Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 4 of 41

Toowong Streets Come Alive with Vibrant Artworks on Signal Boxes

The streets of Toowong have been transformed into an open-air gallery, with local residents painting vibrant artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the suburb. These eye-catching installations celebrate everything from local stories to community connections, turning everyday street furniture into conversation starters.

Windows of Toowong

At the corner of Coronation Drive and Booth Street, artists Matisse Raphael and Aya Stronach have transformed an Energex padmount transformer into an imaginary apartment building. Painted in June 2022, the artwork features multiple window panels, each framing diverse characters who peer out or sometimes in, representing Toowong’s cosmopolitan community. A flowering jacaranda filled with local wildlife completes the scene, capturing the vibrancy of this inner-Brisbane suburb.

The Toowong Cat and Fiddle

Created by eight-year-old Alice White in December 2018, this design at the intersection of Milton Road, Croydon Street and Morley Street takes inspiration from the nearby Cat and Fiddle shopping centre. The artwork features a possum dressed in Toowong School uniform alongside colourful Queenslander houses and a sunset characteristic of local skies. The piece earned a nomination for Best 12 and Under.

Paper Wings

Located at the Sylvan Road pedestrian crossing near Kate Street, Maleea Holbert’s August 2025 design depicts origami cranes drifting through the sky. Positioned directly in front of Toowong State School, the artwork aims to capture children’s imagination whilst providing a calming presence for parents and passers-by. Holbert drew inspiration from memories of making paper cranes in Japanese class.

There’s Always a Silver Lining

At the same Sylvan Road pedestrian crossing location (a previous artwork on this box), D.K. Perkins and Peta Thomson created this May 2021 piece asking the age-old question: is the glass half empty or half full? The design encourages viewers to look for silver linings and sparked from the family’s experiences during 2020. The artwork won Best 18 and Under in 2021.

Dancing in the Dark Forest

Mira Westaway’s December 2016 artwork at the intersection of Moggill Road, Jephson Street and High Street combines her passions for ballet and fashion design with a Halloween twist. The piece earned nominations across multiple categories, including Overall Winner and both youth age groups.

The Cloisters

Leesl Ross brings the University of Queensland to Toowong’s streets with this October 2016 depiction of the university’s iconic sandstone walkway and arcade. Located at Brisbane Street and Glen Road, the artwork earned a nomination for Overall Winner.

Hope, Resilience, Recovery

At Sherwood Road and Holland Street, Lisa Kelly’s April 2019 artwork promotes the message of Eating Disorders Queensland, a community-based not-for-profit organisation. The piece serves as a sister artwork to Kelly’s other box on the same street, designed to bring the community together and remind viewers that beauty comes in all forms. It received a nomination for the Energex Box Award.

No Wrong Way to Have a Body

Lisa Kelly’s September 2018 design at Sherwood Road and Jephson Street celebrates bodies of all shapes and sizes through depictions of various female forms throughout history. Created in recognition of Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the artwork was produced in collaboration with The Eating Issues Centre and earned nominations for Overall Winner and Best Organisation.

Metropolitan Manifesto 2.0

Kate Halling’s January 2020 design at Benson Street and High Street explores how people make sense of their surroundings through sensory experiences. Using varying colours, shapes and forms, the artwork responds to its location and aims to provoke a positive sensory experience for viewers.

Peck-nic Time

Gabrielle Cook, a disabled artist, created this July 2025 artwork at Jephson Street and Lissner Street featuring iconic Australian birds enjoying a picnic of recognisable Aussie snacks. Cook, working with collaborators Emma Blakey, Kyron Mayhew and Naomi Moore from the University of Queensland’s School of Social Sciences, designed the piece to invite playfulness and connection through accessible public art.

Meanderin’ Meanjin

Sarah Sparks and Tom Hilton’s June 2025 design at 3 Valentine Street and Milton Road celebrates Brisbane from the river to the purple jacarandas and turquoise of South Bank lagoon. The artwork features six iconic bridges symbolising the merging of modern and historic Brisbane, with dashes representing walking tracks and dots representing the city’s tapestry of cultures. The title pays homage to the traditional name for Brisbane.

Purple Rain: The Essence of Spring in Brisbane

Emma Watt’s October 2024 artwork at the Coronation Drive pedestrian crossing and Booth Street captures jacaranda trees flowering against the heritage Regatta Hotel. The piece aims to evoke nostalgia and appreciation for Brisbane’s character, highlighting the short-lived beauty of spring before summer arrives and the intertwining of history and nature.

The Cats of Creativity

At Land Street and Patrick Street, Bronte McDonald’s December 2022 design draws from Ray Bradbury’s quote comparing cats to creative ideas. McDonald, working with assistants Ashleigh Barker and Bibi Bonfield, believes creating is as essential to human wellbeing as exercise and good nutrition, with CAT also serving as an acronym for Creative Art Therapy.

