As the season of autumn paints Toowong this year, Brisbane’s Sculpture Festival invites locals and tourists to the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha to experience nature, arts, and culture firsthand.
Opening on a Friday, the 24th of May 2024, at 6:00 p.m. the gardens will host the much-anticipated Brisbane Sculpture Festival, showcasing the artistry of various sculptors within the presence of nature’s beauty.
The festival boasts two exhibitions for visitors to experience.
First is the outdoor art gallery where sculptures made by Brisbane’s talents will be showcased in the gardens scattered along a scenic trail.
Meanwhile, admirers indoors will explore a diverse collection of sculptures crafted through different mediums, including bronze, recycled elements, wire, timber, and resin.
Aside from these, the attendees have the opportunity to see different works of art face-to-face, engage in art discussions, and meet with the talented artists behind the sculptures.
Of course, what’s a Brisbane event without fine wine, delectable food, and delightful company?
For interested visitors who are seeking a more leisurely experience, the indoor exhibition will remain open for viewing until the 1st of June 2024. The Botanic Gardens welcome visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The outdoor art gallery will be open from the 24th of May to the 24th of August, accepting visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Although the event’s entry is free of admission, the management is also accepting a voluntary gold coin donation. Visitors may also opt to purchase raffle tickets with sculptural and other prizes.
Furthermore, beyond the Brisbane Sculpture Festival, the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha offer workshops for both children and adults, guided walks, including displays, and exhibitions.
During World War II, a courageous Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky served alongside Australian and American forces with distinction, even though she weighed less than 2kg. Did you know that after the war, Smoky became the very first documented therapy dog for returning soldiers with PTSD at the 42nd General Hospital in Stuartholme on Mt Coot-tha?
Discovered in a foxhole in New Guinea in 1944, Smoky’s wartime service began in an unlikely fashion. American soldier Bill Wynne purchased the tiny Yorkshire terrier for two Australian pounds, not knowing the profound impact she would eventually have on many lives.
Initially serving as the mascot for the South West Pacific Area’s (SWPA) 26th Recon Squadron, Smoky quickly rose to prominence. Her tenure as a mascot was short-lived as her role evolved dramatically during a critical phase of the war.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
One of Smoky’s most celebrated contributions to the war effort came under dire circumstances. The engineers faced a daunting task: laying communication wires across a 21-meter wide airstrip in the Philippines, a mission fraught with danger, potentially exposing soldiers to enemy fire for days.
Smoky, with her compact size and agility, presented an unconventional solution. A string was tied to Smoky’s collar, and she was guided through narrow pipes under the airstrip, a feat she accomplished with astonishing speed and precision. This single act, which took mere minutes, not only saved significant time but also protected the lives of the soldiers from potential enemy attacks.
Smoky’s bravery and intelligence in completing this task were beyond what anyone could have expected from such a small creature, earning her a place in military lore.
Transition to Therapy Dog
The transition to Smoky’s role as a therapy dog began unexpectedly. Whilst serving in the Pacific, Corporal Wynne was struck down with Dengue fever, finding himself bedridden in a hospital tent.
In those moments of illness and isolation, Smoky proved to be more than just a mascot or a war hero; she became a source of comfort and companionship. Nestled beside Mr Wynne, her constant presence and innate ability to sense and alleviate his distress marked the beginning of her journey as a therapeutic aid.
Recognising the profound impact Smoky had on the soldier and observing her effect on other soldiers, military medical personnel began to see the potential of leveraging this bond for therapeutic purposes. When Smoky was introduced to the 42nd General Hospital at Stuartholme, her role was formalised as a therapy dog, the first of her kind documented in history.
Her work involved visiting soldiers returning from combat, many of whom struggled with the invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Smoky’s therapeutic impact was immediate and profound. Her small stature and gentle demeanour made her approachable, providing a sense of calm and comfort to those she interacted with. Soldiers, burdened with the trauma of war, found solace in her presence, a testament to the healing power of non-verbal companionship. Smoky’s work at the hospital highlighted her versatility and adaptability and paved the way for the use of therapy dogs in military and civilian medical facilities worldwide.
Her legacy is particularly significant, considering the period. During the mid-20th century, PTSD was not well understood or treated.
Smoky’s contributions have been honoured with a sculpture nestled inside a World War Two army helmet at the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, dedicated to Smoky and all war animals. Her work as a therapy dog, which lasted 12 years during and after the war, has set a precedent for the use of therapy dogs in aiding soldiers’ recovery.
