In 2022, a Brisbane mum gave birth to premature twins in an ambulance at the Tarragindi exit of the Pacific Motorway, only to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer days later while her newborns fought for life in hospital.
Tara Bishop, 33, from Sunnybank Hills, was being rushed to Mater Mothers’ Hospital in October 2022 when her labour progressed rapidly. The ambulance crew had to pull over at the Tarragindi exit, where Evelyn and Harvey were born two months early.
“What was supposed to be a happy time of our lives very quickly turned into an emotional rollercoaster,” Ms Bishop said.
Cancer Diagnosis Shock
Just 11 days after the twins’ dramatic birth, while they were still in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU), Ms Bishop received devastating news.
“I was in a state of shock, dealing with the twins coming so early and then the diagnosis,” she explained. Routine pathology tests on her placenta had detected endometrial cancer.
Photo Credit: Tara Bishop Tarragindi
Dr Naven Chetty, a gynaecological oncologist at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, described the case as rare.
“It is extremely rare for a patient to be diagnosed with this type of cancer during pregnancy,” he said.
Treatment and Recovery
Ms Bishop underwent a hysterectomy and removal of her fallopian tubes. Dr Chetty stated, “Given her low stage and low grade cancer, we would expect a cure.”
The couple is sharing their story during Uterine Cancer Awareness Month this June. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in Australia, claiming around 550 lives annually.
Dr Chetty urged women to seek medical attention if they experience:
– Any bleeding in post-menopausal women
– Persistent or abnormal bleeding in younger women
Family’s Positive Outlook
Despite the challenging start, Ms Bishop remains optimistic. “When I look at my babies today I believe they are my little lifesavers,” she said.
The twins, now almost two, are thriving. “At no point would you look at the twins and know they were born two months’ premature,” Ms Bishop added, highlighting the resilience of her family through this extraordinary journey.
In the shadow of the Great Depression, a makeshift community emerged in Tarragindi. Known locally as the “Pensioners’ Camp,” this area became a refuge for those who had lost everything in the economic turmoil of the 1920s and 1930s. The story of this camp is a testament to resilience, philanthropy, and the stark realities of poverty during one of history’s most challenging periods.
A resident and his house at the Old Aged Pensioners’ Camp, Tarragindi, Brisbane, ca 1925 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)
The Pensioners Camp began to take shape in the mid-1920s, providing shelter for families rendered homeless by the Great Depression. The land, located near the Tarragindi reservoir, was owned by Dr James O’Neill Mayne, a notable Brisbane philanthropist.
Dr Mayne generously allowed destitute individuals to erect temporary shelters on his property. These makeshift homes were described as “rude humpies,” constructed from bush timber and eked out with flattened kerosene tins and other scraps of metal.
Life in the Camp
Residents at the pensioners’ camp (Photo credit: trove.nla.gov.au)
At its peak, the Pensioners Camp housed up to 500 huts scattered across the Tarragindi hills and gullies. The Brisbane Municipal Council eventually recognised the growing population and provided nine sanitary buildings to improve living conditions. The camp’s residents, who included families of mixed Aboriginal and Indian heritage, created a close-knit community despite the hardships they faced.
Dr James O’Neill Mayne: The Benefactor
Doctor James O’Neill Mayne (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
The story of the Pensioners Camp cannot be told without acknowledging Dr James O’Neill Mayne. Dr Mayne was one of the children of Patrick Mayne, a man who migrated to Australia from Ireland in 1841 and worked as a butcher but later became a businessman.
He became one of Brisbane’s wealthiest individuals and even became an one of the aldermen on the first Brisbane Municipal Council in 1859.
Patrick Mayne’s legacy was marred by controversy, as he allegedly confessed to a murder on his deathbed. In 1848, a sawyer named Robert Cox was brutally murdered at Kangaroo Point, and a significant sum of money was believed to have been stolen.
According to the book The Mayne Inheritance by Rosamond Siemon, Patrick Mayne confessed to Cox’s murder before he passed away in 1865 from an unknown illness. He left behind a widow and five children, who had to endure a hostile colonial society that ostracised them for being the offspring of a confessed murderer.
