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Peter Doherty Awards Honour STEM Excellence in Toowong

The 2025 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education have been celebrated in Toowong, recognising students, educators, and schools across Queensland for outstanding contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Toowong Ceremony Highlights STEM Talent

Toowong was the centre of recognition for the 22nd annual Peter Doherty Awards, which acknowledged the achievements of Queensland students, teachers, schools and education partners. A total of 28 recipients were named across eight categories, each receiving $5,000 to support future learning, professional development or STEM initiatives.

Queensland Academy Students Among Winners

Three students from the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology were recognised in the Outstanding Senior STEM Student category. Claire Kong was awarded for her research into human papillomavirus and cervical cancer immunotherapies, with her work presented nationally and internationally. Fellow recipients from the school included Ermia Firouzabadi and Katherine Lu.

Other Student Awardees

Students from across the State were represented among the winners. Crystal Tsao from Brisbane State High School, Deeva Hero from All Saints Anglican School, and Lily Gochee from Cairns State High School were among the 15 recipients recognised for their senior STEM achievements. Awards were also presented to students from Kawana Waters State College, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Gordonvale State High School, and Merrimac State High School.

Special Categories in 2025

The awards extended to additional categories. Brianna Freeman-Robinson from Highfields State Secondary College received recognition as the Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior STEM Student. Rural and remote awards went to Katelyn Worsnop from Charters Towers School of Distance Education and Priya Taylor-Sidhu from Emerald State High School.

Teachers and Support Officers Recognised

Educators were acknowledged for their contribution to STEM learning, including Cassie Day of Rochedale State High School and Wendy Agnew of Indooroopilly State High School. Timothy Bateup from Roma State College received the rural and remote teacher award, while Hilary Maloney from Proserpine State High School was recognised as an Outstanding STEM Support Officer.

Partnerships and School Contributions

The STEM Education Partnership Awards highlighted Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre and The University of Queensland. These organisations were acknowledged for their continued role in advancing STEM opportunities across Queensland schools.

Background to the Awards

The awards, named after Brisbane-born Nobel Prize recipient Professor Peter Doherty, began in 2004 and reached their 22nd year in 2025. The program was launched to highlight innovation and commitment to STEM learning, with past winners going on to lead in areas including immunology, astrophysics, and sustainable technology.

Looking Ahead

Nominations for the 2026 round of awards will open in Term 1, 2026. Winners are encouraged to use their awards for further study, professional development, and expanded STEM opportunities.

Published 18-Aug-2025

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

Photo Credit: CBRE

A well-known block in the heart of Toowong has been bought for $9.5 million by a Gold Coast-based developer, sparking local interest about its future, though no development application has been submitted yet.

A Central Toowong Location Draws Developer Interest

Immerse Projects stepped into Brisbane’s apartment market in July with the $9.5 million purchase of a prominent Toowong site. Located at 22–24 Sylvan Road, the 1,760-square-metre block sits beside the Regatta Hotel and stretches across two street frontages.

It’s within walking distance of shops, schools, hospitals, and key public transport links. CBRE said the zoning supports mixed-use development up to 10 storeys without impact assessment. Despite this, no development application has been lodged and plans for the site remain under wraps.

Immerse Projects Expands North from the Gold Coast

Immerse Projects, known for its work on the Gold Coast, has made its first Brisbane land buy with the Toowong site. The company is eyeing a residential project suited to the area, according to CBRE.

Any future development would still require planning approval. CBRE also noted rising demand for inner-city sites and a growing presence of builder-developers like Immerse in Brisbane.

Toowong at the Centre of Renewal

Toowong is already seeing a shift in its urban landscape. In recent years, large parcels such as the Aviary precinct and Monarch Residences have attracted investment interest and major projects. Locals have watched as older retail sites and former industrial blocks are bought up for future housing and mixed-use developments.

The new owner’s interest adds to the suburb’s momentum, though the absence of a formal DA means the community is waiting to see what form the next change may take. For now, the site remains vacant and unchanged, though its potential has clearly caught attention.

What Happens Next?

With no development application lodged, there are no confirmed designs or timelines for the Toowong site. Residents near Sylvan Road and the Regatta Hotel are keeping watch for planning notices or public consultation.

As of early August, Brisbane City Council records show no new applications. Immerse Projects’ plans remain unclear and will depend on future approvals and community input.

