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Stuartholme School Educators Honoured in 2025 TEACHX Awards

Three educators from Toowong’s Stuartholme School have been recognised in the 2025 TEACHX Awards, the annual program run by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) to celebrate innovation, leadership, and excellence in teaching.

Read: Stuartholme School Toowong To Start Years 5 and 6 Intake, Plans New Precinct

Deputy Principal Deborah Lonsdale-Walker, Dean of Boarding Jane Morris, and Junior School Educator Genevieve Rossi were among 78 teachers honoured from a pool of 324 nominations statewide.

Deborah Lonsdale-Walker was recognised for her leadership in driving educational excellence and innovation across the curriculum. Her leadership also supports initiatives in staff development and student wellbeing, ensuring academic and personal growth.

teachx awards — Dean of Boarding Jane Morris (Photo credit: Queensland College of Teachers)

Jane Morris, Dean of Boarding, received acclaim for her dedication to creating a supportive, empowering environment for students living on campus. She oversees boarders from across Queensland, other states, and overseas, helping them achieve strong academic results while thriving socially and personally. Her leadership has contributed to exceptional boarding outcomes, including every Year 12 boarder in 2024 achieving their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

In the Junior School, Genevieve Rossi was recognised for her passion for early years education. She inspires curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning among the youngest students, using creative teaching approaches that engage children in literacy, numeracy, and STEM.

Together, the three recipients reflect the diverse strengths of the Toowong-based school, which serves both day and boarding students and is part of the international Sacred Heart network of schools.

Stuartholme School praised the achievements of the three recipients, noting that their work reflects the diverse strengths of the school and the transformative influence of exceptional educators.

Principal Daniel Crump said, “These inspiring leaders demonstrate unwavering commitment to student growth, educational excellence, and community impact. Their recognition reflects the strength of Stuartholme’s values and its dedication to nurturing future-focused, compassionate, and empowered learners.”

Read: Lived Experience the Key for Toowong Deaf Educator Jason Alford

The TEACHX Awards spotlight educators whose work strengthens communities and shapes the future of education in Queensland. Winners are selected not only for classroom teaching but also for leadership, curriculum innovation, and contributions to student wellbeing.

For the Toowong community, the awards underscore the importance of local educators in making a difference beyond the classroom. By fostering student growth, supporting staff development, and enhancing school culture, Lonsdale-Walker, Morris, and Rossi exemplify the dedication and impact of exceptional teaching.

Published 17-October-2025

Lived Experience the Key for Toowong Deaf Educator Jason Alford

Photo Credit: Queensland Departmentof Education/ LinkedIn

Toowong State School is fostering a uniquely inclusive classroom with the help of Jason Alford, a Deaf teacher whose previous career as a plumber gives him a practical and powerful perspective on empowering students.

His education journey, highlighted during International Week of Deaf People, was deeply personal. After becoming heavily involved in the schooling of his three Deaf children, Mr Alford noticed gaps in the system and was inspired to step into the classroom himself. He believed his perspective as a Deaf person could offer invaluable support to students and their families.

Building Bridges in the Classroom

Jason Alford — *Photo Credit:* *Queensland Departmentof Education/ LinkedIn*

Now in his second year as a qualified teacher, Mr Alford works in the school’s specialist Bilingual and Bicultural (BiBi) programme. He sees his role as a vital link for the children, describing it as being a bridge that connects the worlds of language, culture, and identity for students, whether they or their families are Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing. He explained that positive representation is crucial, and he feels proud to show his students what is possible for their future.

Working collaboratively alongside three other staff members, the team creates a dynamic and responsive learning space. He acknowledges the work can be challenging but notes that with strong planning and teamwork, they can successfully tailor lessons to meet the unique needs of every student.

Sharing Toowong’s Ideas on a Global Stage

The local programme’s success has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Mr Alford and his colleague Erin Davies travelled to Rome, Italy, to present on the topic of Bilingual Education. They shared their insights at the 24th International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED 2025), an event that brings together experts from around the globe.