Smoky’s story has been celebrated internationally with memorials and honours across America, England, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, acknowledging her as the world’s first documented therapy dog. Her legacy, which began on the battlefields of World War II, continues to inspire and influence the role of animals in therapeutic settings.
A Timeline of Service and Legacy
1944: Smoky is discovered in a foxhole in New Guinea and becomes the mascot for the 26th Recon Squadron.
1945: Smoky assists in laying communication wires in the Philippines, showcasing her bravery and intelligence.
July 1944 – 1957: Smoky serves as a therapy dog, first documented at the 233rd Station Hospital in New Guinea, and later at the 42nd General Hospital in Stuartholme, continuing her therapeutic work post-war.
2005: A monument to honour Smoky and her service is unveiled.
2021: Bill Wynne, Smoky’s owner and companion, passes away at the age of 99, leaving behind a story of loyalty, bravery, and the therapeutic power of animals.
Smoky’s journey from a warzone companion to a therapeutic aid for soldiers with PTSD underscores the profound bond between humans and animals, a legacy that endures at Stuartholme on Mt Coot-tha and beyond.
Dilly Dally is more than just a cafe; it’s a Toowong community hub where warm smiles and friendly conversations welcome you, making you feel at home as soon as you walk in.
Dilly Dally Cafe is tucked away in a cute corner on Dean St, at the site of the former Bean on Dean. Its front door is decorated with bright flowers and rough wooden accents to make you want to go inside. When people walk in, they are met with friendly smiles and the sound of friendly conversation, which makes them feel right at home.
The mood in this cafe is as cool and pleasant as a breeze on a hot day. With its mix of old furniture, funky decorations, and art on the walls, the room feels warm and inviting. Large windows let in lots of natural light.
There is a cosy nook or shared table ready to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for a place to think or a lively place to hang out with friends.
But it’s not just the atmosphere that makes Dilly Dally stand out; the food is what really shines. When you go to Dilly Dally, every bite of their delicious food is an adventure in taste, from the first sip of their expertly made coffee to the last.
If you need a caffeine fix, the baristas at Dilly Dally are experts at what they do. They make a variety of specialty coffees using locally sourced beans that have been roasted just right.
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Each cup shows how much they care about quality and flavour, whether you like a simple espresso or a latte art creation made of foamy milk.
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Plus, Dilly Dally’s food is a real treat for the taste buds when you’re hungry. For breakfast, there are filling options like fluffy pancakes and avocado toast. For lunch, there are healthy options like gourmet sandwiches and colourful salads. Locally sourced ingredients are carefully put together to make dishes that are both tasty and healthy, and there are lots of choices for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike.
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Dilly Dally may really stand out, though, because it cares about society and the environment. Dilly Dally also wants to leave as little of an impact on the earth as possible, so it does things like composting, recycling, and finding eco-friendly packaging.
Not only does this cafe serve delicious food, but it also fosters meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging by supporting local suppliers and artisans. Local artists and makers put their goods on the menu and in a cosy area for shopping.
Here, people are encouraged to stay a little longer, dilly-dally, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and good vibes. Cups are clinking and the smell of freshly baked sweets fills the air.
One year after 78-year-old Lesley Trotter vanished from her Toowong home, her family remains without answers or closure following a major search and a grim discovery near her residence.
On 27 March 2023, Ms Trotter, a retired teacher known for her active lifestyle and community involvement, contacted her family for the last time. Living in her Maryvale Street unit in Toowong for nearly four decades, Trotter was a fixture in her local community, participating in activities like bushwalking, gym, and cycling, often exploring the trails of Mount Coot-tha.
Her disappearance triggered a significant police search, revealing the unsettling detail that her body had been disposed of in a wheelie bin and subsequently taken to the tip, its whereabouts unknown to this day.
While deeply integrated into her community, Ms Trotter was known for her stringent stance on recycling, which often led to disagreements with neighbours. The recent home sale and retirement village plans, combined, presented an image of a life in transition that has been tragically cut short.
The Search Effort
Following her disappearance, a comprehensive search operation spanned areas from Mount Coot-tha to waste facilities at Swanbank and Rochedale. Despite efforts involving police and the Australian Defence Force, and the examination of 3,000 tonnes of waste, Ms Trotter’s remains were never found, leading to the search’s eventual cessation.