Books and Birds

Santo Cavallaro’s June 2022 artwork at Land Street and Sylvan Road celebrates the special connection between nature and discovery. The design reflects on how spending time in nature can provide endless opportunities for learning, growth and peace, whether hiking through mountains or simply walking in a park.

About Artforce Brisbane

These artworks are part of Artforce Brisbane, an annual community art programme run by Brisbane City Council since 1999. The initiative invites Brisbane residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to paint original artworks on traffic signal boxes throughout the city’s suburbs. More than 5,000 volunteers have painted over 1,200 boxes across Brisbane, celebrating local characters, cultures, histories and landmarks while reducing graffiti and vandalism. The programme is managed by Artfully, a Brisbane-based arts consultancy specialising in public art and placemaking. Each year, approximately 80 painting opportunities become available as the council upgrades intersections and replaces old cabinets.

Residents interested in participating can register at the Artforce Brisbane website or email info@artforcebrisbane.com.au for more information.

Published 26-December-2025

Katherine Lu Leads Queensland’s Perfect ATAR Achievers as Results Reach Toowoong

Photo Credit: Australian Science Innovations

High-achieving student Katherine Lu was among Queensland’s top performers as ATAR results were released, with students in Toowoong part of the statewide cohort marking the end of Year 12.

Katherine Lu’s Academic Achievement

Katherine Lu recorded a perfect ATAR of 99.95, placing her among just 37 students statewide to achieve the highest possible ranking this year. She completed the International Baccalaureate (IBAS) program at the Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology.

In addition to her ATAR result, Lu achieved an IBAS score of 45.75, the highest IBAS score recorded in Queensland, distinguishing her performance within an already competitive group of top achievers.

A Select Group of Top Performers

Lu was one of a small number of students across Queensland to reach the top ATAR band. Other students who also achieved an ATAR of 99.95 included graduates from schools across Brisbane and regional Queensland, reflecting a broad distribution of academic excellence across the state.

Several students described the release of results as an emotional moment following years of sustained academic effort, with families and school communities sharing in the milestone.

Statewide ATAR Outcomes

Across Queensland, 30,167 Year 12 graduates received an ATAR when results were released on December 18. Nearly one in four eligible students achieved a rank of 90 or above, continuing a steady pattern of strong overall outcomes.

More broadly, 93.4 per cent of students completed a Queensland Certificate of Education, while others graduated with vocational qualifications or completed university subjects during senior schooling.

Toowoong ATAR results — *Caption: Katherine Lu and the team representing Australia at the 2025 Australian Science Olympiad.*
*Photo Credit: Australian Science Innovations*

Results Day Experiences

Students across Brisbane reported mixed emotions on results day, ranging from relief to quiet confidence. While some graduates closely tracked their final ranking, others focused on how their subject results aligned with future study plans.

For many students, early university offers or alternative entry pathways helped reduce pressure, allowing results day to be viewed as a checkpoint rather than a defining moment.

Looking Ahead

As students in Toowoong and across Queensland review their results, attention now turns to enrolments and post-school pathways. For top achievers like Katherine Lu, the ATAR release marks the culmination of years of academic commitment, while also opening the door to a wide range of future opportunities.

Published 24-Dec-2025

Toowong, Then and Now: What a Lifetime in Real Estate Lets You See

Photo Credit: Ray White

Robin McIlwain has seen Toowong evolve over the last few decades, and in this column shares her astute observations as well as her memories of the area since arriving in 1977.

Working in Toowong for nearly 5 decades, Robin has seen many buildings come and go, as the area evolves into servicing the continually growing high-density population. Few people enjoy seeing local institutions and meaningful structures disappear in their own backyard, though expanding cities require this it seems.

I first worked in Toowong in 1977. I didn’t know then that it would become the suburb I’d measure time by — not in years, but in buildings replaced, streets reshaped, and habits quietly lost and re-learned.

Back then, Brisbane’s town plan encouraged smaller walk-up apartment blocks. They were often built by Italian families who lived locally, knew the streets, and worked at a human scale. Today, most new residential development is high-rise. It’s not sentimentality to say that something changed with that shift — not just the skyline, but the way decisions are made. Multi-national commercial builders replaced local ones, and with that came a different pace and pressure.

The loss of older Federation and Colonial homes has been substantial, particularly in streets like Holland Street, Kensington Terrace and Glen Road. What’s often forgotten is that many of those houses were saved — not by stopping development, but by relocating them. Council policy at the time allowed viable homes to be moved rather than demolished. Many of them went on to second lives on acreage in Brookfield and Pullenvale.

