In a celebration of local talent and natural beauty, renowned artist Glenise Norma Clelland‘s latest work, “3 Egrets”, has been chosen for the Lethbridge Small Scale Art Award online exhibition. This oil painting, measuring 50 x 60 cm, showcases Clelland’s masterful use of colour and her deep connection to the Australian landscape.
Clelland, a veteran of the art world with over four decades of experience, drew inspiration for this piece from her 23-year residence at Noosa North Shore. The painting captures the essence of the area’s waterlily-covered lakes and their avian inhabitants, with particular focus on the elegant egrets that frequently visited her property.
“The multi layers of colours in this painting are inspired by the everchanging light on the water reflecting the sky and trees,” Clelland stated, describing her artistic process. She emphasised the importance of creating a shimmering effect to accurately portray the dynamic nature of the water’s surface.
Priced at $880, “3 Egrets” represents a continuation of Clelland’s signature style, characterised by vibrant contemporary paintings that express her passion for colour, texture, and dynamic forms. Her work has garnered international recognition, with pieces featured in government, corporate, and private collections across 15 countries and throughout Australia.
The selection of “3 Egrets” for the Lethbridge Small Works exhibition adds to Clelland’s impressive list of accolades, which includes numerous prizes and over 15 solo exhibitions.
The team from Toowong Rowing Club will compete against 45 other crews worldwide for the Rosie Mayglothling Trophy in the Henley Women’s Regatta 2024 in the U.K., starting with a time trial to narrow the field to 16.
This year, 46 crews will vie for the Rosie Mayglothling Trophy. The competition kicks off with a time trial on Friday morning, the 21st of June, which will reduce the field to 16 crews. These top 16 will then progress to side-by-side racing on Friday and Sunday, promising thrilling matches. While some international crews participate, the strong local competition heightens the event’s excitement.
Highlight: Toowong Rowing Club
Gabby Geldard and Jemima Powell represent the Toowong team. Jemima recently placed fourth in the U23 lightweight double category at the Australian Rowing Championships 2024. Gabby competed in the club double category, finishing fifth in the final. Their individual achievements highlight the strength and depth of Toowong RC, marking them as a duo to watch in the upcoming races.
Toowong Rowing Club (TRC) is a renowned rowing club. Established in 1889, TRC has a long and storied history, making it one of the oldest rowing clubs in Queensland. The club is situated on the Brisbane River, providing excellent rowing conditions and a scenic environment for training and competition.
Founded over a century ago, Toowong Rowing Club has played a significant role in the development of rowing in Australia. The club has produced numerous elite rowers who have gone on to compete at national and international levels, including the Olympics. TRC’s commitment to excellence in rowing has cemented its reputation as a leading club in the country.
Toowong Rowing Club has a strong track record of success in both national and international competitions. The club’s athletes regularly compete in major regattas, such as the Australian Rowing Championships and Henley Royal Regatta. In recent years, TRC rowers have achieved notable results, including podium finishes and national titles.
Other Competitors at the Henley Women’s Regatta
GSR Aegir (NED)
Umi Kuiphuis and Wietske Anema of GSR Aegir (Netherlands) are notable competitors. They secured second place in the lightweight double category at the Royal Holland-Beker 2024 and won gold at the ARB Forestbaan. Their consistent performance and recent successes position them as strong contenders for the trophy.
DSR Proteus-Eretes/HSRV Pelargos (NED)
Another strong Dutch entry is the composite crew of Laura Kempen and Leonoor Bos from DSR Proteus-Eretes/HSRV Pelargos. They took first place in the lightweight double category at the Royal Holland-Beker and won the lightweight development double category at ARB Forestbaan. Their proven track record in various competitions underscores their potential to excel at Henley.
Hartpury University & College
Ellie Dash and Millie Hurrel of Hartpury University & College have shown impressive form. Ellie won the intermediate A final at BUCs Regatta 2024 and the Championship A final at the Met Regatta. Millie set a new course record at the National Schools Regatta and competed at the European Rowing Championships. Their synergy and individual accomplishments make them formidable opponents.
