Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) Secondary School chess players are set to compete in the Interschool Chess State Finals following standout performances in the qualifying stage.
The Premier Team, consisting of Austin Chen (Year 11), Daniil Yelkhovsky (Year 11), Martin Chen (Year 7) and Suvan Nag (Year 10), placed second overall. Co-Captain Austin Chen also achieved first place on Board 1, while Suvan Nag took first on Board 3. Their results placed the team among the top schools in Queensland and confirmed their progression to the state competition.
Alongside the Premier Team’s success, BBC’s A Team also delivered a strong performance. The team, made up of Aiden Park (Year 9), Bryan Kang (Year 10), Helitha Muthumuni (Year 12) and Ometh Perera (Year 9), finished third overall. The achievement highlighted the depth of talent within the school’s chess program, which continues to produce consistent results across multiple levels.
Championship Background
The finals are part of the Official Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships, managed by Gardiner Chess. Established in 2002, Gardiner Chess is the longest-running chess organisation in Queensland, providing coaching programs across schools and hosting tournaments for juniors and adults. The championships give students across the state an opportunity to test their skills in a structured competitive setting.
BBC has encouraged the local community to support its chess teams during the GPS Season in Toowong. After completing their GPS fixtures, the players will shift their focus to preparing for the Interschool Chess State Finals, where they will represent their school against Queensland’s best-performing teams.
Parking is often a key part of the shopping experience, and at Toowong Village it has become a topic of discussion among Brisbane locals. The centre’s car park, which serves a busy retail and transport hub, is frequently mentioned in online forums where shoppers share their experiences of navigating its layout.
Some drivers describe the car park’s design as challenging, particularly because of its one-way system. Social media posts note that motorists can feel as though they are being channelled in specific directions, with limited opportunities to loop back if they miss a space. In some cases, this has resulted in drivers unintentionally exiting the car park before they were ready.
Tight Ramps and Narrow Turns
Comments also highlight the ramps between levels, which feature narrow corners that can be difficult to navigate, especially for larger vehicles. A number of drivers have admitted to scraping their cars on tight turns, while others recall moments of confusion at small internal roundabouts and intersections.
Part of a Wider City Conversation
Photo credit: Google Street View
Toowong Village is far from the only shopping centre to generate such feedback. Across Brisbane, drivers often raise concerns about congestion, steep ramps or crowded designs in suburban car parks. These conversations, while informal, point to the ongoing challenge of balancing convenience, safety and space in busy retail precincts.
For regular visitors, Toowong Village remains a convenient shopping and transport destination, with parking experiences varying widely depending on the time of day and individual familiarity with the layout.
As Brisbane continues to grow and redevelop its suburban hubs, parking design is likely to remain a talking point for shoppers and planners alike. For centres like Toowong Village, the way motorists experience car parks can shape not only how people shop, but also how they move through and interact with the surrounding precinct.
A Toowong home that fell victim to a serious termite infestation has successfully found new owners, going under contract after being listed for offers above $850,000.
The three-storey property at 38 Richer Street became an unexpected renovation project when the current owners discovered extensive termite damage during the early stages of their planned improvements. The discovery forced them to partially gut sections of the home to properly address the pest invasion.
Doug Disher Real Estate agent Toby Disher handled the unique sale, presenting the property’s circumstances with refreshing honesty. The listing acknowledged the challenging situation the owners faced when their renovation dreams were derailed by the unwelcome discovery.
After professional pest control specialists dealt with the termite colony and installed appropriate preventative measures, the owners found themselves at a crossroads. They could either continue with extensive repairs and renovations, or pass the opportunity on to someone better equipped to handle such a comprehensive project. An unexpected job offer overseas ultimately helped make their decision.
The architecturally designed home boasts multiple outdoor entertaining areas and living spaces across its three levels. The middle floor features polished timber flooring, while the upper level houses a parents’ retreat. Polished concrete can be found on the ground level.
