Brisbane Boys’ College has further cemented its reputation in Queensland rugby, with two standout players earning spots in the prestigious Australian under-16s squad.
Outside centre Taione Taka and prop Harrison Asi will join six other Queensland players in the 25-man national squad assembling in Blacktown this December.
Taione Taka’s selection follows a stellar season that saw him named Queensland Reds’ player of the series, despite a heart-breaking grand final loss to the Waratahs.
The talented centre has already secured his future, signing with the Reds Academy after impressing in both First XV and under-16s campaigns. His defensive prowess and attacking capabilities have marked him as one of Queensland’s most promising young talents.
Harrison Asi. Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby
Harrison Asi has earned his position through dominant performances in the front row. His scrummaging ability and effectiveness in pick-and-drive situations have caught the selectors’ attention, demonstrating BBC’s strength in developing forward talent.
Queensland’s strong representation
Alongside the duo, the full Queensland contingent in the national squad includes: Agapetos Lote-Felo (no. 8) Alfie Bowman (halfback) Sio Kite (prop) Jack Calleja (lock) William Adrian De Klerk (hooker) Hemi Rakuita (outside back)
The squad will gather for a week-long camp beginning 7 December, culminating in a match against the New South Wales Waratahs under-17s. This opportunity represents a significant step forward for these young athletes, particularly for the BBC players who continue to uphold the school’s strong rugby tradition.
Local residents have launched a petition urging officials to reconsider plans to auction off a 450-sqm parcel of greenspace on the corner of Sylvan Road and Land Street in Toowong.
The site, which is classified as High Density Residential and falls within the Regatta Hotel Precinct, is set to be auctioned off on November 6. However, local resident Harry Smithers and other concerned citizens argue that this greenspace is crucial for the vibrant, dense Toowong community.
Photo credit: Harry Smithers/Change.org
“This part of Toowong is vibrant and dense. In areas like this, we need to maintain our communal greenspaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect and provide habitat for native birds and bees,” said Mr Smithers.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The site, located at 21 Sylvan Road, currently houses seven well-established eucalyptus trees, which studies show can boost mood and increase feelings of happiness through exposure to nature. Mr Smithers also noted the area’s vulnerability to flooding, and how the greenspace plays a key role in managing stormwater.
“Greenspaces play a crucial role in managing stormwater and reducing the impacts of flooding. This part of Sylvan Road is flood prone,” he said.
The petition, which has garnered nearly 400 signatures toward a goal of 500, calls on local officials to reconsider the auction and instead explore ways to revitalise and preserve the site as a community greenspace.
“This tiny site is being marketed as a multi-level development opportunity – how given the size? The last thing this area needs is more million-dollar units on this remnant of green space,” one supported noted.
“We need more green space in our cities plus Land Street goes under every time it floods,” another resident stated.
Those wishing to sign the petition can do so via the Change.org platform. Residents hope the show of community support will prompt a reassessment of the plans for this valuable pocket of greenery in urban Toowong.
Toowong Village shopping centre is hosting “Bras By The Stars,” a captivating display of bras creatively adorned by well-known Brisbane personalities from the entertainment, sports, and media worlds.
This initiative, reminiscent of a similar event held in 2004, aims to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and patient care through The Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Centre. Celebrities such as Christian Hull, Susie O’Neill, Alastair McLeod, and Melissa Downes have contributed their artistic talents to the project, transforming ordinary bras into unique works of art.
Photo Credit: Google Map
Triumph Lingerie, a key partner in the original 2004 exhibition, has again supplied the bras for this worthy cause. The exhibition is free and runs throughout October at Toowong Village.
But that’s not all! Toowong Village also offers shoppers the chance to win a $500 gift voucher at the centre. After enjoying the “Bras By The Stars” exhibition, visitors can try their luck in the draw and potentially indulge in a shopping spree.
This exciting event offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate creative expression, contribute to a vital cause, and enjoy some retail therapy, all in the heart of Toowong.
As Brisbane eagerly anticipates the arrival of “Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon” at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), there’s a local partner working behind the scenes to ensure the production reaches Brisbane’s ballet enthusiasts smoothly. Flight Centre Travel Group’s Stage and Screen division, with a key office in Toowong, has been integral in handling the complex logistics behind this international performance.
This collaboration between Queensland Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet brings together the worlds of fashion and ballet in a stunning production that tells the story of Coco Chanel’s rise to fame and her revolutionary influence on fashion. Audiences are set to be dazzled by the choreography and the visually captivating costumes that reflect Chanel’s timeless elegance.
Flight Centre: Supporting Global Productions with Local Expertise
While the dancers and designers prepare to take the stage, the work behind the scenes ensures the show goes on without a hitch. With its deep understanding of the arts and entertainment industries, Flight Center’s Stage and Screen division managed the extensive logistics required for such a global production.
