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New Mole Genetics Study May Help Explain Melanoma Risk in Tarragindi

Photo Credit: Wikimedia/reative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

A major Australian study has identified dozens of new genetic regions linked to mole development, a breakthrough that could eventually improve melanoma screening and treatment for people at higher risk of the disease. The findings may be particularly relevant for communities such as Tarragindi, where Australian Cancer Atlas data shows melanoma diagnosis rates are almost double the national average.

Researchers from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane led the world’s largest genetic study into what determines how many moles a person develops. Published in Nature Communications, the research analysed genetic data from 85,965 people and identified 24 previously unknown genetic regions associated with mole count.

Scientists say the work provides important new clues about melanoma, Australia’s deadliest form of skin cancer.

Scientists Turn Attention to the Genetics Behind Mole Growth

Researchers have long known that people with large numbers of moles face a greater risk of developing melanoma. However, much less has been understood about the genes that influence why some people develop more moles than others.

The QIMR Berghofer team set out to answer that question by examining DNA data collected through 14 large international studies.

Lead author Shanika Jayasinghe and senior author Associate Professor Matthew Law found 29 genetic regions associated with mole count, including 24 that had not previously been identified in studies focused specifically on moles.

The researchers also identified more than 250 genes that may influence mole development and melanoma risk, providing new avenues for future investigation.

Moles and Melanoma Share the Same Cellular Origin

The study highlights the close biological relationship between moles and melanoma.

Both develop from pigment-producing skin cells known as melanocytes. A mole forms when melanocytes multiply and then stop growing. Melanoma develops when those cells continue to grow uncontrollably and become cancerous.

Researchers found that nearly all of the genetic regions associated with mole count also played a role in melanoma development.

Their analysis showed that people with a genetic tendency to develop more moles also carry a higher inherited risk of melanoma, reinforcing the connection between the two conditions.

Tarragindi Records One of the Highest Melanoma Rates in the Region

The findings carry particular significance for Tarragindi, where Australian Cancer Atlas data shows melanoma diagnosis rates were 99 per cent above the Australian average in the latest available figures.

The Atlas classified the difference as likely to be a genuine variation rather than a statistical anomaly.

Historical data also shows the suburb’s melanoma rates remained consistently elevated between 1996 and 2019, tracking well above the national average throughout the period.

While the Atlas does not identify the causes behind the higher incidence, researchers acknowledge that both environmental exposure and inherited genetic factors contribute to melanoma risk.

Discovery Could Lead to More Accurate Risk Assessment

One of the newly identified genes highlighted by the researchers is SIKE1, which is involved in regulating immune responses.

Scientists believe the gene may influence the body’s ability to detect and control abnormal melanocyte growth. Further studies will be needed to determine whether the pathway could eventually be targeted through future therapies.

The team also developed a Polygenic Risk Score designed to estimate a person’s inherited tendency to develop large numbers of moles.

Although still in the research phase, genetic risk scores may one day help doctors identify people who face a greater likelihood of developing melanoma and would benefit from more frequent skin checks and monitoring.

Early Detection Still Plays a Vital Role

Researchers emphasise that genetic discoveries do not replace the importance of sun protection and early detection.

Melanoma continues to claim around 1,400 Australian lives each year despite significant advances in treatment.

Regular skin examinations, the use of sunscreen, protective clothing and limiting exposure to ultraviolet radiation remain among the most effective ways to reduce the impact of the disease.

For suburbs such as Tarragindi, where melanoma rates remain substantially above the national average, the latest research offers hope that future screening programs may become more precise and better targeted towards those most at risk.

Published 17-June-2026

Toohey Road Set for Upgrade Under Brisbane’s Operation Smooth

Toohey Road in Salisbury is among the roads included in a $110 million resurfacing program covering almost a million square metres of road surface across Brisbane, with the works branded “Operation Smooth” forming part of a broader $1.9 billion transport and infrastructure package for the coming year.

For Tarragindi and Salisbury residents, the resurfacing arrives on a road that has already seen significant recent investment of a different kind, just metres from where koalas and other wildlife now cross safely beneath the bitumen.

A road that runs through Toohey Forest

Toohey Road carries traffic along the edge of Toohey Forest, one of Brisbane’s most significant urban bushland reserves and home to a resident koala population that has long faced the basic problem of needing to cross a busy suburban road to move between habitat areas.

Salisbury sits roughly 12.4 kilometres south of the Brisbane GPO, with Toohey Mountain and its surrounding reserve forming the suburb’s north-eastern boundary.

