Jing-Si Books & Café in Salisbury is a vegan café, bookshop and community space rolled into one, offering the kind of unhurried atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in the suburbs of Brisbane.
The café sits at Suite 3, 60 Rosebank Square, and describes itself as a peaceful retreat from the demands of everyday life — a place to slow down, browse, eat well, and simply be. It’s the sort of spot that rewards those who seek it out.
On the food menu, there’s a thoughtful selection of plant-based dishes. The house signature J.S. Rice Bowl comes with grilled tofu, seasonal salad, and rice, while the Bagel Delight is served with seasonal vegetables and the café’s own signature dressing. Dumpling Soup and a pastry with salad round out the light but satisfying offerings — nothing overly elaborate, but carefully considered.
The drinks menu is where Jing-Si really distinguishes itself. Alongside coffee, hot chocolate, and green teas, the café offers a distinctive range of specialty lattes: turmeric, black sesame, multi-grain, black rice, and Hojicha — a Japanese roasted green tea that’s smoky and mellow in character. It’s a line-up you won’t find at your typical suburban café.
The Jing-Si name and café concept has its roots in the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a Taiwanese international humanitarian organisation founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen, whose work spans charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture. Tzu Chi Australia has been active for more than 30 years and opened a Brisbane hall in 2022. The Salisbury café reflects the organisation’s broader mission of fostering community connection and wellbeing, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds.
Jing-Si Books & Café is located at Suite 3/60 Rosebank Square, Salisbury.
Toohey Road in Salisbury is among the roads included in a $110 million resurfacing program covering almost a million square metres of road surface across Brisbane, with the works branded “Operation Smooth” forming part of a broader $1.9 billion transport and infrastructure package for the coming year.
For Tarragindi and Salisbury residents, the resurfacing arrives on a road that has already seen significant recent investment of a different kind, just metres from where koalas and other wildlife now cross safely beneath the bitumen.
A road that runs through Toohey Forest
Toohey Road carries traffic along the edge of Toohey Forest, one of Brisbane’s most significant urban bushland reserves and home to a resident koala population that has long faced the basic problem of needing to cross a busy suburban road to move between habitat areas.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Salisbury sits roughly 12.4 kilometres south of the Brisbane GPO, with Toohey Mountain and its surrounding reserve forming the suburb’s north-eastern boundary.
A purpose-built wildlife underpass on Toohey Road was completed recently, giving koalas and other native animals a dedicated, safe crossing point beneath the road rather than forcing them to navigate traffic at ground level.
The project involved installing fencing fitted with wildlife escape hatches on either side of the underpass to guide animals toward the crossing, along with mulch and natural material placed at the base of the culvert to encourage use and help the structure blend into the surrounding habitat. Some minor finishing touches around the site were completed in early 2026.
The resurfacing works now planned for Toohey Road sit alongside that wildlife infrastructure, meaning the road corridor through this stretch of Salisbury has had a genuinely active year of construction activity, addressing both surface quality for motorists and safe passage for the animals living in the forest beside it.
Connecting suburbs, commuters and bushland
Toohey Road functions as a key connector for residents and commuters travelling between Tarragindi, Salisbury and the broader southern Brisbane network, linking through to Toohey Mountain Reserve and onward toward Sunnybank and Macgregor.
Photo Credit: BCC
Bus route 120 runs along the corridor, connecting Garden City to Brisbane City, with a stop directly at Toohey Forest that has seen its own temporary adjustments during the underpass construction period.
The combination of through-traffic, bus services and proximity to bushland recreation areas makes Toohey Road a road that genuinely earns its place in a resurfacing priority list, carrying enough daily use to justify the investment in a smoother and safer surface.
Next steps for the project
Brisbane’s standard approach to resurfacing involves advance notice to residents and motorists before works begin, with councils typically flagging in advance whether disruption will include night works, temporary lane closures, reduced speed limits or vehicle relocation requirements. A detailed construction schedule for Toohey Road has not yet been released, so the exact timing and duration of works remains to be confirmed.
