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Lesley Trotter Update: Missing Toowong Woman’s Body Dumped in Bin Collected By Rubbish Truck

Investigators from the Queensland Police Service are convinced that the body of the missing Toowong woman, Lesley Trotter, was dumped inside a wheelie bin, which was collected by a rubbish truck on the day of her disappearance.

After almost two weeks of investigations, the focus has shifted to locating her body in two possible dump sites in Rosedale and Swanbank, now under quarantine. The truck first took the bins to the Nudgee transfer station, where wastes are usually compressed before being taken to the dump sites.

The police could not yet say how they were convinced the Toowong woman has died. According to reports, traces of blood were discovered in the bin area of Ms Trotter’s unit complex in Toowong. Forensic samples were taken for further examination.

“It was evident she was deceased. Due to the positioning of the body, we can’t rule out foul play,” Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said.

Two crime scenes were set up close to her unit block in Merivale St, Toowong. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the 78-year-old’s disappearance may be tied to a neighbourhood recycling dispute.

Ms Trotter was last in touch with her family before noon on 27 March 2023. They called the police when they did not find her at home during their visit the next day.

When the police checked, they discovered that Ms Trotter left her mobile and wallet behind. Also, her car was still in the garage. A large-scale search then followed.

Despite finding no traces of a body, senior officers of the investigation concluded on 7 April 2023 that Ms Trotter, may have died close to her Toowong unit on Maryvale St between midnight on Monday, 27 March, and midday on Tuesday, 28 March.

“Two crime scenes have been established at the Maryvale Street unit complex where Lesley resides,” the QPS said. “Police appeal to anyone with relevant dashcam vision or CCTV, particularly between 5am and 7am on Tuesday, March 28, to come forward.”

Mr Massingham said during the press conference that Ms Trotter was in the habit of sorting through her neighbours’ rubbish bins to recycle waste.

“Whether that’s created some angst amongst the tenants, we’re working through that at the moment,” Mr Massingham said. “That’s one line of inquiry we’re following. We have not ruled out that this activity in some way is linked to her death.”

Ms Trotter, a retired teacher, was looking forward to moving to a retirement village.

Published 9-April-2023

QASMT P&C Members Voted to Dissolve Association

Photo credit: Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

Did you know that parents of students at the Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology recently voted to dissolve the QASMT Parents & Citizens committee?

On Thursday evening, 23 March 2023, QASMT parents passed a resolution to dissolve the P&C Association in a 34-4 vote. At least 75 per cent of the members present at the meeting, which was held via Zoom, were needed to dissolve the committee.

They also voted to have the $150,000 funds, including parents’ funds, transferred to the school.

There were a total of 72 community members who attended the meeting that evening. After a 15-minute heated Q&A, 34 non-member attendees were booted out of the meeting and were not allowed to witness the voting.

In 2022, the school P&C met only four times out of the minimum of six meetings required due to the intense infighting among its members.

President Winand D-Souza said that the committee executive was seeking to dissolve the P&C model in order to streamline the parents and school connection. He added that the changes will lead to better communication between the stakeholders and ultimately a better QASMT.

Opponents, meanwhile, said that the meeting did not offer opportunity for a transparent, open discussion. Chat was also disabled whilst presentations were being conducted.

Prior to the dissolution, Friends of QASMT P&C Association launched an online petition asking the Qld Department of Education Minister Grace Grace to save the Association.

It said that when P&C members received an email invitation to a ‘Special Meeting’ indicating the Executive’s plan to dissolve the Association, there were no reasons provided and the wider school community has not been notified or consulted.

“Since 2019 this association has funded tens of thousands of dollars worth of musical instruments, VR equipment, laser cutters and printers, outdoor furniture, sports courts, sports and science equipment,” the petition said.

“It currently is the steward of over $100k of parent raised funds. This fundraising cannot continue upon the initiative of parents and citizens if the Association is dissolved.

“Current leaders may be dissatisfied with how the Association has evolved. If this is the case, they need to step aside and allow others to take the lead to move this Association towards a more positive future.

“Dissolution reduces opportunities for parents to work in partnership with the school and each other. Dissolution removes transparency and accountability of the expenditure of parent fees. Our P&C Association provides vital support and ensures there is equity for all – everyone deserves to be heard.

“In short, it is not in the best interest of students or the school for the QASMT P&C Association to be dissolved.”

Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology has for years been a top-performing state high school in Queensland, consistently showing exceptional NAPLAN and ATAR results.

In 2020, the QASMT expansion was completed which included the new STEM Precinct and the new Languages Precinct.

Published 26-March-2023

It’s Official: A New Inner-West Primary School Will No Longer Be Built at the Former Toowong Bowls Club Site

Photo credit: Facebook / Councillor James Mackay

It’s official. After deliberations and community consultation, the former site of the Toowong Bowls Club site that suffered damage during the 2011 and 2022 floods has officially been declared an unsuitable venue for a new primary school.

Education Minister Grace Grace confirmed on 15 March 2023 that the former Toowong Bowls Club site is no longer suitable for a new primary school following unprecedented flooding and community consultation. The confirmation comes as the State Government announced its stabilising enrolment changes school timetable.

“Stabilising enrolments means there is currently capacity for around 600 extra students in the existing local state schools. A new state school is therefore not required as soon as anticipated,” the announcement states.

The government will review the original pre-COVID business to determine when and where a new primary school should be built. Whilst this review goes underway, school communities at Indooroopilly, Ironside and Toowong State Schools will benefit from new and upgraded facilities including additional student capacity where needed.

“The Palaszczuk Government has a proud record of delivering educational infrastructure when and where it is needed,” Ms Grace said.

“Good governments are constantly reviewing what needs to be done and where, and it’s clear some of our new schools aren’t needed as quickly as was predicted a few years ago.

“Low birth rates from 2017 onwards, as well as a significant reduction in overseas enrolments due to COVID, means enrolments have stabilised and growth pressures have eased in some areas.

“We are prioritising opening new schools where they are needed, and ensuring best value for taxpayers in what is an incredibly challenging construction market impacted by the rising costs and labour shortages we’ve seen since the pandemic.

“We’ve faced curveballs from unprecedented flooding in Brisbane’s inner west and changes to federal koala protection laws. Stabilising enrolments mean we can now take the time to secure more suitable sites in the inner west and Park Ridge, safe in the knowledge that with upgrades – some of which are already taking place – our existing schools have capacity to accommodate students in the meantime.”

Councillor James Mackay in his social media post said that he will now be pushing for Council to have the former Toowong Bowls Club site refurbished and to push forward with its plans to reopen the facility for community use and public space.

Published 17-March-2023

The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower Launches New Initiative for Lonely and Vulnerable Patients

A hospital stay can be a lonely and stressful time, so The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower has launched Compassionate Care, a new initiative supporting vulnerable patients.

Compassionate Care is an extension of the End of Life Compassionate Care service developed by Wesley Hospital Chaplain Leanne Duncan and its focus is on providing non-clinical support to patients who may need social engagement while they are getting other treatments.

“While routines in hospital are focused on providing the high-quality clinical care this environment can at times be disruptive and stressful, especially when a patient does not have a support network close to them,” Leanne said.

“We know that social engagement has many benefits for patients and is demonstrated to support recovery and reduce the length of stay in hospital.

“We identify our vulnerable patients as those who may be in hospital for a long period of time, those who come from regional/remote areas, those with no family or friends close by and those with mobility or cognitive impairments.”

Trained volunteers are an integral part of this new initiative. They visit the patients at the hospital ward to share a meal, talk over a cup of coffee, do jigsaw puzzles or board games, or have a walk in the gardens, as approved by the patient’s care manager.

VIP Service Volunteer Pauline said she jumped at the opportunity to make such a meaningful impact on the patients.

“This feeds my heart, I really enjoy spending time with these people, they get the opportunity to take their minds off their hospital stay and talk about something different,” Pauline said.

“Some of the patients live regionally or remotely and have limited support networks here in Brisbane, having a friendly face to chat with makes a huge impact. I love seeing them at the end of my visit far more animated than when I first walked in, I feel like I made a difference.”

Compassionate Care was trialed at Nurse Unit Manager Kerrie Blocksidge’s ward which is comprised mostly of older patients.

“We absolutely love the VIP service here and it has made such a positive impact not only with our patients but our nursing staff as well,” Kerrie said.

“You can’t measure happiness but we certainly notice a change in our patients after they have had a visit from a volunteer, I believe it’s a wonderful initiative and we would welcome more volunteers to our ward any day.”

