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How Japanese Language And Culture Have Found A Home In Tarragindi

What makes Tarragindi a meeting point for Japanese language and culture? Across the suburb, Japanese language and cultural activities can be found through the local school, a Japanese-language playgroup and community groups, giving children and families opportunities to connect with Japan close to home.

Read: Wellers Hill Students Celebrate National Storytime with Inspiring Luna Roo Adventure

One of those connections will come into focus again in Term 4, when students from Kudan in Japan return to Wellers Hill State School during Week 6 to experience school in an Australian context. The school is also seeking families who would welcome Japanese students into their homes during the visit, with interested families asked to contact the Australian Japan Study Programme (AJSP) to register their interest.

A Japanese Connection At Wellers Hill

Photo credit: Facebook/Wellers Hill State School

Wellers Hill State School has developed Japanese language and cultural programs that extend beyond the classroom. Wellers Hill began its Japanese Bilingual Program in 2014, with the program initially offered to Year 1 students. The school now offers an Australian Curriculum Japanese pathway from Year 1 to Year 6, alongside its Australian Curriculum English pathway.

The school also has international links through its Japanese program. Its current friendship school is Shiwasuda Elementary School in Saitama, Japan, with Year 3 students involved in postcard writing and Year 6 students taking part in Teams meetings.

Wellers Hill also offers students the opportunity to take part in a Japan Study Tour. The tour involves attending school in Japan as well as visiting cultural sites and participating in cultural activities.

The Kudan exchange brings Japanese students into the Tarragindi school environment, giving them an opportunity to experience an Australian school. Wellers Hill’s parent handbook identifies Kudan Junior High School among the Japanese schools it hosts, with visiting students attending Wellers Hill and participating in classroom activities and explicit English lessons.

For the returning students, the visit will provide an opportunity to experience everyday schooling in Australia, as the school has described it.

From Playgroups To The Bowls Club

The Japanese connection in Tarragindi is not confined to the school grounds. The Southside Japanese Playgroup provides another gathering point for Japanese-speaking parents and young children, offering a mix of organised activities and free play. Sessions include Japanese book reading, songs, movement, outdoor play and seasonal craft and cultural activities.

The group describes its emphasis as fun and cultural experience through the Japanese language, while also giving families a chance to make new friends and become part of a community. The current Play Matters listing places the playgroup in Tarragindi.

At Wellers Hill Bowls Club, meanwhile, Little Japan provides another avenue for Japanese language and cultural activities. Little Japan describes itself as a Japanese language and cultural community based in Brisbane, with Japanese lessons, tutoring and cultural workshops including calligraphy.

Its services also include an after-school Homework Club based at Wellers Hill State School, providing tutoring and homework support for students from Year 1 to Year 6. Taken together, these activities create several entry points into Japanese language and culture around Tarragindi.

Read: Talented Kids from Wellers Hill Girl Guides Crafted Wooden Reindeers for The Salvation Army

At school, students can encounter Japanese through the curriculum, while younger children can experience the language through playgroup activities. Families can also find Japanese cultural programs outside school, while visiting students from Japan take part in activities at Wellers Hill.

The return of the Kudan students in Term 4 adds another chapter to Wellers Hill’s established connection with Japan. For Tarragindi, the story is less about a single exchange and more about the range of ways Japanese language and culture have become part of community life.

Published 21-September-2026

From 530 Runners to a Sell-Out: Ten Years on the Trails of Toohey Forest

Photo Credit: Griffith University

When runners line up for the sold-out Toohey Trail Run, they will be taking part in an event that looks very different from the one that began in Toohey Forest with 530 runners.

The 10th anniversary event will be held on Sunday, 20 September 2026, starting from Griffith University’s Brisbane South campus before heading into Toohey Forest. The half marathon begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by the 10 km at 6:45 a.m. and the 5 km at 7:05 a.m.

Every distance has sold out, continuing the growth of a race that began in 2015 with just two courses.

A Small Beginning in 2015

The inaugural Toohey Trail Run offered 5 km and 10 km courses between Griffith’s Nathan campus and Toohey Forest. More than 500 runners took part. Griffith later recorded the field at 530, giving organisers an early indication of demand for the event.

By the following year, a half marathon had been added. Organisers were aiming for more than 1,000 competitors, with about 400 registrations already received before race day. The three-distance format later became a fixture.

