prepares to Open

When Pope Leo XIV declared St John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church last week, it was a moment of celebration for Catholics worldwide. In Tarragindi, the announcement felt particularly close to home.

Read: St John Henry Newman College to Open in Tarragindi in 2026

St John Henry Newman College, set to open its doors in January, now bears the name of a man elevated to one of the Catholic Church’s most prestigious honours. The title of Doctor of the Church is reserved for individuals whose theological writings have deeply influenced the faith across centuries. Newman now stands alongside 37 others, including St Augustine and St Teresa of Avila, recognised for their wisdom and enduring contribution.

Photo credit: St John Henry Newman College/Facebook

For the college community, the timing could hardly be more fitting. Founding principal Kenneth Crowther said Newman’s vision was central from the start. “When it came to naming the school, St John Henry Newman was always at the top of the list,” he explained. “His insistence on harmony between faith and reason is the foundation of our mission as a school.”

Artist’s impression of St John Henry Newman College (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)

Newman’s own journey to Catholicism was one of conviction and sacrifice. Originally an Anglican, he converted in 1845, a decision that cost him friendships, professional roles, and even family ties. Yet his belief in the unity of knowledge and the transformative power of education remained unwavering, a legacy the new Tarragindi school seeks to continue.

Local Oratorians have also welcomed the announcement. Newman was instrumental in bringing St Philip’s Oratory to the English-speaking world when he founded the Birmingham Oratory, and that tradition of intellectual and spiritual life resonates strongly in Brisbane’s Catholic community.

As construction wraps up on the new campus, the link between name and mission feels even stronger. The college aims to create an environment where students are encouraged to think deeply, question openly, and approach learning with both intellectual rigour and faith.

Read: Strong Demand as St John Henry Newman College Opens Enrolments for 2026

For Tarragindi, the global recognition of its soon-to-be namesake saint offers not just prestige, but inspiration, a reminder that even in a small suburban corner of Brisbane, the values and ideas of one of the Church’s greatest thinkers can find fresh life and purpose.

Published 7-October-2025

Afghan Doctor Finds New Beginning at St Elizabeth’s School in Tarragindi

St Elizabeth’s School in Tarragindi has welcomed former Afghan doctor and teacher Dr Masooma Karimi, who has joined the school community as a staff officer after arriving in Australia on a humanitarian visa. Her journey from Kabul to Queensland reflects both personal resilience and the wider efforts of schools and organisations to support refugees in building new lives.

From Kabul to Queensland

Dr Karimi was forced to leave Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control in August 2021. As an educated woman, she faced the reality that continuing her profession in her homeland was no longer possible. She and her family fled to Pakistan, where they endured crowded conditions, but she continued to serve her community by working as a doctor. After years of uncertainty, she and her family were granted Australian Humanitarian Visas in August 2024.

Finding community in education

Her appointment at St Elizabeth’s School came through the Work and Welcome program, a partnership between Brisbane Catholic Education and Multicultural Australia. The initiative, funded through staff contributions, offers refugees and asylum seekers meaningful employment opportunities across Catholic schools and offices in Queensland.

Principal Jenna Webb said Dr Karimi quickly made an impact on students and staff. During a staff formation day in September, she shared her experiences of displacement and her earlier career as both a teacher and medical graduate from Kateb Medical University. Staff described her story as eye-opening, giving the school community a chance to reflect on global challenges of safety and education.

Continuing Her Medical Career

Although Dr Karimi now works in education, her long-term goal remains within medicine. She aspires to continue her medical career in Australia with a specialisation in cardiology. She expressed gratitude for the chance to regain confidence in a new country while contributing to the life of her school community.

Her journey underscores how community-focused initiatives like Work and Welcome can support skilled professionals in re-establishing careers while also enriching local schools with diverse perspectives.

Published 6-Oct-2025

Strong Demand as St John Henry Newman College Opens Enrolments for 2026

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.

Read: St John Henry Newman College to Open in Tarragindi in 2026

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.

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.

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.

Read: Tarragindi: The Suburban Hotspot for Lifestyle, Growth, and Community

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.

Updated 25-May-2025

Can The Broncos End the 18-year Drought and Win the NRL Telstra Premiership?

It was 1992 when the Brisbane Broncos won their first Premiership, led by Alfie Langer who had taken over as skipper when Gene Miles retired. Going back-to-back in 1993 and winning the Super League in 1997. Following up again with a Premiership in 1998 and another at the turn of the millenium in 2000 and again in 2006.

That’s 18 seasons ago. Time flies. Let’s not forget Kevvie put together the majority of the current Broncos side including bringing Reece Walsh from the Warriors, and Walters led them to a Grand Final in 2023.

Then he passed the baton to Madge.