However, the termite damage was clearly visible in listing photographs, showing sections where decking boards had been removed and interior wall sheeting stripped away during the treatment process. The extensive nature of the infestation required significant intervention to ensure the property was properly remediated.
Despite the obvious challenges, the property attracted considerable attention from potential buyers. The sale includes all renovation materials and fixtures that were originally intended for the owners’ planned improvements. These items comprise bathroom fittings such as basins, mixers, shower components, toilets, mirrors and vanities, plus flooring materials including premium Kwila decking and Gastone Carrara White tiles for floors and walls.
The property sits on a 379-square-metre block with an interesting access arrangement – shared access from Richer Street and 24 metres of frontage along Horrocks Street, potentially allowing for separate private access to be created in the future.
Location-wise, the home enjoys proximity to several prestigious educational institutions. It’s positioned within walking distance of Stuartholme School and falls within the Rainworth State School catchment area. Families also have convenient access to Brisbane Boys’ College and the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), while The University of Queensland lies less than five kilometres away by road.
The unusual nature of the sale clearly resonated with Brisbane property hunters, with the listing becoming the most-viewed residential property advertisement across Queensland during its first week on the market.
For someone with the right skills and connections, this property represents an opportunity to take on a comprehensive renovation project with many materials already included. The challenge of restoring a termite-damaged home may seem daunting to some, but for buyers with experience in property renovation, it could prove to be a rewarding project with significant potential once complete.
The successful sale demonstrates that even properties with pest history can find appreciative buyers when priced appropriately and marketed with transparency about their condition.
A $1 billion proposal for the Toowong Central precinct has been lodged, outlining plans for three high-rise towers, new retail and office space, and a network of public plazas that would reshape the heart of Brisbane’s inner west.
The application, lodged by Verso Development Group and designed by Kerry Hill Architects with landscape input from PWP and Urbis, outlines the creation of “Toowong Central,” a 14,126-square-metre precinct bounded by Sherwood Road, Jephson Street, and High Street.
Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692
Central to the proposal (A006836692) are three residential towers rising to 58, 55 and 49 storeys. Together, they would deliver 1,104 apartments across one to four-bedroom layouts, including penthouses.
Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692
Each tower would feature “slot gardens” to break up the vertical form, contributing to a subtropical aesthetic. The proposed heights are more than double the 25 storeys permitted under the current Toowong–Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan.
The development site, now largely vacant, sits directly opposite Toowong Village and the train station. It was previously home to one of the suburb’s earliest supermarkets — a standalone Woolworths that traded until 2017.
Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692
At podium level, Toowong Central is planned to host more than 12,000 square metres of retail and dining, anchored by a full-line supermarket, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes. Office tenancies are also proposed, reflecting demand for flexible workplace options in Brisbane’s inner west.
A strong focus has been placed on open space and community areas, with 4,500 square metres of landscaped gardens, rooftop terraces, recreation decks and pools for residents. Four major public spaces are planned, including Sherwood Plaza on Sherwood Road, High Street Park, a civic central plaza, and Jephson Terrace, which steps down to Jephson Street. These areas are designed for outdoor dining, water play, art installations and informal gatherings.
Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692
Community Concerns
However, concerns have been raised about the development. Greens MP Michael Berkman points out that while the DA breaches existing height limits, there is no commitment to affordable housing.
He argues that if Council allows towers above the planning cap, at least 25% of the new apartments should be dedicated as affordable homes. On the green space promises, the developers advertise 14,191 m² of “greenspace,” but Berkman calls this misleading.
Only 16.7% of the site would be genuinely public green space, with the rest made up of private gardens, planter boxes, and vertical green walls. He also notes that just 6% of the site is allocated for deep planting—below the 10% code minimum—describing the current approach as “greenwashing.”
Site and Location
Town planning firm Urbis, which prepared an assessment report for Toowong Central Investment Holding Pty Ltd, said the scheme made efficient use of the irregularly shaped block, which fronts three major streets. Landscape architects have described the precinct as an “urban forest” concept, drawing inspiration from Toowong’s history as a gathering place.
