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Tarragindi Streets Come Alive with Vibrant Artworks on Signal Boxes

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

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

Following a hit-and-run on Friday, 21 November 2025 that left a local resident in critical condition, neighbours on Pring Street in Tarragindi have launched a petition calling for urgent safety improvements.

Read: Tarragindi Mum One of Many Parents Facing Disruptions After Brisbane Bus Changes

Residents say the incident has reignited long-standing concerns about traffic conditions on their narrow street. They report issues such as speeding cars, limited visibility over a blind hill and frequent near misses involving people, pets and parked vehicles.

According to residents, Pring Street is not suited to heavy or fast through-traffic, yet non-local drivers increasingly use it as a shortcut. They argued that this pattern has made the street unsafe and that the recent crash highlights the need for change.

The petition, posted on Change.org, proposes installing roadblocks similar to those on neighbouring Prior Street to deter non-local through-traffic. The proposal would maintain access for local residents and nearby businesses, including the Windmill Street shops, while guiding through-traffic towards main roads via intersections such as Andrew Avenue that are better designed for higher volumes.

Petition organisers say their goal is to reduce dangerous traffic and improve overall safety. They are encouraging residents to call on Deputy Mayor and Cr Krista Adams of the Holland Park Ward as well as Queensland MP for Miller Mark Bailey to express their concerns.

Brisbane’s Local Area Traffic Management program outlines options such as speed humps, chicanes, roundabouts, slow points and traffic islands, which are intended to calm traffic and discourage rat-running in residential areas. The program also details how residents can initiate consultation and how proposals may be considered for future works.

Some residents say they feel frustrated that their calls for safety treatments have not progressed despite other road changes occurring in nearby areas. They believe Pring Street’s risks have been evident for years and that action is overdue.

Read: Theft Leads Crime Reports In Tarragindi As Queensland Cases Rise

Discussions about improving street safety are happening across Brisbane, including calls for lower speed limits and more traffic-calming measures in suburban neighbourhoods. For Tarragindi residents on Pring Street, the petition represents a renewed effort to secure long-awaited improvements. They say their aim is straightforward: to make the street safer for everyone who lives there.

Published 24-November-2025

Tarragindi Family Home Destroyed by Blaze Weeks Before Christmas

Photo Credit: Facebook / Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS)

A Tarragindi family is grappling with the reality of being homeless just weeks before Christmas after their Marshall Road home was completely destroyed in a fierce blaze this morning.

Emergency services rushed to the residential property shortly after 11.30am following reports of the fire, arriving to find the home completely engulfed in flames. More than 10 fire crews worked to bring the inferno under control.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS)

Queensland Fire Department Cannon Hill Commander Chris Daniel said the fire originated at the front of the house and caused catastrophic damage. The carport collapsed, trapping two vehicles beneath the wreckage.

While the occupants managed to escape with their dogs, they watched helplessly as their home and belongings were consumed by flames. Commander Daniel confirmed the residents were physically unharmed but deeply traumatised by the experience.

The home has been deemed uninhabitable, with the roof expected to collapse completely. Fire investigators are working to determine what sparked the blaze.

Neighbour Hayden Fitzsimmons witnessed the fire’s rapid escalation and attempted to help. He noticed smoke from his own home and spotted a small fire beneath a car. By the time he retrieved a fire extinguisher and returned, the shed was already fully alight and the flames were spreading too quickly to contain.

As a precautionary measure, neighbouring homes were evacuated during the firefighting operation. Paramedics assessed one person at the scene.

Published 19-November-2025

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