A purpose-built wildlife underpass on Toohey Road was completed recently, giving koalas and other native animals a dedicated, safe crossing point beneath the road rather than forcing them to navigate traffic at ground level.

The project involved installing fencing fitted with wildlife escape hatches on either side of the underpass to guide animals toward the crossing, along with mulch and natural material placed at the base of the culvert to encourage use and help the structure blend into the surrounding habitat. Some minor finishing touches around the site were completed in early 2026.

The resurfacing works now planned for Toohey Road sit alongside that wildlife infrastructure, meaning the road corridor through this stretch of Salisbury has had a genuinely active year of construction activity, addressing both surface quality for motorists and safe passage for the animals living in the forest beside it.

Connecting suburbs, commuters and bushland

Toohey Road functions as a key connector for residents and commuters travelling between Tarragindi, Salisbury and the broader southern Brisbane network, linking through to Toohey Mountain Reserve and onward toward Sunnybank and Macgregor.

Bus route 120 runs along the corridor, connecting Garden City to Brisbane City, with a stop directly at Toohey Forest that has seen its own temporary adjustments during the underpass construction period.

The combination of through-traffic, bus services and proximity to bushland recreation areas makes Toohey Road a road that genuinely earns its place in a resurfacing priority list, carrying enough daily use to justify the investment in a smoother and safer surface.

Next steps for the project

Brisbane’s standard approach to resurfacing involves advance notice to residents and motorists before works begin, with councils typically flagging in advance whether disruption will include night works, temporary lane closures, reduced speed limits or vehicle relocation requirements. A detailed construction schedule for Toohey Road has not yet been released, so the exact timing and duration of works remains to be confirmed.

Once complete, the resurfacing is expected to deliver a smoother, safer driving surface on a road that already represents one of Brisbane’s better examples of balancing traffic infrastructure with wildlife conservation in the same stretch of bitumen.

For updates on roadworks and closures, residents can check QLDTraffic’s live traffic alerts or click here.

Published 17-June-2026

Salisbury Bearing the Brunt of Upcoming Rail Network Overhaul

Photo Credit: Translink/ Facebook

Salisbury commuters are set to anchor a massive, month-long transport disruption as the primary junction point for a multi-billion-dollar southeastern rail shutdown that will completely halt trains and force thousands of daily travellers onto replacement buses.

Bundling Projects to Reduce Long-Term Pain

Transport officials are combining several massive infrastructure projects into a single, intense work window to avoid stretching the disruptions out over many months. The bulk of this heavy construction is deliberately timed to coincide with the winter school holidays, a period when fewer people are using the network to commute to work and school.

By tackling everything at once, crews can work safely inside the rail corridor without any passing trains. The coordinated blitz includes building new platforms, shifting the entire Loganlea station, duplicating lines, and removing dangerous level crossings. Teams will also be installing a high-tech European digital signalling system between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes to modernise how trains are managed.

Major Changes to Daily Travel

The impacts on local travel schedules will change across several distinct phases over the coming weeks. The first major hurdle arrives over the weekend of 20–21 June, followed by a much longer closure stretching from 27 June through to 19 July. During the final weeks, from 6 July to 19 July, the shutdown area will shift, forcing buses to replace trains specifically between Boggo Road and Banoon.

To help keep people moving, the remaining trains operating between Varsity Lakes and Banoon will be merged into a single service that stops at every station, meaning there will be no express options and travel times will be longer. Other lines, including the Ferny Grove, Airport, Doomben, Cleveland, and Shorncliffe lines, will also face early terminations and altered connections during peak hours.

Navigating the Commute

Translink executive Dean Helm stated that travellers should carefully plan their trips, look into alternative transport options, and give themselves significant extra travel time regardless of whether they are heading to work, appointments, or major events. He acknowledged that these long closures are a major hassle for the community, but explained that overcrowding multiple projects into the same time frame is the best way to keep the total disruption period as short as possible.

To assist stranded passengers, the transit agency is promising to run a steady stream of rail replacement buses throughout the entire closure. Cross River Rail chief Graeme Newton added that crews will be working around the clock outside the main underground tunnels to build the new Moorooka and Merrimac stations, while also upgrading crucial overhead lines.

Compounding Network Delays

This construction blitz comes at an already frustrating time for local passengers, who have been dealing with months of unreliable service. Queensland Rail is currently locked in tense wage negotiations with seven different unions, a dispute that has been playing out in regular Fair Work Commission meetings. Because of ongoing union industrial action, the rail network has already been scaled back to just 80 per cent of its normal weekday capacity to clear a severe maintenance backlog. This ongoing dispute removes roughly 300 normal train services every single day. While transit authorities are determined to push ahead with the holiday upgrades exactly as scheduled, they caution that the continuing labor dispute could cause unexpected changes or sudden cancellations to the replacement bus schedules.