With direct access to Toowong Station and the Bicentennial Bikeway, the development aims to establish itself as both a residential hub and lifestyle destination.
The DA is now under review by Council. A public notification period will follow, giving residents the opportunity to lodge submissions about the proposal. If approved, Toowong Central would be one of Brisbane’s most significant urban renewal projects, reshaping the suburb’s skyline and redefining its civic heart.
The 2025 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education have been celebrated in Toowong, recognising students, educators, and schools across Queensland for outstanding contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Toowong was the centre of recognition for the 22nd annual Peter Doherty Awards, which acknowledged the achievements of Queensland students, teachers, schools and education partners. A total of 28 recipients were named across eight categories, each receiving $5,000 to support future learning, professional development or STEM initiatives.
Photo Credit: QASMT
Queensland Academy Students Among Winners
Three students from the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology were recognised in the Outstanding Senior STEM Student category. Claire Kong was awarded for her research into human papillomavirus and cervical cancer immunotherapies, with her work presented nationally and internationally. Fellow recipients from the school included Ermia Firouzabadi and Katherine Lu.
Other Student Awardees
Students from across the State were represented among the winners. Crystal Tsao from Brisbane State High School, Deeva Hero from All Saints Anglican School, and Lily Gochee from Cairns State High School were among the 15 recipients recognised for their senior STEM achievements. Awards were also presented to students from Kawana Waters State College, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Gordonvale State High School, and Merrimac State High School.
Special Categories in 2025
The awards extended to additional categories. Brianna Freeman-Robinson from Highfields State Secondary College received recognition as the Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior STEM Student. Rural and remote awards went to Katelyn Worsnop from Charters Towers School of Distance Education and Priya Taylor-Sidhu from Emerald State High School.
Photo Credit: QASMT
Teachers and Support Officers Recognised
Educators were acknowledged for their contribution to STEM learning, including Cassie Day of Rochedale State High School and Wendy Agnew of Indooroopilly State High School. Timothy Bateup from Roma State College received the rural and remote teacher award, while Hilary Maloney from Proserpine State High School was recognised as an Outstanding STEM Support Officer.
Partnerships and School Contributions
The STEM Education Partnership Awards highlighted Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre and The University of Queensland. These organisations were acknowledged for their continued role in advancing STEM opportunities across Queensland schools.
Background to the Awards
The awards, named after Brisbane-born Nobel Prize recipient Professor Peter Doherty, began in 2004 and reached their 22nd year in 2025. The program was launched to highlight innovation and commitment to STEM learning, with past winners going on to lead in areas including immunology, astrophysics, and sustainable technology.
Nominations for the 2026 round of awards will open in Term 1, 2026. Winners are encouraged to use their awards for further study, professional development, and expanded STEM opportunities.
A well-known block in the heart of Toowong has been bought for $9.5 million by a Gold Coast-based developer, sparking local interest about its future, though no development application has been submitted yet.
A Central Toowong Location Draws Developer Interest
Immerse Projects stepped into Brisbane’s apartment market in July with the $9.5 million purchase of a prominent Toowong site. Located at 22–24 Sylvan Road, the 1,760-square-metre block sits beside the Regatta Hotel and stretches across two street frontages.
It’s within walking distance of shops, schools, hospitals, and key public transport links. CBRE said the zoning supports mixed-use development up to 10 storeys without impact assessment. Despite this, no development application has been lodged and plans for the site remain under wraps.
Immerse Projects Expands North from the Gold Coast
Immerse Projects, known for its work on the Gold Coast, has made its first Brisbane land buy with the Toowong site. The company is eyeing a residential project suited to the area, according to CBRE.
Any future development would still require planning approval. CBRE also noted rising demand for inner-city sites and a growing presence of builder-developers like Immerse in Brisbane.