Mr Alford found the congress inspiring, confirming that their work in Brisbane is on the right track while also providing new ideas for improvement. One of his most significant takeaways was the critical role of data. He now believes that collecting detailed information—from the individual student level right up to a statewide scale—is essential for making stronger, more informed decisions that will strengthen Deaf education across Queensland.

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A Call to the Classroom

For Mr Alford, teaching is more than just a job; it is a continuous journey of personal and professional growth. He encourages anyone considering a career change into education to leap. He believes that in teaching, you never stop learning yourself, and the growth opportunities are limitless.

Published Date 17-October-2025

Brisbane Boys’ College to Join Global Line-Up at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Brisbane 2026

Brisbane Boys’ College’s Pipe Band will represent Australia on one of the world’s most celebrated stages next year, as the Toowong school becomes the only school in Australia and New Zealand invited to perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo AUNZ 2026.

Read: Brisbane Boys College Pipers Expected to Feature in Prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The announcement was made at the school’s Toowong campus by Alan Lane, Creative Director of the Tattoo, who travelled from Scotland to share the news. BBC will perform alongside more than 30 bands and cultural groups from over 12 countries in The Heroes Who Made Us, a large-scale production set to fill Suncorp Stadium from 12–15 February 2026.

Among the confirmed acts are the Combined Military Bands of the Australian Defence Force, Queensland Police Pipe Band, Australia’s Federation Guard, His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard Band and Drill Team, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band. Lane said the line-up brings together excellence in music, pageantry, and performance.

“The Tattoo has always been about celebrating culture, connection and spectacle, and to be able to share that spirit with Australian audiences is a real delight,” said Lane.

A Proud Moment for BBC

For Brisbane Boys’ College, the announcement builds on its established tradition of piping and drumming. The school’s pipe band has a proud record of public performances and competition success.

The news was celebrated on campus by Pipe Major Nicholas Shelburn, an 18-year-old Year 12 student who began learning the bagpipes in Year 3 and has already played twice at the Tattoo with BBC. His role as Pipe Major reflects the dedication of BBC’s current generation of young musicians.

The band is preparing to represent the college and Brisbane community when it performs in February 2026.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Tradition Meets Spectacle

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Preview (Photo supplied)

First held in 1950, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an internationally renowned event that blends music, military precision, and cultural display. Staged annually on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, it draws nearly 230,000 live spectators each year and a global television audience exceeding 100 million.

In 2010, the event received the “Royal” title from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recognising six decades of performance excellence. Over the decades, more than 50 countries have participated, making the Tattoo a truly global celebration of camaraderie through performance.

Read: Karting Star from Brisbane Boys’ College Makes National Mark

The Brisbane edition in 2026 will celebrate the Tattoo’s 75th anniversary, following its record-breaking season in Edinburgh in August 2025, which drew over 220,000 attendees. The local production is expected to feature more than 1,100 performers, including international acts such as Scotland’s Top Secret Drum Corps and Japanese, Norwegian, Tongan, and New Zealand contingents.

Published 9-October-2025

Brisbane Boys’ College Claims Basketball, Rowing and Cross Country Honours

Photo Credit: BBC Co-curricular/Instagram

Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong has capped off an extraordinary run of results on the national and state stage, with its First V Basketball team winning bronze at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland (CBSQ) State Championship, Year 9 rower Magnus Steemson placing second at the South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta, and Year 8 runner Ben Schinard crowned Australian School Sport Cross Country Champion.

Basketballers secure CBSQ bronze

The First V Basketball side delivered a strong performance at the CBSQ State Championship, Queensland’s leading school basketball competition. After advancing through the draw, BBC met Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in the bronze medal playoff. In a commanding match, the Toowong boys prevailed 97-82 to secure third place overall.