Published Date 03-June-2026

Wellers Hill Students Celebrate National Storytime with Inspiring Luna Roo Adventure

Students at Wellers Hill State School were among thousands of children across Australia who took part in the 2026 National Simultaneous Storytime during the last week of May, joining a nationwide celebration of books and literacy.

This year’s featured story, Luna Roo, follows a spirited young kangaroo who faces challenges, overcomes self-doubt and works alongside friends to pursue her dreams. Set in the Australian outback, the book highlights the importance of resilience, teamwork and believing in yourself.

Selected from 84 publisher submissions, Luna Roo was chosen as the official National Simultaneous Storytime title for its engaging storytelling and uplifting message.

*Photo Credit: Wellers Hill State School/Facebook*

About National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an annual event organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Each year, schools, libraries, childcare centres, bookshops and community groups across the country read the same Australian children’s book at the same time, creating one of Australia’s largest shared reading experiences.

The initiative aims to encourage a love of books and literacy while highlighting the work of Australian authors and illustrators. Since its launch in 2000, millions of children have taken part in the event, making it a much-anticipated fixture on the school calendar.

A Shared Reading Experience

By reading Luna Roo alongside schools and libraries across the country, Wellers Hill students became part of a national celebration of storytelling while reinforcing valuable lessons about courage, determination and persistence.

The school described the activity as a meaningful way to encourage young readers and celebrate the power of stories to build confidence, imagination and resilience.

Published 3-June-2026

Bizarre Breakfast Blunder Ends in Smashed Car for Tarragindi Family

A Tarragindi family has been left with a damaged vehicle and a frightened household after a confused food delivery rider was caught on camera aggressively vandalising their car over a mistaken breakfast order.

A Confusing Morning Drop-Off

The bizarre chain of events began on a Wednesday morning, 27 May, at 7:15 a.m. when a rider arrived at the wrong address to deliver a bacon and egg roll, coffee, and chips.

The homeowner reported that after answering the intercom and informing the rider of the mistake, the man simply left the meal on the front steps and departed on his scooter. The residents brought the food inside and continued with their typical morning routine, completely unaware of how the situation would rapidly escalate.

Frightening Behavior

The situation took an alarming turn when the rider returned to the property twelve minutes later. Security footage captured the man jumping the front fence and forcefully banging on the door when the residents did not answer the intercom. The homeowner noted that his teenage daughter was upstairs at the time and was far too terrified by the loud yelling and banging to go downstairs and open the door.

Senseless Property Damage

By 7:32 a.m., the rider’s frustration boiled over into physical damage. Video evidence shows the man kicking the side mirror off the family’s parked car, leaving behind additional scratches on the vehicle. The homeowner discovered the destruction only when heading outside to leave for work shortly after. In a final strange twist, the rider returned to the house one last time at 7:45 a.m. to photograph the property before disappearing completely.

Investigations Underway

Local police and Uber are now investigating the footage and the resulting property damage. A spokesperson for the delivery company confirmed they are taking the matter very seriously, noting that such behaviour violates their community guidelines and will result in appropriate action. Ironically, company policy dictates that riders cannot take back incorrect food items due to strict health and safety rules, meaning the rider’s aggressive attempts to retrieve the breakfast were entirely against standard procedure.

Published Date 03-June-2026

How a Tarragindi Cafe became the Home of Brisbane’s Strawberry Matcha Obsession

Strawberry matcha is now a fixture on Brisbane cafe menus. Lola’s Coffee Bar in Tarragindi says it got there first, tracing the drink back to a family fruit haul and a TikTok post that took off overnight.

Read: Lola’s Coffee Bar in Tarragindi Captivates Brisbane with Filipino Flavours

Marie David had no barista experience when she opened the Tarragindi cafe in 2023. She has said the awareness of that inexperience drove her to work harder to compensate.

Lola’s is now a two-venue operation, with a second location at QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus that opened in late 2024. Both sites draw regular queues.

The drink that has since been widely replicated across Brisbane originated from a family surplus of fruit. Ms David’s parents came home from a strawberry picking trip with kilos of fruit the family needed to use up. She began combining the excess with matcha, a Japanese green tea powder she had added to the menu after being encouraged by a friend. At the time, she says, only a few locals were familiar with the drink.

