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Toowong Locals Prepare for Annual Bowling for Millie Charity Event

A community in Toowong is preparing to gather on the bowling green for a cause close to many hearts, as the West Toowong Bowls Club hosts its annual “Bowling for Millie” fundraiser supporting families affected by epilepsy.

The community event will take place on Sunday, 22 March at the West Toowong Bowls Club, bringing together residents, volunteers and local businesses to raise funds for Epilepsy Queensland.

The initiative began through the efforts of Toowong resident and butcher Tim Walsh from Toowong Village Meats, whose daughter Millie lives with epilepsy and experiences seizures that cannot be controlled by medication.

A Community Event with Personal Roots

The fundraiser was started more than two decades after Millie’s diagnosis, as her family searched for ways to support others facing the same challenges. Millie recently turned 21 and enjoys creative activities such as art, music and dancing. Her family has spent years managing the impact of epilepsy on daily life.

Mr Walsh has said the event is a way for Millie and the family to give something back to Epilepsy Queensland, an organisation that has spent more than 50 years helping families across the state with education, advocacy and practical support.

The event has grown into a strong community effort in Toowong, with the local bowls club, volunteers and nearby businesses contributing time, prizes and support each year.

Local Support Grows Each Year

Last year’s Bowling for Millie community day raised $15,320 for Epilepsy Queensland. This year, the organisers hope the Toowong community will once again come together and match or exceed that total.

Club president Richard Goldsworthy has said the bowls club has always been about more than sport, and that the Bowling for Millie event reflects the strong sense of care within the Toowong community. He noted that the support shown by members, volunteers and local sponsors demonstrates how neighbourhood groups can work together to help families facing difficult health challenges.

The event will include barefoot bowls on the green, live music performances during the afternoon and a range of fundraising activities organised by volunteers.

Entertainment and Fundraising on the Green

Visitors attending the day will find a lively community atmosphere with raffles, auctions and entertainment throughout the event.

One of the major attractions will be a series of premium meat tray raffles supplied by local businesses, alongside auctions featuring sporting memorabilia. Food will also be available through the club’s bistro, along with bar facilities for attendees.

Organisers say the goal is not only to raise funds but also to increase awareness of epilepsy and the support services available to families across Queensland.

Published 5-Mar-2026

Choose-Your-Own Valentine’s: A Vibe-Based Guide to February 14 in Brisbane

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to follow one script. In 2026, plenty of locals are treating February 14 as a choose-your-own night out, whether that’s a proper date, a Galentine’s catch-up with an activity built in, a mixed-group dinner that can turn into a singalong, or a full-send party where singles can actually have fun.

To keep it simple, pick the vibe first and then pick the venue that matches it.

Vibe 1: Low-key romance with a view

If your ideal Valentine’s involves good food, a little scenery, and minimal effort (the best kind), go for a waterside setting or a backdrop that does the heavy lifting.

The Boatshed at the Regatta (Toowong)

A cosy choice for couples who want a relaxed lunch or dinner overlooking the river — intimate without being overly formal, and perfect for a proper chat that isn’t competing with a dancefloor.

Riverland (Brisbane City)

If you’re after “special occasion” energy, this one leans into the setting, with the Brisbane River and Story Bridge as your backdrop. Expect cocktails, shared chef’s specials, and live music from 6:00 p.m. — ideal for a date night that feels like a night out, not just a booking.

Best for: couples, first dates, and anyone who wants something classic without feeling locked into clichés.

Vibe 2: Galentine’s with an activity built in

If your group chat loves a plan that’s more than “we should catch up soon,” choose something hands-on. An activity gives the night momentum, keeps conversation flowing, and (bonus) you leave with a memento.

Everton Park Hotel (Everton Park)

A friendship-forward session with candle-making, bubbly and charcuterie. It’s equal parts wholesome and fun — the kind of afternoon that feels like a treat without requiring anyone to dress up like it’s a formal.

Bonny View Hotel (Bald Hills)

Paint-and-sip is a proven recipe: wine, laughs, and an art result that’s either surprisingly good or proudly chaotic. This one’s a great pick for friends, low-pressure dates, or anyone who wants a social plan that isn’t “sit and stare at each other across a table.” Dinner-only bookings are also available if you’d rather keep it simple.

Best for: besties, workmates, small groups, and people who prefer doing something over “just going out.”

