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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
Updated 10-April-2026

Closer to Home: New BMX Track Under Construction

BCC

Construction crews began building a new BMX track at Salisbury Recreational Reserve this week, set to become the closest dedicated riding facility for young riders in Tarragindi, with the Evans Road reserve just minutes away across the suburb boundary.

Works began on Monday 30 March at the reserve off Evans Road in Salisbury, with the track designed for beginner, intermediate and expert riders. A June 2026 opening is anticipated, subject to construction conditions.

A Community-Driven Project

The track came about through direct advocacy from local BMX riders and their families, who raised the need for a dedicated facility in the area with the Moorooka Ward office. Young riders helped shape the design alongside bike track specialists, creating a layout that balances challenge for skilled riders with accessibility for newcomers.

BMX track — *Photo Credit: Cr Steve Griffiths*

The reserve’s location draws Tarragindi families south along Toohey Road toward Evans Road, with the two suburbs directly connected. Its position near the cricket nets and visibility from Evans Road make it easily accessible for residents on both sides of the boundary, while around 80 car spaces on the Allendale Street frontage support riders and visiting families.

A Nearby Track for Tarragindi’s Young Riders

Tarragindi sits immediately north of Salisbury and shares a close community connection with its neighbour, but residents have long relied on Toohey Forest Park for outdoor recreation as the suburb lacks purpose-built infrastructure for young riders. Families currently need to travel to Darra, Acacia Ridge or further afield to access the nearest BMX facilities.

The new Salisbury track changes that equation for families living on Tarragindi’s southern edge, putting a quality, multi-level riding facility within easy reach for primary and secondary school-aged riders who want somewhere consistent and safe to develop their skills. The reserve sits within a broader sporting precinct, allowing riders to combine their visit with the use of nearby oval facilities and open parkland.

For parents, a visible, park-based setting near the cricket nets also provides clear sight lines across the facility, an important consideration when younger children are riding alongside more experienced users.

How to Get There

Salisbury Recreational Reserve is accessible from Evans Road, Salisbury, a short drive south from Tarragindi via Toohey Road. The BMX track is expected to open around June For updates on construction progress, visit this link or contact the Moorooka Ward office on 07 3403 1730.

Published 02-April-2026

Ekibin, Before It Became Part Of Tarragindi

Did you know that before it became part of Tarragindi, Ekibin was a suburban locality with a rich indigenous history? Here’s a look back at the establishment of this locality, which was home to an aboriginal settlement in the early 19th century.

Read: Tarragindi Tasserone: The Man Behind The Suburb’s Name

Name Origin

The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines said the name ‘Ekibin’ was a modern name derived from the aboriginal word ‘Yekkabin’ which pertains to aquatic plants with edible roots which grew in the creek.

It’s believed that the aquatic plants being referred to are the Telmatoblechnum indicum or the swamp water fern which is often seen growing on sandy soils in swampy areas.

These edible roots, which are dried, roasted, and pounded, were part of the diet of the Aboriginals in Moreton Bay.

Referring to the good supply of edible roots there, the name ‘Ekibin’ has also been associated with “good eating.”

The name Ekibin has been used for the watercourse with headwaters from Toohey Forest Park, Holland Park West and Greenslopes. The swampy watercourse (formerly called Burnett Swamp) is now one of the tributaries of Norman Creek, alongside Sandy Creek.

Early Settlers

One of the early pioneers and land owners in the Ekibin district was Thomas Blackett Stephens, a wealthy businessman and newspaper proprietor who also served as an alderman and mayor of Brisbane Municipal Council.

Thomas Blacket Stephens (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Stephens established a fellmongery business in 1862 and later on a farming business in the area.

His home, called Cumbooqueepa, was considered as one of the grandest homes in the South Brisbane area until it was demolished around the 1890s, to make way for the South Coast railway line.

The Baynes family, known for establishing a buthcering business in South Brisbane was also among the early settlers in the area. The location of their business was commonly referred to as Baynes’ Paddock, on the Norman Creek.

Ekibin became part of Tarragindi

A number of unofficial homeless camps were built around Brisbane as a result of the housing shortage during the Great Depression of the 1930s. As with many countries in the world, Australia experienced years of deflation, low profits, poverty, and plunging incomes during that period.

In Ekibin, there were as many as 600 families living at one time. But it eventually decreased to 148 families by 1954, after many of the huts were destroyed and the people relocated into housing commission homes. The camps were bulldozed shortly after some of the remaining residents were relocated.

