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Emily Drummond Swimming Helps Local Families Access Affordable Lessons

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

Support Through SwimStart

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

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

About Emily Drummond Swimming

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

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

Lessons for Every Age

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

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

Community Impact

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

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

Published 12-August-2025

Green Bins Arrive in Tarragindi as Brisbane Expands Recycling

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

Rollout Begins Across Brisbane

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

Week

Dates

Suburbs

Week 1

4 August to 15 August 2025

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

Week 2

11 August to 22 August 2025

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

Week 3

18 August to 29 August 2025

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

Week 4

25 August to 5 September 2025

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

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

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

Waste Levy Savings and Sustainability Goals

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

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

Funding and Community Support

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

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

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

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

CHECK YOUR SUBURB’s SCHEDULE

Published 8-Aug-2025

Tarragindi School Delivers Message Through Community Street Art

Photo Credit: St Elizabeth's School/Facebook

Students from St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School in Tarragindi have completed a public artwork on a traffic signal box as part of the citywide Artforce Brisbane initiative.

Students Showcase Creativity in Tarragindi

Students from St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School have added to the city’s streetscape by painting a traffic signal box on Andrew Avenue, Tarragindi. The artwork was completed under the Artforce Brisbane program, which encourages community participation in public art.

Brisbane-Wide Initiative Supporting Local Expression

Artforce Brisbane, established in 1999, allows residents of all backgrounds to design and paint traffic signal boxes throughout the city. With over 1,200 boxes completed and more than 5,000 volunteers involved to date, the program has become a platform for local storytelling and creativity across suburbs.

A Message of Light and Positivity

The Tarragindi signal box artwork features a bold blue background with a large yellow star and symbolic lanterns on each panel. The phrase “Be a Light for Others” is handwritten across the centre of the piece, aligning with the school’s mission of service and community care

School Involvement in Community Initiatives

Founded in 1958, St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School has maintained a strong focus on values-driven education and community engagement. The school currently enrols around 350 students and integrates projects like Artforce Brisbane into a broader educational program that includes leadership, creativity, and social awareness.

St Elizabeth's School — *Photo Credit: St Elizabeth’s School/Facebook*

Broader Program Objectives

Artforce Brisbane artworks not only brighten intersections but also reduce graffiti and encourage public ownership of local spaces. The program operates across more than 1,000 traffic boxes citywide, with new opportunities opened annually for residents, schools, and community groups to contribute.

A Lasting Contribution in Tarragindi

The completed artwork now forms part of a growing gallery of public art across Brisbane, offering both visual interest and a message of encouragement. The contribution from St Elizabeth’s students reinforces the value of involving young people in shaping and beautifying their neighbourhood.

Published 29-July-2025

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

Tarragindi mum Melody Lawler now rides her bike with her 11-year-old daughter Katie to the Buranda train station after the 121 bus route that stopped at Gotha Street in Fortitude Valley was changed. The shift is just one example of the widespread disruption families are experiencing following a major overhaul of the Brisbane bus network.

Read: Community Walk and Talk Supports Local Mothers in Tarragindi

For many parents, what was once a straightforward school commute has turned into a daily logistical challenge. Multiple families say their children now need to take two or even three buses to get to school, with concerns around safety, timing, and missed connections growing.

One mother, who moved to Auchenflower specifically for access to the 470 route to All Hallows’ School, found that the service her daughter relied on never arrived one afternoon. Unaware that the route had changed, they had to scramble to find an alternative way home. Now they are weighing options involving a more distant bus stop or switching to the train, made more difficult by the heavy load her daughter carries, including a sports bag and a musical instrument.

Brisbane bus — Photo credit: Google Street View

Katie Lawler’s own after-school journey also grew more complicated. Previously catching the 113 home from Adelaide Street, she now must navigate the bustling Cultural Centre precinct to find a connecting bus, which is a daunting task for a young student.