Vibe 3: Dates or mates — the flexible night out

This is the category for mixed groups (couples plus singles), double dates, or anyone who wants a night that can shift gears as it goes — from dinner to entertainment without having to relocate three times.

Cannon Hill Tavern (Cannon Hill)

A full-night format that starts with shared plates, rolls into live jazz from 5:30 p.m., then turns playful with Valentine’s karaoke from 8:00 p.m. It’s the easiest option if you want something that can be romantic, friendly, or both — depending on who turns up and how the night unfolds.

Best for: mixed crews, “let’s keep it open-ended” plans, and anyone who wants dinner and a story afterwards.

Vibe 4: Singles and after-dark energy

If you’re not doing dinner-and-dessert, lean into venues that are unapologetically built for meeting people, dancing, and staying out late. Themes help. Loud music helps. A crowd that’s in on it helps most.

Fridays (Brisbane City)

A Traffic Light Party (plus DJs and glow sticks) makes the whole night feel more social and less awkward — especially if you’re heading out with single friends and want an excuse to talk to strangers without pretending it’s accidental.

Retro’s (Fortitude Valley)

For anyone chasing late-night, dress-up, “main character” energy, Cupid’s Playground is the kind of party where committing to the bit is half the fun. Think bold outfits, big beats, and a dancefloor-first plan.

Best for: singles, party crews, and anyone whose Valentine’s vibe is “no small talk, just music.”

A quick way to choose

Want calm + scenic? Pick Vibe 1.
Want something cute + social? Pick Vibe 2.
Want flexibility for a mixed crew? Pick Vibe 3.
Want loud + late? Pick Vibe 4.

Whatever you’re celebrating on February 14 — romance, friendship, or simply having a great night — the best plan is the one that matches your mood (and your group chat’s energy).

High Street Tunnel in Toowong Gains New Life With Immersive Street Art

Photo Credit: the_tervo.co/Instagram

An overlooked pedestrian tunnel in Toowong has been converted into a large-scale immersive street art space, with Brisbane artists Sofles and Drapl covering the walls and ceiling with bold murals that are attracting attention from locals and visitors. The High Street tunnel, located between the Royal Exchange Hotel and Toowong Village and Train Station, has shifted from a plain walkway into a public art destination designed to brighten daily commutes and encourage community connection.

The project was recently completed following about a week of painting and planning, according to social media posts from organisers and community representatives.

Local Artists Lead Public Space Transformation

The artwork was created by Brisbane-based street artists Sofles and Drapl, both recognised for their work locally and overseas. The pair were selected to transform the tunnel into a fully covered mural environment, using vibrant shapes and layered colour patterns to change the space’s feel.

The project goal is to trial creative ways to improve public infrastructure and reduce the number of plain or ageing spaces across the city. Posts promoting the artwork suggested the tunnel transformation was part of a broader effort to rethink how pedestrian links and underpasses are maintained and used.

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A post shared by Drapl (dr🍏) (@drapl)

The goal was to support local artists while improving shared public areas without increasing costs for residents.

A New Visual Landmark in Toowong

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A post shared by Tervo (@the_tervo.co)

The tunnel sits beneath High Street, linking foot traffic between the Royal Exchange Hotel and Toowong Village, close to Toowong Train Station. Visitors have been encouraged through social media to walk through the tunnel to experience the artwork in person, with organisers highlighting the layered design that surrounds pedestrians from every angle.

Community reaction shared online noted that the colourful design makes the walkway feel safer and more welcoming. The project is being viewed by organisers as a trial for future public art upgrades across Brisbane’s transport and pedestrian networks.

Published 11-Feb-2026

Approved 26-Storey Build-to-Rent Development Site Listed in Toowong

A vacant site in central Toowong with existing approval for a 26-storey build-to-rent tower has been brought to market, presenting an opportunity for developers in one of Brisbane’s most established inner suburbs.

Read: Proposed Toowong Tower Gets Upsized and Reimagined for Build-To-Rent Development

The 1,571 square metre landholding at 58 High Street is being offered by CDL Australia Holdings through Knight Frank via Registrations of Interest. The freehold property features dual street frontage to High Street and Ebor Street.

The site comes with development approval already secured for a 326-apartment, 26-storey residential tower. While the Major Centre zoning permits buildings up to 20 storeys, the existing approval extends beyond this base allowance, positioning the site as construction-ready for potential developers.