De Montfort University
Hannah Milnes and Lizzie Webster from De Montfort University have also had a strong season. They finished fifth in the A final of the double sculls category at the Met regatta and competed at the Reading Amateur regatta. Their experience and teamwork are expected to give them a competitive edge.
Photo Credit: Henley Women’s Regatta/Facebook
Predictions
GSR Aegir and DSR Proteus-Eretes/HSRV Pelargos will likely battle it out in the semi-finals, with strong showings from Toowong RC and Hartpury University & College. Norwich RC and De Montfort University are also anticipated to perform well, given their successful season so far. The combination of seasoned athletes and emerging talent will make for a series of highly competitive races.
The Henley Women’s Regatta
Henley Women’s Regatta (HWR) is the premier regatta for female rowers in the United Kingdom, held annually on the iconic stretch of the River Thames at Henley. This prestigious event attracts more than 2,000 rowers from across the UK and around the world, offering exciting side-by-side match racing for a wide range of competitors, from juniors to university and club levels to international elite athletes.
Photo Credit: Henley Women’s Regatta/Facebook
Since its inception in 1988, HWR has become a significant event in the rowing calendar. It has run every year except 2020, showcasing the dedication and hard work of a vast team of volunteers, the generosity of the Copas family, and the support from Friends of Henley Women’s Regatta, sponsors, and local businesses. The regatta was one of the early adopters of live streaming for its races, enhancing its accessibility and popularity.
Henley Women’s Regatta 2024 promises to showcase top-tier rowing talent, with exciting races and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you are a rowing enthusiast or a casual spectator, the event offers a unique opportunity to witness the best in women’s rowing, set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Thames at Henley.
A luxury penthouse in Toowong has been sold for $4.1 million with completion scheduled for early 2025. The sale highlights the continued demand for high-end properties in Brisbane’s luxury market.
The penthouse, part of Azure’s One Earle Lane development, boasts impressive features including an 18.3-metre frontage, three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, multiple living areas, a home office, and a large north-facing balcony. The property also includes parking for three cars, catering to the needs of affluent urban dwellers.
Azure director Trent Keirnan expressed satisfaction with the sale, stating that the development had received “tremendous interest.” He views the penthouse sale as a testament to the superior quality of products entering the Brisbane market.
Designed by Paul Conrad Architects and under construction by 5Point Projects, One Earle Lane is reportedly on track for completion at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025. Simon Caulfield of Place Estate Agents, who brokered the sale, confirmed confidence in meeting this completion timeline.
Interestingly, the buyer, a downsizer from nearby Paddington, chose this property over options with river views. Caulfield explained that the decision was influenced by One Earle Lane’s extensive amenities, top floor corner position, uninterrupted city and park views, and superior design and finishes.
The development promises a range of luxury amenities for residents, including private dining facilities, a cinema, gymnasium, yoga studio, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunges, and a 25-metre heated lap pool.
This sale is part of Azure’s broader portfolio, which includes over $500 million in developments such as Oakmont, One Five Six, and Dahlia. The company reports a future pipeline exceeding $1.3 billion, indicating continued growth in Brisbane’s luxury property sector.
Centuria Office, Australia’s leading listed office fund, has successfully sold the fully occupied A-Grade office block at 555 Coronation Drive, Toowong, to Brisbane-based Exceed Capital for over $37 million.
Known for its substantial portfolio, the company has confirmed the unconditional sale of the Toowong office block to Exceed Capital. This deal marks the end of a 10-year holding period since Centuria first acquired the property in late 2014.
According to Centuria, the sale price aligns with the property’s recorded book value as of 31 December 2023, showcasing the robust demand for smaller, strategically located metropolitan offices with impressive leasing and sustainability features.
Property Overview
Initially opened in 1989, the office block spans three floors of office space, with floor plates ranging from 1,622 to 1,983 square meters and a total net lettable area of 5,568 square meters. It also features two levels of basement parking.
Significant refurbishments were undertaken in 2020, enhancing the foyer, lifts, bathrooms, and end-of-trip facilities. The building is noted for its strong sustainability credentials, holding a 5.5-star NABERS energy rating and a 4.5-star NABERS water rating.
Strategic Divestments
Belinda Cheung, Fund Manager for the Centuria Office Fund, stated that this transaction is part of a broader strategy to streamline the fund’s asset portfolio by age and quality, focusing on metropolitan office assets.
Centuria has divested four metropolitan properties this fiscal year, with the transactions aligning with or surpassing their book values. These divestments reflect a targeted approach where value was enhanced through refurbishments and sustainability improvements, leading to robust leasing and high occupancy rates.
Ms Cheung highlighted the prevailing market conditions, noting a shift towards smaller-scale office transactions nationally, which have been predominant in the past 18 months. She emphasised the impact of Australia’s demographic trends and the decreasing supply of new office developments on future market dynamics. With rising construction and financing costs affecting development feasibility, economic rents are expected to rise significantly, favouring the types of assets Centuria holds.
Centuria anticipates continued demand for office space driven by a forecasted increase of 2.6 million workers in Australia by 2033, of which approximately 27 percent are expected to be in white-collar jobs. This demographic shift will demand up to seven million square meters of additional office space.
Portfolio Rebalance and Further Acquisitions
This financial year has seen Centuria divest $139 million worth of non-core office assets, including notable sales in Canberra, Robina, and Keswick. The proceeds from these sales are earmarked for debt repayment. The agents facilitating the sale were Justin Bond and Blake Goddard from Knight Frank, alongside Jack Morrison and Adelaide O’Brien from CBRE.
Exceed Capital’s acquisition of the Toowong office marks its third purchase in three years, following investments in Robina and another office in Varsity Lakes, highlighting their ongoing expansion and confidence in regional office markets.
The Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) in Toowong has once again secured its position as one of the premier secondary schools in the state.
According to the latest rankings released by independent specialist schools website Better Education, QASMT leads a compilation of public and private schools in Queensland for students in Years 7-10.
The rankings, which consider Year 9 English and Maths test results from 2023, provide a comprehensive overview of academic performance across the state. With a scoring system ranging from 60 to 100, the results highlight the exceptional standards achieved by Queensland’s leading schools.
Photo credit: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology/Facebook
QASMT boasts an impressive state overall score of 100 and continues to set the benchmark for academic excellence. The school has a total enrollment of 1,320 students and consistently ranks first in Queensland for the number of students achieving an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 99 or above.
Understanding the Rankings: How Schools Are Evaluated
Better Education’s rankings are derived from various academic performance indicators, ensuring a thorough assessment of each institution’s capabilities. The criteria include:
Median VCE Study Score and High VCE Scores: Evaluating the median study score and the percentage of scores above 40.
Distinguished Achievers in HSC Exams: The percentage of exams that achieve a Distinguished Achievers (DA) designation.
Median ATAR Score and Lower ATAR Thresholds: Including the median ATAR score and the percentage of students with an ATAR of 65 or lower.
QCE and OP/IBD Performance: Median ATAR scores and the percentage of students achieving high ATAR scores (99+, 95+, 90+, 80+), as well as the percentage of students receiving top OP scores.
WACE Median ATAR: The median ATAR score for Western Australian Certificate of Education.
SACE Performance: ATAR performance for South Australian Certificate of Education students.
Top Percentile Performance: Percentage of students ranking in the top 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% by ATAR.
These metrics allow for a nuanced understanding of school performance across different states and education systems, ensuring parents and students have access to reliable information when choosing the best educational pathways.
About QASMT
Photo credit: Google Street View
QASMT was established in January 2007 in collaboration with the University of Queensland, focusing on fostering talent in the fields of science and mathematics. The academy occupies the site of the former Toowong College, repurposing the space into a hub for advanced education.
As Queensland’s top school, QASMT’s sustained excellence reflects its commitment to high academic standards and specialised focus areas. The latest rankings underscore the school’s leadership in preparing students for tertiary education and beyond, setting a high bar for other institutions to follow.
For parents, students, and educators, the Better Education rankings offer invaluable insights into the academic strengths of Queensland’s schools. With comprehensive data driving these assessments, families can make informed decisions about their educational futures, guided by a clear understanding of school performance across the state.
Five talented dancers from Sharee Skye Dance Centre in Toowong have recently achieved outstanding results in various regional and state competitions and exams. These young dancers have demonstrated exceptional skill, passion, and dedication to their craft, making their studio and community proud.