Brisbane’s local officials said it has worked with schools to ease the transition, noting that two-seat journeys are standard in global cities and that the changes will ultimately benefit most commuters through simpler routes and increased frequency. Special route suggestions have been provided to affected families, and some schools were given briefings ahead of the changes.

Still, for families juggling busy schedules, extracurricular activities, and concerns for their children’s safety, the transition hasn’t been easy. Many parents say they are still adjusting, testing out new routes and routines, sometimes turning to bikes, trains, or additional lifts just to make it work.

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

The council maintains that the Brisbane bus network overhaul, which is the largest in more than 20 years, is designed to meet growing demand and modernise public transport across the city. But for now, some Brisbane families are finding that getting to school takes more time, more planning, and a lot more patience.

Published 28-July-2025

Popular Toohey Forest Walking Tracks to Reconnect with Nature

Considered as one of the few remaining “green lungs” in Brisbane, Toohey Forest is not just home to a number of native plants and animals, but it also boasts an extensive network of both paved and unpaved walking tracks.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Toohey Forest was named after James Toohey, an Irish-born who amassed wealth in the California gold rush and bought this land in 1870. His descendants held the land until the Council acquired it in 1945.

Spanning approximately 260 hectares and just 10 kilometres from the CBD, Toohey Forest offers a perfect place for a family outing with a number of barbecue and picnic areas: Gertrude Petty Place, Mt Gravatt Outlook picnic area, and Mayne Estate and Toohey picnic area.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr*

There are 30 intertwining cycling and walking tracks of varying difficulty spread throughout the forest, with the longest track just 3.5 kilometres long and the shortest being just 250 metres.

Toohey Forest ideed has some of the best spots for walking, biking, picnicking or just spending a lazy afternoon. Needless to say, you will be rewarded with marvelous views of Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs from Mt Gravatt Outlook.

Toohey Forest Walking Tracks — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr*

Popular Toohey Forest easy to moderate walking tracks

Nathan Ridge Track – Prepare to spend about one hour walking through this paved 3.5km track that leads from Toohey Ridge and connects to the Griffith University Campus ring road.
Toohey Ridge Track – Rated as easy walking, this three-kilometre track runs from the Toohey picnic area along the ridgeline and leads to the South East Freeway.

Sandstone Circuit – This 750-metre short track begins at the Toohey picnic area then follows a winding path through the forest. This is a moderate walking track with bench seats available to take a breather along the way.
Toohey Mountain Track -The journey along this 1.5km track starts from Mayne Estate picnic area and follows the ridge southwards to Pegg’s Lookout.
Summit Track – Summit track begins at Gertrude Petty Place then leads to Mt Gravatt Outlook. It stretches 1.2 kilometres and will take about 40 minutes to traverse it by walking.

Don’t forget to prepare for slippery and rough tracks by wearing protective footwear. Also, wear a hat and loose, long sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid scratches, bites, and sunburn.

Community Walk and Talk Supports Local Mothers in Tarragindi

Photo Credit: Pexels

A local walking event in Tarragindi is providing a supportive space for mothers, children and families to connect through shared experiences and breastfeeding support.

Community Connection Through Walking in Tarragindi

Mothers, children and families are gathering in Tarragindi for a pram-friendly walk through Toohey Forest, offering a relaxed setting for social connection, shared parenting experiences, and breastfeeding support.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at Shaftesbury Street Park on Laura Street, with the group meeting at 9:45 a.m. in the Toohey Picnic Area. Participants will follow the accessible Toohey Ridge Track, covering approximately 3 kilometres, before returning for a snack and informal chat in the picnic area.

breastfeeding support — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Background and Purpose

The initiative forms part of a regular local gathering and marks the final catch-up for the term. Organisers are encouraging participation from women with prams, older children, and families, creating an inclusive environment focused on physical activity and community bonding.

The event also provides access to a trained breastfeeding counsellor, aligning with broader efforts to support families on their breastfeeding journey.