Madge, aka “enemy numero uno” having led the Blues in a massive comeback win against the Maroons, in the 2024 Origin Series. Plenty of locals could not forget that and surely Madge kept his head down for that very reason.

The decision to appoint Maguire was brilliant! A masterclass move by the Broncos Board.

So now after quite a rollercoaster season, where at times the Broncos looked dire yet have far more often looked unbeatable. It’s only in recent weeks though that we have fully understood the resilience and sheer determination of this group.

The Broncos beat the Storm in the final game of the regular season to make the 4, 30-14, at Suncorp and after the game, skipper Paddy Carrigan spoke about the deluge of goal-line defence they had practiced in training.

That’s where their backbone has been developed, the layers of determination, and now the belief that no matter how high the mountain, it can always be climbed.

The “Mission Impossible” of coming back from 14-0 against the 4 time Premiers, now seems a walk in the park compared to the hole the Broncos were in against the Minor Premiers, but in reality both comebacks were miracles of belief and determination.

How much was Paddy Carrigan missed last week (and Billy Walters), and how much fresher will he be as a result? At the same time Payne Haas desperately needs a week off, but give us one more big one, Payne!

King & Loiero vs Carrigan & Haas – Broncos win.

In that final regular season game at Suncorp, Jahrome Hughes was coming off an injury break, and it would be fair to assume he’s now back to full capacity.

Munster & Hughes vs Hunt & Reynolds – Tough call.

Papenhuyzen + Howarth + Meaney vs Walsh + Staggs + Shibabsaki – Broncos win

Warbrick + Coates vs Karapani + Mariner – Broncos win

Grant Atkins did a great job of the Broncos-Panthers last week and is given the honours in the middle for the Grand Final.

18 seasons is a long time. It’s time to put that to bed, boys!

The Grand Final of the NRL Telstra Premiership kicks off at 6.30pm Brisbane Time, this Sunday, October 5. BE VERY CAREFUL AS DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS ON SUNDAY!
The game will be broadcast live on Nine, Foxtel and Kayo.

Published 2-October-2025

Theft Leads Crime Reports In Tarragindi As Queensland Cases Rise

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Tarragindi recorded theft as its leading offence over the past year, while Queensland marked a 32-year high in sexual assault cases.

Queensland Crime Figures

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 3 September 2025 showed Queensland recorded 289,449 victims of crime in 2024. This was slightly down from 289,657 in 2023 but remained the highest total of any state.

Sexual assault rose 11 per cent to 9,326 cases, the largest number since the series began 32 years ago. Assaults increased 5 per cent to 61,644 victims. Other theft also reached a record level with 152,421 cases, with more than half occurring in retail settings.

Robbery fell 7 per cent to 3,009, unlawful entry declined 9 per cent to 45,273, and motor vehicle theft dropped 4 per cent to 17,493. Homicide and related offences decreased by 17 victims, with 94 recorded in 2024.

Queensland crime figures — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Tarragindi Statistics

Figures from the Queensland Police Service crime map show that between September 2024 and September 2025, Tarragindi recorded 329 incidents of other theft, making it the suburb’s highest category. This offence type includes shoplifting, stealing from vehicles and other non-burglary property crimes.

The suburb also reported 64 cases of unlawful entry, 10 assaults, and three offences grouped under “other offences against the person,” which includes sexual assault, harassment and similar incidents.

National Comparisons

The ABS data indicated record levels of sexual assault not only in Queensland but also in other states. Western Australia reported its highest number of assaults and sexual assaults in the 30-year data series, while Victoria recorded its highest levels of theft and vehicle crime.

Tarragindi crime — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Local Context

The results from Tarragindi highlight the prominence of property-related offences in suburban areas, with theft making up the largest share of incidents. By contrast, the relatively small number of assaults and other offences against the person in Tarragindi reflects a different local pattern compared with the state-wide increases in violent crime.

Outlook

Queensland remains the state with the largest number of recorded victims of crime. While some categories such as homicide, robbery, unlawful entry and vehicle theft showed declines, sexual assault and theft continue to climb. Suburb-level data such as that from Tarragindi adds detail to the broader trends reported at a state level.

Published 18-Sep-2025

Emily Drummond Swimming Helps Local Families Access Affordable Lessons

Photo Credit: Brisbane Kids/Facebook

With Emily Drummond Swimming joining the SwimStart program, families across Brisbane and Ipswich can access affordable lessons that teach lifesaving skills from an early age.

Support Through SwimStart

Emily Drummond Swimming in Tarragindi is helping local families access affordable learn-to-swim lessons by accepting $150 SwimStart vouchers for children aged 0–4. The vouchers can be used for both private and group classes, making early water education more accessible for parents in Brisbane and Ipswich.