The Wesley Hospital is still in need of volunteers to become a Compassionate Companion, who will work alongside clinical staff in four-hour shifts at various wards across the hospital.

If interested, contact Leanne at twh.compassionatecompanion@uchealth.com.au or visit the official site.

Published 14 March 2023

Starbucks With Drive-thru Part Of Proposed Upgrade of Ampol Toowong

Did you know that there could soon be a new Starbucks stand-alone drive-thru cafe at the Ampol servo on Milton Road in Toowong?

Read: Inside West Brisbane’s New Cafes Mis.spelt And Riser Bread

TfA Project Group, on behalf of Ampol, has submitted plans to upgrade the servo, located at 581 Milton Road, Toowong. The 2,817sqm site is currently used as a service station with supporting workshops, but with the recently lodged proposal, it could be transformed into a service station with food and drink outlets.

The coffee shop, to be located at the northern boundary of the site, will only be 78sqm and will feature a drive-thru.

The proposal also includes the removal of the existing building and associated structures to provide for the construction of a modern service station with a new 135 sqm pay point retail building.

Also designed by the TfA Project Group, the servo will have a double drive-thru with the ability to stack 14 vehicles for the food and drink outlet, along with 11 car parks and a loading bay and service yard.

Subject site (Photo credit: Google Street View)

“The development site will incorporate new areas of landscaping and a higher quality of built form and modern design, which will enhance the overall appearance of the site,” planners at TfA Project Group stated.

“The modern convenience offers within both the service station building and attached food and drink will better service the local community needs of surrounding businesses,” planning documents read.

If approved, the new servo will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Read: Where To Go In Toowong For Sweet And Savoury Treats

At present, there are only six Starbucks stores in Brisbane: South Brisbane, Myer Centre at Queen St, Grey St at South Bank, Festival Towers, Edward St, and one at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba.

Published 12-March-2023

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

Did you know that the Toowong Women’s Homelessness Service, an Anglicare organisation, has been supporting thousands of women who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness?

Assisting women over 18 years old, the Toowong Women’s Homelessness Service provides temporary accommodation for parents, pregnant mums, or those working towards reunification. The help offered also creates an equitable future as the women rediscover their self-worth to motivate their improvement in life.

The team at the holistic service facility teaches the women to develop positive parenting skills or to sustain their tenancies by following a trauma-informed recovery-oriented, strengths-based case management framework. For a lot of these women, it’s the very first time they find themselves on a lease.

Anglicare’s Community properties open the opportunity for homeless women to have access to affordable housing for up to six months, alongside continued support and case management as they wait for a new home.

“We provide them with a place to stay as they have some stability and someone to work with who understands the challenges that they might go through,” Anglicare Women’s Homelessness Service Manager Carol Birrell said.

“An important part of our role is supporting people while they are waiting for housing because it is hard for people to wait and not know where they’ll be living, or what space and location they have to build their life around in terms of connecting with doctors or psychologists.”

The Toowong Women’s Homelessness Service also runs the Women’s Early Intervention Service which is an outreach program designed at assisting at-risk women and to help connect them with vital support services.

Ms Birrell said homelessness is such a complex issue which can spiral into a domino effect.

“The reality is that we’ve had women here that have had jobs and rentals and it can sometimes only take an event in their life which challenges them to reach out to services to seek support, and it’s not necessarily a loss of property or it could be a loss of property or something else, but that might not be the first thing,” Ms Birrell said.

“It’s like the chicken or the egg. Which one comes first? Is it the issues that were going on in that property or relationship or mental health? What is the reason? It’s not always the loss of property, but it might end in a loss of property, but that might not be the first thing.”

In observance of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2023, Ms Birrell said the theme of embracing equity resonated with her and her team as it’s all about supporting those who are most vulnerable and ensuring they have the same opportunities as everyone else regardless of their background and upbringing.

“I think the significant thing Anglicare has done for women is that we have identified the need to do more for women and it’s about women working with women and trying to see them in a better position in life,” Ms Birrell said.

Learn more about Toowong Women’s Homelessness Service by visiting Anglicare’s official site.

Published 8 March 2023

Locals Raise Concerns About Proposed Freers Redevelopment of Stuartholme School

Photo credit: Queensland Government (Planning) / planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au

Alleged ‘flaws’ found in updated flood and lighting reports, part of the proposed Freers site redevelopment of Stuartholme School, has a number of locals worried.