In 2018, registrations reached 1,082, then the largest field in the event’s history and a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.

Powerful Owl Habitat Put Limits on Growth

As participation increased, organisers also placed limits on some race fields.

In 2017, the combined field for the 10 km and half-marathon races was capped at 800 competitors because those routes passed through habitat used by the Powerful Owl.

The 5 km field was not subject to the same restriction because its course did not extend as far into the forest. Organisers said the longer routes had been designed to reduce disruption to the owl’s woodland and watercourse habitat.

Toohey Forest Park covers about 260 hectares around 10 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. Brisbane City Council lists walking tracks, shared trails and picnic areas across the reserve, with connections to Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve and Griffith University.

Across Toohey Forest Park and Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, Council records more than 400 species of native plants and wildlife, including koalas, echidnas, possums, gliders, frogs, bats and owls. Around 30 walking tracks extend across the two reserves.

The race has continued on trails that are also used for everyday recreation while forming part of an important urban bushland habitat.

A Break, Then More Runners

The event was not held in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2021 with more than 830 participants across the 5 km, 10 km and half-marathon courses. By 2025, participation had reached 1,252 runners, including 272 in the 5 km, 573 in the 10 km and 407 in the half marathon.

Griffith recorded the half-marathon field as the largest in the event’s history, with competitors ranging from five to 77 years old.

Fundraising Grew Alongside Participation

The trail run has also developed a fundraising component. The 2018 event raised more than $6,500 for Diabetes Queensland. In 2025, Griffith recorded $13,150.69 raised in support of Diabetes Australia.

Race-day operations have changed as well. The 2026 event will again operate without disposable drinking cups at water stations, requiring competitors to carry a bottle, hydration pack or collapsible cup. A limited-edition collapsible cup was offered to the first 1,200 people registered for the anniversary event.

Back to the Starting Line

The race precinct is scheduled to close at 10:30 a.m., several hours after the first competitors leave the starting line.

From 530 runners and two distances in 2015, the Toohey Trail Run has grown to three established courses and more than 1,200 participants at its most recent event. Its 10th anniversary race now arrives with every distance sold out, returning runners once again to the trails that gave the event its start.

Published 15-Sept-2026

Toohey Forest Was Treated for Fire Ants in April – What Happened Next?

Photo Credit: Fireants.org.au

Five months after aerial fire-ant treatments were carried out in Toohey Forest, official eradication records show broad regional progress across Brisbane, though park-specific outcome data remains unpublished.

Signs at the Davey Street entrance alerted residents to the fire-ant response in April, with aerial treatment scheduled for 23 and 24 April. Brisbane South BUG reported that Brisbane City Council had advised drones would be used to distribute bait during the operation.

Photo Credit: Brisbane South BUG/Facebook

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program uses drones, helicopters and aeroplanes for properties larger than five hectares, while smaller sites can be treated with utility terrain vehicles or handheld spreaders.

Public map no longer shows a Toohey Forest marker

A current view of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program’s public detection map shows no confirmed detection marker over Toohey Forest as of September 2026.

The map is updated daily with detections confirmed by the program. Confirmed infested locations remain visible for 12 months regardless of whether treatment has taken place, and each location can represent more than one nest. The map does not show total nest numbers or treatment outcomes.

Because the Toohey Forest treatment occurred only in April, the absence of a marker is notable, but it does not establish that the infestation has been eradicated.

Broader aerial treatment reports strong reductions

Statewide figures released in July show substantial reductions in some treated areas.

The Queensland Government said more than 185,000 hectares had received aerial treatment across seven local government areas, including Brisbane City. Fire ant populations had fallen by an average of 86 per cent in some of the most heavily infested areas covered by the suppression program.

An August update from the Invasive Species Council said fire ant numbers were falling sharply in treated areas and 208,000 hectares had recently moved from suppression towards active eradication. The group also said Queenslanders were checking for fire ants at 13 times the usual rate.

Broader South East Queensland results show aerial suppression reducing fire-ant numbers in some heavily infested areas. A comparable result for Toohey Forest has not appeared in the official updates reviewed.

Toohey Forest supports threatened wildlife

Griffith University’s 175-hectare Nathan campus forms the southern part of Toohey Forest and contains remnant native vegetation and several regional ecosystems.