I’ve always admired builders like Tony Findlay, who restored so many of those homes and placed them back into generous grounds — long driveways, jacarandas, tennis courts. It wasn’t just preservation; it was respect.

Still, it’s hard not to feel sadness when I see heritage-listed buildings like the old Toowong Library or Patterson House on Sherwood Road falling into disrepair. Obsolescence can be quieter than demolition, but it leaves its mark all the same.

What daily work has changed most is movement. When I was a young agent, you could usually park right outside a property. Clients could too. We left five minutes between appointments and arrived on time.

Now, we plan routes carefully. Sometimes a colleague drops us off and picks us up later. Often, we walk. Forty-five minutes between appointments is standard. Open inspections are more frequent and increasingly held out of hours — not just for convenience, but because parking itself has become a consideration in property access.

Just this morning, walking out of the post office in Ebor Lane, I noticed the vacant land beside the old Kratzman Hardware building. In the time I’ve worked here, that site has gone through two development cycles and is about to be redeveloped again. When I started in real estate, it was empty. Today, it’s empty once more. That alone tells a story about how cities evolve.

Did you know Toowong once had a bomb shelter?

Many locals remember the old blue Kratzman House at 50 High Street, where Peter Forrest ran his agency for years. Fewer people knew there was a Toowong bomb shelter in the front yard. It had been closed off, but we used it for archived files and, occasionally, curiosity got the better of us. I’ve often wondered what the developers thought when they finally uncovered it during demolition, long after most locals had forgotten it existed.

Those early years in real estate weren’t always polished or predictable. On my very first day in the industry in the 1970s, I was greeted not with a tidy office or a structured induction, but with a dead shark left on the doorstep — a moment that captured both the toughness of the era and the resilience you needed to last in it. Like many starting out then, I learned quickly, often the hard way, and those experiences stayed with me.

When my husband, Russ Cornish, opened L J Hooker Toowong in the then-new Commonwealth Bank building on Sherwood Road and Jephson Street, there were no traffic lights at that intersection. There was street parking on Jephson Street.

Did you know Ziggy once foiled a burglary?

We had an RSL hall and two service stations on the corners. Wilf Rooney ran one of them, and Ziggy — known to most locals — kept an eye on things at night.

Ziggy the bagman — a familiar sight on the street.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / Pony31 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91801036

He even foiled a burglary once. It’s hard to imagine that intersection now without lights, let alone with parking.

Trying to leave my mark

Over time, my work extended beyond day-to-day agency life. I became involved in advisory roles with government bodies and development groups, contributed to changes in training and licensing standards, and helped shape marketing approaches that were more research-led and buyer-focused. I was also fortunate to work on projects where understanding how people live informed not just how properties were sold, but how they were designed. All of that grew out of my years working in and around Toowong — the place where theory met real people and real homes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ray White Toowong (@rwtoowong)

One thing that hasn’t changed is Toowong’s cultural diversity. Being a university suburb has ensured that. The streets are still full of young people from all over the world, and that cosmopolitan energy continues to give the area its edge and its warmth.

What do I miss in Toowong?

Jim and Anne’s sandwich shop in Dr Clements Arcade. D’Angelo’s pizza and their veal scallopini. Brian Krebs Hairdresser — flamboyant, talented, and very much of his time, when big hair was everything.

This isn’t nostalgia for its own sake. It’s simply what you see when you stay long enough. Toowong keeps changing — and so do we, alongside it.

Editor’s Note: As Robin McIlwain retires from her role at Ray White Toowong, her vast local experience and range of stories need to see the light of day, and it is with that in mind that we hope to persuade Robin to write further columns for Toowong News.

Published 20-December-2025

Historic Toowong Estate Listed for Sale for Only the Second Time in 85 years

A grand Victorian-era estate situated on a double corner block in Toowong is changing hands for only the second time in more than eight decades.

A Rare Real Estate Opportunity

The residence at 11 Norwood Street sits on an elevated 814sqm block and is being marketed by Ray White Toowong selling principal Reuben Packer-Hill. Originally built around 1880, the property presents a unique chance for buyers to acquire a significant piece of Brisbane’s local history. The home has been held by the Armstrong family for nearly half a century, making this listing a notable event for the suburb’s property market.

Blending History with Modern Comfort

While the home retains its historic charm, it has been updated to suit contemporary needs. The structure features two architect-designed extensions that blend with the original 19th-century character. Key features include a latticed porch, high ceilings with detailed plasterwork, chandeliers, and polished timber floors.

The layout is designed for large families, offering six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. There are multiple living spaces, such as a library, a formal dining room, and casual areas for relaxation. A veranda offers views of the city skyline and overlooks the swimming pool below. The owner, William Armstrong, noted that the vegetation around the home gives it a country feel despite looking out at the city.