Stuartholmes School has a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application seeking approval for the establishment of new buildings and works on its Main Campus including a dedicated Junior School Precinct and Freers Site redevelopment as part of its Masterplan 2020.

The Freers redevelopment plans involve the repurposing of the existing warehouse for use as an internal sports training facility and storage, including the construction of training fields, netball courts, and cricket nets with associated floodlighting.

Proposed sports precinct aerial view | Photo credit: Queensland Government (Planning) / planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au

“The extent of training and usage on the Freers Site will vary according to which sport is being played and the time of year. The fields and courts may be used on an ad-hoc basis to assist with ‘overflow’ needs for organised inter-school sporting fixtures occurring elsewhere, typically on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. The refurbished Freers building is intended to provide for uses and activities complementary to the sporting facilities over the wider Freers site,” The Stuartholme School’s future plans state.

Proposed sports precinct aerial view Proposed Redevelopment of Freers Site — Proposed sports precinct aerial view | Photo credit: Queensland Government (Planning) / planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au

The redevelopment plans also include the construction of a pedestrian bridge on Ithaca Creek whilst fencing would be provided through the installation of bollards with netting, allowing the free flow of flood water. The proposed design for the hockey field, meanwhile, has been revised and lowered by about half a metre to lessen its impact on flooding.

Perspective view Proposed Redevelopment of Freers Site — Perspective view | Photo credit: Queensland Government (Planning) / planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au

The proposed operating hours of the site are from 6 am to 10 pm with floodlights to be switched on only when the fields are in use.

In November 2022, Freers Farm Action Group leader Steph Walker noted in her social media post “two worrying flaws” about the final flood and environment impact reports, specifically:

The flood report continues to be based on flood modelling data which is demonstrably incorrect based on local knowledge and records; and
The environmental impact report found that the site, or immediately adjacent land contains 4 threatened species which are listed at Commonwealth/ and or State level as vulnerable. This finding means a proper impact asssesement process is supposed to be followed, but the school seems to be relying on an earlier report which found the site had “low ecological value” and no or little evidence of threatened species.

She added that residents have taken steps, at their own cost, to obtain independent flooding and environmental impacts reports.

The Group, thus, is calling on Deputy Premier ( Dr Steven Miles MP), the MID assessment team, Mr Michael Berkman (MP for Maiwar) and the Principal of Stuartholme School to allow the locals a reasonable time of about four to six months to obtain these reports before a decision is made.

Published 5-March-2023

Brisbane Boys’ College Named State Champion At 2023 Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup

Brisbane Boys’ College dominated the Orange Ball category and was named State Champion at the 2023 Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) Finishes Strong at 2023 Queensland State Championships Regatta

The team, consisting of Year 5 students Bentley Kang, Oliver Rowden, Harry Bridle and Hursh Menon, defeated Caningeraba State School with 23-11 in the Finals.

Around 1,200 students from 85 schools in the State joined in three tiers of modified Tennis Hot Shots, who began competing at the regional trials prior to the State Finals at the United Cup in Brisbane.

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)/Facebook

Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup comes in three different categories: The red ball, an entry-level competition is for students in Year 4 and below; the orange ball category is for students in Year 5 and below; and Green Ball category is for Year 6 and below.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Boys’ College also excelled at the Green Ball category, finishing Third in the State. The team consisted of Albert Ge, Jonathan Zhang, Ethan Huang and Chengze Du.

The Toowong school is proud of the boys’ achievement and also thanked the coaches Ethan Wilkinson and Leo Prudencio for their involvement with getting the boys prepared for the big finale.

BBC said the boys also managed to mingle with numerous professional players, including Iga Swiatek, Jill Teichmann, Caper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, Matteo Berretini and Stan Wawrinka over the four days of competition.

“Many autographs were gained, and the boys also got to walk through the players’ area and out onto Pat Rafter arena in front of the United Cup crowd. It was a fantastic experience for all,” BBC stated in a social media post.

Read: Remembering Wallace Bishop: Successful Jeweller and Brisbane Boys College Alumnus

To see the full results from the 2023 Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup, visit tennis.com.au.

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) Finishes Strong at 2023 Queensland State Championships Regatta

Photo credit: Facebook / Brisbane Boys' College (BBC)

The recently held Queensland State Championships Regatta saw the Brisbane Boys’ College staging a successful campaign, scoring three Golds, a Silver and a Bronze medal.