University records list more than 500 native animal species at the campus, including endangered koalas and threatened species such as powerful owls, glossy black-cockatoos, grey-headed flying foxes and tusked frogs.

The forest and adjoining campus also provide public green space and tracks used for walking and cycling.

Published 15-Sept-2026

7 of the Best Restaurants In or Around Tarragindi

Tucked away on Brisbane’s southside, Tarragindi has never been the flashiest suburb on the food map — but ask around and you’ll quickly learn that’s exactly the point. This is a suburb that does good food quietly, from a TikTok-famous Asian eatery pulling crowds from across the city to a humble pizza trailer that only turns up twice a week and still manages to sell out.

We’ve pulled together seven of the best restaurants in and around Tarragindi — a mix of local institutions, recent comebacks, and a couple of near-neighbours just over the Annerley border worth the short drive. As always, this isn’t a definitive ranking, just a solid list based on what locals keep coming back for.

1. Oh Monk Asian (Tarragindi)

⭐ 4.8/5 (809 Google reviews)

If you’ve heard Tarragindi mentioned anywhere outside the suburb lately, there’s a good chance it’s because of this place. Oh Monk has built a genuine following on generous, share-style modern Asian plates and a menu that ranges from satay skewers to slow-cooked curries. Reviewers consistently point to the portion sizes and flavour as standouts, with more than one admitting the hardest part of the meal is deciding what to order.

Try: Beef Ribs Panang Curry, Crispy Pork Asian Greens, Miso Corn Ribs, DIY Peking Duck Pancake, Pork Gyozas

📍 Address: 1/15 Denham Terrace, Tarragindi QLD 4121

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · Bookings via ohmonk.com.au or 0452 331 515

2. Umu Kitchen Tarragindi

⭐ 4.4/5 (434 Google reviews)

A neighbourhood favourite that recently reopened after some time closed, Umu Kitchen has clearly been missed — the local welcome-back messages on social media say as much. It’s a relaxed, rustic-chic café doing all the classics well, with reviewers regularly praising the friendly service and the quality of a simple cappuccino and toastie just as much as the bigger breakfast plates.

Try: French Toast, Cuban Sandwich, Umu Big Breakfast, Smashed Avo with Bacon

📍 Address: 8 Denham Terrace, Tarragindi QLD 4121

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · 0448 739 394

3. Montica – Tarragindi

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 Google reviews)

Don’t let the small review count fool you — this mobile pizza trailer has built a devoted local following, popping up in Tarragindi on select nights each week. It’s proper Italian-style pizza, made fresh on the spot, with reviewers calling out the quality of the ingredients and the genuinely warm service. One local even mentioned being handed a lantern for their picnic — the kind of small touch that keeps people coming back.

Try: Tartufata Pizza, Prosciutto and Rocket Pizza

📍 Address: 65 Shaftesbury St, Tarragindi QLD 4121

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · 0451 238 967 · Check socials for weekly pop-up nights

4. Tarragindi Thai Restaurant

⭐ 4.4/5 (583 Google reviews)

A long-standing local for classic Thai done properly, whether you’re settling in for a dine-in banquet or grabbing takeaway on the way home. Reviewers rate the food, prices and atmosphere highly, with the soft shell crab curry a standout, though it’s worth ordering dine-in if you can — a couple of reviews flag smaller portions on delivery.

Try: Soft Shell Crab Curry, Moreton Bay Bug Crispy Basil, Thai Fish Cakes, Green Curry with Beef

📍 Address: Shop 1/6 Gapap St, Tarragindi QLD 4121

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · (07) 3848 9940

5. BNE BARACCA

⭐ 4.3/5 (687 Google reviews)

A firm favourite for a weekend coffee, especially if you’re bringing the dog. BNE Baracca has built its name on a relaxed park-side setting and a menu that goes well beyond the standard brunch fare, including a well-reviewed Turkish breakfast. Locals consistently rate the food, service and setting as a package — one of the more reliable all-rounders in the area.

Try: Eggs Benedict, Corn Fritters, Chilli Scramble, Turkish Breakfast

📍 Address: 212 Cracknell Rd, Tarragindi QLD 4121

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · 0408 911 028

6. Snag & Brown (Annerley)

⭐ 4.6/5 (866 Google reviews)

Just a short drive over the Tarragindi border into Annerley, Snag & Brown is worth the trip for its dog-friendly backyard setup alone, complete with its own dog park and kids’ playground nearby. Reviewers consistently praise the consistency of the food and coffee, along with the range of gluten-free and vegan options — a rarer find done well.

