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BOQ Transitions to Digital, Toowong Branch Among 16 Closures

The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has announced a sweeping closure of 16 branches across Australia this February, with significant implications for its customers. Among the closures, seven are in Queensland, including the BOQ Toowong branch, a key location serving both individual and business clients in the area.

Read: Toowong Village Hosts Star-Studded Bra Art Exhibition and $500 Shopping Spree

This decision comes as BOQ continues to pivot toward digital banking channels, part of an ongoing strategy to adapt to changing customer preferences. The closures will impact approximately 900,000 customers nationwide, adding to a broader trend of bank branch shutdowns that has swept across Australia in recent years.

According to the University of Western Australia, over 2,000 branches have shuttered since 2017, leaving many communities, particularly rural ones, with limited access to in-person banking services.

boq — Photo credit: BOQ Toowong/Facebook

The closure of the Toowong branch at the first level of Toowong Village, scheduled for February 27, has sparked concern among local residents and businesses who rely on face-to-face banking services. The branch has long been a cornerstone for customers seeking personal assistance, from setting up accounts to securing loans.

The Broader Impact

BOQ’s decision to close branches spans multiple states, with five closures in Victoria, three in New South Wales, and one in Western Australia, alongside the seven in Queensland. The move reflects a growing trend in the banking industry as institutions encourage customers to adopt digital platforms and services like Bank@Post, a partnership with Australia Post allowing basic banking transactions.

In a statement, BOQ emphasised its commitment to enhancing digital offerings, noting that the closures are part of a broader strategy to “meet the evolving needs of customers.” However, the rapid shift has not been without criticism, as it risks alienating older customers and those less comfortable with technology.

Read: Centuria Finalises Sale of Premier Toowong Office for Over $37 Million

As the banking landscape continues to evolve, the closure of the Toowong branch underscores the need for a balance between digital transformation and maintaining accessibility for all customers.

Published 27-January-2025

BrisAsia Festival 2025 Brings Culture to Life at Mt Coot-tha

Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook

BrisAsia Festival 2025 is set to transform Mt Coot-tha into a lively hub of cultural celebration, featuring music, art, and food that highlight the richness of Asian heritage.

As a significant event in Brisbane’s cultural calendar, the festival allows the community to connect and explore cultural diversity.

Lunar New Year in the gardens — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Immersive Art at the Planetarium

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium will present “Gifts of a Blue Pearl Vol 2,” an immersive art experience by twin artists Man&Wah. Their work combines photography, installations, and audio-visual elements to encourage reflection. The exhibition explores nature and cosmic connection themes, allowing visitors to engage with the art.

Gifts of a Blue Pearl Vol 2 by Man&Wah — *Photo Credit: Man&Wah*

Event schedule:

Saturday, 1 February 2025: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2 February 2025: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Friday, 7 February 2025: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 per person and are available online.

GET TICKETS

Festivities at the Botanic Gardens

On Sunday, 2 February 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha will host the Lunar New Year in the Gardens event. This free event will feature traditional Asian performances and activities.

Lunar New Year 2025 — *Photo Credit: Sound Across Oceans*

Lion dancers and a martial arts display by the International Wushu Academy will showcase centuries-old traditions. Musical performances will include sitar player Sudha Manian, who blends classical Indian music with modern influences. Grammy-nominated Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal will share his melodies inspired by his nomadic heritage. Tabla master Dheeraj Shrestha will bring his rhythmic style to the event.

Visitors can watch KPOP performances and traditional dance showcases and enjoy henna face painting. Asian street food will also feature authentic dishes from different regions.

What to Expect Next

BrisAsia Festival 2025 Mt Coot-tha — *Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook*

The festival excites Brisbane locals who are looking forward to experiencing diverse cultures. Local businesses, including cafés and shops, prepare for increased visitors and economic activity.

BrisAsia Festival 2025 at Mt Coot-tha offers an opportunity to experience cultural performances, artistic displays, and culinary experiences. It is an event designed to engage and educate, providing something for everyone.

Mark the dates and take part in the cultural celebration of BrisAsia Festival 2025.