Support Aligned with National Vision

The event is supported by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), which aims to normalise breastfeeding across Australian society. ABA is recognised as the national authority on breastfeeding education and support, providing services such as a 24-hour helpline, online resources, antenatal classes and trained peer support.

More than 1,000 volunteers, most of whom are mothers with firsthand experience, deliver ABA’s services. Many of these volunteers are qualified through a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education.

Peer Support and Local Engagement

The Tarragindi event aligns with ABA’s strategic priorities, including community-based breastfeeding support and promotion of inclusive, breastfeeding-friendly environments. By bringing together families in an informal setting, the event encourages social support networks while providing access to accurate and evidence-based breastfeeding information.

Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences and offer encouragement to others who may be seeking support.

Ongoing Engagement

While the event marks the final local meeting for the current term, families attending have opportunities to continue engaging with ABA programs and services throughout the year. Information on upcoming gatherings and resources is available through local contact points.

Published 15-July-2025

Locals Step Up as Koala Underpass Plan in Toohey Forest Gains Urgency

Plans for a wildlife underpass at Toohey Forest are moving forward, with local residents and wildlife carers pushing for greater protections, monitoring and research, as frequent koala sightings increase the risk for more road deaths.

Community Concern Grows Around Koala Road Risks

Earlier this month, plans were confirmed for a wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road to connect both sides of Toohey Forest. Since then, residents living near the forest have come forward with growing concern about the number of koalas seen dangerously close to traffic, calling the project overdue and urging stronger action.

Local wildlife advocate Brad Lambert, who runs a dedicated Facebook group about the area’s koalas, has observed a sharp increase in sightings over the past year. He said he spotted 10 koalas across different locations in just one week and had previously counted up to 19 in a single week. He also noted a rise in the number of road strikes involving the animals, despite the lack of an official database tracking deaths.

Lambert said more consistent monitoring and clearer population data were urgently needed to assess the risk and determine whether local koala numbers could be sustained over time.

A Call for Scientific Monitoring

While Brisbane already has a land bridge at Compton Road near Karawatha Forest and aerial rope crossings in other areas, the Toohey Forest project will be the city’s first purpose-built underpass for koalas. With that in mind, advocates are hoping it will also become a research opportunity.

Lambert and others are encouraging council to install motion-sensing cameras at both ends of the underpass to allow researchers, including those from nearby Griffith University, to track how often wildlife use the structure. Currently, there is little available data on how well these types of crossings work in urban areas like Brisbane.

By gathering information from day one, residents hope the project can provide long-term insights and shape future wildlife planning elsewhere in the city.

History, Habitat and Hopes for the Future

Toohey Forest, which borders the suburbs of Tarragindi, Moorooka and Nathan, is now one of the city’s healthiest koala habitats — but that wasn’t always the case. Around 30 years ago, there were no known koalas in the forest. Some carers believe the population may have grown as a result of rescues and relocations from other parts of Brisbane, where habitat loss has been more severe.

The underpass, funded by with a $3-million contribution through the Saving Koalas Fund, will sit just southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area. It will be designed with natural materials like mulch and logs to encourage animal use and will include fencing to guide wildlife away from the road and toward the crossing.

Cr Steve Griffiths said the fencing, along with escape hatches for trapped animals, would allow traffic to continue at normal speeds while improving safety for wildlife. He welcomed the funding and acknowledged residents’ long-standing calls for action.

Council is expected to begin construction sometime between mid-to-late 2025. In the meantime, updates will be shared with residents as the project moves closer to its start date.

Published 14-July-2025

Toohey Forest Set for New Wildlife Corridor Under Busy Road

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Native animals in Toohey Forest will soon get a safer way to cross Toohey Road as plans will move ahead for a new wildlife underpass linking key bushland habitats.

Work Set to Begin in 2025

Construction of the Toohey Road wildlife underpass is expected to start from mid-to-late 2025, backed by funding from Australia’s Saving Koalas Fund. The project will create a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre concrete culvert beneath Toohey Road, southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area, connecting sections of Toohey Forest that are home to native species such as koalas.