Despite this dark shadow, Patrick Mayne’s children, particularly Dr Mayne, used their inherited wealth for philanthropic purposes.
Dr Mayne’s most significant contribution was funding the purchase of 270 acres of land at St Lucia, which became the main campus of The University of Queensland. His generosity extended to the Pensioners’ Camp, where he allowed the residents to stay indefinitely. Even after his death in 1939, his will purportedly ensured that the camp’s inhabitants could remain as long as they chose.
The Decline of the Camp
Photo credit: trove.nla.gov.au
After World War II, the camp’s population began to spread, with some residents moving to areas behind the former US Army Staging Camp near Mayfield Road, Moorooka. This expansion included a “coloured people’s area,” home to families of mixed Aboriginal and Indian races. In 1950, the Brisbane City Council attempted to clear out this area, but many campers remained until the mid-1950s.
The last resident of the original Pensioners Camp reportedly died in the 1970s. True to Dr Mayne’s wishes, the land was not sold or repurposed until the final occupant had passed away. This enduring respect for the displaced speaks volumes about Dr Mayne’s character and the legacy of compassion he left behind.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Pensioners Camp of Tarragindi is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity. The makeshift homes, constructed from flattened kerosene tins and other salvaged materials, symbolise the ingenuity and determination of those who lived there. Their stories, preserved through oral histories and the efforts of local museums, continue to inspire and remind us of a challenging yet remarkable chapter in Brisbane’s history.
As Brisbane continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of the Pensioners Camp and the benevolence of Dr James O’Neill Mayne remain integral to the city’s rich tapestry. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of community and the impact of philanthropy during times of profound hardship.
‘Onival’ in Tarragindi stands as a quiet witness to the transformation of Brisbane, from a rugged bushland to a thriving suburb. Built circa 1919 for motor mechanic Joseph Edyvean-Walker, his wife Jeanne, and their children, this Interwar multi-gabled residence was among the first homes constructed in the then-undeveloped Sandy Creek area.
The property’s roots trace back to 1862 when a 55-acre parcel of land was sold for freehold purposes. Over the following decades, the land changed hands several times, was gradually subdivided, and was eventually sold to William J. Cook in 1916. Jeanne Edyvean-Walker purchased a portion of Cook’s land in 1917, securing a mortgage loan to build their new home.
Construction and Naming
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
The house, completed in 1919, was named ‘Onival’ after a French seaside resort in the Somme District, holding sentimental value for the couple. The Edyvean-Walkers further expanded their property holdings in the subsequent years, owning a substantial piece of land by June 1922.
The early 1920s marked a period of significant development for the area. The formation of the Sandy Creek Progress Association, the opening of Andrew Avenue in 1925, and the inclusion of the area in Brisbane’s water grid in 1923 all contributed to its growth. By 1928, the area had even become home to a semi-permanent encampment of old-aged pensioners.
Transformation of the Area
‘Onival’ itself underwent several changes, expanding with the Edyvean-Walker family. The addition of a third bedroom, two side verandahs, a new enclosed back landing, and a new kitchen were among the modifications made in the late 1920s. Tragically, in 1933, the family experienced the loss of their son Ian, who drowned in the nearby Sandy Creek.
Despite this devastating event, Jeanne continued to reside at ‘Onival’ with her remaining children, further altering the house during the 1930s. The extension of tram lines in the late 1930s spurred further development, and by 1946, Tarragindi Road was lined with houses.
The post-World War II housing boom in the 1950s saw the complete urbanisation of Tarragindi. In 1951, Jeanne began to subdivide her property, selling portions to different buyers. Since Onni W. Lindstrom bought “Onival,” it has remained on its current piece of land.
‘Onival’ serves as a living reminder of Tarragindi’s evolution, its architectural style reflecting the transition from a semi-rural district to a suburban landscape.