Families can apply online through the Enquire portal and redeem the vouchers with approved providers. Emily Drummond Swimming is listed in the official SwimStart directory as one of the eligible providers. The current funding round runs from 28 July 2025 to 12 June 2026.

About Emily Drummond Swimming

Founded by swim instructor Emily Drummond, the business offers lessons at Wellers Hill State School in Tarragindi and also provides mobile swim teaching services across Brisbane and Ipswich.

Emily has more than eight years of experience and holds Austswim and Royal Life Saving Australia certifications, including qualifications to teach children with special needs. She also works as an Austswim assessor, ensuring instructors meet high teaching and safety standards.

Lessons for Every Age

Emily Drummond Swimming caters to infants as young as three months through free water familiarisation sessions, before progressing to structured classes that develop breath control, floating, and propulsion skills. Private one-on-one lessons and small group options are available, as well as baby and toddler programs with affordable per-class pricing.

The school also runs swimming intensives at local schools, following the Royal Life Saving Australia National Swimming and Water Safety Framework, with qualified instructors and lifeguards on site.

Community Impact

By participating in SwimStart, Emily Drummond Swimming is helping make early water safety education more affordable for families, especially those in financial hardship. Parents without concession cards can still apply through a referral agent if they have been in contact with a professional who has known their child for at least three months.

The combination of professional instruction, flexible lesson delivery, and government support aims to improve water safety outcomes for the youngest members of the community.

Published 12-August-2025

Green Bins Arrive in Tarragindi as Brisbane Expands Recycling

Residents in Tarragindi will soon be rolling another bin to the kerb as Brisbane City Council begins delivering green waste recycling bins to thousands of homes across the city, in a push to cut landfill and lower waste costs.

Rollout Begins Across Brisbane

The citywide rollout will take place between August and December, covering 160,000 households. Tarragindi is included in the early stage of deliveries, alongside other suburbs such as Holland Park, Moorooka, Annerley and Yeronga.

Week

Dates

Suburbs

Week 1

4 August to 15 August 2025

Wakerley, Chandler, Mackenzie, Bardon, Manly West, Rochedale, Auchenflower, Wynnum, Wynnum West, Manly, Lota

Week 2

11 August to 22 August 2025

Algester, Calamvale, Virginia, Gaythorne, Gordon Park, Acacia Ridge, Archerfield, Nudgee, Nudgee Beach, Northgate, Milton, Kelvin Grove

Week 3

18 August to 29 August 2025

Boondall, Geebung, Grange, Holland Park West, Anstead, Brookfield, Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, Lake Manchester, Chuwar, Moggill, Bellbowrie, Kholo, Pinjarra Hills, Pullenvale, Upper Brookfield, Kenmore Hills, Fig Tree Pocket, Lytton

Week 4

25 August to 5 September 2025

Zillmere, Fortitude Valley, Holland Park, Tarragindi, Moorooka, Annerley, Wavell Heights, Fairfield, Yeerongpilly, Yeronga, Tennyson

Once a bin is delivered, collections will start the following fortnight, alternating every other week with yellow-lid recycling bins.

This expansion follows the decision to make green waste recycling part of its standard bin service, replacing the previous opt-in model. Renters are now eligible, while apartment and townhouse residents can request a bin at no extra cost. Households that already have a green bin will not see a change in their annual waste fees, while others will pay an extra $49.52 under the new Universal Waste Charge of $512.96.

Waste Levy Savings and Sustainability Goals

Council says the program has the potential to divert between 65,000 and 80,000 tonnes of garden waste from landfill each year, turning it into compost and mulch for reuse. This would save ratepayers between $2 million and $3 million in the first year and up to $32 million over five years, by reducing payments to the state government’s landfill waste levy. That levy, introduced in 2019, currently charges councils about $115 per tonne of landfill waste, with increases of $10 per year set until 2028.

More than 170,000 Brisbane households already use a green bin, which has helped recycle almost 230,000 tonnes of garden waste since 2019–20. Council data shows garden waste makes up nearly a quarter of the average red bin’s contents.

Funding and Community Support

The delivery of the new bins is funded through the Queensland Government’s Grow FOGO program, which offers one-off grants of $65 per household participating in green bin services. The ongoing collection and processing costs will be covered by Council.

Council will continue its compost rebate scheme, offering up to $100 for composting equipment and $200 for food waste recycling gear, supporting residents who manage green waste at home.

Residents who prefer not to receive a bin can opt out by contacting Council before their scheduled delivery date.

Updates and changes to the rollout schedule will be posted on the Brisbane City Council website.

CHECK YOUR SUBURB’s SCHEDULE

Published 8-Aug-2025