Space for Everyone

The property includes a specialized “East Wing” that opens directly onto the poolside patio. This section of the house was designed to provide separation and privacy for extended family members, teenagers, or guests. With five of the bedrooms featuring their own ensuites, the house is well-equipped to handle multi-generational living arrangements.

A Long Family Legacy

Mr. Armstrong inherited the property from his great-uncle in 1969. Before that, his uncle had purchased the home from a doctor who both lived and ran a medical practice on the site. When Mr. Armstrong first took ownership, the house was being used as a rental property for several tenants.

Since moving in 46 years ago, William and Elizabeth Armstrong have raised their family there. They described the house as the heart of their family, where they celebrated milestones and watched generations grow up. Their grandchildren now affectionately refer to the property as the “pool house.”

Time to Downsize

After decades of memories, the Armstrongs have decided it is time to sell. Mr. Armstrong explained that while they would love to stay, health concerns regarding his hip and knees make the large home difficult to manage without installing a lift. They expressed hope that the new owners would cherish the home just as much as they have.

Published Date 19-December-2025

NAPLAN 2025: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology Leads the Way in Latest School Data Release

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology has outperformed institutions across Australia to secure the top spot in nearly every major academic performance category.

Local Excellence

The Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), situated in Brisbane’s inner west, achieved leading results in 2023 and 2024. The data was released by the Australian Assessment Curriculum Assessment Authority (ACARA) on the My School website, which allows families to view how schools perform based on their specific situations. QASMT has a strong history of high achievement since it began. It was established under the Queensland government’s Smart State strategy to provide challenges for high-performing students.

The school is well known for its close relationship with the University of Queensland. This partnership was created to help students move easily into university life. Students at the Toowong campus can use university libraries and facilities, and some even finish university subjects while they are still in high school. Unlike many other state schools, the academy uses the International Baccalaureate framework instead of the standard curriculum.

Changes and Growth

The academy has grown significantly in recent years. While it originally served only senior students in Years 10 to 12, it expanded in 2019 to include Year 7 students. This shift turned the facility into a full secondary school.

To support the growing number of students, which jumped from around 600 to more than 1,200, the campus received major upgrades. These included a new STEM precinct and a Northern Learning Centre designed to look and feel like university lecture spaces.

The National Picture

While the Toowong school celebrates its success, the wider national results paint a different picture. Recent data shows that one-third of Australian students are not meeting reasonable expectations for reading and maths. About 10 per cent of students need extra help to catch up, while another 20 per cent are still developing their skills.

Education analyst Glenn Fahey from the Centre for Independent Studies expressed deep concern about these figures. He noted that students who fall behind early often struggle to catch up by the time they finish school. He suggested that the public should demand better results from the education system because the current approach is leaving too many children behind.

Expert Views on Testing

ACARA chief executive Stephen Gniel explained that the data on the My School website helps the community understand the value of each school. He pointed out that while there were small improvements in numeracy for students in Years 5, 7, and 9, there is still a gap for students in regional and remote areas. He emphasised the need for a collective effort to support disadvantaged students.

Teachers Professional Association Queensland president Scott Stanford described the results as a job well done for high-performing schools. He viewed the test as a snapshot in time that indicates whether getting back to basics in teaching is working. He added that if teachers are instructing correctly, the benefits should show in these assessments.

Published Date 08-December-2025

Toowong Riders Urged to Follow E-Device Rules Ahead of Christmas

A new safety campaign has been launched to remind riders in Toowong to follow the rules for e-scooters and e-bikes ahead of Christmas.

Safety Focus for E-Devices in Toowong

A safety campaign has been rolled out ahead of Christmas to encourage safer use of e-scooters and e-bikes in Toowong and across Queensland. The initiative follows concerns about fatalities, serious injuries and the use of illegal devices, particularly involving young riders. The Bicentennial Bikeway, a popular commuter route along the river from Toowong to the CBD, is one of the key locations where the safety messages apply.

Toowong e-scooter safety — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Recent Safety Concerns

In the past three years, Queensland has recorded 18 e-scooter deaths and several e-bike-related fatalities. Authorities have also raised concerns about young people riding illegal e-motorbikes on public streets and roads, especially in South East Queensland.

Between 1 January and 31 December 2024, Queensland recorded 302 road fatalities, which was 28 more than the previous year and 34 above the five-year average. Over the same period, there were 8,573 hospitalised casualties from road crashes, 331 more than the previous year and 1,002 above the five-year average.

These figures sit behind the decision to reinforce road safety messages across all transport modes, including e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motorbikes.

Campaign Details in Queensland

The Know Your eRules campaign is being led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Advertising is running on Spotify, social media and bus shelters through the Christmas period to remind riders that e-mobility devices can be deadly when used illegally or incorrectly.