Theories regarding her disappearance include a possible medical episode during her recycling routine, an accidental misadventure, or a more sinister scenario involving foul play. Despite extensive investigations and public appeals for information, the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain elusive.
Police continue to explore all possibilities, with the case remaining open and ongoing inquiries. The community, especially those near Maryvale Street in Toowong, is urged to come forward with any information that might shed light on this mystery
A Community Reflects
One year has passed since the incident, and the family has been searching for answers indefinitely. The situation has also affected Brisbane and the Toowong community, both those who knew Lesley Trotter and those who did not.
“Unfortunately it’s now become a somewhat cold case,” a commenter said on Reddit. “The huge, extensive search at the landfill provided only a piece of clothing and the search was eventually called off. Unless some more evidence appears, it’s likely there won’t be any more updates or closure for the family.”
“I met Lesley prior to her death. She had not long before slightly injured herself while tending to the bins,” another Redditor shared. “She was quite spritely for her age. I would say she’s also eccentric judging by her behaviour and dress. I also know a former unit tenant who said she caused lots of issues re: the bins. If people hadn’t brought their bins back in by 3pm after collection she would yell at them that it’s an offence to leave the bin out in the road. Sometimes she would drag all the bins that had been left out, into the unit block stairwell blocking entry and exit. I hope the police are following leads in the background. Annoying neighbour by the sounds but nobody deserves that.”
“I remember seeing [the family] in the media at the time, after the initial reports which didn’t paint her in a positive light,” another commenter wrote. “I believe she was pedantic about how people sorted their rubbish amongst other things, and the crappy media spun that horribly, almost implying she deserved her fate in a rubbish bin. It was ghastly.”
“Her friends and family spoke of her love of certain hobbies. They also shared happy photos of her enjoying life generally, in contrast to the unfavourable pic the media initially used.
A rundown Queenslander home at Morley Street in Toowong that was once the site of a police raid after stolen radioactive materials were discovered has sold at auction for $1.3 million – without buyers being able to inspect inside.
The property at 46 Morley Street became infamous back in 2002 when a university lab technician was charged after police found over 200 containers of chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, stashed inside the house. A state of emergency was declared and nearby residents evacuated during the hazardous materials scare.
Despite its controversial history, the 632 square metre block of prime inner-city land proved irresistible to buyers willing to take a gamble. Listed as a “beautiful pre-war detached workers cottage” needing “some love and attention,” the auction held on-site last week attracted a crowd of 70 and saw 28 bids before selling in less than 10 minutes.
Photo credit: Public Trustee
Potential buyers were warned they could not inspect the interior beforehand and that the home was being sold “as is, where is” given its dilapidated state. But the lure of a character Queenslander on a large block close to top schools, transport and the Brisbane River was enough to entice fierce competition.
Photo credit: Public Trustee
The listing highlights that the upper floor offers three spacious bedrooms and a sunny front sitting room. There is a sizeable central living space that flows into a dedicated dining area. Toward the back of the home, one will find the original kitchen as well as the bathroom.
Photo credit: Public Trustee
The Public Trustee, who facilitated the sale, said all standard checks were done and no concerns raised about any remaining hazardous materials. However, the new owner faces an expensive and potentially risky renovation project to transform the property into a family dream home.
Whilst the outcomes of the technician’s charges were not detailed, the Morley Street property has lingered with a toxic stigma for two decades. But for one cashed-up buyer, the risks seemed worthwhile to secure a slice of sought-after Toowong real estate.
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood inviteslocals to visit Toowong Mobile Donor Centre with their aim to collect blood or plasma from an additional 5,500 individuals this leap day.
This call is in response to the increased demand brought about by the leap year day, 29 February 2024, which adds an extra day of need for hospital patients.
Time is often cited as a significant barrier to blood donation. However, Lifeblood is hopeful that individuals will utilise the extra 24 hours this month to make a potentially life-saving donation.
A single donation can save up to three lives, making it a truly valuable use of time.
Cath Stone, Lifeblood’s Executive Director of Donor Experience, emphasised the constant need for donations. She stated that approximately 33,000 donations are required each week to assist a wide range of seriously ill Australians. The additional day this year means that over 5,500 extra donations are needed.