Try: Loaded Croissant, Eggs in Hell, Brisket Salad with Asian Sauce, Persian Brekky

📍 Address: 97 Ekibin Rd, Annerley QLD 4103

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · (07) 2103 5647

7. Jamn’s Kitchen (Annerley)

⭐ 4.8/5 (266 Google reviews)

Another near-neighbour worth crossing into Annerley for, Jamn’s Kitchen has built a loyal following on authentic Thai flavours and generous portions at a fair price. Reviewers highlight the freshness of the ingredients and the warmth of the service, with more than one saying it’s become their regular order night — even on Christmas Day, according to one grateful local.

Try: Soft Shell Pad Thai, Grilled Salmon Choo Chee, Coconut Pudding, Duck Salad

📍 Address: 5/336 Ipswich Rd, Annerley QLD 4103

🗺️ View on Google Maps →

Price guide: $20–40 per person · 0401 646 329

That’s our pick of seven standout spots in and around Tarragindi — proof that this quiet southside suburb has plenty worth crossing town for. Got a favourite we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments, or drop us a line — we’re always keen to hear where locals are eating.

Tarragindi’s 39-Minute CBD Commute Stays Close to Car Travel Time

Tarragindi’s morning public transport commute comes within four minutes of driving, according to new Brisbane-wide analysis comparing door-to-door journeys from more than 200 suburbs.

GoThere Brisbane calculated a 39-minute public transport trip from Tarragindi’s population-weighted centre to Brisbane Central, compared with 35 minutes by car in peak traffic. The fastest journey is completed entirely by bus, with the suburb measured 6.9 kilometres from Central.

A 39-minute trip with no waiting recorded

The study breaks Tarragindi’s morning commute into 11 minutes of walking, no waiting time and 28 minutes riding. The same 39-minute travel time is recorded for the evening journey, leaving no difference between the morning and evening results.

GoThere also records five bus routes and 122 peak departures an hour within 800 metres of Tarragindi’s measured population centre. The number of routes is slightly below the study’s typical suburb, which reaches six routes, but Tarragindi’s peak departure figure is more than double the citywide median of 58 an hour.

The result places public transport four minutes behind the car for the measured morning journey. That gap falls within the study’s “within 10 minutes of the car” measure, which applies to 152 of the 199 suburbs with a practical public transport service.

Nearby suburbs post quicker commute times

Tarragindi’s result is slower than several nearby suburbs measured under the same methodology. Holland Park records a 36-minute public transport trip, while Holland Park West comes in at 33 minutes and Greenslopes at 30 minutes.

The comparison is particularly notable because the suburbs are relatively close geographically but produce different door-to-door journey times. Tarragindi is measured at 6.9 kilometres from Central, compared with 7.2 kilometres for Holland Park and 7.6 kilometres for Holland Park West, yet both record shorter public transport trips.

Other suburbs at similar or greater distances also produce mixed results. Moorooka, 7.7 kilometres from Central, records a 44-minute public transport commute, while Upper Mount Gravatt, 11.4 kilometres away, matches Tarragindi’s 39-minute result.

What Tarragindi’s 39-minute figure represents

The figure should not be read as the average commute for every Tarragindi resident. GoThere measured 205 gazetted suburbs whose population-weighted centres fall within 20 kilometres of Brisbane Central, using one representative point in each suburb rather than individual household addresses.

For the morning test, Google Directions was used to identify the fastest public transport journey arriving at Brisbane Central by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, using the public TransLink timetable. The car comparison used typical peak traffic and added an eight-minute allowance for finding a park and walking to the destination.

GoThere’s connectivity measure counts routes and departures within an 800-metre radius of the suburb’s population-weighted centre. The study notes this is a straight-line measure, meaning rivers, railway lines or other barriers can make actual walking distances different from what the catchment suggests.

Tarragindi sits below Brisbane’s median commute

Across Brisbane, the median public transport commute was 46 minutes, including about 11 minutes spent walking to and from stops. Public transport beat the car outright in 72 suburbs and came within 10 minutes of driving in 152 of the 199 suburbs with a practical service.