Toowong at the Centre of Renewal
Toowong is already seeing a shift in its urban landscape. In recent years, large parcels such as the Aviary precinct and Monarch Residences have attracted investment interest and major projects. Locals have watched as older retail sites and former industrial blocks are bought up for future housing and mixed-use developments.
The new owner’s interest adds to the suburb’s momentum, though the absence of a formal DA means the community is waiting to see what form the next change may take. For now, the site remains vacant and unchanged, though its potential has clearly caught attention.
What Happens Next?
With no development application lodged, there are no confirmed designs or timelines for the Toowong site. Residents near Sylvan Road and the Regatta Hotel are keeping watch for planning notices or public consultation.
As of early August, Brisbane City Council records show no new applications. Immerse Projects’ plans remain unclear and will depend on future approvals and community input.
Police included Toowong Village in a series of public weapon scanning operations across Queensland, though no weapons or charges were recorded at the site.
Toowong Village was one of several public sites scanned under the expanded provisions of Queensland’s Jack’s Law. The law, named after 17-year-old Jack Beasley, was introduced following his fatal stabbing in Surfers Paradise in 2019. It permits police to use handheld metal detectors to search individuals in public without requiring reasonable suspicion. Initially trialled in designated precincts, the law was later expanded across the state. From April 2023 to June 2025, police scanned over 122,000 individuals and seized more than 1,100 weapons.
Photo Credit: QPS
Wanding Operation Data: Toowong Among Low-Detection Sites
Between January and March 2025, Queensland Police scanned over 12,400 people across various locations including shopping centres, public transport hubs, and nightlife precincts. At Toowong Village, 10 individuals were scanned—seven adults and three juveniles. No weapons were detected, and no charges were laid. Other Brisbane locations, such as Chermside and Westfield Mt Gravatt, recorded multiple detections, in contrast to Toowong.
Overview of Police Powers Under Jack’s Law
The Making Jack’s Law Permanent Act 2025 amended the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, granting Queensland Police authority to conduct random scans in shopping centres, transport stations, entertainment venues, and other public places. Officers may also seek approval to scan in non-designated locations for up to 12 hours. This shift marks a significant increase in police search powers, removing the prior requirement for reasonable suspicion.
Community and Expert Perspectives
The expanded law has received mixed responses. Some academics and legal experts expressed concern over the low rate of weapon detection and the potential for misuse, noting that only 2.4 per cent of scanned individuals were charged with weapons offences between January and March 2025. Others cautioned that the law may lead to discriminatory practices. Police maintain the primary purpose is deterrence, and that the removal of more than 1,100 weapons under the law indicates success.
Although no weapons were found at Toowong Village, its inclusion in the wanding operation reflects the broader application of Jack’s Law across all public areas in Queensland. The ongoing implementation of these powers suggests continued surveillance in shopping centres and similar venues, with future outcomes dependent on ongoing data and public safety assessments.
Toowong joins a Brisbane-wide community initiative to make blood donation easier, with a mobile donor centre operating from the Wests Bulldog Rugby Club as part of Lifeblood’s plan to gather 10,000 extra donations in the year ahead.
The pop-up blood donor site will take appointments on 18 August 2025 and will remain open through 22 August. The centre will return to the same venue twice more this year—first from 7 to 10 October, and again from 10 to 14 November—giving Toowong residents several opportunities to take part.
By hosting the mobile centre at the rugby club on Sylvan Road, Lifeblood hopes to make donating more convenient for people living and working in Toowong. The move is part of a growing effort to bring essential health services directly into neighbourhood spaces where people already spend time.
These mobile donor sites operate from trusted local venues and are packed up after each scheduled visit, allowing the program to rotate across Greater Brisbane without the need for permanent infrastructure.
According to Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh, the mobile centres are designed to reduce common barriers that prevent people from giving blood. These include travel time, location, and schedule clashes. By meeting people in their own communities, she said Lifeblood can help increase the likelihood of regular donations.
