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Griffith University’s N82 Building: A Green Oasis Inspired by Toohey Forest

Construction is on the horizon for a groundbreaking addition to Griffith University’s Nathan campus, a structure poised to redefine the campus landscape. The new N82 building is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the nearby Toohey Forest.

To earn a prestigious five-star Green Star Building V1 rating, the project also aspires to set new standards in responsible construction and procurement.

The N82 building is slated to become a campus centrepiece, distinguished by a central outdoor atrium created through a series of elevated terraces. The facility is set to introduce a host of innovative features, with a special focus on catering to a diverse range of needs.

The building’s internal colour palette will mirror the vibrant fauna and flora of the forest, offering a serene and harmonious environment for its occupants.

Griffith University’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bryant, is at the forefront of this visionary project.

Inclusivity at its Core

Of particular note is the inclusion of a Changing Places facility on the ground level, specially designed to accommodate individuals living with disabilities. This facility will boast essential amenities such as a hoist, a change bed, and an accessible toilet.

Beyond accessibility, the N82 building will encompass formal and informal teaching spaces, comfortable lounge areas, and integrated teaching spaces seamlessly merging with research and staff accommodation.

A Shared Commitment

In an exciting collaboration, the N82 project team is partnering with Griffith University’s engineering academics to propose the installation of geotechnical and structural real-time sensing into the building. These sensors will measure critical data, including movement, deflection, and groundwater fluctuations, further enhancing the building’s functionality.

Jerome Johnson, General Manager Construction Queensland/Northern Territory at Lendlease, expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with Griffith University on this project. Beyond construction, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the educational experience for students, staff, and the research community.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, N28 will undoubtedly stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when nature, technology, and academia converge in harmonious synergy.

Published 4-Jan-2024

Body Stretch Studio: Tarragindi’s New Destination for Health and Wellness

Tarragindi just scored a brand new wellness destination, Body Stretch Studio. Located on Weller Road, this inviting studio focuses on using therapeutic stretching techniques to help clients unwind, release muscle tension, enhance flexibility, and support overall wellbeing.

Read: Tarragindi’s Good Things Grocer Revives Former Fruit Barn

The studio seeks to help clients rejuvenate and revitalise their bodies through the power of stretching. The experienced and certified stretch therapists are dedicated to providing each client with a personalised and holistic approach to wellness.

Stepping into the tranquil studio allows one to leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind. The serene and inviting atmosphere instantly puts guests at ease, creating the perfect environment for a truly transformative experience.

Whether one is an athlete looking to improve performance, an office worker seeking relief from muscle tension, or simply someone who wants to enhance overall well-being, Body Stretch Studio strives to have something for everyone.

Photo credit: Body Stretch Studio/Google Maps

The innovative stretching techniques are designed to target specific muscle groups, release tension, and improve flexibility. Through gentle, guided stretches, the studio helps clients lengthen and strengthen muscles, improve posture, and enhance range of motion.

Guests feel stress melt away as they experience benefits like improved circulation, increased energy, and greater mobility.

At Body Stretch Studio, client comfort and safety are prioritised above all else. The skilled stretch therapists are trained to assess each individual’s unique needs and tailor sessions to suit specific goals and limitations. A combination of assisted stretching, active stretching, and relaxation techniques aim to provide a comprehensive and rejuvenating experience.

Read: Tarragindi Gourmet Deli & Butchery: Your Ultimate Food Destination!

Book an appointment and discover for yourself how amazing it feels to stretch stress away and embrace a balanced, relaxed body and mind.

Published 23-December-2023

Umu Kitchen Owners Launch Sister Venue ‘Vaiola’ in Tarragindi

If you’re familiar with Umu Kitchen along Denham Terrace, then get ready for its new sister venue, Vaiola cafe, now open within The Green Tarragindi retirement village.

Read: The Green Tarragindi Operator Leads Charge on 1,100 Retirement Dwellings

Vaiola, meaning “water of life,” infuses energy into its space. Stepping inside, you will be greeted with an explosion of natural light and nature-inspired decor. Pops of playful colour enliven the walls and seating nooks, where visitors can settle in with comforting, home-style ambience.

Right outside lies a playground where little ones are free to laugh and play within eyeshot of their families relaxing over brunch.

Photo credit: Vaiola Tarragindi/Instagram

The cafe welcomes guests from breakfast through dinner with a menu focused on local, wholesome ingredients.