The result follows their championship win in 2023, reinforcing BBC’s reputation as one of the state’s most consistent school basketball programs. BBC Co-Curricular highlighted the boys’ skill, determination and teamwork in a performance that energised their school community.

Rowing podium for Year 9 competitor

On the water, BBC’s rowing shed also celebrated success. Magnus Steemson, a Year 9 competitor, raced in the single scull against 27 other rowers at the South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta. He powered into second place, adding another strong result for the college in the sport.

The performance reflected both his individual commitment and the breadth of rowing opportunities available through the school’s program.

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National cross country crown for Schinard

Perhaps the most eye-catching achievement came in cross country, where Year 8 student Ben Schinard emerged as the 14 years Australian School Sport Champion. Racing in the 4km event against the country’s best, he claimed gold to secure his first national title.

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The college also celebrated the efforts of Hugh White, a Year 12 student and BBC’s 2025 Cross Country Captain, who ran a determined race to place fourth in the 18–19 years 8km event. The school described both efforts as a reflection of dedication and hard work that set the tone for the program’s future.

Community pride in Toowong

The triple success across basketball, rowing and cross country has reinforced the central role of sport at Brisbane Boys’ College. Families, staff and students in Toowong have expressed pride at seeing the green, white and black colours represented with distinction at the highest levels.

These podium finishes not only highlight athletic achievement but also showcase the community spirit that comes from collective effort, coaching support and the friendships forged through school sport.

Published 26-Sept-2025

Unrenovated Home at Saint Osyth Street Sells for $1.325M Amid Rising Property Values

A weathered three-bedroom home at 28 Saint Osyth Street has sold under the hammer for $1.325 million, drawing an audience of locals, builders, and former tenants who once called the property home.

Read: Toowong Home Finds New Owners Despite Termite Troubles

The house, set on a 405-square-metre corner block, had not changed hands since 1983. Its original features included an outdoor toilet, dated floor plan, and tired stumps, all of which signalled the scale of renovation awaiting its next chapter.

Despite its condition, the auction drew spirited competition. Bidding began at $1 million and quickly escalated in $50,000 increments. Five prospective buyers participated, with the final bid secured by a local couple who had long admired the property during their walks through the neighbourhood.

Adding to the occasion, several former tenants reunited at the open home, reminiscing about their days as university students living under its roof. Their presence gave the auction a celebratory feel, blending nostalgia with the excitement of new beginnings.

Market Context in Toowong

The result comes at a time of renewed strength in Brisbane’s property market. According to recent figures, Toowong’s median house price sits at approximately $1.61 million, reflecting steady growth in the inner-west suburb. The area’s blend of heritage homes, proximity to the CBD, and leafy character has made it particularly attractive to buyers seeking both lifestyle and investment opportunities.

Domain data shows Brisbane’s clearance rate hovering around 60 per cent in recent weeks, with activity picking up as spring encourages more buyers and sellers into the market.

A Snapshot of Change

The sale of 28 Saint Osyth Street reflects a broader trend across Brisbane, where demand for both finished homes and renovation-ready properties is driving competition. While polished, move-in-ready residences command premium prices, character homes in need of work remain highly sought after for their potential.

In this case, the enduring charm of the property, combined with its corner-block location just minutes from the city, outweighed the scale of the renovations required. For the new owners, it marks the beginning of a personal project and the continuation of the property’s long history in the suburb.

Read: $1 Billion Toowong Central Precinct Proposed to Transform Inner West

Looking Ahead

The sale serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of Toowong, where history and growth intersect. For many residents, the auction was more than a real estate transaction – it was a chance to share stories, reconnect, and witness the next chapter of a home that has been part of the community for decades.