Once complete, the resurfacing is expected to deliver a smoother, safer driving surface on a road that already represents one of Brisbane’s better examples of balancing traffic infrastructure with wildlife conservation in the same stretch of bitumen.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Photo credit: Queensland Rail
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salisbury receives an 8/10 rating on Lifestyle Photo credit: microburbs.com.au
These businesses in town have further led the owners to assert themselves into fostering a sense of community amongst the people of Salisbury.
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.
Aerial view of former Rocklea Ammunition Factory in Compo Road (Evans Road) in 1946 Photo credit: ozatwar.comPresent-day satellite view of Evans Road Photo credit: Google Maps / google.com/maps
Renowned Hiker Brewing Company in Salisbury is set to launch an exciting and unique creation dubbed the “Olympia” cherry coconut sour beer, named after Brisbane MC and Radio Announcer Olympia Kwitowski.
Whilst many people dream of having parks, bridges, or grandstands named after them, Hiker Brewing is turning the tables on tradition. This new and distinctive brew is a testament to the vibrant character and local spirit of Olympia, known for her work as the Weekend Breakfast Host on 4BC Brisbane.
The Olympia sour beer is a sight to behold, pouring a captivating deep pink hue crowned with a slightly pink head. Crafted through a meticulous process, this delightful concoction is fermented on 180kg of cherry puree and infused with a generous helping of coconut. Upon first sip, a wave of cherry ripe flavours tantalizes the senses, followed by a crisp and refreshing sour finish that beckons for another taste.
So, how did this happen? Olympia had her eye on the emerging Hiker Brewing Company, which was making waves in the local beer scene just up the road from her residence.
As the voice of 4BC Brisbane’s Weekend Breakfast show, Olympia decided to bring attention to this exciting new venture by inviting the brewery’s owners, Phil and Dan, for a chat about their plans and ambitions on her program.
In the midst of several visits to the brewery, Olympia and the Hiker Brewing team hatched an idea that would forever change the beer landscape in Brisbane. “How cool would it be to have my own beer?” Olympia pondered during one of their conversations. And so, the journey began.
Fast forward to 1 Oct 2023, and the Olympia beer will be available for all to enjoy at Hiker Brewery’s Salisbury location, both on tap and in cans. This momentous occasion not only marks the inception of a unique beverage but also celebrates the vibrant synergy between local businesses and influential community figures.
Photo Credit: Hiker Brewing/Facebook
Prepare your taste buds and join Olympia in raising a glass to this unique achievement.
Pioneering farm-to-door company Food Connect has announced its voluntary liquidation, a decision made by fourth-generation dairy farmer Robert Pekin, who established the business after losing his farm.
Founded in 2005 by Robert Pekin and his wife Emma-Kate Rose, Food Connect aimed to create a fairer food system for farmers and buyers by reconnecting consumers with local producers who farmed sustainably. Over the years, the company has worked with more than 120 farmers and producers.
In 2018, the couple launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $4 million in order to purchase the warehouse they had been renting for a decade on Textile Cres in Salisbury. The campaign received support from Australian gardening guru Costa Georgiadis, and the funds were successfully raised within 30 days.
The warehouse, known as Food Connect Shed, became a central hub for the company’s operations.
However, declining customer orders and the increasing costs faced by farmers forced Mr. Pekin to start winding down the business in early 2023. Despite the challenges, he prioritised ensuring that all farmers and producers were paid before filing for voluntary liquidation.
Food Connect Shed Limited, the public unlisted company responsible for operating the warehouse, is not affected by the liquidation and continues to operate as normal, along with its tenants.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Food Connect Shed has become an essential space for various initiatives and organisations. It currently houses OzHarvest, Australia’s largest food rescue organisation, which diverts food that would otherwise go to waste to charities that support those in need.
The warehouse also features for-rent commercial kitchens, hosts local bands, and eco-friendly community events, and supports micro-enterprises with a community or green focus. As Brisbane’s first community-owned food hub, it has provided a stable market for local growers.
Whilst the voluntary liquidation of Food Connect Pty Ltd marks the end of an era for Robert Pekin and Emma-Kate Rose’s pioneering venture, the impact and legacy of their farm-to-door business and community-driven initiatives, as exemplified by Food Connect Shed, will continue to thrive.
A major investigation is underway following a series of fast food outlet robberies in the south of Brisbane, including a shop along Kessels Road in Salisbury and elsewhere in Algester, and Rocklea.