Transporting delicate costumes, coordinating international travel for choreographers and creative teams, and ensuring that every aspect of travel runs smoothly are just some of the tasks Flight Centre’s team handled with precision. For this performance, 512 costume elements, including 150 custom-made pointe shoes, 28 wigs, and 85 hats, had to be safely transported across continents to Brisbane—no small feat considering the high stakes of a live performance.
From flights to ground transport, Flight Centre ensured every detail was considered, particularly when protecting the costumes. The costumes’ journey alone spanned from the United States to Mexico, across the Pacific, with a stopover in Sydney before arriving in Brisbane.
“Supporting Queensland Ballet in bringing this iconic work to life demonstrates our deep understanding of the arts and creative industries. We specialize in tailoring white-glove travel solutions for clients with complex needs, ensuring that every aspect runs smoothly. This production is a unique blend of fashion and dance, and we’re proud to be partners in delivering it to Australian audiences,” Adam Moon, General Manager of Flight Centre’s Stage and Screen division, said.
Fashion Meets Ballet in Jérôme Kaplan’s Designs
A central element of the production is the work of renowned costume designer Jérôme Kaplan, whose designs are inspired by Chanel’s minimalist yet groundbreaking approach to fashion. From the iconic Chanel No. 5 bottle to the classic little black dress, Kaplan’s costumes are instrumental in telling Chanel’s story through dance.
Photo Credit: QPAC/Facebook
The collaboration between the ballet and fashion worlds underscores a trend among Australian audiences increasingly drawn to immersive cultural experiences.
According to a recent Flight Centre’s Stage and Screen survey, 42.7% of Australians are likelier to attend a ballet when it incorporates modern elements such as fashion or pop culture. This production perfectly exemplifies how blending contemporary themes with classical art forms can captivate today’s audiences.
Behind the Curtain: The Role of Flight Centre’s Expertise
While the spotlight remains on the dancers and designers, it’s essential to acknowledge the logistical experts’ role in bringing these productions to life. Flight Centre’s role is essential in ensuring that everything—from costumes to the creative teams—arrives on time and in perfect condition, allowing the Queensland Ballet to focus on what it does best: delivering a world-class performance.
With years of experience managing complex travel needs for the creative industries, Flight Centre has established itself as a trusted partner. They not only move people and items but also support the broader artistic vision. Their expertise allows productions of this scale to run smoothly, ensuring Brisbane audiences can enjoy international art and culture without interruption.
Flight Center’s local Toowong office offers tailored solutions to ensure a seamless journey for those interested in exploring the world or managing complex travel needs, whether for business, leisure, or creative projects. Visit them at Shop G51 in Toowong Village Shopping Centre, 9 Sherwood Road, Toowong, QLD 4066, for expert advice on all your travel needs.
Forget the hustle and bustle of the city centre because a hidden gem awaits discovery in the heart of Toowong. Concealed beneath the historic Regatta Hotel, The Walrus Club offers a unique drinking experience that transports patrons back to a bygone era.
This clandestine bar opened in 2012 and enjoyed a triumphant revival in 2022. It provides a welcome escape from the typical Brisbane bar scene.
The Walrus Club is far from your average pub. Taking its name and inspiration from the SS Walrus, a floating rum distillery that navigated Queensland’s rivers in the late 1800s, the establishment has cultivated a reputation for its extensive rum selection and expertly crafted cocktails. With close to 300 different spirits, it caters to even the most discerning palate.
The dedication to authenticity is evident in every detail, from the bartenders sporting vintage-style braces to the carefully curated jazz soundtrack and the antique furniture that adorns the space. The overall effect is an immersive experience that captures the spirit of a 1920s prohibition-era speakeasy.
Finding this hidden gem is an adventure in itself. Accessible only through a discreet black trapdoor located at the base of a staircase in a laneway behind the Regatta Hotel, The Walrus Club remains shrouded in secrecy. A small, almost invisible symbol at the top of the stairs is the sole indicator of its existence.
But The Walrus Club is more than just a bar; it’s a portal to the past. The dimly lit interior, with its exposed brickwork and intimate nooks, further enhances the feeling of stepping back in time. To complement the exquisite drinks, The Walrus Club offers a tempting menu of shared plates and gourmet pizzas.
Think crispy fish spring rolls with pickled cucumber, mozzarella-stuffed meatballs with Napoli sauce, and Walrus Wicked Wings with Memphis spice and blue cheese sauce.
For those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean, the mezze plate with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, marinated olives, and hummus is a must-try. With gluten-free pizza bases available, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
The bar’s commitment to recreating the ambience of a 1920s speakeasy and its impressive drinks menu, delectable food offerings, and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience.