Many items come courtesy of Providore Princess, supplying Vaiola with fresh seasonal produce as well as signature dishes like the customer-favourite prawn omelette, hearty sandwiches, soft tortillas and for those with a bigger appetite – the Big Breakfast of slow-roasted pork with all the fixings.

Prawn omelette (Photo credit: Vaiola Tarragindi/Instagram)

Locally roasted coffee fuels the patrons, whilst a small bar offers wine, beer and more for those looking to imbibe.

Beyond the food and drink, Vaiola wants to achieve something greater—a culture of belonging. Sitting adjacent to independent senior living apartments, the cafe receives abundant support from the older residents next door.

Much like its sister venue Umu Kitchen, Vaiola brings to life a vision for togetherness through dining. By emphasising comfort, community and connection under one cosy roof, this Tarragindi cafe delivers well beyond the plate.

Read: Tarragindi’s Good Things Grocer Revives Former Fruit Barn

Vaiola aims to be “a space for everybody to belong” says the owner through their Instagram page. Open from breakfast through dinner, it welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the food and connect with those around them.

Published 14-December-2023

Tarragindi’s Good Things Grocer Revives Former Fruit Barn

Good Things Grocer is Tarragindi’s newest neighbourhood grocer, located in a space once occupied by Tarragindi Fruit Barn on Toohey Road.

Read: Uncovering History: Toohey Forest’s Hidden Past

Co-founded by long-time entrepreneurs Sarah Jones and Kymberlee Stone, Good Things Grocer opened its doors March this year after the duo lost their beloved cafe in the 2022 Lismore floods.

Determined to start anew, Sarah and Kym returned to Brisbane moved by a vision to create a grocery store that nurtures connection through quality fare.

Sarah Jones and Kymberlee Stone (Photo credit: goodthingsgrocer.com.au)

“We want Good Things Grocer to be a grocery shopping trip you actually want to go on: everyday treats, all the foodie essentials, fresh produce and gourmet deli goodness that you just can’t help dropping into your basket,” Sarah and Kym shared through their website.

Photo credit: Cameron O’Shea/Google Maps

With their impressive culinary pedigree, the co-owners are certainly delivering on that promise. Kym comes from a long line of farmer’s market sellers, with her mum and grandma having sold family produce at the famed Jan Powers Farmers Markets for over 20 years.

Sarah brings nearly 30 years of hospitality experience to the table, honing her craft everywhere from beloved Brisbane cafes to the dynamic food scene of her native Melbourne.

Together, the duo have run cafes for 15 years, starting with Apples in Salisbury before relocating to Northern Rivers. There, they opened the community fixture Flock Cafe, a Mullumbimby and Lismore staple. Although the Lismore floods ended that chapter, the seeds of Good Things Grocer were planted.

Much like Flock Cafe, Good Things Grocer is already becoming the heartbeat of its neighbourhood. The shop brims with flowers, fresh produce, gourmet goods, and beloved brands like Allpress Espresso and Azteca Margarita Mix. Locals pop in for Jocelyn’s Provisions mouthwatering sourdough or Jacopo Corbetta’s lasagna trays.

Beyond retail, Good Things Grocer nurtures community in other ways too. The vibrant coffee bar serves as a gathering place, whilst plans are underway to offer online ordering and delivery of flowers, grazing boxes, and fresh bundles.

As Sarah and Kym welcome neighbours with Australian hospitality’s signature warmth, one thing is clear: when it comes to good food and good company, Tarragindi’s favourite grocery destination is here to stay.

They are open Monday to Friday 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and on weekends 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Read: Get To Know Renae McBrien, Founder of Tarragindi Community Garden

Published 7-December-2023

The Green Tarragindi Operator Leads Charge on 1,100 Retirement Dwellings

Leading retirement village operator RetireAustralia, the company behind The Green Tarragindi, has unveiled bold plans to construct over 1,100 new senior living residences across key sites in Queensland and New South Wales over the next five years.

Read: The Green Retirement Site Adjoining Tarragindi Bowls Club To Open in Early 2023

The plan marks RetireAustralia’s response to rapidly rising demand for senior living communities. After opening 214 new residences across their portfolio last year, the company plans to develop thousands of additional units by 2028.

According to RetireAustralia’s Chief Executive Brett Robinson, the retirement sector has reached a critical juncture as more older Australians seek to live in vibrant retirement villages rather than traditional aged care facilities after the Aged Care Royal Commission exposed alleged systemic failings.