Eliza Carson, age 9, secured a spot among the top 10 highest-scoring novice soloists at a regional dance competition, earning her eligibility for national eisteddfods. Eliza’s love for hip-hop and contemporary dance began at Sharee Skye when she was just four years old.
Tap Enthusiast
Mila Collier, age 12, was recognised as the most outstanding on-stage performer by Sharee Skye Dance Centre. Mila’s enthusiasm for tap dancing is evident in her participation in two of the school’s eisteddfod teams. For Mila, the studio is a welcoming and secure environment where she can express herself through dance.
Gabi Parikh, age 15, attained the highest grade statewide in her level four TPA musical theatre exam. Since joining Sharee Skye in 2017, Gabi has shown remarkable potential across multiple genres. She considers dance her “second home” and cherishes the opportunity to continuously improve.
Erin Savage, also age 15, is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Dance at RAW Dance. Erin’s time at Sharee Skye fostered significant growth and a passion for contemporary dance. She views dance as a powerful form of self-expression and storytelling.
Multi-Talented Performer
Isabelle Qiu, age 9, received the Adjudicator’s Choice Award at the Dance 4350 Eisteddfod. Isabelle’s journey with Sharee Skye began at age four, and she has since blossomed into a multi-talented performer, dancer, and student. While excelling in various genres, she holds a special fondness for musical theatre and jazz.
The achievements of these five dancers not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the quality of training and supportive environment provided by Sharee Skye Dance Centre. Their successes serve as an inspiration to aspiring dancers in Toowong and beyond.
When public consultations came to a close on May 14, nearly 30 submissions from Toowong residents were received, mostly objecting to the development application.
Aerial photograph of site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Urbis)
“I believe there are better uses for the space, such as creating a communal area,” said one resident. “There is an opportunity here to enhance the Toowong neighbourhood and benefit the community – something yet another car park will not achieve.”
Plans call for 86 standard parking spaces, four disabled spots, and four motorcycle spaces accessed via existing crossovers on Sherwood Road, High Street, and Jephson Street. The parking station at Toowong Central would operate 24/7 under third-party management.
Plan (Photo credit: Egis)
The site lies adjacent to the Toowong Tower, Village Shopping Centre, Royal Exchange Hotel, Toowong Train Station and other residential and commercial developments at the core of the Toowong Centre Precinct.
“The intersection of High Street and Coronation Drive is regularly congested – even outside peak traffic hours – from cars entering Toowong village, and traffic on Jephson street and Sherwood street is regularly backed up due to the various intersections around the block of Toowong Village,” another resident wrote in their submission.
Photo credit: Google Street View
“Adding even more traffic – especially around peak times – by adding a carpark would render the entire area to be unusable for cars, and would mean that public transport (specifically the many buses that travel along High Street and Moggill Road) is severely impacted,” the resident added.
Planners claim the temporary parking will “assist with the activation of the site” and improve accessibility for nearby businesses and commuters until further development occurs.
However, Greens MP Michael Berkman questioned the need, stating “Pretty baffling given there’s a giant multi-level car park just across the road at Toowong Village.”
As the discussion continues, the Toowong community finds itself divided between developers seeking to provide convenient parking and residents hoping to preserve greenspace and community amenities in one of Brisbane’s most rapidly densifying suburbs.
In a move worthy of a rom-com flick, a Brisbane commuter is hoping to rekindle a whirlwind friendship after striking up a lively conversation with a mystery woman while waiting for a bus on Coronation Drive in Toowong last April.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, has penned a handwritten letter addressed to “the commuter I met here on Friday night 19/04/2024” and affixed it to the back of the bus stop where their paths first crossed.
In the letter, he recounts details of their 15-minute encounter, which began when his bus was delayed. He claims the woman, described as being between 25–35 years old, showed him a transit app on her phone to check bus times more accurately.
“You showed me your phone with the TransLink app on it, to see the buses at this stop, because it had more detail than the board. Then my bus came,” the letter reads. “If you would like to talk again, please email me.”
The romantic commuter said he was struck by the woman’s “warm” and “enthusiastic” demeanour during their chance meeting.