Queensland Police will issue penalties and fines to people who break the rules, including parents who allow children to ride illegal devices. The campaign encourages adults, particularly parents, to check the official guidance and ensure any device they buy for Christmas is legal and used safely.

Queensland road safety — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

E-Scooter Rules for Toowong Riders

For e-scooters and other personal mobility devices, riders must be at least 16 years old. Children aged 12 to 15 may ride only under adult supervision, while children under 12 are not allowed to ride these devices.

Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time, and a properly fastened helmet is compulsory. E-scooters can travel at a maximum of 25 km/h, with a limit of 12 km/h on footpaths and shared paths unless signs say otherwise. Fines of more than $660 can apply for speeding.

E-scooters may be used on footpaths, shared paths, separated bike paths, on-road bike lanes with speed limits of 50 km/h or less, and local streets with speed limits of 50 km/h or less where there is no dividing line. Riders must leave their phone alone, not drink and ride, obey give way and stop signs, and give way to pedestrians.

E-Bike Requirements and Illegal Devices

E-bikes must rely mainly on pedal power and have a motor with a maximum continuous output of 250 watts, providing assistance only up to 25 km/h. Throttle power is permitted up to 6 km/h to help the rider start moving, but above that speed pedalling must activate the motor.

These devices may be ridden wherever bicycles are allowed, but not on motorways or in areas marked with “no bicycles” signs. Riders must follow signed speed limits and general road rules. High-powered devices that exceed 250 watts, rely on throttle power alone above 6 km/h, or use internal combustion engines are considered non-compliant. Total fines can be more than $1,640, and police may impound or confiscate illegal devices.

KNOW YOUR RULES

E-Motorbikes and Risks for Young Riders

E-motorbikes are high-speed electric 2- and 3-wheelers that are separate from low-speed, pedal-assisted e-bikes. Road-legal e-motorbikes must comply with Australian Design Rules, be registered, carry compulsory third party insurance and have features such as headlights, brake lights, indicators, mirrors and a vehicle identification number. Riders need the correct motorbike licence class, and penalties apply for using unregistered, uninsured or unlicensed vehicles.

Some e-motorbikes are sold for off-road use only and cannot be used on roads or public paths in Queensland unless conditionally registered for very limited access to off-road tracks. The fact sheets note that children have been killed riding non-compliant e-motorbikes, and parents can be fined if they allow a child to ride such devices in public.

Local Routes in Toowong

The Bicentennial Bikeway is a popular commuter route that runs along the river between Toowong and the Brisbane CBD. This shared path is widely used by cyclists, e-bike riders and e-scooter users travelling between the western suburbs and the inner city. Parts of the Brisbane River Loop also make use of the same riverside corridor used by riders from Toowong.

Next Steps for Riders and Parents

The campaign encourages riders and parents in Toowong and across Queensland to check the StreetSmarts website for detailed information on legal devices and riding rules. The message is clear: choose legal devices, understand the rules and follow them, particularly during the Christmas period when many e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motorbikes are bought as gifts.

Published 1-Dec-2025

$1 Billion Toowong Central Precinct Proposed to Transform Inner West

Public submissions have opened on a proposal to build three high-rise towers on the long-vacant former Woolworths site in Toowong, with residents, neighbours and local businesses invited to have their say until Monday, 8 December.

Read: Toowong Site Sold to Gold Coast Developer as Locals Watch for What Comes Next

The developer is seeking approval for towers ranging from 49 to 58 storeys—more than double the current height limit for the area—and has promoted the project as delivering 40 per cent public open space and 102 per cent green space across the site.

Elements of the Planned Development

The application, lodged by Verso Development Group and designed by Kerry Hill Architects with landscape input from PWP and Urbis, outlines the creation of “Toowong Central,” a 14,126-square-metre precinct bounded by Sherwood Road, Jephson Street, and High Street.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692

Central to the proposal (A006836692) are three residential towers rising to 58, 55 and 49 storeys. Together, they would deliver 1,104 apartments across one to four-bedroom layouts, including penthouses.

Each tower would feature “slot gardens” to break up the vertical form, contributing to a subtropical aesthetic. The proposed heights are more than double the 25 storeys permitted under the current Toowong–Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan.

The development site, now largely vacant, sits directly opposite Toowong Village and the train station. It was previously home to one of the suburb’s earliest supermarkets — a standalone Woolworths that traded until 2017.

At podium level, Toowong Central is planned to host more than 12,000 square metres of retail and dining, anchored by a full-line supermarket, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes. Office tenancies are also proposed, reflecting demand for flexible workplace options in Brisbane’s inner west.