@lolascoffeebar Trying new matcha from my brother’s Japan trip 😍🍵 LOCATION: Lola’s Coffee Bar. 176 Ekibin Road East, Tarragindi, Brisbane. – #brisbanecafe #filipinocafe #brisbanetodo #cafesbrisbane #strawberrymatcha #cafeowner #mangomatcha #matcha ♬ original sound – Lola’s Coffee Bar Brisbane

She documented the process on TikTok and the post gained significant traction overnight.

Ms David has said she believes Lola’s was the first venue in Brisbane to serve strawberry matcha. Three years later, the drink is widely available across the city, and both Lola’s locations continue to attract steady custom.

The cafe’s name comes from the Tagalog word for grandmother, a tribute to Ms David’s grandmothers. The menu reflects her Filipino heritage, with ube (purple yam), pandan and mango appearing across the drinks and baked goods.

Strawberry Matcha — Photo credit: Google Maps/ Lana H

Ms David buys ceremonial-grade matcha powder from Uji, south of Kyoto, and visited her supplier in Japan last year. She has said the decision is rooted in respect for the culture and traditions associated with matcha.

Ms David has also observed competitors dropping into her cafe to watch how things are done, a dynamic she says she finds more amusing than threatening.

Read: Discover Why This Salisbury Specialty Cafe Is a Hit Among the Locals

The Mont Blanc, a dessert-like coffee drink, is another drink Ms David was an early adopter of in Brisbane. She brought it back from a research trip to Melbourne three years ago. It was a slow sell at first but is now finding a wider audience across Brisbane.

On making good matcha, Ms David keeps her advice straightforward: start with quality powder and follow traditional preparation methods.

Lola’s Coffee Bar operates from its original Tarragindi location at 176 Ekibin Road East and a second site at QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus.

Published 2-June-2026

Tarragindi Property Crime Spike Spurred by Unlocked Vehicles, Police Warn

Opportunistic thieves targeting unlocked vehicles have driven a significant portion of the 373 total offences recorded across Tarragindi, prompting local police to urge residents to secure their homes and property.

The Peak Hours of Local Offending

A deep dive into local crime data reveals that a significant percentage of unlawful activity in the suburb takes place under the cover of darkness. Queensland Police Service figures compiled from late May 2025 through late May 2026 show that nearly half of all local incidents occurred during an eight-hour overnight window between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Weekly patterns indicate that the trouble peaks as the weekend begins. Saturdays saw the highest volume of reports, followed closely by a high number of incidents matching each other on Sundays and Mondays. Conversely, midweek periods proved to be the quietest for local residents, with Wednesdays recording the lowest number of community offences.

The Summer Spike and Theft Trends

The annual data highlights a dramatic shift in activity during the summer holidays. While the winter period started with exceptionally low numbers, local property damage and theft numbers spiked sharply in January 2026, marking the highest monthly total of the year before tapering off slightly into February and the autumn months. In terms of what is actually happening on suburban streets, simple theft easily outweighs any other category of crime in the area.

Local authorities dealt with over one hundred standard theft cases, alongside dozens of break-ins, vehicle thefts, and property damage reports, while violent crimes like assault remained comparatively low.

How Opportunistic Thieves Gain Entry

Local authorities state that a significant portion of these suburban property breaches are entirely preventable. Police report that many property offences involve opportunistic thieves targeting unlocked vehicles parked outside homes on the driveway or by the curb. Once inside a vehicle, these individuals often locate stored garage remotes or spare house keys, using them to easily gain access to the main residence while the occupants are asleep.

Once inside a vehicle, these individuals often locate stored garage remotes or spare house keys, using them to easily gain access to the main residence while the occupants are asleep.

To combat this trend, community members are being reminded to double-check their security habits nightly by locking all external doors, windows, and glass louvers. Keeping all electronics, bags, and valuables completely out of sight is also recommended to deter passersby.

For active emergencies or situations where a suspect is seen in the area, residents should dial triple zero immediately, while non-urgent matters can be directed to Policelink or reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers Queensland.

Published Date 28-May-2026

Massive Police Investigation Leads to Arrest of Former Tarragindi Practitioner

Photo Credit: Queensland Police/ Facebook

A former Brisbane doctor has been charged following a police investigation into alleged historical sexual offences involving female patients during medical appointments at a private health clinic in Tarragindi.