Safe Passage for Local Wildlife

The project plan details a purpose-built underpass with natural materials like mulch and logs inside, so animals can move safely and feel comfortable using it. A log pole frame will help wildlife cross without stepping onto the road above.

To guide animals to the crossing and keep them off the road, new fencing 1.2 metres high will run 50 metres on each side of the culvert. Wildlife escape hatches will be built into the fencing, giving animals another chance to move away from the road if needed.

Some trees and plants will need to be removed to make space for the fencing, but this will be done with care and advice from qualified arborists to protect Toohey Forest’s natural environment as much as possible.

Safer Roads for Everyone

The plan aims to reduce animal strikes along Toohey Road, which will make the area safer for both drivers and wildlife. By linking habitats on both sides of the road, the underpass will help animals reach food, mates and shelter without crossing busy traffic lanes.

This connection is expected to help wildlife survive during bushfires and other emergencies by giving them more ways to move through the forest safely.

A Win for the Community

Toohey Forest is a valued green space for people living in Tarragindi, Nathan, Salisbury and surrounding suburbs. Locals who visit the picnic areas, walking trails and car parks near the site are expected to benefit too, as fewer animal crossings on the road will make driving safer.

The Council says more updates will be shared with nearby residents closer to the start of construction, and the project team can be reached for questions or feedback.

Published 5-July-2025

How Salisbury Has Transformed Over the Years

Located just 10 km from the CBD, Salisbury nowadays is proving to be more than just the industrial estate that it used to be. Trendy cafes, studios, and community events are giving the neighbourhood a hip and creative vibe and attracting to consider the suburb their home.

With easy access to transport facilities such as the railway station, and the substantial number of open spaces, local shops, and well-established schools, Salisbury has become a worthwhile option for those looking for affordable, yet strategic, housing.

Glimpse of the Past

Salisbury Munition Factory — Rocklea Ammunition Factory
Photo credit: ozatwar.com

Brisbane, specifically Salisbury, played an important role during the Second World War.

Given Salisbury’s expansive, rural and remote location, a large munition factory, named Rocklea Ammunition, was built along the area of Compo Road, currently named Evans Road, during the 1940s. Large-engine test cells were also placed within the vicinity of Compo Road.

Evidence of munition works in Salisbury can be seen at present time in the suburb’s street names, such as Assembly, Bearing, and Lathe Streets.

By 1943-1944, the Rocklea Ammunition factory had been terminated and its buildings were soon taken over by different groups, converting the entire estate into a base workshop, tank workshop, and an engine refurbish site.

From 1955-1959, series of road structures and extensions were made in order to connect Orange Grove Road, Lillian Avenue, and Evans Road all together. Salisbury was then linked to Tarragindi by September of 1959 via Toohey Road.

In these post-war years, Salisbury’s short distance from Brisbane safeguarded its urban settlement. What was once an industrial wilderness soon became a residential development site given its speedy growth from 1960s onwards.

Year	Population
1911	84
1921	564
1976	6537

Source: queenslandplaces.com.au

Present Day Salisbury

A large number of families have been recently seeking to make Salisbury their new home.

Salisbury Demand Market — Photo credit: realestate.com.au

Read: Tarragindi Median House Price Rises to $777,000 Amidst Strong Demand

With more people dwelling into the neighbourhood, a few residents have opened up their own small enterprises in the area for a more sustainable living.

Different small businesses are now well-established in Salisbury, including coffee shops, brewery, organic restaurants and diners, art galleries, dance and yoga studios, and bookstores.

These businesses in town have further led the owners to assert themselves into fostering a sense of community amongst the people of Salisbury.