Published 23-September-2025

Toowong School Faces Legal Battle over Red Rover Playground Injury

A former Brisbane Boys’ College student is suing the elite school for more than $1.5 million, claiming injuries from a playground game of red rover ended his dreams of a sporting and military career.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Duo to Represent Queensland in Gymnastics

Deklyn Reid, now 22, lodged a claim in the Supreme Court in Brisbane alleging he suffered a dislocated hip and torn tissue in 2016 when he was 12. According to the documents, he was reportedly tackled during the game before other students landed on him, leaving him with serious injuries that required surgery and ongoing treatment.

red rover — Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Google Maps

Reid says the incident forced him to spend 10 days in hospital and left lasting physical and emotional scars. He argued that it derailed his education and stopped him from pursuing professional rugby or joining the Australian Defence Force. He is seeking damages covering medical costs, past and future economic losses, and pain and suffering.

His case alleged that the school breached its duty of care by failing to enforce playground rules prohibiting physical contact games, despite a teacher being present at the time.

In Queensland, there is no law specifically outlawing red rover in schools. However, the game has been banned at many schools, including some in Brisbane, because of concerns about injuries and liability.

Young people playing red rover (Photo credit: CC BY 2.0/Kyra Malicse/Wikimedia Commons)

The game involves running, tackling, and breaking through lines of players, which can easily lead to accidents. New Farm State School, for example, prohibited red rover and similar chasing games in 2011 after a series of playground injuries and disputes.

Brisbane Boys’ College has indicated it will defend the claim. In court filings, the school said the tackle was a spontaneous act that no reasonable supervision could have prevented. It also argued that staff took reasonable precautions, including banning contact sports, instructing students not to engage in such activities, and providing appropriate supervision.

Reid has said he wants accountability and hopes his case will raise awareness about the long-term impacts of schoolyard injuries. He described the experience as a turning point that changed the course of his future.

A legal practice director, speaking to local media regarding the case, noted that while such claims are weighed for reasonableness, the outcome often depends on evidence. He said the stronger the proof showing Reid’s likely career and sporting trajectory, the more compelling the case would be.

Read: Karting Star from Brisbane Boys’ College Makes National Mark

The college has disputed the allegations, describing Reid’s claims as vague and untrue, and will contest them in court.

Published 18-September-2025

Legacy Way Tunnel Reaches $1 Million Milestone for Veterans’ Families

Photo Credit: Transurban/Facebook

The Legacy Way Tunnel, linking Toowong and Kelvin Grove, has generated more than $1 million in donations for Legacy Brisbane through toll contributions since opening ten years ago.

A Tunnel With a Community Role

The Legacy Way Tunnel connects the Western Freeway at Toowong with the Inner City Bypass at Kelvin Grove. Beyond reducing congestion and saving drivers time, the tunnel has delivered ongoing financial support for veterans’ families.

Each trip contributes one cent to Legacy Brisbane, and over millions of journeys the initiative has reached a seven-figure total.

Impact on Veteran Families

Legacy Brisbane supports nearly 4,000 family members across Queensland, including widows, partners, and children of veterans.

*Photo Credit: Legacy Australia/Facebook*

The funds provide education opportunities, care programs, and personal development support. They also help ease cost-of-living pressures, ensuring families receive practical assistance during difficult times.

Voices From the Community

Transurban representatives said the milestone shows how everyday travel helps achieve lasting community outcomes. Legacy Brisbane leaders explained that the partnership has strengthened their ability to reach more families and expand services.

The funding, they said, ensures long-term social and financial support continues for those impacted by a loved one’s service.

Community Impact

With more than 76 million vehicles having travelled through since opening, the Legacy Way Tunnel has become both a vital transport link and a steady source of funding for veterans’ families.

The $1 million milestone demonstrates how routine daily travel can deliver lasting benefits for the community, ensuring Legacy Brisbane can continue its support well into the future.

Published 16-September-2025

Toowong Teen’s Portrait of Dad Captures Heart of Brisbane Portrait Prize

Photo Credit: Brisbane Portrait Prize

In Toowong, a quiet art classroom has given rise to a story now reaching the walls of the State Library of Queensland. Brisbane Boys’ College student Louis Ko, 15, has been named a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize, with his work Dad recognised in the Next Generation category.