Published 20-Jan-2025

Toowong Cemetery Holds the Forgotten History of Susan McGowan

Toowong Cemetery, one of Brisbane’s historic resting places, holds the remains of Susan McGowan, whose short and turbulent life reflects the harsh realities of 19th-century Australia.

A Troubled Life Remembered

Susan McGowan, who lived from 1862 to 1891, endured an extraordinary series of misfortunes, spending much of her life on the streets of Brisbane.

Born in New South Wales, she moved to Brisbane as a young adult and found herself navigating a world that offered few protections for women in her position. Without steady work or a stable home, she turned to prostitution and became a familiar figure in Brisbane’s police courts.

Throughout 1885, Susan’s name appeared in court records at least five times as a victim of assault. She was subjected to violent attacks in public streets by both men and women.

In January of that same year, Joshua Stead assaulted her, knocking her down and kicking her, resulting in a two-month sentence of hard labour for him. Months later, Patrick Brittain and Margaret Corkery also attacked Susan in separate incidents, each leading to convictions but offering her little reprieve from danger.

Susan McGowan attacked in Brisbane — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

By mid-year, Susan had been assaulted in public repeatedly, including an incident in July where James Feeney knocked her down multiple times on Albert Street.

Susan McGowan was attacked by James Feeney — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

The Streets of Brisbane

Brisbane’s central streets in the late 1800s were notorious for petty crime and public disorder. Areas like Queen Street and North Quay were frequented by street urchins, thieves, and drunkards.

Women like Susan faced an even harsher reality, as their perceived social status often left them vulnerable to both violence and harsher judgment in the legal system. Historian Anastasia Dukova noted that women in Susan’s situation were often policed more strictly than men, with little chance for reform.

By 1890, Susan’s health had deteriorated severely. She lived in Lower Albert Street’s “Nine Holes” in an area known as Frog’s Hollow, a low-lying neighbourhood notorious for its poor sanitation and frequent flooding.

Flooding on Albert Street in 1890
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Medical reports from the time described it as a hazardous place, rife with disease. Living in such conditions took a toll on Susan, who appeared less frequently in court as her health declined.

A Tragic End

Susan died at the age of 28 in April 1891 while en route to a hospital. The official cause of death was listed as phthisis, or tuberculosis, and exhaustion. Her final resting place at Toowong Cemetery is marked by the simplicity of the grave, reflecting the hard life she endured. Despite her struggles, her burial in one of Brisbane’s most historic cemeteries underscores the connection between her life and the city’s complex early settlement past.

Susan McGowan’s story, while tragic, is a window into the lives of many marginalised women in Australia at that time. Today, her grave at Toowong Cemetery serves as a silent witness to a life shaped by resilience in the face of relentless adversity.

Published 3-Jan-2025

Brisbane Boys’ College Students Honoured as QCE Distinguished Academic Achievers

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) has cemented its reputation for academic excellence, with two students ranking among the Top 35 in Queensland in the 2024 Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Achievement Awards.

Outstanding Academic Results in 2024

The announcement of the QCE Achievement Awards recognised Alexander Fung and Junpeng Huang as Distinguished Academic Achievers, an accolade awarded to only 35 students statewide. The recognition highlights their exceptional performance across multiple subjects.

Additionally, Jacob Aziz received a Subject Commendation for Music Extension (Performance), underscoring his dedication to the arts.

These accomplishments come as part of a broader success story for the college. Students achieved 25 perfect study scores of 100/100 across ten different subjects, a remarkable demonstration of both student effort and the quality of teaching at BBC.

Further showcasing the school’s academic prowess, 26 students earned As in all six subjects, while five students achieved As in seven subjects, earning them the prestigious QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation.

The Duxes

In addition to these accolades, Alexander, Junpeng, and Jacob were named the Duxes of Brisbane Boys’ College for 2024, a title recognising the highest academic achievers of the year.

Duxes of the College for 2024 – Jacob Aziz, Alexander Fung, and Junpeng Huang
Photo Credit: BBC/Facebook

QCE Achievement Awardees 2024

Subject Commendation LIST 2024

A Tradition of Excellence

BBC’s consistent performance in academic achievements reflects its commitment to providing a supportive and well-rounded educational environment. The school’s holistic approach to education ensures students thrive both academically and personally. The school’s emphasis on community support, alongside rigorous academic programs, has created an environment that nurtures high achievers.