Salisbury Chrome Street Fiesta — Different kiosks geared up for Salisbury’s annual Chrome Street Fiesta.
Photo credit: Reload Espresso Bar/ Facebook

Gentrification has brought a newer, and more current “vibe” to the neighbourhood, further driving its growth. In what can be perceived as an attempt by residents to strike a balance between work and family living, today’s Salisbury has evolved to include trendier places where people can grow, enjoy, and feel a sense of belongingness.

Read: Tarragindi’s The Gindi Cafe Promotes Community Spirit

Salisbury Compo Road — Aerial view of former Rocklea Ammunition Factory in Compo Road (Evans Road) in 1946
Photo credit: ozatwar.com

Salisbury Evans Road — Present-day satellite view of Evans Road
Photo credit: Google Maps / google.com/maps

1. 61 Dunrod Street, Holland Park West – $4.2 million

Leading the charge is ‘Tamerlane’ at 61 Dunrod Street, which commanded an impressive $4.2 million in April 2025. This five-bedroom luxury residence on an elevated 835sqm allotment represents the pinnacle of family living, combining spectacular city views with resort-style amenities. The four-level property features a private lift, rooftop terrace with retractable awning, and an infinity-edge heated saltwater pool complete with waterslide. Premium V-ZUG kitchen appliances, a covered alfresco area with full outdoor kitchen, and a secure six-car garage underscore the property’s luxury credentials. The home’s sophisticated design includes timber floors, 2.7-metre-high ceilings, and integrated joinery throughout, while practical additions like a three-phase power system for EV charging and commercial-grade air-conditioning system reflect modern luxury living demands.

2. 59 Salkeld Street, Tarragindi – $3.4 million

The second-highest sale occurred at 59 Salkeld Street, Tarragindi, which sold for $3.4 million in May 2025. This sale is particularly significant as it represents premium land value in one of Brisbane’s few remaining Residential A zoned suburbs. The elevated 632sqm block with 15+ metre frontage attracted buyers seeking the perfect development opportunity in Tarragindi’s highly desirable location. The suburb’s appeal lies in its rare combination of leafy residential character just 7 km from Brisbane CBD, proximity to premier schools including Weller’s Hill State School with its bilingual Japanese program, and abundance of parks and bushland. The sale reflects strong demand for quality land in established inner-south locations where development opportunities are increasingly scarce.

3. 82 Lawn Street, Holland Park – $3.38 million

Completing the top three is ‘Calli’ at 82 Lawn Street, Holland Park, which sold for $3.38 million in March 2025. This architectural statement home, designed by Graham Lloyd Architects and built by 360 Builders, sits on a prime 617sqm allotment adjacent to Glindemann Park. The five-bedroom residence showcases Palm Springs-inspired design with curved feature walls, dramatic void spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Key features include an outstanding kitchen with butler’s pantry, covered alfresco area with outdoor kitchen, in-ground saltwater pool, and secure garage with additional off-street parking. The property’s sophisticated finish, featuring timber floors, ducted air-conditioning, and premium security systems, appealed to buyers seeking turn-key luxury in a premium location.

Why These Numbers Matter

These three sales demonstrate the continued strength and diversity of postcode 4121’s luxury market. The results span from architectural excellence to premium land opportunities, reflecting different buyer motivations within the same prestigious postcode. Notably, all three properties sold within a two-month period, indicating sustained high-end buyer activity despite broader market conditions.

The concentration of sales above $3 million reinforces postcode 4121’s position as a premier family destination, where buyers are willing to pay substantial premiums for quality homes in tightly held locations. The Dunrod Street sale, in particular, sets a new benchmark for luxury family homes in Holland Park West, while the Salkeld Street result highlights the value placed on development-ready land in Residential A zones.

For homeowners in the area, these results provide strong validation of property values in suburbs that combine inner-city convenience with family-friendly amenities. The proximity to elite schools, major universities, shopping centres, and transport links continues to drive demand from upgrading families and investors alike. For agents and developers, the results confirm where premium buyers are focusing their attention, particularly for properties offering exceptional land holdings, architectural merit, or development potential in established, well-connected locations.

Published 11-June-2025