Read: Tarragindi Property Market Shows Strong, Consistent Performance

Until the early 1970s, Ekibin was identified as a census district that extended from the Boggo Road Gaol to the Tarragindi reservoir.

Updated 1-April-2026

Cycling Survey Highlights Safety And Access Issues In Tarragindi

Photo Credit: Pexels

Women and girls across Brisbane’s CBD and southside, including Tarragindi, are being invited to take part in a cycling survey examining riding habits, safety concerns, and access to local bikeways, with responses open until March 29.

Survey Focuses On Safety And Participation In Tarragindi

The survey is open to women and girls who ride regularly, occasionally, would like to ride, or do not currently ride. It is designed to gather insights into how people travel by bike and what factors influence their decisions.

Participants are asked about their current riding patterns and where they would prefer to travel by bike. Options include work, school, shops, public transport stations, parks, recreation areas, and visits to friends or family.

The survey also asks respondents to rate how safe they feel riding in their local area. It outlines common barriers such as unsafe roads, intersections and crossings, limited protected bike lanes, missing links between routes, poor lighting, and lack of facilities including bike parking.

Respondents are encouraged to identify specific streets, intersections or paths where safety concerns or missing connections affect their ability to ride. The survey also asks participants to nominate one location that could be improved to make riding safer.

Brisbane cycling survey — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

take part of the survey

Tarragindi Cycling Network And Key Routes

Tarragindi is connected to a broader southside cycling network that supports both commuting and recreational riding. A key route is Veloway 1 (V1), a separated cycleway linking the area with the Brisbane CBD while allowing riders to avoid general traffic.

Stage E of the Veloway 1 upgrade improved connectivity, including bridge works at Marshall Road, Sterculia Avenue and Bapaume Road. The route is intended to support safer travel and encourage active transport use.

The Tarragindi Bikeway starts near Evans Road and Orange Grove Road and connects with Toohey Forest and the V1. Toohey Forest Park provides additional off-road trails through bushland terrain used for mountain biking.

Nearby facilities include the Glindemann Park BMX and pump track in Holland Park. A 7.1-kilometre circuit along the Warick Creek and Bulimba Creek bikeways offers an option for both commuting and leisure riding.

Tarragindi cycling — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Next Steps For Cycling Insights

The survey is aimed at building a clearer understanding of how women and girls experience cycling across Brisbane’s southside, including Tarragindi. It asks participants to identify locations where infrastructure and conditions affect their riding decisions.

Tarragindi’s cycling network provides access to both commuter routes and recreational trails, while the survey seeks to identify where improvements may support increased participation.

Published 19-Mar-2026

World Wildlife Day Reminder: Tarragindi Drivers Urged to Protect Children and Native Wildlife

In conjunction with the global celebration of World Wildlife Day (March 3), Queensland Police are reinforcing a message that carries particular relevance for Tarragindi — every decision behind the wheel plays a role in protecting vulnerable road users.

Together with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging motorists to remain vigilant, reminding the community that Queensland roads are shared not only with drivers and pedestrians, but also with native wildlife.

Every day, road users encounter what police describe as precious “little feet”. Whether it is a child walking ahead on a suburban footpath or a joey following its mother across a verge, the risks can be similar — sudden movements and limited reaction time.

“Children and wildlife can be unpredictable – they can move suddenly and enter roadways without warning,” Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said ahead of World Wildlife Day.

“Drivers must remain alert and anticipate the unexpected, especially in and around school zones, footpaths, parks and rural areas,” he said.

Toohey Road and Habitat Connectivity

For Tarragindi, where residential streets border the bushland of Toohey Forest, the warning is especially relevant. Toohey Road runs through connected habitat areas supporting koalas and other native species.

Earlier this year, a wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road was completed to help reduce the risk of animals entering traffic lanes. Located southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area, the project aims to strengthen habitat connectivity while improving safety outcomes for both fauna and motorists.

The underpass includes a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre culvert installed beneath the roadway, with a raised log pole frame providing a bridge-style crossing for wildlife. Mulch and natural materials were added to encourage use, and fauna fencing with escape hatches was installed along both sides of the road to guide animals safely toward the structure.

While the infrastructure provides a safer crossing option, authorities stress that driver behaviour remains critical.