Teachers, peers, and families play a crucial role in this success, fostering a community that motivates students to excel. These collaborative efforts highlight the strength of the BBC community and its focus on fostering academic and extracurricular excellence.

QCE Achievement Awards: A Statewide Honour

The QCE Achievement Awards celebrate Queensland’s top-performing students across a variety of categories. The recognition places the achievers among an elite group of students whose academic dedication stands out on a statewide level.

With aspirations to continue their education in their respective fields, the students leave BBC equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in higher education and future professional endeavours.

The skills and knowledge gained during their time at BBC will undoubtedly contribute to their success in higher education and beyond.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Toowong-West End Bridge Survives Scaled-Back Green Bridge Program

Brisbane will deliver just one more green bridge, the Toowong-West End Bridge, after abandoning plans for a fifth bridge connection amid escalating infrastructure costs and budget constraints.

However, the West End to St Lucia Bridge has been cut from the program, marking a significant shift in the city’s ambitious infrastructure strategy first announced in 2019.

Project Background

The original “Bridges for Brisbane” program initially proposed constructing five bridges over a decade, with joint funding from local, state, and federal governments. To date, two bridges have been completed: the Breakfast Creek Bridge and the recently opened Kangaroo Point Bridge.

Budget pressures from multiple fronts have influenced the decision. The COVID-19 pandemic, post-2022 flood rebuilding efforts, and the ongoing housing crisis have significantly impacted infrastructure funding.

Council highlighted increased construction costs and lower-than-expected revenue as key factors in scaling back the bridge program.

Toowong-West End Bridge — *Photo Credit: BCC*

New Green Bridge Impact

The Kangaroo Point Bridge, the most recent addition, is expected to remove approximately 84,000 cars from Brisbane’s roads annually and reduce travel times for active and public transport users by up to 50 percent.

The bridge features separated pedestrian and active transport lanes and will connect to a nearly four-kilometre eastern bikeway between 2027 and 2028.

Two dining venues along the Kangaroo Point Bridge – Stilts Dining and Mulga Bill’s – are expected to open early next year, adding further community amenities to the infrastructure project.

Efforts have been made to secure funding for the Toowong-West End Bridge, using a business case to support the initiative. There is a strong commitment to finish this green bridge ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games while keeping the budget balanced.

Published 17-Dec-2024

Brisbane Boys’ College Star Luke Sahlqvist Shines at National Championships

Brisbane Boys’ College student and Tigers Athletics Club member Luke Sahlqvist delivered a standout performance at the 2024 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships, securing both gold and silver medals in a remarkable display of talent at QSAC.

Read: Parents Demand Action: Inclusive Deaf Program Needed in High Schools

BBC’s Luke Sahlqvist shines on national stage

In Friday’s para-athletics shot put final, Sahlqvist earned the silver medal in a hard-fought contest. He finished just 1.20 meters behind New South Wales rival Mark Everett in what was one of the most competitive events of the day.

Returning to the field on Saturday, 7 December with renewed focus, Sahlqvist delivered a gold-medal performance in the under-17 discus throw. Outperforming Everett and other top competitors, he proved his status as one of Australia’s premier young throwers.

Pride of BBC and Toowong

Sahlqvist’s journey—from his early days at St Martin’s Primary School to now representing Brisbane Boys’ College and the Tigers Athletics Club—reflects the strength of BBC’s athletic programs and the opportunities they provide for emerging talent. His success serves as an inspiration to young athletes across Toowong and the wider community, showcasing what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

Read: Queensland Academy in Toowong Tops State NAPLAN Rankings

The 2024 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships, held from December 6–8 at QSAC, celebrated Australia’s best school-age athletes, with Sahlqvist’s dual-medal performance a clear highlight.

Published 14-December-2024

Parents Demand Action: Inclusive Deaf Program Needed in High Schools

Toowong State School, the only primary school in Queensland offering a unique bilingual-bicultural program for deaf students, has become the centre of a growing push for similar programs to be implemented in high schools.