The goal is to collect an extra 10,000 donations over the next 12 months across all participating suburbs. Other locations in the rotation include Mt Gravatt, Mt Ommaney, Springfield, Cleveland, Victoria Point, and Holland Park.
Toowong’s involvement in the initiative is an important step in making donation part of everyday life in the suburbs.
Make a Booking in Toowong
To donate at the Wests Bulldog Rugby Club, residents can book an appointment online at lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or use the Donate Blood app. Walk-ins may also be accepted, depending on availability, but bookings are encouraged to avoid waiting and help staff prepare for the day.
With demand for blood high year-round, Lifeblood is urging locals to get involved. Each donation can help up to three people, and every appointment adds to a stable supply that hospitals across Queensland depend on.
A Mediterranean delicatessen showcasing traditional Greek products has officially opened in Toowong, offering locally and internationally sourced pantry staples.
Yiayia’s Pantry, located on Morley Street in Toowong, is a Greek-Australian delicatessen founded by Toula Manias. Inspired by her heritage, the store is named in honour of the traditional home-style meals shared among Greek families. The shop focuses on authentic Mediterranean ingredients, many of which reflect Ms Manias’ cultural background.
The Toowong store stocks a curated range of goods including premium Greek olive oils, traditional cheeses such as halloumi, kasseri, and kefalograviera, and an array of mezze items. The selection features products from both local suppliers and overseas producers. Customers can also purchase house-marinated olives and imported European varieties by weight.
Frozen Meals and Convenience Foods
In addition to pantry items, Yiayia’s Pantry offers a freezer section with pre-prepared Greek comfort meals. Options include moussaka, pastitsio, and souvlaki, aimed at customers seeking traditional dishes without the need for home cooking. These ready-to-bake items have become a notable highlight among early visitors.
Photo Credit: Yiayia’s Pantry/Instagram
Exclusive Product Range Introduced
The store is the exclusive Brisbane stockist of the Papayiannides Elaitis line—sauces and jams imported directly from Greece. The brand includes bold flavour combinations, including varieties like raspberry and ouzo. These products are promoted as distinct in both taste and origin, not available in other local stores.
Photo Credit: Yiayia’s Pantry/Instagram
Early Public Reception
Initial reactions from customers have been positive, with many expressing interest in the prepared meals and rare product range. Community comments online highlighted the uniqueness of the items, especially the frozen moussaka and pasta dishes, which were described as standout options.
Yiayia’s Pantry in Toowong has positioned itself as a dedicated source of Mediterranean cuisine and products, with a focus on cultural authenticity and accessibility. As the business establishes itself, the store is expected to draw continued local attention through its specialty offerings and Greek heritage focus.
When most Year 4 students at Brisbane Boys’ College are kicking a footy or hitting the books, Felix Sim is out on the kart track chasing lap records across Australia. The young racer has cemented himself as one of the top Cadet drivers in the country, picking up podium finishes and setting new benchmarks before advancing to the next class.
Felix’s karting journey reached new heights when he secured second place in his final Cadet 9 National AKC race, marking the end of a chapter and the beginning of his time in the Cadet 12 ranks.
His achievements span first-place wins at the Ipswich Kart Club, NSW Northern Trophy Series, Oakleigh Go-Kart Club and other regional circuits that are well-known to the Australian karting community.
Felix impressed at the Newcastle round with back-to-back heat wins, proving his pace against a tough field of young racers.
Although Brisbane Boys’ College does not run a karting program, the school has been eager to celebrate Felix’s success outside the classroom. The sight of a student standing tall with an Australian Kart Championship trophy has brought the school community together, with classmates and teachers following his progress from local heats to national finals.
Parents, friends and fellow students now look forward to seeing Felix push the limits in the Cadet 12 class. For many in the Brisbane karting scene, his dedication and steady rise through the ranks show that age is no barrier when there is talent and grit on the track.
With the backing of his school community and karting clubs from Queensland to Victoria, Felix is expected to keep turning heads wherever the engines roar next.