It’s a very promising rowing season this year indeed for BBC Rowing as it successfully finished its first official races this season. At the Queensland State Championships, the school entered two Open Eights, two Year 11 Eights, two Year 10 Quads and a Year 10 single scull.

The action-packed weekend at Lake Wyaralong last 20 – 22 January 2023 saw 647 athletes participating with 772 entries racing in 124 races. It was the largest turnout of competitors at the Queensland State Championships Regatta so far.

The school’s Open First VIII successfully took out the U19 and U21 8+ categories before taking a second-place finish in the Open Men’s 8+ Final by beating Uni of Qld which finished fourth and third placer Toowong club. Private club KAND took home the Gold medal.

Meanwhile, Henry Wake won the Gold in the Mens Under 16 Single Scull whilst Year 10 First Quad took home the Bronze.

2023 Queensland State Championships Regatta

Championship Mens Under 17 Quad Scull (Coxed) – Final

Gregory Terrace (Setter,Thomas,Clancy,Alford,c:Sheehan
Gregory Terrace (Ross,Clifford-Thorpe,Townsend,McGhie,c:Macklin)
Brisbane Boys 1 (Pohio,Deal,Bromell,Thynne,c:Geldard)

Championship Mens Under 21 Eight – Final

Brisbane Boys (Crook,Granzin,Rubens,Thynne,Owen,Cashman,Cashman,Stevens,c:Palmer)
Commercial/Griffith Uni
(O’Driscoll*,Dixon,Humphrey*,Mounter*,Akhavan,Schostakowski,Barrett,Gilmore,c:Shaw)
Brisbane Grammar (Nicholson,Houghton,Weightman,Jackson,Roe,Morrissey,Fidler,Forbes,c:Reck)

Championship Mens Under 19 Eight – Final

Brisbane Boys (Crook,Granzin,Rubens,Thynne,Owen,Cashman,Cashman,Stevens,c:Palmer)
Brisbane Grammar 1
(Nicholson,Jackson,Weightman,Morrissey,Roe,Keeley,Fidler,Forbes,c:Reck)
Gregory Terrace
(Ross,Townsend,Clifford-Thorpe,Gallagher,Hazard,Blanshard,White,Williams,c:Macklin)

Championship Mens Under 16 Single Scull – Final

Brisbane Boys (Henry Wake)
Gregory Terrace (Hamish Setter)
Rockhampton Fitzroy (Tristram Vesey)

Championship Mens Eight -Final

Kand
(Bidwell,McCasker,Rees-Turner*,Rhodes,Lord,Rowe,Achermann,Salisbury,c:Cooke)
Brisbane Boys
(Crook,Granzin,Rubens,Thynne,Owen,Cashman,Cashman,Stevens,c:Palmer)
Toowong
(Price,Place,Bridge,Martin,Carter,Watter,Apel,Bowser,c:Ridgway)

Big congratulations to the boys and their coaches!

Published 5-February-2023

Planned Inner West Primary School Downgraded Despite Growing Student Population

Delays have marred the opening of a much-needed new inner west primary school, a project first eyed for construction at the former Toowong Bowls Club site. Instead of a Term 1 2023 opening date, the project is still in the planning stage, pending a review of the community’s feedback.

The Department of Education quietly updated the project’s status at the end of January 2023. The change has drawn concern from Cr James Mackay, who pointed out the need for a new school because of the student’s growing population.

“If you’ve been to that school lately you’d know it’s bursting at its seems. Ironside and Toowong schools both have more students than they were designed for,” he posted.

“If you dig deep on the government’s website you can find the page about the inner west school. The latest update says ‘A report summarising the feedback received from community consultation will be available soon.’ Note, the community feedback closed way back in May 2022 so I’m not sure what’s going on.”

In 2020, the State Government announced its plans to build a new inner west primary school after 60 years. However, challenges in finding a desirable location have pushed the 2023 opening date to 2024.

Locals expressed during the community consultations that the preferred location was at risk of flooding and could raise environmental and safety concerns as there is an active flying fox colony near the former Toowong Bowls Club. The location was further compromised after the February 2022 flooding.

However, acting Education Minister Leanne Linard said that inner west schools are still operating below capacity thus the pressure to complete the project has tempered off.

Although this doesn’t mean that the schools’ population will stop growing thus overcapacity should still be addressed before classrooms become full, according to Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman.