In response to a series of alarming attacks on popular walking trails in Mt Coot-tha, local authorities have installed security cameras to enhance community safety.
Brisbane City Council has discreetly installed over 80 secret and visible CCTV cameras throughout the network of trails, significantly enhancing surveillance coverage in the area. The move comes after multiple incidents of attempted sexual assault were reported in Mt Coot-tha over the past two months.
Three incidents have been reported to police on Mt Coot-tha paths since May. In one case, police sought information regarding an attempted assault on the Cockatoo Trail. The suspect, described as a Caucasian male between 30-40 years old, approximately 180 cm tall with short dark hair, allegedly attempted to assault a 25-year-old woman.
Photo credit: Antony Mapfumo/Google Maps
Another incident occurred on the Maculata Track, where a woman was reportedly pushed to the ground and held down by a man wearing dark clothing. The attacker fled when he heard another jogger approaching.
These events have led many women to take precautions when visiting the walking trails, such as running in groups or carrying personal alarms.
Photo credit: Miranda Wang/Google Maps
Cr Adrian Schrinner announced the camera installation initiative, stating that the Council has collaborated with the Queensland Police Service to implement new safety cameras. These will be monitored by the Council’s 24/7 control centre as part of the city’s Suburban Safety Cameras program.
“While the State is responsible for cracking down on crime, our Suburban Safety Camera Program is one way we can send a message to would-be criminals that this behaviour won’t be tolerated in our city,” Cr Schrinner said.
During World War II, a courageous Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky served alongside Australian and American forces with distinction, even though she weighed less than 2kg. Did you know that after the war, Smoky became the very first documented therapy dog for returning soldiers with PTSD at the 42nd General Hospital in Stuartholme on Mt Coot-tha?
Discovered in a foxhole in New Guinea in 1944, Smoky’s wartime service began in an unlikely fashion. American soldier Bill Wynne purchased the tiny Yorkshire terrier for two Australian pounds, not knowing the profound impact she would eventually have on many lives.
Initially serving as the mascot for the South West Pacific Area’s (SWPA) 26th Recon Squadron, Smoky quickly rose to prominence. Her tenure as a mascot was short-lived as her role evolved dramatically during a critical phase of the war.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
One of Smoky’s most celebrated contributions to the war effort came under dire circumstances. The engineers faced a daunting task: laying communication wires across a 21-meter wide airstrip in the Philippines, a mission fraught with danger, potentially exposing soldiers to enemy fire for days.
Smoky, with her compact size and agility, presented an unconventional solution. A string was tied to Smoky’s collar, and she was guided through narrow pipes under the airstrip, a feat she accomplished with astonishing speed and precision. This single act, which took mere minutes, not only saved significant time but also protected the lives of the soldiers from potential enemy attacks.
Smoky’s bravery and intelligence in completing this task were beyond what anyone could have expected from such a small creature, earning her a place in military lore.
Transition to Therapy Dog
The transition to Smoky’s role as a therapy dog began unexpectedly. Whilst serving in the Pacific, Corporal Wynne was struck down with Dengue fever, finding himself bedridden in a hospital tent.
In those moments of illness and isolation, Smoky proved to be more than just a mascot or a war hero; she became a source of comfort and companionship. Nestled beside Mr Wynne, her constant presence and innate ability to sense and alleviate his distress marked the beginning of her journey as a therapeutic aid.
Recognising the profound impact Smoky had on the soldier and observing her effect on other soldiers, military medical personnel began to see the potential of leveraging this bond for therapeutic purposes. When Smoky was introduced to the 42nd General Hospital at Stuartholme, her role was formalised as a therapy dog, the first of her kind documented in history.
Her work involved visiting soldiers returning from combat, many of whom struggled with the invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Smoky’s therapeutic impact was immediate and profound. Her small stature and gentle demeanour made her approachable, providing a sense of calm and comfort to those she interacted with. Soldiers, burdened with the trauma of war, found solace in her presence, a testament to the healing power of non-verbal companionship. Smoky’s work at the hospital highlighted her versatility and adaptability and paved the way for the use of therapy dogs in military and civilian medical facilities worldwide.
Her legacy is particularly significant, considering the period. During the mid-20th century, PTSD was not well understood or treated.
Smoky’s contributions have been honoured with a sculpture nestled inside a World War Two army helmet at the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, dedicated to Smoky and all war animals. Her work as a therapy dog, which lasted 12 years during and after the war, has set a precedent for the use of therapy dogs in aiding soldiers’ recovery.
Smoky’s story has been celebrated internationally with memorials and honours across America, England, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, acknowledging her as the world’s first documented therapy dog. Her legacy, which began on the battlefields of World War II, continues to inspire and influence the role of animals in therapeutic settings.
A Timeline of Service and Legacy
1944: Smoky is discovered in a foxhole in New Guinea and becomes the mascot for the 26th Recon Squadron.
1945: Smoky assists in laying communication wires in the Philippines, showcasing her bravery and intelligence.