A strong focus has been placed on open space and community areas, with 4,500 square metres of landscaped gardens, rooftop terraces, recreation decks and pools for residents. Four major public spaces are planned, including Sherwood Plaza on Sherwood Road, High Street Park, a civic central plaza, and Jephson Terrace, which steps down to Jephson Street. These areas are designed for outdoor dining, water play, art installations and informal gatherings.

Community Concerns

However, concerns have been raised about the development. Greens MP Michael Berkman points out that while the DA breaches existing height limits, there is no commitment to affordable housing.

He argues that if Council allows towers above the planning cap, at least 25% of the new apartments should be dedicated as affordable homes. On the green space promises, the developers advertise 14,191 m² of “greenspace,” but Berkman calls this misleading.

Only 16.7% of the site would be genuinely public green space, with the rest made up of private gardens, planter boxes, and vertical green walls. He also notes that just 6% of the site is allocated for deep planting—below the 10% code minimum—describing the current approach as “greenwashing.”

Site and Location

Town planning firm Urbis, which prepared an assessment report for Toowong Central Investment Holding Pty Ltd, said the scheme made efficient use of the irregularly shaped block, which fronts three major streets. Landscape architects have described the precinct as an “urban forest” concept, drawing inspiration from Toowong’s history as a gathering place.

With direct access to Toowong Station and the Bicentennial Bikeway, the development aims to establish itself as both a residential hub and lifestyle destination.

Community members are being urged to make formal submissions outlining concerns about urban planning, public amenity and local character, particularly the lack of any public or affordable housing in the proposal, despite the scale of the development and the significant uplift being requested from Council.

Read: Sylvan Road Site Targeted for Medium-Density Development

If approved, Toowong Central would be one of Brisbane’s most significant urban renewal projects, reshaping the suburb’s skyline and redefining its civic heart.

Published 19-October-2025

Updated 26-Nov-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 4066

We’ve combed Auchenflower, Mount Coot-tha, Toowong, Toowong BC, and Toowong DC for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

1. The Boatshed Restaurant

About The Boatshed Restaurant
4.4 Google Rating

543 Coronation Dr, Auchenflower QLD 4066

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Gaby A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently came here with my partner for a celebratory dinner. Straight away, we were met with a beautiful ‘postcard’ congratulating our special occasion; beautiful touch! Our lovely waitress Leah attended to us promptly despite the restaurant being busy, and ran us through the food and beverage menu, recommending us an amazing red that paired perfectly with the steaks that we ordered. She uncorked the wine at our table and allowed us to try it before pouring, explaining the flavours to us. Our food was brought quickly and everything was delicious! Leah also stopped by often to fill our waters and wine, as well as checking that we were okay. This service goes above and beyond what I’ve experienced at other restaurants, and we will definitely be returning in the near future!

Geoff Y
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Leonardo was an exceptional host ensuring our lunch date was made that extra special. Leonardo went above and beyond to make pur lunch very enjoyable. The food was beautiful and very tasty. We really enjoyed the chefs work. The setting was very elegant. We felt like we were eating in a very nice restaurant, but with very down to earth waiters who wanted to engage and make the experience even more special.
Thank you

Marianna SH K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Superb steaks! The portions were not on the substantial side, but my party thoroughly enjoyed their steaks. The service was friendly and a little chaotic. The place felt quite spacious and full of natural light. Overall I’ll revisit the restaurant for the steaks in the near future.

2. Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse

About Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse
4.4 Google Rating

41 Sherwood Rd, Toowong QLD 4066

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Samuel J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was devastated when Frankie’s Smokehouse moved and the American BBQ options in my area dried up, so Bullrush Bistro is a very welcome addition. The meat was fantastic and the service excellent. It did seem a bit expensive (ignoring the public holiday surcharge), but maybe that’s a sign of the times. I will be returning to try their specialty, the brisket.

Cess
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the premier private function venues for intimate gatherings of up to 20 people. Our experience was exceptional from start to finish, thanks to the attentive and friendly service we received. The staff showcased remarkable flexibility, easily accommodating our specific requests and ensuring every detail was taken care of. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect backdrop for our event. I highly recommend this venue to anyone searching for a memorable and well-serviced location for their special occasions.

Rachel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had the Ultimate Platter and the serving was very generous and the food was delicious. Notably the chicken wings, sausages, beef brisket, ribs and corn were well seasoned. Service was attentive and the ambience as nice. Will definitely be back to try other items in the menu.

3. Bistro on Bywong

About Bistro on Bywong
4.6 Google Rating

17 Bywong St, Toowong QLD 4066

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Nicki Y
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hands down, this is the best roast in Brisbane! I had roast lamb and devoured it!

Katie H
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Huge shout out to Luke! Beautiful food, with a beautiful view overlooking the course.

Terrance A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always great meals, authentic cooking, very economical too.