Published 04-August-2025

No Weapons Found During Police Wanding at Toowong Village

Photo Credit: QPS

Police included Toowong Village in a series of public weapon scanning operations across Queensland, though no weapons or charges were recorded at the site.

Background and Context

Toowong Village was one of several public sites scanned under the expanded provisions of Queensland’s Jack’s Law. The law, named after 17-year-old Jack Beasley, was introduced following his fatal stabbing in Surfers Paradise in 2019. It permits police to use handheld metal detectors to search individuals in public without requiring reasonable suspicion. Initially trialled in designated precincts, the law was later expanded across the state. From April 2023 to June 2025, police scanned over 122,000 individuals and seized more than 1,100 weapons.

Jack’s Law Queensland — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Wanding Operation Data: Toowong Among Low-Detection Sites

Between January and March 2025, Queensland Police scanned over 12,400 people across various locations including shopping centres, public transport hubs, and nightlife precincts. At Toowong Village, 10 individuals were scanned—seven adults and three juveniles. No weapons were detected, and no charges were laid. Other Brisbane locations, such as Chermside and Westfield Mt Gravatt, recorded multiple detections, in contrast to Toowong.

Overview of Police Powers Under Jack’s Law

The Making Jack’s Law Permanent Act 2025 amended the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, granting Queensland Police authority to conduct random scans in shopping centres, transport stations, entertainment venues, and other public places. Officers may also seek approval to scan in non-designated locations for up to 12 hours. This shift marks a significant increase in police search powers, removing the prior requirement for reasonable suspicion.

Community and Expert Perspectives

The expanded law has received mixed responses. Some academics and legal experts expressed concern over the low rate of weapon detection and the potential for misuse, noting that only 2.4 per cent of scanned individuals were charged with weapons offences between January and March 2025. Others cautioned that the law may lead to discriminatory practices. Police maintain the primary purpose is deterrence, and that the removal of more than 1,100 weapons under the law indicates success.

Future Implications for Toowong

Although no weapons were found at Toowong Village, its inclusion in the wanding operation reflects the broader application of Jack’s Law across all public areas in Queensland. The ongoing implementation of these powers suggests continued surveillance in shopping centres and similar venues, with future outcomes dependent on ongoing data and public safety assessments.

Published 29-July-2025

Blood Donation Made Easy in Toowong With Pop-Up Lifeblood Centre

Photo Credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Facebook

Toowong joins a Brisbane-wide community initiative to make blood donation easier, with a mobile donor centre operating from the Wests Bulldog Rugby Club as part of Lifeblood’s plan to gather 10,000 extra donations in the year ahead.

Local Club Hosts Lifesaving Effort

The pop-up blood donor site will take appointments on 18 August 2025 and will remain open through 22 August. The centre will return to the same venue twice more this year—first from 7 to 10 October, and again from 10 to 14 November—giving Toowong residents several opportunities to take part.

By hosting the mobile centre at the rugby club on Sylvan Road, Lifeblood hopes to make donating more convenient for people living and working in Toowong. The move is part of a growing effort to bring essential health services directly into neighbourhood spaces where people already spend time.

These mobile donor sites operate from trusted local venues and are packed up after each scheduled visit, allowing the program to rotate across Greater Brisbane without the need for permanent infrastructure.

Lifeblood donation — *Photo Credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Facebook*

Community Access Matters

According to Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh, the mobile centres are designed to reduce common barriers that prevent people from giving blood. These include travel time, location, and schedule clashes. By meeting people in their own communities, she said Lifeblood can help increase the likelihood of regular donations.

The goal is to collect an extra 10,000 donations over the next 12 months across all participating suburbs. Other locations in the rotation include Mt Gravatt, Mt Ommaney, Springfield, Cleveland, Victoria Point, and Holland Park.

Toowong’s involvement in the initiative is an important step in making donation part of everyday life in the suburbs.

Make a Booking in Toowong

To donate at the Wests Bulldog Rugby Club, residents can book an appointment online at lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or use the Donate Blood app. Walk-ins may also be accepted, depending on availability, but bookings are encouraged to avoid waiting and help staff prepare for the day.