What was intended as a birthday gift to his father has grown into a work of public admiration, selected from dozens of entries for its depth and tenderness. The portrait will be part of the Brisbane Portrait Prize exhibition from 20 September to 9 November.

A portrait born from distance and gratitude

Louis’s portrait is painted in acrylic on canvas, measuring 51 by 61 centimetres. The sitter is his father, Eunsung, who has been separated from him by distance but not by devotion. Louis explained to organisers that although he and his father live apart, they remain connected through his education, something his father worked tirelessly to make possible.

He chose to paint his father gazing upward, describing this gesture as a symbol of respect and pride. For Louis, the act of painting became a way to express words that often go unsaid — an acknowledgement of sacrifice, care, and quiet strength carried over the years.

“Though we’re separated by distance, we are connected through my education — something he has worked so hard to make possible,” Louis said. “This portrait is my thank you, a way of showing that I see everything he’s done and that I admire him not just as a dad, but as someone who’s shaped the path I’m walking now.”

Behind the scenes at the State Library

On 12 September, organisers announced that all 77 finalist works across categories had arrived at the State Library in a single five-hour delivery window. Condition checks and preparations are now underway, with opening night scheduled for Friday, 20 September.

The scale of the exhibition reflects the breadth of portraiture in Brisbane, with professionals and students alike contributing works that capture not only faces but also stories.

Louis’s Dad will hang among them, standing alongside works from some of Queensland’s most promising young talents. Visitors will be able to view his portrait in the Next Generation gallery, where the future of Australian portraiture is given its space to shine.

Local pride in Toowong

News of Louis’s achievement was shared proudly by Brisbane Boys’ College, which celebrated his recognition as a reflection of both skill and dedication. The school has encouraged the Toowong community to visit the exhibition, underscoring the importance of supporting young artists as they step into a broader public view.

For Louis, the journey from school art studies to a state exhibition has not only marked an artistic milestone but also enabled him to place his family’s story into a broader conversation. His portrait speaks to love, distance, and gratitude — universal themes expressed through the personal lens of a Toowong teenager with a paintbrush.

Published 16-Sept-2025

Chess Teams from Toowong Qualify for Interschool State Finals

Photo Credit: Pexels

Brisbane Boys’ College students in Toowong have earned places in the Interschool Chess State Finals after strong results in the qualifying round.

Premier Team Secures Second Place

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) Secondary School chess players are set to compete in the Interschool Chess State Finals following standout performances in the qualifying stage.

The Premier Team, consisting of Austin Chen (Year 11), Daniil Yelkhovsky (Year 11), Martin Chen (Year 7) and Suvan Nag (Year 10), placed second overall. Co-Captain Austin Chen also achieved first place on Board 1, while Suvan Nag took first on Board 3. Their results placed the team among the top schools in Queensland and confirmed their progression to the state competition.

Toowong Chess Finals — *Photo Credit: BBC/Facebook*

A Team Achieves Third Place

Alongside the Premier Team’s success, BBC’s A Team also delivered a strong performance. The team, made up of Aiden Park (Year 9), Bryan Kang (Year 10), Helitha Muthumuni (Year 12) and Ometh Perera (Year 9), finished third overall. The achievement highlighted the depth of talent within the school’s chess program, which continues to produce consistent results across multiple levels.

Championship Background

The finals are part of the Official Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships, managed by Gardiner Chess. Established in 2002, Gardiner Chess is the longest-running chess organisation in Queensland, providing coaching programs across schools and hosting tournaments for juniors and adults. The championships give students across the state an opportunity to test their skills in a structured competitive setting.