4. KatsuCo Toowong

About KatsuCo Toowong
4.9 Google Rating

Ground Floor/63 Jephson St, Toowong QLD 4066

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Christopher P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had an outstanding dining experience at this restaurant. The food was exceptional, with each dish bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and beautifully presented. The menu offered a wonderful variety of options, catering to every taste. The service was equally impressive; the staff was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, making sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. The warm, welcoming atmosphere added to the overall experience, making it a place I’ll definitely return to. Highly recommended!

Joerg T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is probably the best katsu I had for a long time. The pork was succulent, moist and tender. The condiments went well with mains. The salmon was fresh too, and we came back again following day. I just glad I don’t live close by, otherwise, I might be back often. One of those, you pay for what you get. Few more economical options just across the street, just different quality. Also, some discount for cash payment. Pls note to call as this place is popular.

Yu-min S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This restaurant is easy to find—I’d suggest parking at Toowong Village and taking a short walk over during the day. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a beautifully designed space that feels both stylish and welcoming. The food is absolutely delicious! While the sets are priced between $30-$35, they’re incredibly generous and filling. Trust me, you won’t leave disappointed. A definite 5-star experience—highly recommend!

5. Deer Duck Bistro

About Deer Duck Bistro
4.4 Google Rating

396 Milton Rd, Auchenflower QLD 4066

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Sharee D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our experience at Deer Duck bistro for our wedding anniversary was amazing. We really enjoyed it. The presentation of the degustation and the flavours was fantastic and the cocktail was delicious too. The service was excellent too

Kelly D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We attended Deer Duck to celebrate my partners birthday and everything was exceptional! From the staff to the food, it was an easy evening to relax and enjoy some quality food. The long course degustation is worth a try! 10/10 guys!

Charlotte R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We have been a few times now and each time we are blown away! This most recent time we visited for my husband’s birthday. We had the long course degustation and as always, the presentation of the dishes and tastes were divine. Our favourite dish was the first dessert, surprising as my husband isn’t usually one for desserts but he was raving about it! He also enjoyed the wine (a Tate Shiraz). Another wonderful experience.

Brisbane Boys’ College Rugby Stars Earn National Selection

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

Brisbane Boys’ College has produced two of the nation’s newest young rugby talents, with Year 12 students Oscar Donovan and Taione Taka earning selection to the 2025 Australian Under-18 Rugby Squad.

Selection Highlights Hard Work And Local Training

The announcement came in early October after the Australian U18 team’s series in Canberra, where Donovan and Taka played key roles. They helped Australia claim three straight wins over New Zealand Secondary Schools and the Australian Schoolboys team. Both have been part of the Brisbane Boys’ College rugby program since Year 9, developing under experienced coaches and mentors.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)/Facebook*

Their selection places them among the nation’s top young rugby talents, representing their school and the Brisbane rugby community. The Australian Under-18 squad often serves as a pathway to professional and senior national teams.

Strong Foundation Through School Rugby

Brisbane Boys’ College staff expressed pride in seeing years of player development lead to national success. The school’s rugby program emphasises discipline, teamwork, and consistency, shaping Donovan and Taka’s style and mindset.

Both athletes earned recognition for their leadership, work ethic, and technical skill. The school community also showed strong online support, praising them as role models for younger players.

Community Pride And Support

In a Facebook post announcing the news, community members congratulated the players and wished them success in future championships. Many expressed pride in the school’s sporting culture and its impact beyond the field.

Brisbane Boys’ College continues to build its reputation for both academic and athletic excellence. The rugby program plays a key role, with Donovan and Taka showing what dedication and community support can achieve.

Looking Ahead To 2025

With their selection to the Australian Under-18 Rugby Squad, both players now prepare for training camps and national fixtures ahead of the 2025 season. The experience will expose them to elite coaching and high-level competition, setting the foundation for future sporting careers.

Their success reflects years of preparation within the Brisbane Boys’ College environment, where teamwork, respect, and determination are core values. The community’s support, from teachers to parents and peers, continues to play a vital role in helping young athletes reach their potential.

Published 14-October-2025

Rightsizing, Not Downsizing: Finding More Life in Just the Right Space at Somerset Indooroopilly

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

With average life expectancy now stretching into the mid-80s, many Australians are realising that the family home—once a symbol of success—can quietly become a source of work and worry.

Nearly three-quarters of over-75s still live in houses larger than they need, while about 30 per cent are considering a move that fits their lifestyle today rather than the one they built decades ago.

Those themes will be be at the heart of Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025, where locals can hear about Somerset Indooroopilly—a new village that allows locals to downsize in the area they know and love.

Set beside the Indooroopilly Golf Club, Somerset is a series of light-filled apartments around shared gardens, terraces and a café rather than cul-de-sacs and fences. The aim is to make life simpler without making it smaller.