July 1944 – 1957: Smoky serves as a therapy dog, first documented at the 233rd Station Hospital in New Guinea, and later at the 42nd General Hospital in Stuartholme, continuing her therapeutic work post-war.
2005: A monument to honour Smoky and her service is unveiled.
2021: Bill Wynne, Smoky’s owner and companion, passes away at the age of 99, leaving behind a story of loyalty, bravery, and the therapeutic power of animals.
Smoky’s journey from a warzone companion to a therapeutic aid for soldiers with PTSD underscores the profound bond between humans and animals, a legacy that endures at Stuartholme on Mt Coot-tha and beyond.
The iconic hospitality venue, The Summit at Mt Coot-tha in Brisbane, is set for a major redevelopment. The Mantle Group, which subleases the site, has lodged plans to revamp the cafe and restaurant, and offer an elevated dining experience to its patrons.
The renovation project, under DA A006264092, will see the construction of a new two-level pavilion to replace the existing cafe, a mountaintop gin distillery, a casual bar, and a theatre for showcases and presentations.
The top floor of the new building will be dedicated to dining and drinking, while the bottom level will have a theatre for performances. Additionally, a rooftop garden will be added, which will feature First Nations’ herbs and ingredients.
Photo Credit: Artist’s impression/The Mantle Group
The heritage-listed restaurant will also be refurbished with modern fittings, and a new deck and platform will be added to take advantage of Mt Coot-tha’s spectacular views.
According to Mantle Group owner Godfrey Mantle, the project will transform The Summit into a “more appealing environment” that will be a major tourism boost for Brisbane, especially for the upcoming 2032 Olympics.
The Mantle Group has been planning this project since 2019, and it hopes to open the revamped venue in the first half of 2024. Each year, over 1.5 million visitors come to Mt Coot-tha, making it one of Brisbane’s most iconic sites.
The Mantle Group’s redevelopment plans, once approved, will reinforce Mt Coot-tha’s position as one of Brisbane’s top attractions for both locals and tourists alike. The redevelopment is also expected to support a wide range of environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits to the city and the SEQ region.
Did you know that the Mt Coot-tha shuttle service is already in the planning phase? The initiative is part of the Brisbane City Council’s four-year enhancement program to improve accessibility and visitor experience at the precinct.
“Council is committed to implementing a shuttle service at Mt Coot-tha which will provide another transport option for visitors to travel between key destinations on the mountain,” the Council’s website said.
Currently, transport options to Mt Coot-tha precinct include:
Public transport – from Brisbane CBD, Translink’s 471 bus leaves Adelaide Street Stop 21 at 8.50am and hourly from 9.35am-3.35pm.
Car – for visitors travelling by car, there are parking spaces available at the botanic gardens, Toowong Cemetery, The Summit, Gap Creek Reserve, and picnic areas.
Bike – Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens is accessible by bike via Anzac Park overpass.
Several new trails and extensions have already been completed as part of the refurbishment program for the precinct, including the Discovery Trail and Discovery Trail extension, Litchfield Trail, Mahogany Track, and the Lorikeet Link and Crebra Climb mountain bike trails.
Upgrade works on the Summit Track has also been completed which involved resurfacing of the track to Bush Mate, upgrading of the stairs, installation of new handrails, and installation of a new information shelter.
Video Still Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook
Other projects that have already been delivered include upgrades to the J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area and Simpson Falls picnic area, and the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre
The Council is also installing new signage on the Discovery Trail and Mt Coot-tha and undertaking planning for a new trail from the Botanic Gardens to the Summit as well as planning for new mountain bike trails.
The Brisbane City Council is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified artists to create a site-responsive artwork installation on The Platform.
The Platform is a 2.4 metre by 2.4 metre low plinth with hold-down points and lights, and is able to accommodate a two-tonne load. It is located adjacent to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre, embedded within a native-species garden.
The Platform is made from charcoal-coloured concrete and is designed as a subdued piece of infrastructure to ensure that focus is on the gardens and the installed artworks; yet, as a stand-alone structure, it still looks attractive.
Previous artwork installations were “Remainders 20 & 21,” by acclaimed Australian artist Jamie North, and “Large Arcs,” by Melbourne-based artist and designer Anna Varendorff.
Current commissioned artwork, which will be on display from July 2019 to June 2020, is titled “Gone to Seed” by Stuart Green.
“Gone to Seed” Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Commissioned artwork remain on display on the Platform for 12 months before being relocated and installed permanently within the gardens.
Artists are, however, invited to work with the Council in considering a suitable site within the gardens where their work would be located permanently.
To commission a new artwork for the Platform, the Council released expression of interest (EOI) on 26 August 2019. For the artwork to be assessed, interested artists must submit an EOI through the Council’s website, no later than 12 noon on 23 September 2019.
Required documentation:
artist CV
artist bio (max. 200 words)
written response to the artwork brief outlining your conceptual approach to the commission and how it relates to your practice (max. 500 words)
Five (5) images of relevant previous work (max. 1MB per image).
For more information, email The Platform or contact the Council on 07 3403 8888.