Impressed by the program’s success, parents have called for its expansion to ensure their children receive an inclusive and effective education as they transition to secondary education.

The program at Toowong State School involves students learning the Australian curriculum in both English and Auslan. This immersive approach benefits deaf students and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of deaf culture among hearing students.

Vanessa Alford, a mother of three deaf sons, was so impressed by the program that she relocated her family from Perth to Brisbane. She highlights the positive impact the program has had on her children’s academic performance and overall well-being. Her sons are more engaged and eager to learn, a stark contrast to her experiences in primary school.

However, when one of her sons is about to enter high school, Ms Alford faces a difficult situation. High schools in Queensland currently need to offer a comparable program. Concerned about the lack of support and potential isolation her son might face in a mainstream environment, Ms Alford has opted for a combination of one-on-one tutoring and distance education with interpreters. While addressing some educational needs, this solution still raises concerns about her son’s social development and interaction with peers.

Another parent, Kate O’Keeffe, echoes Ms Alford’s concerns. She emphasises the importance of a fully inclusive environment where Auslan is readily used and understood. She fears that the lack of qualified interpreters and a signing environment in mainstream high schools could lead to isolation and limited access to the curriculum for deaf students.

Both parents have advocated for the Queensland Education Department to introduce the bilingual-bicultural program in high schools. While the department has expressed its commitment to inclusivity and is considering different educational models for deaf students, parents argue that the process is moving too slowly.

Deaf Australia has also addressed the issue, highlighting the scarcity of genuinely bilingual and bicultural programs across the country. They stress the importance of direct communication and culturally relevant teaching for deaf students, which is often lacking in mainstream settings.

With time running out for Ms Alford’s son and many other deaf students approaching high school age, the pressure is mounting on the Queensland Education Department to provide a solution that ensures these students receive the quality education they deserve.

Published Date 12-December-2024

Street Spotlight: Victoria Cres, Toowong

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Victoria Crescent in Toowong tells a fascinating story of Brisbane’s suburban evolution, with historical aerial photographs from 1936 revealing only a handful of houses dotting what would become a sought-after residential enclave.

Today, this established street comprises 39 properties and boasts a remarkable 85% owner-occupier rate, with residents staying an average of 13 years and 10 months – a testament to the area’s enduring appeal. The street’s property history reflects Brisbane’s dramatic growth, exemplified by the sale of 14 Victoria Crescent for $97,500 in July 1988, a figure that provides an intriguing snapshot of the market during that era. Below, you’ll find an aerial image from 1946 that captures the street’s humble beginnings, offering a stark contrast to the thriving residential community it has become, where over a third of residents have called Victoria Crescent home for more than a decade.

Victoria Cres, Toowong Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 39
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 13 years, 10 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 36%

Victoria Cres, Toowong – As It Looked in 1946

Victoria Cres, Toowong in 1946

SOME RECENT SALES ON VICTORIA CRES, TOOWONG

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
17 Victoria Cr, Toowong	$1,655,000	Sep 2024
13 Victoria Cr, Toowong	$3,025,000	Jun 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON VICTORIA CRES FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
14 Victoria Cr, Toowong	$97,500	Jul 1988
49 Victoria Cr, Toowong	$257,500	Jan 1991
39 Victoria Cr, Toowong	$345,000	Mar 1994

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Toowong in 2024 was $1,349,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Toowong in 2020 was $790,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN TOOWONG SINCE 2020 : $559,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Toowong in 2024 was $1,940,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Toowong in 2020 was $1,210,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN TOOWONG SINCE 2020 : $730,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Toowong in 2024 was $2,160,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Toowong in 2020 was $1,451,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN TOOWONG SINCE 2020 : $709,000

The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Toowong in 2024 was $473,000
The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Toowong in 2020 was $324,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 1 BEDROOM UNIT IN TOOWONG SINCE 2020 : $149,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Toowong in 2024 was $688,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Toowong in 2020 was $435,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN TOOWONG SINCE 2020 : $253,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Toowong in 2024 was $995,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Toowong in 2020 was $665,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN TOOWONG SINCE 2020 : $330,000

If you know Victoria Cres, Toowong well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Queensland Academy in Toowong Tops State NAPLAN Rankings

Photo Credit: QASMT

The Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology in Toowong has once again secured the top position in the state for NAPLAN results, solidifying its reputation as a leading academic institution.