Lifeblood Pop-Up Donor Centres Schedule (2025)

Location	Dates
Holland Park Sports Club	22–25 July 2025
Holland Park Sports Club	13–17 October 2025
Mt Ommaney – McLeod Country Golf Club	28 July – 3 August 2025
Mt Ommaney	8–10 September 2025
Mt Ommaney	3–9 November 2025
Mt Ommaney	1–3 December 2025
Mt Gravatt – Showgrounds Memorial Hall	4–8 August 2025
Mt Gravatt	27–31 October 2025
Cleveland – Comfort Hotel Pacific Cleveland	11–17 August 2025
Cleveland	15–21 September 2025
Cleveland	20–26 October 2025
Cleveland	17–23 November 2025
Cleveland	8–14 December 2025
Toowong – Wests Bulldog Rugby Club	18–22 August 2025
Toowong	7–10 October 2025
Toowong	10–14 November 2025
Springfield – Brighton Homes Arena	1–6 September 2025
Springfield	24–29 November 2025
Victoria Point – YMCA Victoria Point	22 September – 3 October 2025
Victoria Point	15–24 December 2025

With demand for blood high year-round, Lifeblood is urging locals to get involved. Each donation can help up to three people, and every appointment adds to a stable supply that hospitals across Queensland depend on.

Published 22-July-2025

Greek Deli Yiayia’s Pantry Opens in Toowong

Photo Credit: Yiayia’s Pantry/Instagram

A Mediterranean delicatessen showcasing traditional Greek products has officially opened in Toowong, offering locally and internationally sourced pantry staples.

Cultural Roots Behind the Store

Yiayia’s Pantry, located on Morley Street in Toowong, is a Greek-Australian delicatessen founded by Toula Manias. Inspired by her heritage, the store is named in honour of the traditional home-style meals shared among Greek families. The shop focuses on authentic Mediterranean ingredients, many of which reflect Ms Manias’ cultural background.

Brisbane food — *Photo Credit: Yiayia’s Pantry/Instagram*

Products and Pantry Offerings

The Toowong store stocks a curated range of goods including premium Greek olive oils, traditional cheeses such as halloumi, kasseri, and kefalograviera, and an array of mezze items. The selection features products from both local suppliers and overseas producers. Customers can also purchase house-marinated olives and imported European varieties by weight.

Frozen Meals and Convenience Foods

In addition to pantry items, Yiayia’s Pantry offers a freezer section with pre-prepared Greek comfort meals. Options include moussaka, pastitsio, and souvlaki, aimed at customers seeking traditional dishes without the need for home cooking. These ready-to-bake items have become a notable highlight among early visitors.

Greek deli — *Photo Credit: Yiayia’s Pantry/Instagram*

Exclusive Product Range Introduced

The store is the exclusive Brisbane stockist of the Papayiannides Elaitis line—sauces and jams imported directly from Greece. The brand includes bold flavour combinations, including varieties like raspberry and ouzo. These products are promoted as distinct in both taste and origin, not available in other local stores.

*Photo Credit: Yiayia’s Pantry/Instagram*

Early Public Reception

Initial reactions from customers have been positive, with many expressing interest in the prepared meals and rare product range. Community comments online highlighted the uniqueness of the items, especially the frozen moussaka and pasta dishes, which were described as standout options.

Looking Ahead

Yiayia’s Pantry in Toowong has positioned itself as a dedicated source of Mediterranean cuisine and products, with a focus on cultural authenticity and accessibility. As the business establishes itself, the store is expected to draw continued local attention through its specialty offerings and Greek heritage focus.

Published 12-July-2025

Karting Star from Brisbane Boys’ College Makes National Mark

Photo Credit: bbccocorricular/Instagram

When most Year 4 students at Brisbane Boys’ College are kicking a footy or hitting the books, Felix Sim is out on the kart track chasing lap records across Australia. The young racer has cemented himself as one of the top Cadet drivers in the country, picking up podium finishes and setting new benchmarks before advancing to the next class.

Racing Past Milestones

Felix’s karting journey reached new heights when he secured second place in his final Cadet 9 National AKC race, marking the end of a chapter and the beginning of his time in the Cadet 12 ranks.

His achievements span first-place wins at the Ipswich Kart Club, NSW Northern Trophy Series, Oakleigh Go-Kart Club and other regional circuits that are well-known to the Australian karting community.