Tarragindi’s 39-minute commute sits seven minutes below that citywide median, while its measured car trip remains four minutes faster. For the single-bus journey tested by GoThere, public transport comes within four minutes of driving, while the study records only bus services within Tarragindi’s 800-metre connectivity catchment.

Published 20-Aug-2026

Uncovering History: Toohey Forest’s Hidden Past

Toohey Forest, a tranquil retreat known for its ecological significance and scenic beauty, was the site of a significant discovery of artefacts in the late 19th century. Over one hundred years later, a new round of efforts are being made to uncover the story behind that discovery.

The Indigenous Significance

Toohey Forest, a part of the Brisbane area known as Meanjin to the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples, is rich in Indigenous history. This land was home to abundant natural resources and served as a hub for traditional activities. From hunting and crafting using the local fauna to spiritual and ceremonial practices, the forest was integral to the Indigenous way of life.

Even in the post-European settlement era, indigenous people continued their traditional practices in the forest, albeit with increasing challenges due to displacement.

The Discovery by George Thomas McDonald

In the late 19th century, a significant discovery was made by George Thomas McDonald, a surveyor and farmer. While exploring Toohey Forest, McDonald stumbled upon a cave that housed a collection of ochre-painted human bones, alongside stone and shell knives.

Mr McDonald, who was born in Scotland in 1835 and later settled in Brisbane, played a pivotal role in bringing these historical pieces to light. He passed away on 29 Jan 1915 in Wynnum at the age of 79.

Since then, the artifacts have been carefully preserved and later housed at the Queensland Museum.

Recent Developments and Research

Fast forward to the 21st century, and these artefacts have once again sparked interest. The Annerley Stephens History Group is leading the charge and recently organised a conference to delve deeper into the nature and history of the artefacts.

The event aimed to shed light on the local history, with a focus on the First Nations’ heritage. A key aspect of the conference was to discuss the significance of these artefacts and their connection to the local Indigenous people.

With the consent of Aboriginal elders, a thorough examination of these artefacts has gotten underway to determine their age and deeper historical context.

Toohey Forest Today

Today, Toohey Forest stands as a testament to Brisbane’s rich and diverse history. It is not only a natural sanctuary but also a bridge connecting the present to the past. The discovery of these artefacts has opened a new chapter in understanding the Indigenous heritage of the area, offering insights into the lives and practices of Australia’s First Peoples.

As research continues, Toohey Forest is poised to reveal more of its hidden stories, enriching our understanding of the land and its original inhabitants.

Published 14-Nov-2023
Updated 15-Aug-2026

Jessica Mutton Finds Her Feet as Acting Principal in Tarragindi

Photo Credit: St Elizabeth's School, Tarragindi/Facebook

A warm welcome from students, staff and families has marked Jessica Mutton’s first weeks as Acting Principal of St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School in Tarragindi, where relationships and student wellbeing are shaping her approach to the role.

Mutton officially commenced at St Elizabeth’s at the beginning of Term 3, stepping into a school community that had already made an impression on her before she took up the position.

It was the relationships across the school that first caught her attention. During her initial visit, Mutton noticed the enthusiasm of students, the dedication of staff and the partnership between families and the school.

Those connections have remained central as she settles into daily life at St Elizabeth’s.

The school also publicly recognised its new Acting Principal for Primary Principals Day on 7 August, acknowledging the care, dedication and commitment she had brought to students, staff and families in the early weeks of her appointment.

Jessica Mutton — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Relationships At The Centre In Tarragindi

For Mutton, strong relationships are closely tied to the kind of school environment she wants to help maintain.

Her experience as both a teacher and leader has shaped a belief that students are better placed to thrive when staff feel valued and supported and families remain connected with the school.

At St Elizabeth’s, that approach extends across academic, social, emotional and spiritual development.

The range of experiences available to students was another part of the school that appealed to her. Students are encouraged to discover their strengths, pursue their interests, challenge themselves and contribute positively to the community around them.

That combination of learning and connection is expected to remain a focus during the remainder of the school year.

Building On What Is Already There

Rather than arriving with plans to reshape the school, Mutton’s priorities centre on working with staff and continuing to build on the foundations already in place at St Elizabeth’s.

High-quality learning experiences remain a key part of that work, with attention on helping students grow in confidence, experience success and reach their potential.