Photo credit: The Green Tarragindi/Facebook

Major projects include The Verge Stage 3 retrofit in Queensland, adding 62 apartments and a 10-suite care hub to open in 2024, alongside new 42-unit Tarragal Glen unveiled in NSW for 2025.

Two concurrent 2025-2026 Queensland launches will establish Arcadia’s 159 premium apartments with a 10-suite clinic, as well as 146 residences and 10-suite facility at Cleveland Manor. A 229-unit Lutwyche and 52-apartment Lane Cove also await openings. A 100-unit Queensland site is currently assessing locations.

Artist’s impression of The Verge at Burleigh (Photo credit: retireaustralia.com.au)

According to Dr Robinson, there is a severe shortage within Australia of senior housing that enables older Australians to downsize while retaining independence and care access.

He highlighted that 22 out of RetireAustralia’s 28 communities currently have waiting lists, with an over 93 per cent occupancy rate nationwide. He estimated the country requires between 10,000 to 11,000 new retirement dwellings annually.

However, he emphasised that the 2022 census figures indicate only half this number are being built. He noted that with an ageing population and increasing downsizing demand, there is an urgent need to address the undersupply through expanding retirement village projects.

Read: Infratil and NZ Super Say May Consider Selling RetireAustralia

Moreover, Dr Robinson stated such purpose-built senior communities will play a vital role housing elderly Australians amidst the ongoing national housing crisis.

Published 30-November-2023

Additional Bus Route Coming to Alleviate Congestion in South Brisbane

South Brisbane commuters can look forward to some relief on the often busy 112 bus route, with a new service set to begin operations early next year.

Read: Work Begins on Transformation of Barr Street Bridge in Tarragindi

‘Route 822’ will travel the same path as Route 112 from Annerley Road in Dutton Park (11/17 bus stop) to Prior Street (44/48) in Tarragindi, specifically aimed at easing congestion during the busy school pickup hours.

The launch of the new route comes as a way to help commuters who regularly deal with cramped buses along the route, which services several major schools in the area, including the Griffith University in Mount Gravatt.

Photo credit: Cr Steve Griffiths/Facebook

Cr Steve Griffiths announced that the new bus route will leave the first stop at 15:02 Monday to Friday to alleviate some of the pressures the 112 bus route experienced this year when school finishes.

Route 112 has struggled in particular with overcrowding due to students finishing class at the same time each afternoon. The route currently begins at Circular Drive at Griffith University, then travels across Holland Park West, Tarragindi, Annerley, Dutton Park, Woolloongabba, South Brisbane, and the CBD.

In Tarragindi, bus stops can be found along Monash Road (Monash Park, Monash Bushland, Craig Mont St, Aldora St, and Ferrand St), Toohey Rd, Prior St, Windmill St, Brampton St, Andrew Ave, Tarragindi Rd, and Ekibin Rd.

Read: Survey Says Locals Have Problems with Pathways Around Popular Tarragindi Primary School

Local residents commended the addition of the new route, saying it will help address the packed buses that have long plagued the 112 route, especially during peak school commute times.

The service is set to launch in Term 1 in 2024. Visit TransLink’s website for updates on South Brisbane’s new bus route.

Published 24-November-2023

Uncovering History: Toohey Forest’s Hidden Past

Toohey Forest, a tranquil retreat known for its ecological significance and scenic beauty, was the site of a significant discovery of artefacts in the late 19th century. Over one hundred years later, a new round of efforts are being made to uncover the story behind that discovery.

The Indigenous Significance

Toohey Forest, a part of the Brisbane area known as Meanjin to the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples, is rich in Indigenous history. This land was home to abundant natural resources and served as a hub for traditional activities. From hunting and crafting using the local fauna to spiritual and ceremonial practices, the forest was integral to the Indigenous way of life.

Even in the post-European settlement era, indigenous people continued their traditional practices in the forest, albeit with increasing challenges due to displacement.

The Discovery by George Thomas McDonald

In the late 19th century, a significant discovery was made by George Thomas McDonald, a surveyor and farmer. While exploring Toohey Forest, McDonald stumbled upon a cave that housed a collection of ochre-painted human bones, alongside stone and shell knives.

Mr McDonald, who was born in Scotland in 1835 and later settled in Brisbane, played a pivotal role in bringing these historical pieces to light. He passed away on 29 Jan 1915 in Wynnum at the age of 79.

Since then, the artifacts have been carefully preserved and later housed at the Queensland Museum.

Recent Developments and Research

Fast forward to the 21st century, and these artefacts have once again sparked interest. The Annerley Stephens History Group is leading the charge and recently organised a conference to delve deeper into the nature and history of the artefacts.

The event aimed to shed light on the local history, with a focus on the First Nations’ heritage. A key aspect of the conference was to discuss the significance of these artefacts and their connection to the local Indigenous people.

With the consent of Aboriginal elders, a thorough examination of these artefacts has gotten underway to determine their age and deeper historical context.

Toohey Forest Today

Today, Toohey Forest stands as a testament to Brisbane’s rich and diverse history. It is not only a natural sanctuary but also a bridge connecting the present to the past. The discovery of these artefacts has opened a new chapter in understanding the Indigenous heritage of the area, offering insights into the lives and practices of Australia’s First Peoples.

As research continues, Toohey Forest is poised to reveal more of its hidden stories, enriching our understanding of the land and its original inhabitants.

Published 14-Nov-2023

Russ Hall Park in Salisbury Receives Much-Needed Upgrades for Sports Club

Photo Credit: Fc Old Bridge Salisbury/Facebook

Russ Hall Park, a popular recreational hub in Salisbury, has recently undergone significant maintenance and improvement works to enhance the playing surface, much to the delight of the Old Bridge Sports Club.

The park has seen its fields receive much-needed attention as part of the Flood Recovery Renovation Program. These renovations include double pass scarification, a 15mm top dressing, aeration, and fertilisation, with plans for a second round of maintenance scheduled before June 2024. These improvements are vital to prepare the fields for the upcoming sporting season.

Double pass scarification, an essential part of the renovation process, is required for lawns with an excessive thatch layer accumulated over decades. This process helps to remove the thatch build-up, thereby improving the overall quality of the playing surface.

Aeration, another significant component of the upgrade, involves creating small holes in the ground, allowing lawns to absorb more nutrients and water. It also provides adequate oxygen and space for root growth, making it an essential step for maintaining a healthy playing field.

A Collaborative Effort

The maintenance project, which commenced in mid-October 2023, is a collaborative effort funded by both the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Department of Tourism, Innovation, and Sport is actively participating in ensuring the successful execution of the project. The Brisbane City Council has taken charge of the works, marking a continuation of the ongoing field improvement initiatives that began earlier in the year.

Cr Steve Griffiths has played a crucial role in enhancing the facilities at Russ Hall Park, earning recognition and gratitude for his contributions to the project. These developments aim to provide a top-notch playing field for the upcoming football season.

Russ Hall Park: A Hub for Community and Sport

Russ Hall Park covers an area of 33.8 acres and offers an array of recreational opportunities, including walking, family activities, and various sports facilities, such as soccer, basketball, cricket, and bowls courts. Additionally, there’s a netball court for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Visitors can relish its natural beauty and avail of amenities like playgrounds, drinking water, parking lots, and restrooms. The park also provides dog-friendly areas and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for the entire community.

FC Old Bridge: A Symbol of Resilience

FC Old Bridge, the Old Bridge Sports Club, is a football club with a rich history. It was founded on July 27, 1995, by a group of Bosnian refugees who sought shelter in Brisbane during the Bosnian War. The club derives its name from the symbolic Old Bridge in Mostar, a structure that once represented the union of two diverse cultures, religions, and peoples during the Ottoman era.

Tragically, the Old Bridge was destroyed during the conflict in 1993. In honour of this symbol of unity, the founding members of FC Old Bridge decided to name their club after the bridge. They aimed to perpetuate its legacy and the spirit of unity it embodied, symbolising the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Published 27-Oct-2023

Tarragindi Community Garden in Wellers Hill Nominated for 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award

Photo Credit: The Tarragindi Community Garden/Facebook

As the 31 finalists of the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award are unveiled, Tarragindi Community Garden takes the spotlight for its outstanding contributions to sustainability and waste reduction.

A Sustainable Oasis in Wellers Hill

The Tarragindi Community Garden volunteers have been at the forefront of sustainable change in Brisbane, setting an impressive example for the entire community. They go the extra mile by actively composting organic and food waste from various sources, including households, childcare centres, cafes, schools, and businesses.

Notably, their Recycling Hub, an iconic feature, diverts thousands of kilograms of waste from landfill every year. This 24-hour recycling facility effectively tackles challenging waste streams that are otherwise hard to recycle through conventional means.

Impressive Statistics Tell the Story

In the last financial year, the Tarragindi Community Garden, powered by 50 dedicated volunteers, 1800 social members, and over 1000 hours of manpower, achieved remarkable milestones. They recycled 51.6 kilograms of bread tags, approximately 2.5 tonnes of bottle tops, 520 kilograms of metal lids, and assorted metal items.

Furthermore, the group composted over 2400 kilograms of food waste and contributed to a heartwarming cause by sewing 180 reusable nappies for expecting mothers in Papua New Guinea through Rotary Brisbane’s appeal.

The Gindi Garage: A Sustainable Venture

In an exciting new initiative, the Tarragindi Community Garden is currently embarking on a project to create the very first share shed in Tarragindi, aptly named the “Gindi Garage.” Volunteers are constructing the shed using reclaimed building materials salvaged from homes in Tarragindi that are being demolished for modern home developments.

This innovative venture aims to promote a culture of sharing and caring within the community by allowing residents to borrow items and equipment from the Gindi Garage for free, thus reducing excess consumption.

A History of Excellence

The group’s dedication to sustainability and waste reduction has not gone unnoticed. They previously received the WasteSMART Community Award in 2021 and the WasteSMART Outstanding Award in 2022, making them an All-Star finalist for the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award. This recognition underscores their consistent and exceptional contribution towards making Brisbane cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.

Supporting Brisbane’s Sustainability Vision

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, the driving force behind the WasteSMART Awards, encouraged all Brisbane residents to participate in the People’s Choice Award and cast their votes in support of their preferred sustainability champion. As Brisbane continues its journey to become Australia’s cleanest and greenest capital city, these awards play a pivotal role in celebrating and promoting sustainability initiatives throughout the city.

Public voting for the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award is now open and will continue until Monday, October 16. To cast your vote and explore the complete list of finalists, visit the WasteSMART Awards website.

The WasteSMART Awards are administered by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of Brisbane City Council and are proudly sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland, Cleanaway, and The University of Queensland. The winners of the 12 WasteSMART Award categories, which boast a combined prize pool of over $4,000, will be announced at a ceremony to be held at Brisbane City Hall in November.

Published 16-Oct-2023

Work Begins on Transformation of Barr Street Bridge in Tarragindi

Construction has commenced on the Barr Street Bridge in Tarragindi, a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists connecting Shaftesbury Park to the Southeast Freeway Bikeway. The aging wooden bridge is set to be replaced with a modern, three-metre-wide bridge to enhance safety and accessibility for the local community.

The Barr Street Park bridge has served as a crucial connector in the local active transport network, facilitating travel between the Southeast Freeway Bikeway and Shaftesbury Street Park, Tarragindi Recreation Reserve, and the wider southeast network. Recognising the need for improvement, the bridge was selected for an upgrade as part of the Bridges and Culverts Reconstruction and Rehabilitation program.

This renovation will accommodate the increasing number of pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge and enhance its resilience against flooding, aligning with the flood resilience action plan. Funding for this project is being provided jointly by the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program and the Brisbane City Council.

The project includes:

Constructing a new three-meter-wide cyclist and pedestrian bridge, situated approximately five meters north of the existing wooden bridge
Creating a raised three-meter-wide shared pathway connecting Barr Street and Sunshine Avenue.
Erecting a stone retaining wall to stabilize the surrounding terrain
Installing new LED lighting along the pathway
Undertaking topsoiling and landscaping in the vicinity
Removing the existing 1.35-meter-wide wooden bridge

Barr St Bridge Plan — Photo Credit: BrisbaneCityCouncil

To facilitate the project, the removal of two trees has been deemed necessary. However, this will be offset by the planting of new trees within Barr Street Park, in accordance with Council’s environmental policy. Professional arborists will handle tree removal, with safeguards in place to protect the local environment.

During construction, residents in proximity to the site may experience:

The presence of construction machinery and vehicles
Elevated levels of dust, noise, and vibrations
Increased activity by construction workers
Temporary access changes across the creek in Barr Street Park

Notably, the existing bridge will remain operational until the new one is ready, ensuring uninterrupted community connectivity.

For questions and concerns about this project, phone the team at 1800 669 416 during business hours and Council at 07 3403 8888 outside business hours.

Published 10-Oct-2023