Brisbane Boys’ College — *Photo Credit: BBC/Facebook*

Next Matches in Toowong

BBC has encouraged the local community to support its chess teams during the GPS Season in Toowong. After completing their GPS fixtures, the players will shift their focus to preparing for the Interschool Chess State Finals, where they will represent their school against Queensland’s best-performing teams.

Published 6-Sep-2025

Innovative Cottage Renovation Transforms Family Life in Toowong

Photo Credit: Alcorn Middleton

A remarkable renovation project in Toowong has demonstrated how thoughtful design can breathe new life into a 1930s cottage, creating a modern family sanctuary that respects the neighbourhood’s character.

The project, completed by local architecture firm Alcorn Middleton, has transformed a traditional porch-and-gable cottage into an award-winning family home that accommodates five residents across a compact 455-square-metre site. The renovation took 14 months to design and document, followed by another 14 months of construction, resulting in a 192-square-metre home that maximises every centimetre of available space.

Retaining Toowong’s Character

What sets this renovation apart from many others in Brisbane’s inner west is the architects’ decision to keep the original cottage in place rather than lifting and building underneath. This approach has preserved the home’s street presence while avoiding the common pitfalls of damp, disconnected lower levels that often result from lift-and-fill developments.

Photo Credit: Alcorn Middleton / Toby Scott

The Brisbane-based practice of Joel Alcorn and Chloe Middleton draws on their experiences of other cities to design homes that respect local traditions while challenging conventional approaches. Their solution centres around a newly created courtyard that serves as the heart of the home, providing northern light and breathing space to previously cramped rooms.

A Tree at the Centre

The defining feature of the renovation emerged from the clients’ desire to have “a house with a tree in it.” With neighbours positioned close to each boundary, the architects carved away portions of the existing floor plan to create a central courtyard that brings light, air and greenery into the home’s core.

This courtyard connects seamlessly with a generous galley kitchen, where the ceiling height increases dramatically and clever storage solutions create a sense of openness. Warm timber elements throughout the project provide visual continuity and help ground the various spaces within a coherent design framework.

Smart Space Planning

The renovation showcases several innovative approaches to maximising space efficiency. The living and dining areas sit on a slightly lower level, creating opportunities for casual seating on the edge while enhancing views to the swimming pool beyond. Strategic voids in the upper corners capture slices of sky and additional natural light.

The design includes multiple flexible spaces that adapt to changing daily needs. The dining area doubles as a meeting space for the home-working parents, while concealed sliding doors allow rooms to open up or close down as required throughout the day.

Upstairs Retreat

A narrow staircase leads to the parents’ private retreat, described as an “eyrie” overlooking the double-height study space. This upper level features a generous bathroom flooded with natural light through an enormous skylight, creating an almost outdoor terrace feel. Fluted glass separates the bathroom from the bedroom, softening transitions while maintaining privacy.

Sustainable Features

The renovation incorporates numerous sustainable elements, including 14 kilowatts of solar panels, ducted air conditioning, and a Stuv fireplace. The project utilises locally sourced materials where possible, including tallowwood decking and limestone from Australian suppliers.

Recognition and Awards

The project has been recognised in the 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards in the Residential Design category, highlighting its success in bridging heritage and contemporary living in Toowong’s leafy streets.

About the Architects

Alcorn Middleton was established in 2019 by Joel Alcorn and Chloe Middleton, though their collaborative journey began organically in 2013. The practice has gained recognition for their thoughtful approach to suburban renovations, with this Toowong project joining their portfolio of award-winning residential work.

The Toowong Towers project demonstrates that significant improvements to family living can be achieved within existing suburban footprints, offering a sustainable alternative to demolition and reconstruction while respecting the character that makes Brisbane’s inner-west suburbs so desirable.

Project Details:

Location: Toowong, Brisbane
Site area: 455m²
Building area: 192m²
Design and documentation: 14 months
Construction: 14 months
Builder: Allicient Built Developments
Landscape design: Robert Waddell

This project sits on the traditional land of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples.

Published 28-August-2025