The first incident happened on 15 January 2023, at around 9:30 p.m., wherein three people armed with a firearm and knives, entered a fast food outlet in Springfield and stole cash. They left the vicinity using a 2003 white Ford Falcon utility which was also stolen from Carole Park.
The same group robbed three more businesses across Salisbury, Algester, and Rocklea the next day, 16 January between 9:15 and 9:40 p.m.
Photo credit: Queensland Police
South Brisbane West Acting Detective Inspector Mick Manago said the three people involved are believed to be one male and two females and are suspected to be young adults. Police said they were accompanied by another offender who was waiting outside inside the Ford Falcon utility.
Authorities continue to remind fast food outlets to be extra vigilant and if they notice anything, anyone suspicious, or any suspicious vehicles, to lock their doors and immediately contact police.
Ford Falcon stolen by the armed robbers (Photo credit: Queensland Police)
Although the employees in Springfield were threatened with a firearm and knives, police confirmed no one was physically injured during the robberies across South Brisbane.
However, Inspector Manago said the staff who are working in these businesses, especially the young employees are still traumatised and shaken by what has occurred.
Meanwhile, the vehicle used which was a Queensland registration 120-FG7 was found abandoned near the intersection of Johnson Road and Stapylton Road, Heathwood.
Members of the public who have seen the vehicle in recent days are encouraged to contact Police by providing information as efforts to find the perpetrators of these fast food outlet robberies continue. To report any suspicious activity or provide information, please use the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Learn how to apply first aid during an emergency situation at the special training course offered by The Shed Community Fitness Inc, along Commerce St in Salisbury.
Whether it’s for a job requirement or learning a skill that may be useful one day. It’s good to be prepared during an emergency as first aid training can help save someone’s life. The session at The Shed Community Fitness Inc will take place on Saturday, 25 June 2022, and will be handled by a qualified trainer.
The instructors will be utilising nationally accredited First Aid/CPR training packages recognised by other training organisations, such as the Australian Resuscitation Council and ASQA Guidelines.
The session will cover:
SESSION
TIME
CPR Course
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
First Aid Training (including CPR & Defib)
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Participants may choose to join the CPR course only or as a first aid refresher. Coffee or tea will be provided but participants are expected to bring their own lunch.
Learning first aid isn’t just for medical workers because accidents happen anywhere at any time. Someone with training can help families, loved ones, co-workers, or even strangers.
Trained individuals may fill the gap and prevent tragic outcomes by aiding victims of accidents, cardiac arrest, and heart attack before the first responders arrive.
Did you know that Brisbane will soon have the very first outdoor roller derby court in Salisbury? The sports and recreational site is currently under construction and will transform the unused netball courts at the Salisbury Recreation Reserve.
According to Cr Vicki Howard, the chair of Field Services, six outdated netball courts at the reserve will be transformed into two outdoor roller derby courts based on the community’s request. Speaking with ABC Radio, Ms Howard said that they have been working with the southside roller derby leagues to deliver this request as roller derby has become popular in recent years.
The councillor also said that netballers have moved to other facilities, thus the site has not been used for many years. The remediation of Salisbury Recreation Reserve will also bring more green spaces in the area for the community to use when there are no roller derby practices or games.
Ms Howard expects that the facility will open to the public by the end of March 2022. Brisbane’s other roller derby court is in Stafford in the north but it’s an indoor facility.
Photo Credit: FungaiPhoto/Facebook
Councillor Steve Griffiths also confirmed the remediation work at the reserve.
“Six of the existing netball courts, which are showing significant surface cracking and undulation, will be turned into two roller derby courts,” he said.
“The remaining three netball courts closest to the creek require removal. Turf will be installed in their place, along with drainage and a seating mound within the turfed area.”
Per Brisbane City Council, “The entire hard court area in Salisbury Recreation Reserve will be closed to complete the works and to enable construction to proceed safely. Fencing and signs will outline and enclose the construction area and safe pedestrian access around the site will be maintained at all times.”
For feedback about this project, residents may phone the project team on 1800 669 416 (business hours) or Council at 07 3403 8888 (off-hours).