Designed by Cox Architecture and built by Woollam Constructions, the whole complex is shaped around the concept of rightsizing: a lifestyle that trades maintenance for meaning, routine for connection, and isolation for ease.

The shift speaks to a broader cultural change. Retirement communities are no longer seen as endpoints but as extensions of an active life. Research shows residents in such settings are physically healthier, more socially engaged and report higher overall happiness than those ageing alone. It’s less about giving things up than gaining back time—the chance to travel, volunteer or just enjoy an unhurried morning coffee.

Source: Meaningful Aging Australia infographic

Research shows that residents of well-designed retirement villages are more active, more socially engaged and less likely to need hospital care than peers who continue living alone.

People living in retirement communities can experience a reduction in patterns of hospitalisations, have the potential to reduced need for GP visits, and can stay healthy living independently.
RLC Report Better Housing for Better Health

Increasingly, people are choosing communities that give them freedom and flexibility, not just a smaller footprint. In practice, that means more time spent walking, reading, travelling—or simply enjoying a catch-up with friends—without the endless to-do list that comes with a large property.

At Somerset, that philosophy is built into everyday life, capturing that balance through thoughtful design. Apartments open onto gardens and shared terraces; the café hums with conversation; and facilities like the pool, gym, and library encourage activity without pressure.

Each home includes a 24-hour monitored EEVI system for peace of mind, while a Village Manager and Wellness Advisor ensure help is close by but never intrusive. “Knowing the place is managed, looked after and secure—that’s a big factor,” one resident said. “It’s lovely knowing you’re in a safe area, surrounded by good people.”

The community is pet-friendly, the gardens maintained, and the atmosphere quietly sociable. “Moving here gave me freedom,” said another resident. “I can just close the door and go.”

For many, that’s the essence of rightsizing—choosing a space that fits this stage of life as comfortably as the last one did. “When you make the choice sooner rather than later, you give yourself the gift of freedom and the chance to enjoy more of what matters,” Aura Director Mark Taylor said at a recent Somerset event.

Pictured (L-R) Somerset Residents: Elsie, Ross, Elaine and Iris Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

And for anyone curious, participating in Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025 offers the simplest introduction: a walk through the gardens, a cup of coffee, and a conversation about how less maintenance can make room for more living.

Aura Holdings is a Proud Promotional Partner of Brisbane Suburbs Online News

Published 6-November-2025

Windows of Toowong

The Toowong Cat and Fiddle

Paper Wings

There’s Always a Silver Lining

Dancing in the Dark Forest

The Cloisters

Hope, Resilience, Recovery

No Wrong Way to Have a Body

Metropolitan Manifesto 2.0

Peck-nic Time

Meanderin’ Meanjin

Purple Rain: The Essence of Spring in Brisbane

The Cats of Creativity

Books and Birds

About Artforce Brisbane

Katherine Lu’s Academic Achievement

A Select Group of Top Performers

Statewide ATAR Outcomes

Results Day Experiences

Looking Ahead

Robin McIlwain has seen Toowong evolve over the last few decades, and in this column shares her astute observations as well as her memories of the area since arriving in 1977.

Did you know Toowong once had a bomb shelter?

Did you know Ziggy once foiled a burglary?

Trying to leave my mark

What do I miss in Toowong?

A Rare Real Estate Opportunity

Blending History with Modern Comfort

Space for Everyone

A Long Family Legacy

Time to Downsize

Local Excellence

Changes and Growth

The National Picture

Expert Views on Testing

Safety Focus for E-Devices in Toowong

Recent Safety Concerns

Campaign Details in Queensland

E-Scooter Rules for Toowong Riders

E-Bike Requirements and Illegal Devices

E-Motorbikes and Risks for Young Riders

Local Routes in Toowong

Next Steps for Riders and Parents

Elements of the Planned Development

Community Concerns

Site and Location

1. The Boatshed Restaurant

About The Boatshed Restaurant4.4 Google Rating

Google Reviews

2. Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse

About Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse4.4 Google Rating

Google Reviews

3. Bistro on Bywong

About Bistro on Bywong4.6 Google Rating

Google Reviews

4. KatsuCo Toowong

About KatsuCo Toowong4.9 Google Rating

Google Reviews

5. Deer Duck Bistro

About Deer Duck Bistro4.4 Google Rating

Google Reviews

Selection Highlights Hard Work And Local Training

Strong Foundation Through School Rugby

Community Pride And Support

Looking Ahead To 2025

About The Boatshed Restaurant
4.4 Google Rating

About Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse
4.4 Google Rating

About Bistro on Bywong
4.6 Google Rating

About KatsuCo Toowong
4.9 Google Rating

About Deer Duck Bistro
4.4 Google Rating