Build-to-Rent Model

Artist’s impression of approved development at 58 High Street (Photo credit: Knight Frank)

The approved scheme is designed as a build-to-rent development. Build-to-rent developments differ from traditional apartment buildings in that all units are retained by a single owner and operated as rental properties rather than being sold to individual buyers.

According to the listing agents, the location and transport connectivity suggest strong potential for tenant demand in a build-to-rent model. They point to what they describe as limited supply of rental apartments across inner Brisbane, which could support such a development in the area.

Site Location and Amenity

The High Street site sits within walking distance of Toowong Village shopping centre, Toowong Train Station, and the Regatta Hotel. The Brisbane River foreshore is nearby, while the CBD is located approximately four kilometres to the east. The University of Queensland campus is also accessible from the location.

Transport connections include rail, bus, and ferry services, along with major road networks. The site’s position within Toowong’s commercial and retail precinct provides access to established local amenity.

According to the listing information, the development would offer potential for views across the Brisbane River and CBD skyline, though this would depend on the final design and construction.

Alternative Development Options

While the current approval is for a build-to-rent scheme, the listing indicates that the site could potentially accommodate other residential models. These alternatives include purpose-built student accommodation, co-living developments, build-to-sell apartments, short-term accommodation, or office space, though such options would require fresh applications to Brisbane City Council.

The proximity to the University of Queensland has been noted as a factor that could make the site suitable for student accommodation or co-living concepts, should a purchaser choose to pursue a different development path.

Surrounding Development Activity

Toowong has experienced notable development activity in recent years. The Monarch residential project has reached completion, with most apartments reported to have been pre-sold. The Arc development is scheduled for completion this year, with agents reporting strong demand for remaining stock in these projects.

Read: Toowong Women’s Homelessness Service Creates an Equitable Future for Rebuilding Individuals

Directly across from the High Street site, a significant mixed-use development known as Toowong Central has been proposed. That project, valued at approximately $1 billion, would span a 14,126 square metre site with frontages to High Street, Sherwood Road, and Jephson Street. The development is planned to include retail, office, and communal recreation spaces.

The listing agents have described Toowong as a high-growth precinct with several major projects in the pipeline, suggesting ongoing transformation of the suburb over coming years.

Published 11-February-2026

Toowong to Indooroopilly Commute Slows to 25km/h as Moggill Road Traffic Worsens

Motorists crawling through Toowong during peak hour are experiencing speeds slow enough that an e-scooter could keep pace, with Brisbane’s December 2025 data revealing median traffic speeds below 25 kilometres per hour on Moggill Road.

Read: Toowong Central 58-Storey Proposal Divides Community as Traffic and Height Concerns Dominate

The western suburbs arterial route is among several Brisbane roads where rush-hour traffic moves at very slow speeds. Alongside Logan Road, Stanley Street heading into the city and Vulture Street outbound, Moggill Road recorded median speeds under 25km/h during weekday peak periods.

For Toowong commuters heading west toward Indooroopilly, the situation has deteriorated since before the pandemic. Data shows speeds have dropped compared to pre-pandemic levels, while traffic volume has increased. During afternoon peak periods, an additional 54 vehicles on average now use the Toowong to Indooroopilly section each hour compared to six years earlier.

The 20.6-kilometre Moggill Road corridor connects Toowong to the Moggill Ferry, serving as a vital link for Brisbane’s western suburbs. The stretch through Toowong and Indooroopilly carries particularly heavy loads, moving traffic past commercial centres, dense residential areas and the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

At these crawling speeds, the question arises: could alternative transport actually work? Personal mobility devices including e-scooters can legally reach 25km/h on separated bike paths and certain roads under Queensland law. On footpaths and shared paths, the limit drops to 12km/h unless signs specify otherwise.

The catch is infrastructure. Continuous off-road paths suitable for e-scooter commuting don’t exist along much of the Toowong corridor. Riders wanting to travel at the 25km/h speed limit must use bike lanes on roads with 50km/h limits and no centre dividing line, or physically separated cycling infrastructure. Helmets remain mandatory under state regulations.

Rule violations result in substantial fines. E-scooter riders caught speeding face fines above $500, while using a mobile phone whilst riding will cost more than $1,000. These penalties apply to all personal mobility device users in Queensland.

Recent infrastructure investment has not eliminated congestion on the corridor. The Coonan Street intersection upgrade was designed to ease congestion at one of the corridor’s busiest junctions. Despite this work, December’s speed data indicates ongoing challenges throughout the broader Moggill Road corridor.

Read: Toowong Bikeway Link Moves Ahead After Strong Community Support

The combination of population growth and commercial development in the area contributes to traffic pressure. Cycling infrastructure lacks continuity along parts of the corridor. E-scooters could theoretically match current car speeds, but incomplete paths limit their viability as a commuting option.

The Toowong to Indooroopilly stretch experiences significant peak-hour congestion. The December data highlights ongoing traffic management challenges on the corridor, with current speeds on the route remaining below 25km/h during peak periods.

Published 9-February-2026

Where to Watch Super Bowl LX in Toowong: Regatta Hotel Leads Brisbane’s Game Day Action

When Super Bowl LX kicks off on Monday, 9 February (February 8 US Time), there’s no better place to be in Brisbane than the Regatta Hotel. The iconic Toowong venue on Coronation Drive is pulling out all the stops for what’s become one of the year’s most anticipated sporting events, and they’re making sure locals have every reason to settle in for the spectacle.

Read: Regatta Hotel in Toowong Marks 150-year Milestone with Weekend Festival

The Regatta’s approach to Super Bowl LX goes well beyond simply switching on the telly. Screens throughout the riverside venue will be broadcasting the game live and loud, ensuring you won’t miss a single tackle, touchdown, or time-out. The multi-screen setup means groups of mates can spread out without sacrificing their view of the action, and the venue’s various spaces cater to different vibes—from those wanting to be in the thick of the atmosphere to punters preferring a slightly more relaxed setting.

What’s really setting the Regatta apart this year is their week-long celebration of American cuisine. Running from 1 February through to game day on the 9th, the kitchen is serving a lineup of stateside classics that goes well beyond standard pub fare.

The menu features generous portions designed for sharing—or not sharing, no judgement here. Foot-long baguette toasties, loaded nachos piled high, a full kilogram of wings for those with serious appetites, classic po’boy sandwiches, and the venue’s popular dawg basket round out the American-themed offerings.

Other Brisbane Venues Getting in on the Action

While Toowong claims the Regatta as its Super Bowl headquarters, several other Brisbane pubs are creating their own game day experiences for those based elsewhere in the city.

The Lord Alfred at Petrie Terrace is taking a competitive approach to their Super Bowl broadcast, with games and giveaways running alongside the on-field action. Their kitchen is preparing special menu items tailored for game day, including breakfast burritos for early arrivals, chicken and waffles for those wanting something substantial, and loaded dogs for easy eating whilst keeping eyes on the screen. The wall-to-wall coverage and chef specials create an atmosphere that’s as much about the shared experience as the game itself.

Over on Edward Street in the CBD, Port Office Hotel is offering two distinct packages for those who want their Super Bowl experience sorted in advance. The Game Day Package runs $55 per person and includes a curated selection of American-style food throughout the broadcast. For those wanting to make a proper session of it, there’s an optional beverage upgrade that extends for four hours—more than enough to cover the game and halftime show. The venue’s screens will be broadcasting every moment, and the package approach means you can lock in your spot and your feed in one booking.

In Fortitude Valley, Finn McCool’s is thinking bigger, transforming Brunswick Street Mall into an outdoor Super Bowl festival. Temporary bars will be set up alongside massive screens, creating a street party atmosphere that’s unique among Brisbane’s viewing options. The venue is offering both basic and premium all-inclusive packages starting from $109 per person, covering food, drinks, and entertainment. Games and giveaways will run throughout the broadcast, and the American-themed menu keeps the stateside vibe flowing.

Read: Statue Planned for Merle Thornton Near Regatta Hotel in Toowong

Making the Most of Game Day

The Monday morning timing presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Kick-off at 10:40am means most venues will be opening their doors well before their usual hours. It’s become something of a tradition for fans to take the day off work, treating the Super Bowl LX as the cultural event it’s evolved into rather than just another sporting match.

With multiple venues across Brisbane gearing up for capacity crowds, anyone planning to attend should contact their chosen pub sooner rather than later. Package bookings at some venues are already filling up, and walk-ins on the day might find themselves watching from the footpath rather than from a comfortable seat with a clear view.

Whether you’re a die-hard NFL supporter who knows the difference between a safety and a field goal, or someone who just enjoys the spectacle and the excuse for American comfort food on a Monday morning, Toowong and Brisbane’s pubs have created options to suit every level of fandom.

Published 5-February-2026

Toowong School’s Seven Perfect Scorers Missing from State’s Top ATAR List — Here’s Why

Seven students from a Toowong school achieved perfect scores last year, yet none of them appear in Queensland’s official count of 37 top ATARs. It’s not an administrative error—it’s because the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology teaches a different curriculum altogether.

Read: Better Education Rankings: QASMT in Toowong Tops Queensland’s Best Schools for Years 7-10

While QASMT’s academic excellence rarely surprises Brisbane anymore, this statistical quirk highlights something many parents and students still don’t understand about the International Baccalaureate system. The seven students earned perfect scores equivalent to an ATAR of 99.95, but because they weren’t assessed through Queensland’s standard system, their achievements went uncounted in the state’s official tally released by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre.

Principal Kath Kayrooz said 2025 marked the school’s strongest year 12 result to date, with the perfect scorers forming part of a broader cohort of exceptional achievers. But she emphasised that the numbers tell only part of the story.

Photo credit: Facebook/Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology

What makes her most proud, Kayrooz said, is the young people behind the results—students who know themselves, feel supported, and are thoughtful, empathetic individuals who care about the world and those in it.

The 2025 graduating class holds particular significance as only the second cohort to complete the full six-year IB programme since the school expanded in 2019. Previously, QASMT only catered to students in years 10 to 12, but the addition of the IB Middle Years Programme for years 7 to 9 allowed students to develop within the international curriculum from an earlier age.

Kayrooz credited this extended pathway as instrumental to the students’ success, explaining that having completed six years of the IB programme, the students learned in an environment that values both high expectations and wellbeing.

The 2025 school captain, who started at QASMT in year 7 in 2020, said the IB system shaped her into a well-rounded person. She said one of the main reasons she decided to come to QASMT was the people and the environment.

Why IB students don’t appear in ATAR rankings

The International Baccalaureate differs fundamentally from Queensland’s traditional system. Unlike Queensland’s ATAR system, IB students must balance six subjects while completing three core components: Theory of Knowledge (a philosophy-based subject examining how we know what we know), Creativity, Activity, Service (community engagement and personal growth experiences), and an Extended Essay (a 4000-5000 word self-directed research project).

This breadth sometimes means students sacrifice potential ATAR points to pursue genuine interests. One year 12 graduate discovered a passion for Latin through the school’s mandatory foreign language requirement.

One incoming 2026 school captain explained that while students can pursue their passions, the IB requires them to have multiple passions. He added that they have more flexibility in that they can pursue what they are passionate about, but they need to have multiple passions.

A fellow 2026 captain noted that despite QASMT’s reputation as a STEM specialist school, she’d pursued extensive sporting opportunities.

The selective-entry school accepts 224 students into year 7 annually, with capacity for several dozen more in its year 10 intake. Last year’s fees were $2600 for the IB Diploma Programme and approximately $1030 for the Middle Years Programme, though the state revises costs annually.

QASMT has a national Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage percentile of 99 out of 100, with about 80 per cent of students from the top socioeconomic quarter. Just over half the students are male, and 64 per cent come from a language background other than English. Most students’ families live locally in Toowong and surrounding suburbs.

Kayrooz said the school receives far more applications than it can accept under current student caps managed by the Education Department. Last year, QASMT launched a pathways programme for high-achieving year 7 applicants who would have been accepted if enrolments were higher, guaranteeing them year 10 enrolment while providing access to some school resources and teachers during years 7 to 9.

The principal said it saddened her to turn away highly capable students, and she didn’t want these applicants and their parents to feel they didn’t deserve a position. Thirty-two students registered for the inaugural program.

Read: Transport Strategies Targeting QASMT Safety and Accessibility Concerns Discussed

The Toowong campus, of the state’s three selective-entry academies teaching the IB programme, is the only one offering education below year 10. Its facilities include a telescope, VR workspaces, STEM and language hubs, and a university-style library housing the robotics makerspace.

For the seven perfect scorers and their classmates, the IB’s broader educational philosophy appears to have paid dividends, even if their achievements won’t show up in Queensland’s official statistics.

Published 30-January-2026

Toowong Central 58-Storey Proposal Divides Community as Traffic and Height Concerns Dominate

Proposed billion-dollar development Toowong Central has generated more than 500 public submissions, making it one of the most heavily scrutinised projects in the city’s recent history.

Read: Brisbane’s Tallest Suburban Towers on Hold: Toowong Central Redevelopment Update

The ambitious proposal by Verso Projects would see three residential towers ranging from 49 to 58 storeys constructed in the heart of Toowong – approximately double the local height limit. The scale of public engagement ranks among the highest responses to Brisbane developments in the past decade, surpassed only by projects such as the Mt Coot-tha zip line proposal, which attracted over 2,000 comments.

Community Concerns Mount Over Traffic and Height

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692

Approximately two-thirds of the public submissions have objected to Toowong Central, with traffic congestion emerging as the most significant concern amongst residents. Many locals fear the development will exacerbate existing problems in what is already recognised as one of Brisbane’s most congested areas.

Residents have expressed worry that the project will worsen the scarcity of street parking and add further strain to the Sherwood Road and High Street intersection, a notorious bottleneck during peak periods. One submission noted that Toowong is already struggling with traffic flow and urged the project to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling connections rather than encouraging additional car usage.

The proposed building heights have also drawn substantial criticism. At 58 storeys, the tallest tower would dwarf the neighbouring Toowong Village shopping centre, which has stood at approximately 20 storeys as the area’s tallest building since its controversial approval in the 1980s. Several submissions argued the towers would appear oppressive and out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood, blocking natural light to existing apartments and businesses.

Some community members have called for an entirely different approach to the site, suggesting it should be transformed into green space that could serve as habitat for native wildlife and recreational areas for local residents.

Local councillor Penny Wolff and state Greens MP Michael Berkman have both lodged formal submissions opposing the proposed building heights. Berkman’s submission went further, calling for 25 per cent of the new homes to be allocated as affordable housing if any development exceeding the height limit receives approval. He also raised concerns about the amount of green space included in the plans.

Developer Defends Vision as Fair Trade-Off

Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey has maintained that the proposal represents a genuine plan rather than an excessive opening position in negotiations. He emphasised that the company could have alternatively constructed six code-assessable buildings on the amalgamated site with similar dwelling yields, which would have left the public with no opportunity to provide input or challenge the plans in court.

Mr Laffey argued that building higher allows the developer to deliver 5,500 square metres of public open space, which the company hopes to activate with markets, buskers, outdoor movie nights and other community events. He drew comparisons to West Village in West End, suggesting Toowong Central could similarly transform its suburb.

According to Mr Laffey, Toowong currently functions primarily as a transit point, with limited reasons for people to remain in the area beyond work commitments. He believes this transient nature actually contributes to traffic generation.

Addressing traffic concerns directly, Mr Laffey cited company modelling indicating the development would add only two cars per traffic light cycle. He attributed this minimal impact to the site having three street access points, contrasting it with Toowong Village’s single access point. The company had anticipated the substantial public response and viewed it positively, believing the community wanted transparency about the project’s future.

Mr Laffey noted that many respondents appeared unaware that Verso had amalgamated a significantly larger site than previous developers, allowing greater separation between the three towers.

Mixed Support and Path Forward

Not all feedback has been negative. Approximately one-third of submissions supported the project, with some residents welcoming over 1,000 new apartments in an inner-city location where housing is really needed. Supporters highlighted potential benefits including improved pedestrianisation between the development and Toowong Village train station, new amenities such as gym facilities, and infrastructure appropriate for a city preparing to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

Verso Projects is still determining whether the towers will comprise build-to-rent, build-to-sell, or a combination of both models. The three towers would be constructed atop stage one, which includes basement parking and podium-level retail, minimising disruption while activating the area progressively.

Read: $1 Billion Toowong Central Precinct Proposed to Transform Inner West

The developer is targeting council approval around mid-year, with hopes to begin construction by the end of 2025 and complete the project before the 2032 Games. Full details of development application A006836692 are available on Brisbane’s developmenti portal.

Published 26-January-2026

Architectural Photographer Richard Stringer of Toowong Receives Australia Day of Honours

Marguerite Stringer / Museums of History NSW

Architectural photographer Richard Stringer of Toowong has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to architectural photography, education and history.