Felix impressed at the Newcastle round with back-to-back heat wins, proving his pace against a tough field of young racers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Felix Sim (@felix.muze.sim)

Community Pride and Support

Although Brisbane Boys’ College does not run a karting program, the school has been eager to celebrate Felix’s success outside the classroom. The sight of a student standing tall with an Australian Kart Championship trophy has brought the school community together, with classmates and teachers following his progress from local heats to national finals.

Felix climbed the national rankings steadily over the past two seasons, improving from 34th in 2023 to 10th in 2024.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Felix Sim (@felix.muze.sim)

Pushing the Limits

Parents, friends and fellow students now look forward to seeing Felix push the limits in the Cadet 12 class. For many in the Brisbane karting scene, his dedication and steady rise through the ranks show that age is no barrier when there is talent and grit on the track.

With the backing of his school community and karting clubs from Queensland to Victoria, Felix is expected to keep turning heads wherever the engines roar next.

Published 11-July-2025

Brisbane Boys’ College Duo to Represent Queensland in Gymnastics

Two standout gymnasts from Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong have earned selection to the Queensland Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) State Team, following impressive performances at the recent Queensland State Championships.

Read: BBC Rowing Team Aims for Another Historic Henley Royal Regatta Win

Jacob Duval, a current Year 12 student competing in Level 8, and Riley Smith, a 2023 Old Collegian at Level 10, were both named in the state team and will go on to represent Queensland at the 2025 Australian National Championships in Gold Coast in July. The pair competed against the top male artistic gymnasts in the state, with their selection highlighting their consistency, skill and commitment throughout the season.

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College Co-curricular (@bbccocurricular)/Instagram

The Queensland MAG State Team is chosen based on performances at the Gymnastics Queensland Senior State Championships and a dedicated state team trial. The team will compete on the national stage at the Australian Gymnastics Championships, facing elite athletes from across the country.

The College also recognised strong efforts from younger gymnasts, including Year 6 student Jack Hill, who competed in Level 3. All participating athletes demonstrated notable determination and sportsmanship, reinforcing the strength of the College’s gymnastics program.

Read: World-Class BBC Pipe Band Delivers Award-winning Performances at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Front of Worldwide TV Audience

The Australian Gymnastics Championships will run over two weeks and bring together top athletes from across the country, competing in a variety of gymsports for their respective states. Alongside the main competition, July will also see the Queensland State Club Championships take place, featuring events such as the Masters, Border Challenge, and Special Olympics Challenge.

For athletes like Duval and Smith, it represents not only a chance to test their abilities against the country’s best but also an opportunity to be part of a broader celebration of Australian gymnastics.

Published 25-June-2025

Riser in Toowong Serves a Sandwich That’s Turning Heads

Tucked inside a restored Queenslander on Miskin Street in Toowong, Riser has quietly become one of Brisbane’s most talked-about bakeries and cafés. Since opening in late 2022, it’s earned a loyal following not just for its excellent pastries and coffee, but for a standout menu item that’s sparked a devoted fan base—the chicken sandwich.

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

This isn’t your standard deli counter sanger. Riser’s version is a carefully composed creation built on slices of house-baked sourdough, soft, yet structured with a touch more oil than a typical loaf. Inside, layers of brined chicken, bacon, caesar dressing, and the game-changing addition of croutons combine for a rich, satisfying bite with plenty of texture.

The inclusion of croutons adds a pleasing crunch that plays beautifully against the softness of the bread and the tender chicken. It’s a small but significant touch, a signal that every element has been refined and reconsidered over time. The caesar dressing delivers the expected umami punch, without overpowering the other components, while the bacon offers a salty counterpoint to the creamy base.

It’s clear that this sandwich is the result of collaboration rather than a single chef’s vision. Much like Riser itself, which was founded by Tom Cooney, Kieran Ryan and Duncan McKay, hospitality veterans with experience across some of Brisbane’s best-loved venues—the sandwich represents a collective effort shaped by experience, experimentation and a shared commitment to doing things well.

Come the weekend, Riser is buzzing. Queues snake out the door as customers wait patiently for buttery croissants, savoury scrolls, or perhaps a sausage roll, but the chicken caesar sandwich has become a staple order for many. At $16, it’s a premium lunch, but one that more than delivers on flavour and satisfaction.

Weekday visitors might opt to take theirs away and make a mini outing of it—perhaps heading up to the nearby Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens for a quiet picnic by the lake, bush turkeys and all.