This year, the selective entry school achieved an impressive average score of 699 across all five NAPLAN subjects for Year 9 students. This remarkable achievement places them ahead of other prestigious Queensland schools, including Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School, which also consistently perform well.

Why Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology Excels

The Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) in Toowong stands out for its strong academic focus. As a selective entry school, it attracts high-achieving students who create a motivating learning environment. The school offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) programme known for its international recognition and university preparation.

QASMT also provides specialised STEM education with facilities like university-standard labs and a dedicated STEM precinct, giving students unique opportunities. Beyond academics, QASMT encourages holistic development through extracurricular activities and provides a supportive learning environment with resources like quiet study spaces and a contemporary refectory.

Top Schools Across Australia

The release of the 2024 NAPLAN results has provided valuable insights into the performance of schools across different states and territories. In Tasmania, Fahan School emerged as the top performer for both primary and secondary levels. Meanwhile, in the Northern Territory, Haileybury Rendall School and The Essington School led the rankings for primary and secondary schools, respectively.

Methodology

The rankings were determined by combining the scores of all five NAPLAN test subjects (reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy) for the Year 5 or Year 9 student cohort and calculating the average. This method comprehensively overviews each school’s performance across key literacy and numeracy areas.

Published Date 03-December-2024

BBC Parents Question Rising Fees as Toowong Campus Vision Unveiled

Parents at Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong are questioning the value of significant fee increases, citing concerns about existing facilities even as the school unveils a long-term Campus Vision Master Plan.

Fee Increases and Parent Reactions

For 2025, the school has announced that domestic day student fees for Years 7–12 will rise to $34,500, with boarding families paying over $69,000 annually. Fees for international students who board will climb to $94,110.

Parents have voiced concerns about the steep rise in costs, with the fee increase now totalling more than $10,000 in just three years.

Several parents have described the timing of the fee hikes, announced late in the school year, as problematic. They argue it leaves them little time to consider alternative schools without disrupting their children’s education.

Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/YouTube*

Complaints also extend to the state of the school’s facilities, particularly its sporting amenities, which some families have labelled “embarrassing” compared to other Greater Public Schools institutions.

One parent remarked that the fee hikes feel unjustified given the condition of the facilities, adding that while the school excels in academics and music, other areas lack the resources expected for such fees.

Master Plan Campus Vision

In late Sept 2024, the school introduced its Master Plan Campus Vision, a comprehensive roadmap for campus development that looks ahead to 2035 and even 2050. The plan promises state-of-the-art classrooms, new co-curricular spaces, extensive refurbishments, and improved campus connectivity.

Central to the vision is a thoroughfare linking Goldicott House, a heritage-listed building on the northern edge of campus, to Toowong Creek to the south. The plan aims to foster greater connectivity across the school grounds, creating spaces that encourage interaction and reinforce a sense of community and mateship.

BBC Toowong — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College*

BBC also highlighted its consultation process, stating that extensive engagement with students, staff, families, and alumni informed the plan. This collaborative approach was intended to ensure that the Campus Vision reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire school community.

Balancing Long-Term Vision with Current Concerns

While some families recognise the potential of the long-term Master Plan to enhance the school’s offerings, others remain focused on the current state of facilities. Critics have pointed out that while the plan looks promising, it may take years before students see tangible benefits.

In the meantime, families are left paying higher fees for what they perceive as underwhelming facilities. Some have expressed frustration that the plan does not address immediate shortcomings, particularly in areas like sporting infrastructure.

The debate around fees reflects broader concerns about the affordability of private education in Queensland. While some argue that private schooling offers unparalleled opportunities, others believe the rising costs are becoming unsustainable for many families.

The question of value—whether the facilities, programs, and opportunities justify the investment—is central to these discussions. Parents at Brisbane Boys’ College say they are committed to their children’s education but hope for greater transparency and more immediate improvements as the school implements its long-term vision.

Published 5-Dec-2024