The house’s alterations and extensions mirror the changing needs of the Edyvean-Walker family and the broader community over time. As Tarragindi continues to grow and evolve, ‘Onival’ remains a cherished part of its history, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both a family and a suburb.
Preparation: Check the Council’s website to see what qualifies for kerbside collection and explore alternative options for usable items.
Collection Day: Place accepted items on the kerbside in front of your property by 6:00 a.m. on the first day of the collection period.
Think Twice Before You Toss:
The Council encourages residents to donate usable items to friends, family, charities, or reuse organisations like GIVIT or Charitable Recycling Australia. The Endeavour Foundation runs Brisbane’s Treasure Troves, which also accepts donations in good condition.
Acceptable: bathtubs, bicycles, carpets, electronics (minus batteries!), furniture, appliances, mattresses, small appliances, and wood under 1.5 metres.
Unacceptable: hazardous materials, garden waste, construction debris, car parts, liquids, batteries (dispose of them at Council’s resource recovery centres!), and large piles exceeding two cubic metres.
Important Tips:
Ensure easy and safe lifting for collection crews by keeping items manageable.
Remove the refrigerator and cupboard doors for easier handling.
Secure items during bad weather forecasts.
The council won’t collect unacceptable items left on the kerb, and illegal dumping fines may apply.
By utilising the kerbside collection service responsibly, Tarragindi residents can declutter their homes and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
As Mother’s Day approaches, the community of Tarragindi is gearing up for a celebration that goes beyond mere tradition – the Tarragindi Mother’s Day Markets.
This annual event, which will be held on May 4th, 2024 at Wellers Hills Bowl Club, has become a symbol of community spirit and creativity. It’s also a great place to honour and enjoy the amazing women in our lives.
The Tarragindi Mother’s Day Markets have been an important part of the community’s calendar for years, and people from nearby neighbourhoods look forward to them every year. As a heartfelt tribute to mothers, grandmothers, and all other maternal figures, this beloved custom shows appreciation for their unwavering love, devotion, and sacrifices.
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Mothers Day Market 2022
A Showcase of Local Talent and Creativity
The event focus on creative and talented people from the area. From jewellery made by hand to chocolates made by hand, each stall shows a different side of the creative scene in Tarragindi and the nearby places. People can find one-of-a-kind gifts here that not only honour mums but also help local artists and companies.
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Mothers Day Market 2022
A Culinary Journey of Delight
There aren’t any celebrations that are complete without tasty treats, and the Tarragindi Mother’s Day Markets take this very seriously. There’s something for everyone, from fancy food trucks serving delicious treats to stands selling homemade cakes and pastries. The food at the markets is sure to please, whether you’re looking for a relaxing lunch with your family or a sweet treat to give mum as a gift.
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Mothers Day Market 2022
A Day of Family Fun and Entertainment
This event has a lot of fun things for the whole family to do besides shopping and eating. The air is filled with the joyful sound of live music, making it a great place to enjoy the day. The event is fun for kids of all ages because there are lots of different things to do, like face painting and craft classes.
The Tarragindi Mother’s Day Markets are a celebration of community spirit and getting to know each other. On this day, neighbours honour the important women in their lives by getting together and making memories that will last a lifetime. The friendly people of Tarragindi will make a mark on you, whether you’ve lived there for a long time or this is your first time visiting.
As Mother’s Day approaches, mark your calendars for a day of celebration, appreciation, and community spirit at the Tarragindi Mother’s Day Markets. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, indulging in delicious food, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, this beloved event promises a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Come join us as we celebrate mothers and the bonds that unite us all.
The Brisbane Oratory In Formation, located in Tarragindi, has denied rumours of plans to establish a Prep-Year 12 school run by an ancient Catholic movement on Messines Ridge Rd.
The unconfirmed reports were fuelled by flyers distributed anonymously and shared on social media, suggesting that the Oratory intended to expand the site to accommodate up to 600 additional attendees at four weekly Latin Masses.
However, the Oratory, tracing its roots back to the 16th century under St. Philip Neri, maintains that these claims are unsubstantiated.