Read: Street Spotlight: Birdwood Terrace, Toowong

You’ll find Riser at 85 Miskin Street, Toowong. If you haven’t been yet, this sandwich alone is reason enough to go.

Published 24-June-2025

Perrin Park Small Dog Area Upgrade Finally Begins After Delays

A long-awaited upgrade to the small dog area at Perrin Park in Toowong is finally in motion, bringing relief to pet owners who have waited nearly two years for promised improvements.

Read: Perrin Park Site Unsuitable for New Primary School, Residents Say

Brisbane has begun preparations for the upgrade works following a string of delays caused by seasonal constraints, community feedback rounds, extreme weather events, and infrastructure setbacks.

Photo credit: Stephen Harris/Google Maps

The Perrin Park dog park journey began in November 2023, when initial upgrades to the overall dog area were opened. However, many local dog owners quickly noted the small dog section remained underwhelming and under-equipped. This led to community consultations in February 2024, where residents voiced their concerns about what was missing from the Council’s initial efforts.

A mobile pop-up in July 2024 gathered further input, prompting the project to be listed for funding a month later. Two upgrade designs were released for community voting in October 2024, with the first design ultimately receiving the most support.

Yet, construction faced a new setback due to the hibernation season of the park’s local bat colony, delaying the start of works. Additional complications followed in early 2025, including Cyclone Alfred, flooding, and a sewage spill that forced part of the park to remain closed.

Photo credit: Darshan Pandya/Google Maps

Despite the mounting frustrations, Council pushed forward with service mapping and final design preparations in May 2025, marking a major step forward.

Planned upgrades include:

A new shade shelter in the small dog area
More seating for pet owners
An enlarged off-leash zone for small dogs
Additional tree planting for natural shade and greenery
Asphalt resurfacing and sealing of the park’s access road

The improvements come after a groundswell of community pressure. A petition lodged in April 2025 called out the repeated delays, with residents citing poor lighting, safety issues in the car park, and lack of transparency around the timeline.

Health and safety concerns have remained central to the community’s push for action, particularly after floodwaters in March and April left parts of the park unusable.

Read: Toowong’s Perrin Park and Other Brisbane Parks Get New Free Outdoor Gyms

With works finally underway, the small dog community is hopeful that Perrin Park will soon offer the safe, shaded and well-equipped space they’ve long advocated for.

Published 23-June-2025

Community Consultation Opens for Sylvan Road Bikeway & Local Network Upgrades

Toowong residents and commuters are being encouraged to have their say as Brisbane prepares to upgrade the Sylvan Road bikeway and surrounding local road network.

Read: Sylvan Road Site Targeted for Medium-Density Development

Sylvan Road is one of Brisbane’s most popular cycling corridors, linking the Bicentennial Bikeway to the Western Bikeway.

It also forms part of Queensland’s Principal Cycle Network. With more than 1,130 bike and e-mobility trips on an average weekday, the route presents a strong opportunity to enhance safety for everyone using the road.

However, it’s also known as one of the city’s more difficult routes, with fast-moving traffic, complex intersections, and minimal separation between cyclists and vehicles.

Brisbane is now looking to address these issues through a new round of community consultation, opening next week and running until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, 6 July.

Key intersections under review include:

Sylvan Road & Milton Road
Sylvan Road, Jephson Street & Croyden Street
Milton Road, Croyden Street & Morley Street

These locations are seen as crucial pinch points for safety and connectivity, with potential improvements set to benefit not only cyclists but also pedestrians and drivers.

“These intersections are key for traffic flow and safety in the precinct. We’re investigating how to make them work better for all road users by reviewing turning arrangements and overall layout,” Council stated.

To support the consultation, a Pop-up Office will be held on:

Tuesday, 17 June, 7:00am–8:30am
Corner of Land Street and Sylvan Road, Toowong (near Duxbrew Café)

Locals can drop by to learn more about the proposed changes, share their travel experiences, and find out how to make a submission.

Read: Community Sessions Announced for Toowong Central Redevelopment

Council encourages all users of the area to take part in the consultation, highlighting that “your voice matters” in building a safer and more connected Brisbane.

For full consultation details and to make a submission, residents should keep an eye on Council’s website or local community updates.

Published 10-June-2025