The school’s existing balance of high expectations and student wellbeing is also part of the approach she wants to continue.

Mutton sees the Principal’s role as extending beyond individual classrooms to the whole school community. Teaching and learning, faith values and wellbeing sit among the areas she wants to keep at the centre of school life.

Her longer-term hope is that students leave St Elizabeth’s with strong academic foundations as well as the confidence, resilience and values needed to contribute positively beyond the school gates.

Two New Leaders Recognised By BCE

Mutton was one of two recently appointed school leaders featured by Brisbane Catholic Education for Primary Principals Day.

The other was Kelli Broadbent, Principal of St Brigid’s Primary School at Rosewood. Broadbent began as Principal earlier in 2026 and became substantive in the role at the beginning of Term 3.

While their paths to leadership have been different, both were recognised as part of Primary Principals Day on Friday, 7 August 2026, which marked the end of National Primary Education Week from 3 to 7 August.

For Tarragindi, the occasion also provided an early opportunity for the St Elizabeth’s community to recognise its new Acting Principal as Mutton continues settling into the school and working alongside its students, staff and families.

Published 11-August-2026

Tarragindi Tasserone: The Man Behind The Suburb’s Name

Did you know that Tarragindi was named after a person? Who is he and why was the suburb named after him? Here are the answers to those questions, plus a short look-back on Tarragindi’s life.

Read: Uncovering History: Toohey Forest’s Hidden Past

The area was once called Sandy Creeks, taken after a creek that has its source in Toohey Forest to the south and flows through the major part of the suburb.

Samuel Grimes, who was believed to be the founding father of the area, built a house there and called it ‘Tarragindi,’ from the name of Tarragindi Tassarone, who helped clear timber from his property.

According to the Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Grimes seemingly asked Tarragindi what they should call the property and he suggested calling it Tarragindi, which means ‘camp on the hill.’

Samuel was one of the children of William and Mary Grimes who emigrated to Brisbane from Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, England in 1849.

Samuel Grimes and family (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

The Grimes were among the emigrants selected by John Dunmore Lang to colonise the recently-opened Moreton Bay settlement and sailed on the Chasely, one of Lang’s chartered ships.

The family became one of the most prominent political families in Tarragindi and were central figures in the history of South Brisbane.

Tarragindi Tassarone, on the other hand, was originally from the Loyalty Islands but he was kidnapped from there in the late 19th century, escaped from his plantation, and was taken in by Alfred Foote who found him sitting on the roadside. He worked for the Foote family in Ipswich and later became their much-loved member.

Tarragindi, also known as Tarra to his loved ones, never fully commanded the English language, but he made himself understood by expressing himself through quaint sayings and ‘peculiar gestures.’

Tarragindi (in the back row, third from the end) with the Foote family (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

For a time, Tassarone would help clear lands and one of his previous employers was Grimes, who was building his house in the area in the 1890s.

Tarra was said to be impressed that the Grimes family named their homestead after him. The news soon spread and some locals would call the property, Tarragindi Hill.

Tarra’s headstone in the Ipswich cemetery (Photo credit: *State Library of Queensland)*

Tarra lived with the Foote family until he passed away at the age of 63. He died on 13 January 1913 at the Ipswich Hospital after months of trying to recover from a severe injury. He was buried at the Ipswich cemetery with a headstone that reads ‘In Memory of Tarra.’

The entire area was officially called Tarragindi in 1931, almost two decades after Tarra’s passing.

Updated 11-Aug-2026

Inside The Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Tarragindi Group

Photo Credit: Australian Breastfeeding Association Tarragindi Group/Facebook

From breastfeeding education and counsellor support to family walks, play sessions and breast pump hire, the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Tarragindi Group offers local families several ways to access information and connect with others, with more activities scheduled through Term 3.

More Than Breastfeeding Classes

The Tarragindi Group combines formal breastfeeding education with informal opportunities for parents and families to meet.

Connect & Share sessions are held fortnightly on Wednesdays during school terms, giving families an informal setting to discuss breastfeeding and parenting topics with support from breastfeeding counsellors and educators. During school holidays, Chat & Play sessions provide another opportunity for parents and children to meet.

Other activities include Walk & Talk gatherings, Cuppa & Chat sessions, breastfeeding drop-ins and information sessions. Depending on the activity, participants may hear from breastfeeding educators, health professionals or mothers with lived experience.