Since its introduction to Brisbane in 2015, the Oratory has expanded its presence, receiving care from various parishes, including Tarragindi and Annerley, from Brisbane Catholic Archbishop Mark Coleridge.
While plans for a new school, tentatively named St. John Henry Newman College, have been accredited, the Oratory clarified that the site has long been zoned for educational purposes.
Contrary to rumors, the primary school set to open in 2026 on the Messines Ridge Rd property will cater initially to Prep-Year 3 students, with eventual plans for expansion to high school grades on a separate site. The Oratory assured that any assertion of purchasing the St. John Fisher land is inaccurate.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The proposed school has sparked concerns among locals regarding increased traffic congestion and its potential environmental impact. Some residents worry about the strain on already limited parking availability and the loss of green space.
Additionally, there are fears that the development process could bypass community input through Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, limiting public notification and appeals.
State MP Mark Bailey has pledged to monitor the situation closely, emphasising the need for development to align with the residential character of Tarragindi. However, the Archdiocese of Brisbane clarified that St. John Henry Newman College operates independently, catering to families seeking a classical education model, regardless of religious affiliation.
The sisters-in-law, who have made a name for themselves in the fashion world, are now making waves in the property space under their company, Ature Group.
Their latest residential project, a Mediterranean-inspired house located in the inner Brisbane suburb of Tarragindi, is now on the market.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home, known as ‘Ilios’ at 92 Fingal Street, is listed with Michael Bacon of Place Kangaroo Point. The home features high-end finishes, a neutral colour palette, and sleek curves that emulate the liveable luxury of their Greek roots.
“We mimicked the iconic facade of my home, using natural stones and textured walls. We really wanted to encompass a contemporary, Mediterranean-style home that exudes a timeless charm.”
The two-storey home features a grand entry foyer that leads to a spacious open-plan living and dining area adjoining a kitchen with a breakfast bar, a butler’s pantry, stone bench tops, and quality appliances. Outside, a covered al fresco area has a full outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue and overlooks a pool, a fully-fenced lawn, and established gardens.
Upstairs is a second living area, plus a study nook, and four of the bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in robe, makeup table, and luxurious connecting ensuite.
“We have grown to love textural walls, crazy pave travertine and brushed brass finishes,” Mrs Batsinilas said.
“We particularly love the whitewashed colour palette that allows you to bring your personal style through the decor. These tones and textures are becoming a trademark of our work.”
Ature Group is cementing itself as a rising presence in the luxury development space, having also recently launched a Gold Coast multi-residential project, featuring 20 full-floor residences — each with their own private lift entrance and fashion-inspired interiors. The tower, called ‘Sola’, is set in Broadbeach and features three-bedroom residences priced between $2.75m and $4.65m.
The group is also close to unveiling the new headquarters for Sabo Skirt, which the girls developed themselves. This move further solidifies their growing influence in both the fashion and property development sectors.
A detailed analysis by Ray White data analyst Jemima White shows that there are currently 127 Labrador Retrievers in Tarragindi. The data is based on the number of animal registrations by breed from the current BCC animal registration dataset. With spacious backyards and lush surroundings, Tarragindi’s more active and friendly dogs love it here.
Tarragindi’s Labradors are just a small part of the larger story of Brisbane’s love for dogs. The city has a preference for a certain breed, which happens to be the Labrador. From the leafy suburb of Alderley to the busy streets of Annerley, Labradors have become a popular choice for dog owners in Brisbane.
Much like their human counterparts, the Labradors of Tarragindi are cherished by their family units for their sociable nature. During sunny spells or between showers, the parks of Tarragindi and other parts of the suburb become a happy hunting ground for dogs and their doting owners alike.