Road Safety and Shared Responsibility

Vehicle strikes remain a major cause of injury to native animals statewide. At the same time, low-speed suburban environments continue to present risks for young pedestrians.

“Something as simple as reducing your speed, scanning verges and footpaths, and eliminating distractions can prevent devastating outcomes,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.

Police have reiterated that speeding, distraction, driving under the influence and failing to wear a seatbelt significantly increase the risk of serious incidents. Enforcement operations continue across Queensland.

Wildlife Trauma Season

The lead-up to World Wildlife Day also coincides with what wildlife carers refer to as “trauma season”. Between September and February, wildlife is more active as animals breed, forage and explore.

Wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin said road trauma places sustained pressure on rehabilitation services.

“Every year, we see an influx of patients who sustain life-threatening injuries from vehicle strikes, requiring urgent treatment and around-the-clock care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital,” she said.

The most recent season recorded almost 2,000 more patients than the previous year.

As World Wildlife Day approaches, authorities are highlighting the intrinsic link between road safety and conservation. In suburbs like Tarragindi — where bushland, parklands and commuter traffic intersect — the reminder is clear.

Slowing down, scanning verges and removing distractions are small actions that can have significant impact.

Safer roads start with individual choices.

Published 27-Feb-2026. Updated 3-March-2026.

Salisbury Station Reopens Early After Complete Accessibility Rebuild

The Salisbury train station will reopen on Monday 2 March, months ahead of its originally scheduled mid-2026 completion date, following a complete accessibility rebuild undertaken as part of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s southside station upgrade program.

Read: Salisbury Station, Other Southside Stations To Receive Major Accessibility Upgrade

The early reopening caps off a transformation that has delivered a raft of new features designed to make the station easier and safer to use for everyone in the community, with a particular focus on accessibility for people with a disability.

What’s new at Salisbury Station

accessibility rebuild — Photo credit: Queensland Rail

The station has undergone a complete rebuild. Passengers will find new accessible entry points with shade canopies at both the Dollis Street entrance and the park ‘n’ ride on Lillian Avenue. Lifts and staircases now serve each platform, and a new station overpass connects the two sides of the station. Other new additions include seating, drinking fountains, updated footpaths, two accessible parking spaces, a kiss ‘n’ ride on Dollis Street, and a secure bicycle enclosure.

Accessibility has been a defining focus of the rebuild. The station features braille and tactile station maps, hearing aid loop coverage, through lifts, and dedicated accessible parking and drop-off zones, which are features developed with direct input from people who use them.

That input came through the project’s Accessibility Reference Group (ARG), made up of representatives from the disability sector and individuals with a range of lived experiences across various disabilities. The group participated in regular site visits, meetings and feedback sessions throughout the design and construction process, helping to shape a station that aims to be genuinely usable by everyone.

Part of a bigger picture

Salisbury is the sixth of seven southside stations to be fully rebuilt under the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s rolling program, which covers stations from Dutton Park through to Salisbury. Dutton Park, Fairfield, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly and Rocklea have all already reopened under the same program, with each successive rebuild informed by lessons learned at the stations that came before it.

The wider Cross River Rail project includes a new underground tunnel and stations, forming part of a broader plan to deliver more frequent and faster services across South East Queensland, including along the Logan and Gold Coast corridors.

Acting Head of Translink Dean Helm described the early reopening as a positive outcome for the local community, noting the station’s inclusive design would make it easier than ever for locals to board a train.

“The inclusive station will be a game-changer, making it easier than ever for locals to get a train with plenty of accessibility features, including two new accessible parking spaces and a kiss “n” ride on Dollis Street,” Mr Helm said.

“Salisbury’s rebuild included constructing a third platform which will support the Queensland Government’s once-in-a-generation rail transformation by linking with the new underground tunnel, stations and trains to the Gold Coast.

What to know before you travel

While Salisbury station will be fully operational from 2 March, commuters across the broader network should take note of some upcoming disruptions.

On the same day Salisbury reopens, Moorooka station, which is the seventh and final station in the program, will close to begin its own rebuild. Passengers who normally use Moorooka can access the high-frequency StationLink route 19 from nearby bus stops on Ipswich Road as an alternative. Travellers who prefer to stay on rail can also access the network at the already-open and fully accessible Yeerongpilly and Rocklea stations.

Read: How Salisbury Has Transformed Over the Years

Passengers can plan their journeys using the Translink app, by visiting translink.com.au, or by calling 13 12 30.

