The streets of Tarragindi have been transformed into an open-air gallery, with local residents painting vibrant artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the suburb. These eye-catching installations celebrate everything from native wildlife to school milestones, turning everyday street furniture into conversation starters.
Life in Tarragindi
At the corner of Toohey Road and Weller Road, Year 5 and 6 students from Wellers Hill State School have captured the essence of suburban life in their artwork “Life in Tarragindi”. Completed in July 2025 with support from teachers and parent volunteers, the box depicts locally owned businesses, the leafy canopy of Toohey Forest, and scenes of families, pets and children at play. The students incorporated the area’s characteristic rolling hills and city views into their design.
Camp on the Hill
Derek Johnston’s “Camp on the Hill”, located at Toohey Road and Marshall Road, delves into the area’s history and natural environment. Created in August 2016 through Brisbane Visual Arts Community, the artwork references Tarragindi’s naming after a blackbirded Loyalty Island native who worked for a local landowner. The box also features native wildlife from Toohey Forest. The piece was nominated for Overall Winner and Best Organisation awards.
Love Your Unique
Laila Lagilli collaborated with her daughters Safia (7) and Chelsea (11) to create “Love Your Unique” at the intersection of Marshall Road, Birdwood Road and Bapaume Road. Completed in May 2018, the artwork centres on trees as symbols of grounding and growth. Lagilli designed elements specifically to catch children’s attention as they pass by in cars, repositioning the magical qualities of trees that often go unnoticed. The work was nominated for Overall Winner and Best 12 and under categories.
Kookaburra’s Having a Laugh
Belinda Peel’s “Kookaburra’s Having a Laugh” sits at Bapaume Road and Peronne Road, depicting the iconic Australian bird amused by environmentally friendly transport. The November 2017 artwork earned a nomination for Overall Winner and Best Adult.
The Natives
Also at Birdwood Road and Weller Road is “The Natives” by Natalie Peel, created in September 2017 with assistance from Matthew and Su Ann Peel. The box presents a snapshot of Toohey Forest and was nominated for Overall Winner and Best 12 and under awards.
Butterflies in the Breeze
Lizz Robb’s “Butterflies in the Breeze” graces 8 Kogarah Street with bold, fluid forms dancing amongst wildflowers. Completed in July 2025 with family members Bentley, Braxton, Ava, Paityn, Aria and Lettee Phillips, the abstract work uses blues, yellows and greens to create a meditative space celebrating nature’s resilience. The expressive composition invites viewers to find solace in the rhythmic movement of flora and the ethereal flutter of butterfly wings.
100 Years of Wellers Hill State School
Wellers Hill State School students marked another milestone at the Toohey Road pedestrian crossing at Salkeld Street with “100 Years of Wellers Hill State School”. The July 2025 artwork celebrates the school’s centenary from 1926 to 2026, featuring the four school houses (Kangaroo, Koala, Platypus and Emu), mascot Wellie, and the school’s unique Japanese bilingual programme and connection to Japan.
Be a Light for Others
St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School students Chantelle Webb and Lucia Willis, working with artist Lucy Hamer and Learning Enhancement Teacher Jane Goddard, created “Be a Light for Others” at Fernvale Road and Andrew Avenue in July 2025. The artwork honours Nano Nagle, known as the Lady of the Lamp, one of the school’s patron figures. Nagle visited the poor through narrow streets guided by lantern light and laid foundations for Catholic education in Australia.
A Bird’s-Eye View
Quinn van den Berg’s “A Bird’s-Eye View” at Evans Road and Tarragindi Road in nearby Salisbury follows a rainbow lorikeet flying above Toohey Forest. Created in July 2023 with Tasman, Jenni and Lionel van den Berg, the artwork tells the story of a mother caring for her three chicks and finding courage through their journey of learning to fly. The piece features local landmarks and encourages viewers to visit Pegg’s Lookout for their own bird’s-eye perspective of the area.
Swimming Axolotls
Jim and Matilda Strachan added “Swimming Axolotls” near Bapaume Road and Sterculia Ave in March 2022. Painted on a busy road beside a freeway bridge where native Australian birds and animals already adorn the bridge supports, the father-daughter duo chose to feature axolotls, adding another beautiful creature to the local collection.
About Artforce Brisbane
These artworks are part of Artforce Brisbane, an annual community art programme run by Brisbane City Council since 1999. The initiative invites Brisbane residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to paint original artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the city’s suburbs. More than 5,000 volunteers have painted over 1,200 boxes across Brisbane, celebrating local characters, cultures, histories and landmarks while reducing graffiti and vandalism. The programme is managed by Artfully, a Brisbane-based arts consultancy specialising in public art and placemaking. Each year, approximately 80 painting opportunities become available as the council upgrades intersections and replaces old cabinets.
Residents interested in participating can register at the Artforce Brisbane website or email info@artforcebrisbane.com.au for more information.
Published 26-December-2025
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