Lifeblood is encouraging individuals to schedule an appointment to donate blood or plasma. This act of generosity can transform an extra day into a lifetime for someone in need. Blood is a daily requirement for many, including cancer patients, pregnant women, victims of road trauma, premature babies, and individuals with blood disorders.
In recognition of World Cancer Day, Lifeblood has partnered with the Cancer Council. Throughout February, all blood or plasma donors will receive a limited-edition daffodil bandage designed by Beci Orpin.
Ms Stone highlighted that on leap day, the largest recipients of donated blood will be individuals living with cancer. Approximately 2,000 of the donations made on February 29 will be used for cancer treatments.
In preparation for St Patrick’s Day festivities, the Queensland Irish Association has joined hands with Friends of Toowong Cemetery to present an enriching Irish History Tour.
Scheduled for Sunday, 10 March 2024 10:00 a.m., the guided tour promises an insightful walk through the final resting places of notable Irish figures, including founding members of the Queensland Irish Association.
Participants can anticipate captivating narratives during the two-hour exploration. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable, enclosed shoes and attire suitable for the weather. The meeting point is set at the flagpole located at the Frederick Street/main entrance to the cemetery. Parking is available within the cemetery premises, with convenient bus stops nearby.
Donations in cash are welcomed on the day to support the preservation efforts of Friends of Toowong Cemetery.
As the countdown to St Patrick’s Day begins, preparations are also underway for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, slated for Saturday, 16 March 2024 10:30 am.
The Queensland Irish Association extends an open invitation to all enthusiasts willing to partake in the parade and represent the Association. Participants will be honoured to march behind the QIA float, carrying none other than Saint Patrick himself.
Photo Credit: Queensland Irish Association
Those interested can simply assemble at the City Botanical Gardens on Alice Street gates from 10:00 a.m. onwards on the event day.
Grand St Patrick’s Eve Dinner at Brisbane City Hall
Mark your calendars for the most anticipated St Patrick’s Day celebration event – the St Patrick’s Eve Dinner hosted by the Queensland Irish Association at the grand Main Auditorium of the Brisbane City Hall. Members are encouraged to secure their spots early for the event, which promises an unforgettable evening filled with merriment and tradition.
Priced at $160 per person, the dinner includes a generous five-hour drinks package featuring beer, Guinness, red and white wines, and soft drinks, served from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Guests will also indulge in a delectable three-course dinner, courtesy of Epicure at Brisbane City Hall, accompanied by lively entertainment provided by the QIA Dancers and the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band.
The event will feature a toast to Australia Our Nation proposed by Father Frank Brennan SJ AO, alongside esteemed Irish and Australian guests. The evening will culminate in a heartwarming community sing-along of Irish favourites.
The Queensland Irish Association (QIA) traces its roots to March 23rd, 1898, emerging from the collective resignation of Irish volunteers in response to government interference. Led by former commandant Major PJ Stephens, ex-members joined forces with the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society to establish the association, embodying the principles of its predecessors.
Despite facing financial challenges and declining membership during wars and economic downturns, the QIA remains Queensland’s longest continuously operating national association. Non-sectarian and non-political from its inception, the QIA aims to unite Irish individuals and their descendants, fostering national freedom and community.
Over its century-long existence, membership has evolved to include women and has expanded to encompass various cultural activities such as a library, pipe band, dancers, singers, and theatre groups. The association hosts annual dinners and events, attracting prominent figures including Irish presidents and ambassadors.
Today, the QIA continues to be a beacon of Irish culture and heritage, guided by the vision of its founding fathers and embraced by Irish Australians who uphold its traditions. Stay connected to the QIA to celebrate Irish identity and heritage.
The latest blood-fest that is UFC 298 gets underway this Sunday, the 18th of February, with Aussie Alexander Volkanovski defending his Featherweight Title against the unbeaten Ilia Topuria from Germany, at the Honda Center in California, to be beamed live into the RE Hotel in Toowong from 1:00 p.m. Brisbane time.
Volkanovski was the first Aussie to win a UFC championship and has had 5 successful title defences.
Volkanovski likes to go long. His average fight time is 17 minutes, 40 seconds, which is the longest average in the Featherweight Division. His 57.1% “significant strike accuracy” is third on the all time list in the Division.
However, Topuria’s 67.4% “significant strike defense” is third on the all time list in the division and his record of 0.81 knockdowns for every 15 minutes of fighting ranks sixth of all time in the division, with his 1.62 submissions per 15 minutes ranking seventh on the all-time list in the Division.