Published 25-February-2026

South Brisbane Sports Results Feb 20-22

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Allianz Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 18
• Sydney FC 1 | Brisbane Roar FC 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Spencer Park) – A-League – Women – Round 18
• Brisbane Roar FC 0 | Adelaide United FC 2

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Bulimba Memorial Park – Southside Eagles FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Southside Eagles 0 | UQFC 0

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Maroochydore Swans FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Maroochydore FC 2 | Annerley FC 3

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Meakin Park – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Brisbane Roar B 1 | Brisbane City 3

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Olympic FC 2 | Lions FC 1

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Olympic FC 0 | Lions FC 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Wakerley Park – Souths United FC – Field 2) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Souths Strikers 1 | Gold Coast United 1

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 22
• Brisbane Bullets 77 | Sydney Kings 117

Sat, February 21, 2026 (The Gabba) – One Day Cup 2025-26 – Men – Match 6
• Queensland Bulls 260 | South Australia Men 135

The Learning Sanctuary Tarragindi on Toohey Road Listed for Sale as Investor Demand for Early Learning Assets Grows

Real Commercial

Global real estate agency CBRE is offering The Learning Sanctuary Tarragindi, a purpose-built 95-place childcare centre at 200 Toohey Road, to the market as a premium freehold investment, with a long-term lease in place to G8 Education, Australia’s largest ASX-listed early childhood education provider.

The centre sits on a 1,363 square metre site adjacent to Wellers Hill State School, in one of Brisbane’s most consistently family-dense suburbs. It operates under a 15-year lease to G8 Education secured until 2035, with two further 10-year options extending to 2055, giving any incoming owner more than three decades of potential tenure with a nationally recognised operator. Expressions of interest close on 12 March 2026.

For Tarragindi families, the sale changes nothing in day-to-day terms. The centre continues to operate normally under G8’s Learning Sanctuary brand, which has operated from the Toohey Road site since the purpose-built facility opened its doors in early 2020. The listing is a straightforward property transaction, not a closure or change of service.

A Suburb Built for Families

The Learning Santuary listing reflects the suburb’s standing as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after family postcodes. Couple families with children make up 56 per cent of Tarragindi’s population, reinforcing the suburb’s appeal to those seeking quality schools and a supportive family environment. The centre’s median household income of $2,934 per week sits 59 per cent above the Greater Brisbane median, and the suburb’s median house price is 44 per cent above the Brisbane average, reflecting the depth of owner-occupier demand in this part of the southside.

Purpose-built childcare centre — *Photo Credit: Real Commercial*

Tarragindi’s boundaries are largely defined by the Southeast Freeway and Toohey Forest, with the main residential valley running north to south between Wellers Hill to the east and Tarragindi Hill to the west. Its position roughly seven kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, combined with easy access to the South East Busway and proximity to Wellers Hill State School, makes the Toohey Road site particularly well-located for working families.

The Learning Sanctuary itself is purpose-built across multiple levels, with extensive outdoor environments including a climbing fort, bike track, water play area, sandpits and a vegetable garden. Indoor spaces include a dedicated STEM room. It serves children aged six weeks to six years across long day care and kindergarten programmes, drawing families from Tarragindi, Nathan, Greenslopes, Holland Park West, Moorooka and Annerley.

Early Childhood Education as an Investment Class

The Tarragindi listing is part of a dual campaign run by CBRE, which has simultaneously listed a G8-leased centre in Cowra, New South Wales. CBRE reported almost $440 million in childcare investment sales nationally in 2025, reflecting sustained transaction activity in what the agency describes as a resilient investment sub-sector, underpinned by essential service status, long lease terms and consistent federal funding support.

G8 Education operates more than 430 centres across Australia under 21 brands, caring for around 50,000 children each week through a workforce of close to 10,000 staff. Australia will invest more than $16 billion in early childhood education and care in 2025–26, giving investors in long-leased assets a stable and reliable operating environment.

Brisbane will grow by 28 per cent to 3.288 million residents by 2035, and that growth will fuel strong demand for childcare places across established suburbs. In areas such as Tarragindi, where family households dominate and character residential zoning limits new supply, that demand is likely to remain strong.

Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest for the Learning Sanctuary Tarragindi at 200 Toohey Road close on 12 March 2026. The campaign is managed by CBRE Senior Director Yosh Mendis and Director Michael Vanstone. Further information is available through CBRE’s commercial listing or by contacting the CBRE Brisbane through +61 1300 227 311.