Top Dogs of Brisbane
1 Labrador Retriever 9,605
2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 7,019
3 Border Collie 6,995
4 Maltese 6,712
5 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 5,534
6 Poodle 4,760
7 Golden Retriever 4,223
8 Dachshund 4,127
9 Australian Kelpie 4,016
10 Jack Russell Terrier 3,365
The Labrador’s status as the top dog among Tarragindi dog-owners has influenced the suburb’s housing profile. There is a higher percentage of larger blocks to accommodate families and their pets.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Brisbane’s typically smaller block sizes in the inner city have proven less conducive to Brisbane’s dog owners’ canine ambitions. So it seems that families have, by and large, sought housing and the park-and-play space accompanying it so that every member of the family could enjoy a little peace.
In Tarragindi, Labradors are more than just pets; they represent companionship, joy, and the simple pleasures of owning a pet. These dogs embody community, family, and the unspoken bond between two and four-legged creatures. From Brisbane’s top dog to beloved family companions, Labradors contribute to the friendly and warm atmosphere that surrounds this unique suburb.
On March 23, the Tarragindi Community Garden will be hosting its first ever charity Bingo Night Fundraiser at the Wellers Hill Bowls Club. Along with over $1,000 in awesome prizes, they will have food trucks and the bar will be flowing all night long.
Even better, every dollar raised goes directly towards supporting Ride West and the Royal Flying Doctors Service’s mental health programs.
Photo credit: Tarragindi Community Garden/Facebook
Ride West, an annual 1200 kilometre cycling fundraiser from Brisbane to Longreach. Ride West benefits the Royal Flying Doctors Service’s mental health outreach programs in rural Queensland. Inspired to impact regional mental healthcare, Ride West has raised nearly $2 million over 13 years for the RFDS’ Wellbeing Out West initiative.
Entry to Tarragindi’s inaugural bingo evening will directly support the continuation of this life-changing rural program. Every dollar raised during the fast-paced, engaging games of bingo will go towards providing accessible mental health services across Queensland’s remote communities.
Photo credit: ridewest.com.au
Organised by Tarragindi Community Garden founder Renae McBrien, the bingo fundraiser promises an entertaining evening for all ages. Attendees can anticipate a formal yet lively night of bingo benefiting organizations expanding critical access and support across Queensland.
Bring your family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues for a whopper of a night. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. on March 23 with games commencing at 6:00 p.m. sharp.
Secure your table early by booking through the Wellers Hill Bowls Club’s website. It’s an ultimate friends and family night out whilst supporting great causes right here in the local community. Food and drink will be available for purchase all evening.
A newly constructed residence in Tarragindi has shattered previous records in Brisbane, marking a defining moment in the area’s property market dynamics with a staggering sale price of $3.7 million.
The newly built five-bedroom, three-bathroom home located at 53 Chamberlain St has clinched the title of the suburb’s highest-priced property. Surpassing the suburb’s record in 2023 by an impressive $250,000 margin, this remarkable achievement highlights the enduring appeal of Tarragindi’s real estate market.
The property, meticulously built by Mondo Constructions, embodies executive living and resort-style entertaining on a spacious 771 sqm allotment. Despite spending over 100 days on the market, the home garnered immense interest, with 214 groups acknowledging its exceptional quality and design.
Photo Credit: Desire Media/YouTube
Denis Najzar, a director at Place Woolloongabba, underscores the significance of the sale, attributing it to both the property’s construction excellence and the burgeoning demand for new homes in the market.
Mr Najzar further said that newly built homes command premium prices due to the cost and time associated with construction or renovation projects. He highlights consumer sentiment as a key driver, noting that in an era where convenience reigns supreme, many prospective buyers opt for newly constructed homes to streamline the process and alleviate the complexities associated with renovation endeavours.
The home’s expansive living and dining areas afford breathtaking views of the poolside oasis and verdant surroundings. Boasting a triple-car garage, multiple living spaces, an alfresco terrace, and a sparkling pool, this residence exudes opulence and functionality in equal measure.
Looking ahead, Mr Najzar predicts a robust real estate market in Brisbane, buoyed by the city’s international status and increasing interstate migration. However, he cautions that rising interest rates may introduce uncertainties for prospective buyers, particularly those seeking stability amid a competitive market landscape.