The local criminal investigation branch launched a specialised, long-term inquiry into the historical allegations after multiple women came forward to report their experiences to the authorities. Under Queensland Police’s Operation Xray Carina, detectives worked to establish the scope of the complaints before officially launching the complex prosecution.

Investigators allege that the offences occurred over a 15-year period spanning from the early 2000s until 2015. The female patients were aged from their late teens to their 40s at the time of the alleged offences.

Following the investigation, a 74-year-old Brisbane man was charged at Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station with a total of 148 offences, including 94 counts of rape and 54 counts of sexual assault.

The accused man, who is no longer practising medicine, is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 23 June.

Local authorities have praised the immense courage of the patients who came forward to share their stories, noting that crimes of this nature represent a devastating violation of professional trust. One former patient shared her profound relief regarding the announcement, stating that the formal charges were a long time coming and needed to be known.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and the accused has yet to enter a plea.

Police said their investigations remain ongoing and that support services continue to be offered to the women involved in the matter. Authorities are urging anyone who may have further information relevant to the investigation to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Support services are available for people affected by sexual violence, including 1800 RESPECT and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service.

Published Date 28-May-2026

Premium Raw Catches Take Centre Stage At Tarragindi Neighbourhood Fishmonger

Photo Credit: Fitzy’s Freh Seafood/ Facebook

Tarragindi residents are bypassing major supermarket aisles to source premium, raw catches directly from Fitzy’s Fresh Seafood, a highly regarded independent fishmonger changing how the neighbourhood prepares seafood at home.

The shop at 13 Kuring Gai Avenue has built a strong reputation as a dedicated retail space rather than a dine-in eatery. Local shoppers consistently praise the business for its welcoming atmosphere and fair pricing. Many buyers note that the items available are significantly fresher than the seafood found on typical grocery store shelves.

The independent retailer focuses entirely on high-grade products meant for home cooking and backyard barbecues. Customers regularly highlight the exceptional standard of the seafood on offer, with several varieties gaining a loyal following.

Among the local favourites, the store keeps a steady supply of sashimi-grade salmon and Coffin Bay oysters. Home chefs also frequent the shop to buy barramundi and premium bug meat for their family meals. The staff members are widely recognised for being friendly and highly knowledgeable, routinely sharing practical preparation tips and background information about the different fish varieties with shoppers.

The business combines traditional local service with modern convenience to make seafood shopping straightforward for the community. The premises are fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-friendly entrance along with dedicated parking options to accommodate all members of the public.

To keep transactions simple, the store accepts a variety of up-to-date payment systems. Patrons can choose to pay with standard credit cards, debit cards, or use NFC and mobile payment options at the counter. The balance of premium quality and competitive pricing helps ensure local households receive good value for their grocery spend.

Published Date 18-May-2026

New Catholic College Opens in Tarragindi with Strong Demand and Big Ambitions

St John Henry Newman College in Tarragindi has officially opened, marking a significant step forward for the long-planned Catholic school, which has now welcomed its first students.

The new college, based on the grounds of St John Fisher Church on Messines Ridge Road, launched with an initial cohort of 46 students and a curriculum built around classical education traditions.

At the official opening Mass, Shane Mackinlay encouraged students and teachers to follow the example of the school’s namesake, St John Henry Newman, describing education as more than job preparation — but a lifelong pursuit of truth.

He told the gathering that learning should be an “ongoing inquiry” that is both “ennobling and enlightening”, rather than something shaped purely by economic outcomes. Reflecting on the Christian foundation of the school, he added: “At the heart of the Christian faith is the crucified Christ… a person who gives Himself in love.”

Former prime minister Tony Abbott also addressed attendees, framing the school’s opening as part of a broader cultural moment. He described it as a “new beginning” grounded in the pursuit of deeper truth, arguing that such ideals remain essential in modern society.

Principal Dr Kenneth Crowther said the college would focus on forming students through the “cultivation of wisdom and virtue”, with the belief that strong academic and career outcomes would follow from those foundations.

The opening also drew support from figures including former Queensland parliamentary speaker John Mickel and board member James Power, who offered messages of encouragement to the school community.

Despite only just opening, demand is already outstripping capacity. The college has received 37 applications for next year’s prep intake — nearly double the available places — with enrolments reportedly oversubscribed through to 2030.

Students at the college will study a wide range of influential thinkers, spanning figures such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas through to Plato, Aristotle, John Milton and Mary Shelley — reflecting its classical liberal arts approach.

The ceremony concluded with students performing St John Henry Newman’s hymn Lead, Kindly Light, offering a symbolic close to a day that signals the college is now firmly up and running.

Published 29-April-2026