The 89-year-old Toowong resident has spent over six decades documenting Queensland’s built environment, creating an archive of more than 63,000 negatives now held at the State Library of Queensland. His photographs captured many of Brisbane’s historic buildings before demolition, preserving visual records that would otherwise be lost.

Forensic Precision Meets Architectural History

Stringer arrived in Brisbane in 1963 after studying architecture at the University of Melbourne. He joined renowned architect James Birrell’s practice at the University of Queensland, where architecture and photography merged into his life’s work.

His photographic approach treats the medium as forensic documentation rather than artistic interpretation. This technical precision means his images serve as detailed records of structural design and architectural elements that researchers and historians now rely on to understand Queensland’s architectural evolution.

Photographed by Richard Stringer — *Photo Credit: Richard Stringer / QAGOMA*

The State Library of Queensland’s acquisition of his complete archive ensures permanent public access to this visual history spanning Brisbane’s dramatic transformation from the 1960s onwards.

Preserving Brisbane’s Vanished Spaces

Stringer’s most valuable contribution came through capturing buildings destined for demolition. His photographs of the Bellevue Hotel precinct and other lost buildings provide some of the most detailed visual records of these spaces.

This archival thinking set him apart. Rather than creating promotional images, Stringer built a comprehensive record of Queensland’s architectural heritage, photographing buildings at different life stages including decay and demolition.

Teaching and Professional Recognition

Beyond photography, Stringer influenced countless architects and photographers through decades of teaching. The Toowong Australia Day recipient holds Honorary Life Membership with the Institute of Modern Art and Fellowship with the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

In 2003, the University of Queensland awarded him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy for documenting the state’s cultural legacy. His work reached wider audiences through exhibitions, notably Pleasure of Place at QAGOMA in 2013-2014.

What This Means for Toowong

The recognition highlights how one resident’s meticulous work over 60 years created an irreplaceable public resource. Stringer’s archive doesn’t just document buildings, it preserves visual evidence of how Brisbane transformed from a regional city into a modern metropolis.

For Toowong residents, having a neighbour recognised nationally for work benefiting all Queenslanders demonstrates the area’s role as home to people making lasting cultural contributions. His archive will serve researchers and the public for generations, long after the buildings themselves have vanished.

Published 26-January-2026.

Toowong Bikeway Link Moves Ahead After Strong Community Support

More than 1,100 people on bikes and e-scooters travel the Sylvan Road Bikeway corridor each weekday in Brisbane’s inner west, despite the route running directly alongside traffic with no physical separation. Plans are now advancing for a protected bikeway through Toowong.

Early works are expected to start from mid-2026, with a target completion in 2028, after community consultation held in June 2025. The project is backed by a Queensland cycling grant supporting the design phase and a $5 million federal contribution announced on 27 February 2025, towards an estimated $12 million total cost.

A Key Link Between Two Major Bikeways

Sylvan Road is a key connection between two major off-road routes: the Bicentennial Bikeway near the river and the Western Freeway Bikeway. Council describes the project as part of local network improvements around Sylvan Road and nearby intersections, aimed at making trips smoother and safer for more people moving through Toowong.

The route has also been highlighted in cycling safety reporting, including BikeSpot material that collects and maps locations riders consider unsafe.

Strong Community Support

Council’s community engagement update reports strong support for protected infrastructure on Sylvan Road. It says 93 per cent of respondents believed a separated bikeway would have a positive or very positive effect on their travel, while 94 per cent said they would feel very safe or somewhat safe using Sylvan Road if a separated bikeway was installed.

The consultation summary also reports concerns about avoiding crashes, unsafe turning movements and limited crossing options. It notes people asked for safer crossings, slower traffic speeds, wider footpaths, better lighting and more greenery to improve comfort for everyone using the street.

Alongside separated bike lanes, Council’s update also points to work around major junctions connected to Sylvan Road, including Croydon Street, Jephson Street and Milton Road. Council says it is working toward concept designs in early 2026, with detailed design expected later in the year, and construction timing dependent on how the design develops.

Council’s “Your Say” page for the project describes Sylvan Road as a popular cycling route linking the two bikeways and says there is an opportunity to improve safety for walking, riding and scooting, including at key intersections.

Published 23-Jan-2026