This fight could be one for the ages.
The UFC 298 main card also features another Aussie, former UFC Middleweight Champion, Robert Whittaker who fights Paulo Costa from Brazil in the Middleweight Division. Whittaker is knocking on the door of another title challenge in his current ranking at #3, Costa is ranked #6.
Whittaker has landed 7 knockdowns in his fight history but “The Eraser” will be in his grill early in his return to the Octagon after a two-year absence. In his last fight in 2021, he turned up 25 pounds over the middleweight limit.
This fight was supposed to take place last February 12, but a contract dispute means it will happen instead this Sunday, shown live on the big screen at the RE Hotel from 1:00 p.m. Toowong time.
A once-promising redevelopment project in Toowong has become the centre of community and council discussions following years of inaction and controversy.
The site at 23 High St, once the home of a Woolworths store and was earmarked for transformation into a vibrant hub with various amenities, remains undeveloped, causing widespread discontent among residents.
Originally slated to feature a mix of retail, office spaces, and green areas, the project, dubbed the Aviary, has been marred by delays and cancellations.
Concerns have been raised about the Brisbane City Council’s decisions regarding the development, including the waiver of green space requirements and alleged breaches of development application (DA) conditions.
A History of Disappointment
“We’ve been waiting to see whether the new owners lodge a DA, but we just learned they’re apparently asking Council for a licence to keep stalling – and have potentially been breaching their DA conditions for years,” Greens MP Michael Berkman said.
“It turns out that a very minor condition that Council imposed on the developers, to cover the site with grass within 3 months of demolition, was too much for them to comply with. They’ve now lodged a change application that effectively allows them to ignore this requirement and keep the site as they see fit indefinitely.
“Council already ditched the plans for a park at this site from their long-term infrastructure plan, waived the requirement for the developer to deliver greenspace nearby, and have apparently let the owners sit in breach for years.”
Response and Engagement
In response to the growing frustration, a local council member emphasised the city’s commitment to dialogues with the new site owners, who acquired the property three months ago.
“The new owner has only recently taken over the property 3 months ago and was not responsible for what occurred on site before this,” Cr Penny Wolff responded.
“Council has outlined their concerns regarding their non-compliance with the conditions of their approval in terms of the site condition and fencing.
“In late December 2023, the new owner made an application to Council to change that condition of their approval and that is currently being assessed by Council.
“The new owner wants to genuinely engage and shares the need to make the site look even better and useful while design/development plans are being completed.”
Meanwhile, the debate has also attracted attention from urban planning experts and residents, who have expressed mixed feelings about the development’s direction.
Photo Credit: DA A006427990
Some applaud the vision for revitalising Toowong but criticise the plan’s emphasis on parking facilities over more sustainable transportation options. Others, including local businesses, argue that the development could provide much-needed retail and public spaces, potentially boosting the local economy and community life.
As discussions continue, the future of the Toowong site hangs in the balance, with calls for a development approach that aligns with community values, environmental considerations, and the suburb’s overall needs. The council’s next steps and the developer’s plans remain keenly anticipated by those invested in the suburb’s development trajectory.
Earthworks at Monarch Residences, a 1.2-hectare project along Coronation Drive in Toowongthat has been called Brisbane’s best-performing project in the latest Urbis report, are now finished, pushing the project one step closer to completion.
With $300 million locked in sales, the project will ultimately comprise 224 apartments and penthouse residences spread across two imposing towers. The development includes a suite of facilities including a riverside pool, gym, sauna, and an expansive rooftop terrace.
Photo Credit: Monarch Residences
Recent developments have seen the successful completion of earthworks at Monarch Residences, reaching the basement level. This paved the way for both towers, named River 1 and River 2, to rise from the ground in the first half of 2024. The simultaneous construction of these towers is expected to culminate in the entire project’s completion by the end of 2025.
Don O’Rorke, Chairman, and CEO of Consolidated Properties Group, attributes the project’s swift progress to strong buyer demand for larger riverfront apartments and the unwavering capability of Hutchinson Builders. Past the holiday season and the New Year, sales have surged, particularly for River 2, where fewer than 10 residences remain available for purchase.
Scott Hutchinson, Chairman of Hutchinson Builders, reports that the construction site continues to be very active. This number is expected to double during peak construction phases.