So, bypass the crowded city bars and venture to Toowong to uncover this suburban secret. You may become a regular.
A fresh approach to secondary education is coming to Toowong in 2025 with the opening of OMNI Academies of Learning, a unique independent school that promises to redefine the learning experience for Years 7-9.
This innovative institution, spearheaded by Principal Meg Foley, aims to provide a distinct alternative to traditional schooling, offering a more personalised and flexible learning environment for students in the heart of the Walter Taylor community.
OMNI Academies of Learning is set to challenge conventional educational norms. Focusing on individualised learning, the school will eliminate uniforms and rigid rules, fostering a more relaxed and adaptable atmosphere. Principal Foley, a passionate educator who desires to move beyond traditional education, envisions a school where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey.
This new establishment will be a welcome addition to the Toowong educational landscape, where existing high schools need help to accommodate the growing demand. With enrolments now open for Years 7-9, OMNI Academies of Learning presents a timely solution for families seeking a different educational experience for their children.
At OMNI Academies of Learning, educators will act as facilitators, guiding students on their educational path and nurturing their overall development. The school is committed to creating a dynamic learning community where students feel supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
Families interested in this new approach to education are encouraged to enrol their children for the 2025 academic year.
With its commitment to fostering individual growth and providing a more personalised learning experience, OMNI Academies of Learning is poised to become a valuable asset to the Toowong community.
Sylvan Road in Toowong continues to present significant safety challenges for cyclists, ranked as one of the most dangerous locations in Brisbane according to recent BikeSpot findings.
Sylvan Road in Toowong remains a focal point of safety concerns for the local cycling community, featuring prominently in the BikeSpot 2023 rankings as a hazardous area. The road is notorious for its high traffic speeds and dangerous intersections, which have been identified as major risks for cyclists.
Rank
Location
Features Noted as Dangerous
1
Hopkins St, Footscray (VIC)
No bike lane, high traffic speeds
2
Victoria Rd, Rozelle (NSW)
Dangerous intersections, no bike lane
3
Sylvan Rd, Toowong (QLD)
High traffic speeds, dangerous intersections
4
Franklin St, Adelaide (SA)
Lack of dedicated bike lanes
5
Tydeman Rd & Pearse St Intersection (WA)
Complex traffic patterns, high vehicle speeds
6
Northbourne Ave, Lyneham (ACT)
High traffic speeds, no bike lane
7
Tasman Bridge (TAS)
Narrow paths, high vehicle speeds
8
Epping Rd Shared Path, Lane Cove (NSW)
Dangerous intersections
9
St Georges Rd Trail (VIC)
Intersecting roads causing safety concerns
10
Bourke Rd, Alexandria (NSW)
Poor surface, dangerous intersections
Despite proposals for upgrades, the road’s current conditions continue to pose a serious threat to cyclist safety.
As part of a broader traffic management strategy announced by LM Adrian Schrinner in March 2024, Sylvan Road is slated for major upgrades designed to alleviate congestion and improve safety. The plan includes redesigning key intersections and enhancing the overall road layout to better accommodate both vehicular and bicycle traffic. However, these changes are still in the planning stages and have yet to move forward, leaving cyclists to navigate the existing hazardous conditions.
The local community and cycling advocates continue to urge immediate action to make Sylvan Road safer. The area’s traffic issues and the absence of dedicated bicycle lanes have contributed to several accidents, highlighting the urgent need for improvements.
With Toowong’s population growth and the upcoming Brisbane Olympics, the pressure is increasing on local authorities to expedite these critical upgrades to ensure the safety of all road users.
Whilst funding and political discussions about road improvements are ongoing, the primary concern for residents and local officials remains squarely focused on enhancing safety measures.
Plans for a feasibility study on a tunnel stretching from Darra to Toowong, as part of the Centenary Motorway upgrade, have sparked both excitement and criticism among local officials, residents, and transportation experts.
The potential tunnel has been hailed as a “game changer” for the community, with the belief that exploring such options will benefit local businesses, residents relying on the motorway, and commuters who will have access to more reliable bus services.
While the proposal has garnered support, it has also faced criticism. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) argues that the tunnel, as currently envisioned, falls short of providing a comprehensive solution to the region’s traffic woes.
Joshua Cooney, General Manager of Advocacy at RACQ, stated the need for a more holistic approach: “Any study needs to look at what’s happening at the northern end of the route. There’s no point feeding traffic into Brisbane City or the Inner City Bypass. This would effectively mean spending billions of taxpayer dollars to shift the problem from one location to another.”
RACQ is advocating for an “orbital solution” that would provide an alternative route around the city rather than through it. Cooney suggested linking the proposed tunnel with a north-west bypass corridor, potentially connecting to the Gympie Road Bypass once completed.