“I don’t really experience that kind of feeling often, usually I recognise it afterwards,” he explained. “I would consider this a success if I just got back in touch with this person, that would be nice, maybe there’s some kind of friendship connection there.”
While acknowledging the public overture is uncharacteristic of his typically “reserved” personality, he says the experience has been positive overall despite some initial anxiety.
Locals and regular Coronation Drive commuters are encouraged to spread the word in hopes of helping reunite the budding bus stop friends. Anyone who may know the woman’s identity can pass on tips to the email coronationdrivestop4@gmail.com.
The shopping centre is now collecting old mobile phones to donate to DV Safe Phone, a programme that gifts refurbished phones to those experiencing domestic violence.
These phones become a vital lifeline, enabling victims to discreetly call for help in dangerous situations.
The Toowong community has already rallied behind the cause, donating over 30 phones. Every phone collected brings victims one step closer to having a safe and secure way to reach emergency services.
Donating is simple. Residents can drop off their old phones at the Centre Management office on Level 1. A quick reminder: ensure you’ve signed out of all accounts like iCloud and iTunes and erased all personal data before donating.
The programme accepts phones in various conditions, so even if your phone has a cracked screen or minor faults, it can still be refurbished and put to good use.
By donating an unused phone, Toowong Village residents can play a crucial role in ensuring victims of domestic violence have access to help whenever they need it most.
Disturbing details have emerged as an eyewitness statement provides an insight into what may have occurred in the moments before the multi-vehicle crash which claimed the lives of former police officer Bruce Daley and young nurse Lily Galbraith, in addition to leaving another critically injured, at Legacy Way tunnel in Toowong.
Among the disturbing details emerging from the crash is the revelation of Mr Daley’s haunting social media posts, where he openly discussed relationship struggles, loneliness, and even referenced his mental health challenges for several years.
These posts raise questions about Mr Daley’s state of mind leading up to the tragic incident, adding complexity to the investigation.
Mr Daley left the service over a decade ago.
Eyewitness Accounts
The collision, involving three vehicles, occurred at 3:10 p.m. on 1 May 2024 in the tunnel’s inbound section. Police are piecing together the events leading to the crash, with forensic crash units currently investigating.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as Mr Daley’s black Audi S3, reportedly travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h, collided with a silver sedan, subsequently impacting a small truck. Witnesses described narrowly avoiding the collision and the devastation left in the aftermath, with debris scattered over a considerable distance within the tunnel.
One witness described the moments leading up to the crash, noting the sudden acceleration of the Audi and the absence of hazard signals. Another recounted the horrifying sight of the vehicles colliding at high speeds, leaving little chance for survival.
The tunnel’s inbound and outbound lanes were closed for over two hours, causing significant traffic delays.
Tributes and Commemoration
Ms Galbraith, a 24-year-old nurse from the Northern Territory, tragically lost her life in the crash whilst travelling to a wedding with her friend Emma McLean. McLean, who was driving the sedan, remains in critical condition at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital. Tributes poured in for Ms Galbraith, highlighting her dedication to nursing and extending sympathies to her loved ones.
Meanwhile, heartfelt tributes and messages of remembrance have flooded social media platforms. Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances have shared memories of both Mr Daley and Ms Galbraith.
Candlelight vigils and memorial services are being planned to honour the memory of the victims and provide solace to their grieving loved ones.
Police Statement
The Queensland Police Service has reiterated its commitment to thorough investigation, promising transparency and diligence in the pursuit of answers for the families of the victims.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Hansel addressed the media, acknowledging the complexity of the investigation and refraining from speculating on specific scenarios without a thorough examination of the evidence. Mr Hansel emphasised the consideration of speed and various factors contributing to the crash, highlighting the need for patience and caution on the roads, particularly with a long weekend approaching.
To gather comprehensive evidence for their investigation, the Queensland Police Service is appealing to the public for assistance. They are specifically requesting any dash cam footage or eyewitness accounts that may shed light on the moments leading up to the crash at Legacy Way tunnel.
The Legacy Way Tunnel crash has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support for the victims’ families. Premier Steven Miles and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed their sympathies, acknowledging the tragic loss of life and the impact on those affected.