Published 23-February-2026.

Tarragindi Rent Pressure Builds as Low Vacancy Limits Options

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Tarragindi renters are now looking at a typical house rent of about $795 a week, a figure that shows how quickly a “stay-put” suburb can become a stretch when more households are chasing the same small pool of homes.

After the December 2025 quarter, the December 2025 Domain Rental Report reported Brisbane’s median house rent rose to $670 a week and the median unit rent rose to $650, with Brisbane recording the strongest quarterly rise in house rents of any capital city.

What the Data Says in Tarragindi

Tarragindi’s typical house rent is about $795 per week and typical unit rent is about $525 per week, based on recent listings and market tracking. That keeps Tarragindi above the Brisbane-wide median for houses, even as renters become more careful about what they can afford.

Different snapshots can vary depending on which slice of listings is counted. A Tarragindi unit snapshot on rentals page puts the median unit rent closer to $500 a week, based on recent unit listings. Taken together, the figures point to the same message for locals: costs remain high, and small changes can look big when only a limited number of units are listed over a year.

Why Competition Stays Strong

One reason rents can stay elevated, even when conditions soften in parts of the market, is the lack of slack in the wider system. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland reported Greater Brisbane’s vacancy rate at 0.9% in its latest quarterly update, a level it describes as firmly tight. When vacancies sit that low, renters have fewer back-up options and less room to negotiate.

Reports for the December-quarter rise also point to tight supply as the main driver of higher rents across the city, while noting the pace of growth can ease when more renters hit affordability limits.

What Does This Mean for Tarragindi?

For Tarragindi households, the pressure often shows up in the time it takes to find a suitable home within budget. When the typical house rent is near $800 a week, families and sharers who want to stay near established schools, transport links and everyday services can be forced to widen their search or accept trade-offs on size, condition or location.

The citywide trend is also important because it shapes where people look next. An ABC report on Brisbane’s December-quarter results noted Brisbane was a standout for renewed rental growth, while also pointing to a practical limit on what renters can pay.

Economists have suggested rents may keep edging higher in the near term, but the speed of increases can slow as households push back on price.

In a suburb like Tarragindi, that can mean renters place more weight on value and liveability, while the wider vacancy rate remains the key factor shaping the amount of choice people have.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Wildlife Underpass And Fauna Fencing Added On Toohey Road

Photo Credit: CrSteveGriffiths/Facebook

A newly completed wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road is designed to help koalas and other native animals move safely between habitat areas within Toohey Forest, while reducing the risk of wildlife entering traffic lanes.

Why The Underpass Was Built

Project information outlines the underpass as a measure to minimise animal crossings across Toohey Road and improve safety outcomes for both motorists and fauna. The location sits within a connected habitat area linked to Toohey Forest, where maintaining movement between food sources and shelter areas is considered important for wildlife resilience and survival.

The project also aims to strengthen habitat connectivity, allowing animals to move more freely between bushland areas and reducing the likelihood of animals attempting to cross the road surface.

What Was Installed

The underpass includes a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre culvert installed beneath Toohey Road, positioned southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area. Inside the culvert, a raised log pole frame was constructed to provide a bridge-style option that allows animals to move through the crossing without travelling directly along the ground.

Mulch and natural materials were placed at the base of the culvert to help the structure blend with the surrounding environment and encourage wildlife to use the crossing. Fauna fencing with wildlife escape hatches was installed on both sides of the road to guide animals towards the underpass and away from traffic.

Construction Timing And Access

Construction commenced in mid-November 2025 and was completed within the expected two-month timeframe. Works were undertaken between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sunday to Thursday, to minimise traffic disruption. Toohey Road was fully closed from 8 p.m. Friday 14 November to 5 a.m. Monday 17 November 2025, with detours in place, including via Tarragindi Road.

Vegetation Management

Some tree and vegetation removal was required to allow installation of the culvert and fencing. The project design includes replanting native vegetation selected to support local wildlife habitat, with specialist input guiding vegetation management.

Toohey Road wildlife underpass — *Photo Credit: Brad Robinson/Facebook*

Community Feedback And Next Steps

Community responses have included questions about fencing design and long-term performance. A site walk-through has been flagged to identify any gaps or defects in the fencing near the underpass, with repairs planned where needed to ensure the crossing functions as intended.

Published 15-Jan-2026