Current Congestion and Future Concerns
Photo credit: Google Street View
The urgency of the situation is underscored by current traffic conditions on the Centenary Motorway. During peak hours, traffic speeds slow to around 37 km/hour from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in both directions.
RACQ previously called for comprehensive planning to address Southeast Queensland’s predicted population growth and to deliver lasting transport legacy projects for the 2032 Olympic Games and beyond.
As the tunnel feasibility study moves forward, the debate continues over how best to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation infrastructure in the region. The outcome of this study and subsequent decisions will likely have far-reaching implications for Brisbane’s urban landscape and the daily lives of its residents for decades to come.
Regatta Hotel in Toowong will mark its 150th birthday with a three-day festival, transforming the iconic pub’s laneway into a hub of live music, gourmet food, and special beverages.
The festivities will run from 13th to 15th September, kicking off at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and continuing throughout the weekend. Entry to the event is free, allowing community members and visitors alike to join in the historic celebration.
What to Expect
Local and interstate bands and DJs will provide a diverse musical lineup for the event. The weekend’s headliner, Tia Gostelow, will perform at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 14th September. Gostelow, a Yuwi-based indie artist, gained recognition at 16 when she won Triple J’s Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative. Her debut album, Thick Skin, achieved GOLD certification, while her single “Strangers” went PLATINUM.
The laneway will host a food festival featuring a variety of gourmet food stalls. Visitors can also enjoy special anniversary cocktails and craft beers created specifically for the occasion.
Organisers recommend using public transport to attend the event, as the pub’s car park will be used as the festival venue. The Regatta has its own ferry terminal, making it easily accessible from various parts of Brisbane, including West End.
For those seeking a more upscale experience, the Regatta Hotel will host a 150-Year Birthday Dinner on 19th September. The event, held in the Boatshed Restaurant from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., will feature a five-course degustation menu prepared by Head Chef Lochlan Alexander accompanied by a premium three-hour beverage package.
The Regatta Hotel has been a central part of the Toowong community since 1874. Originally a one-storey wooden family home, it was transformed into a grand hotel in 1886, designed by architect Richard Gailey. The pub has evolved over the years, becoming the first in Queensland to allow women to drink in the public bar.
With 160 staff members working to cater to guests during the celebrations, the event highlights the Regatta Hotel’s role as a significant employer in the area. The pub continues to serve as a gathering place for university students, locals, and visitors, offering options from early morning coffee to late-night dining.
Ithaca Impact, with an office in Toowong, has launched an innovative program called ‘Get Set for Impact’ aimed at empowering purpose-driven female founders across Queensland.
The initiative comes at a critical time. Recent data reveals a stark imbalance in Australia’s startup ecosystem: of the $3.5 billion invested in startups last year, a mere 4 percent was allocated to all-female led businesses. This underwhelming figure stands in sharp contrast to the superior economic, social, and environmental outcomes these ventures typically achieve.
Dr Elizabeth Armstrong, Managing Director of Ithaca Impact and a female founder herself, emphasises the urgency of the situation. “To help innovation thrive, we need to shift the needle on backing for female founders,” she stated.
Photo credit: ithacaimpact.com
The ‘Get Set for Impact’ program is designed to do just that, offering a suite of resources to help women entrepreneurs capture, showcase, and leverage their social and environmental impact to attract investment.
Inside ‘Get Set for Impact’: Tailored Support for Purpose-Driven Ventures
Supported by Advance Queensland, a Queensland government initiative, the program provides participants with customised impact tools, personalised one-on-one support, and access to a high-profile showcase event. These resources are tailored to help female founders articulate their impact story in clear, visually compelling ways that resonate with impact investors.
The program’s structure is both intensive and intimate. Small cohorts of six entrepreneurs will work closely with the Ithaca Impact team to develop a Theory of Change, implement evidence collection strategies, and create bespoke online impact dashboards. This hands-on approach ensures that each participant receives the attention and guidance needed to maximise their potential.
Photo credit: Advance Queensland
‘Get Set for Impact’ is part of the broader Accelerating Female Founders Program, an initiative that has allocated over $2 million in funding from Advance Queensland to support female entrepreneurs across the state. Ithaca Impact is one of 11 agencies awarded funding in Round 2 of this program, with their focus on Impact Measurement and Management.
By providing the tools, support, and visibility needed to succeed in a competitive landscape, ‘Get Set for Impact’ is poised to not only boost individual businesses but also contribute to a more balanced and impactful startup ecosystem in Australia.
For female founders in Queensland with a vision for positive change, this Toowong-based initiative offers a golden opportunity to turn their impact aspirations into measurable, investable realities. As the program gains momentum, all eyes will be on these emerging leaders and the transformative effects their ventures promise to deliver.