The group also runs Breastfeeding Education Classes at Holland Park Library each quarter. These sessions are aimed at expectant parents and cover how breastfeeding works and what to expect during the early weeks with a new baby.

Volunteers gathered for Tarragindi Group activities — Photo Credit: Australian Breastfeeding Association Tarragindi Group/Facebook

Support Open To Different Families

The Tarragindi Group’s activities are not restricted to mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding.

Mothers who are mixed-feeding, bottle feeding, exclusively expressing or not breastfeeding are welcome to attend. Pregnant women are also encouraged to visit the group before their babies arrive.

Fathers, grandparents and friends can attend alongside babies and children of all ages, widening the group’s activities beyond breastfeeding consultations alone.

Breastfeeding counsellors or educators are often available during gatherings to assist with questions, worries or feeding issues.

The local group covers communities south of the Brisbane River to Springwood, east to Tingalpa and west to Sherwood.

Tarragindi Group volunteers standing with children — Photo Credit: Australian Breastfeeding Association Tarragindi Group/Facebook

Volunteers Behind The Tarragindi Group

Much of the group’s work is carried out by volunteers.

Its local team includes breastfeeding educators, counsellors and trainees, as well as volunteers responsible for breast pump hire, treasury duties and group project coordination.

Their work also extends beyond local gatherings. Tarragindi volunteers answer Breastfeeding Helpline calls, respond to online chats, teach breastfeeding education classes, host group catch-ups and organise breast pump hire.

During World Breastfeeding Week, volunteers gathered for dinner while the group also held a Breastfeeding Education Class and its annual celebration morning tea and photo shoot.

Breast pump hire remains another part of the group’s practical services. A Symphony pump is listed as available in Tarragindi, with other available pumps listed in East Brisbane, Coorparoo and Holland Park.

Photo Credit: Australian Breastfeeding Association Tarragindi Group/Facebook

Upcoming Tarragindi Group Activities

The Term 3 calendar provides several upcoming opportunities for families to take part.

A Breastfeeding First Aid session is scheduled for 19 August.

On 2 September, the group will hold Connect & Share: Understanding Supply, covering how breastmilk supply works, common concerns about having too much or too little milk, ways of assessing how much milk a baby is receiving and approaches to increasing or decreasing supply.

The final listed catch-up for the term is a Walk & Talk at Whites Hill Reserve in Camp Hill on 16 September. Families will meet near the playground before walking through the reserve and returning to the park afterwards. A trained breastfeeding counsellor will be available.

No RSVP is required for the Tarragindi Group’s get-togethers, with further information available through the group by email or phone.

Published 10-August-2026

The Vegan Café Salisbury Didn’t Know It Needed — Jing-Si Books & Café

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Jing-Si Books & Café in Salisbury is a vegan café, bookshop and community space rolled into one, offering the kind of unhurried atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in the suburbs of Brisbane.

The café sits at Suite 3, 60 Rosebank Square, and describes itself as a peaceful retreat from the demands of everyday life — a place to slow down, browse, eat well, and simply be. It’s the sort of spot that rewards those who seek it out.

On the food menu, there’s a thoughtful selection of plant-based dishes. The house signature J.S. Rice Bowl comes with grilled tofu, seasonal salad, and rice, while the Bagel Delight is served with seasonal vegetables and the café’s own signature dressing. Dumpling Soup and a pastry with salad round out the light but satisfying offerings — nothing overly elaborate, but carefully considered.

The drinks menu is where Jing-Si really distinguishes itself. Alongside coffee, hot chocolate, and green teas, the café offers a distinctive range of specialty lattes: turmeric, black sesame, multi-grain, black rice, and Hojicha — a Japanese roasted green tea that’s smoky and mellow in character. It’s a line-up you won’t find at your typical suburban café.

The Jing-Si name and café concept has its roots in the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a Taiwanese international humanitarian organisation founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen, whose work spans charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture. Tzu Chi Australia has been active for more than 30 years and opened a Brisbane hall in 2022. The Salisbury café reflects the organisation’s broader mission of fostering community connection and wellbeing, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds.

Jing-Si Books & Café is located at Suite 3/60 Rosebank Square, Salisbury.

Published 9-August-2026