Lesley Trotter, a 78-year-old retired school teacher known for her active lifestyle and dedication to recycling, disappeared from her Toowong home in March 2023. The coroner ruled her deceased, but the cause of death remains undetermined.
Ms Trotter last contacted her family on 27 March 2023. Her brother found her Maryvale Street unit unlocked the following day, with her phone, wallet, and car left behind. Concerned, he reported her missing, prompting an immediate police search.
Authorities found traces of blood near bins outside her unit. They determined that her body was inside a wheelie bin collected by a BCC rubbish truck from Clayton Lane on 28 March 2023. Despite an extensive search of over 3,000 tonnes of waste at landfill sites in Swanbank and Rochedale, her remains were never recovered.
Police considered three possibilities:
A medical episode while sorting through bins.
Accidental misadventure.
Foul play, potentially linked to tensions with neighbours over her recycling habits.
Ms Trotter was known for meticulously checking bins to ensure recyclables were correctly sorted. While some neighbours appreciated her efforts, others found her behaviour intrusive. Police acknowledged possible tensions but found no direct evidence linking disputes to her disappearance.
Extensive Search Yields No Answers
The search for Ms Trotter’s body was one of Queensland’s largest waste facility operations, involving the Australian Defence Force. Investigators quarantined waste sites and sifted through rubbish, finding various “items of interest,” but none linked to her. Decomposing waste hindered recovery efforts, and the search was called off.
The case remains open. Queensland Police urge anyone with relevant information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from 28 March 2023 to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Even minor details may be crucial in determining how Ms Trotter’s body ended up in the bin and whether foul play was involved.
Thousands of Queensland students, including those in Toowong, are vying for limited spots in the state’s top selective schools, with just over a third making the cut. As competition intensifies, parents are turning to expensive tutoring from as early as age six to improve their children’s chances.
Queensland’s selective state high schools are facing unprecedented demand, with entry rates at an all-time low. Recent figures show that out of nearly 2,500 applicants, only 700 students were accepted into the three Queensland Academy campuses—one of which is located in Toowong, the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology.
Parents are investing heavily in tutoring services, with some enrolling their children in preparation courses years in advance. Experts warn that the extreme competition is not only financially straining families but also putting unnecessary pressure on young students.
Limited Spots, High Costs, and Rising Parental Pressure
The Queensland selective school system currently consists of three state-run institutions:
Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)
Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI)
Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS)
Each year, thousands of students compete for entry, paying a $250 non-refundable application fee.
QACI had only 174 places available.
QAHS offered 179 spots.
QASMT in Toowong, the most sought-after, admitted just 250 students.
Brisbane State High School (BSHS) also runs an out-of-catchment entrance exam, but of the 524 students who applied last year, only 124 secured a spot, with families paying $420 in processing fees.
Tutoring From Age Six: A Growing Trend in Toowong and Beyond
Education experts report that parents are enrolling children in tutoring from as early as Year 1, hoping to prepare them for the rigorous entrance exams.
E-Yong Lee, founder of Lee Excellence Education Academy, said many parents worry that their children will not get into high-performing schools. He explained that some families start tutoring when their child enters primary school.
Six-year-old Emily Paterson, already enrolled in tutoring, is part of this growing trend. Her mother, Jettie Fan, believes early preparation will give Emily a strong foundation.
Tutor Prabhjot Singh, who prepares students for QASMT entrance exams, has seen a sharp rise in demand. He stated that even Year 5 students are coming in for high school entrance exam tutoring.
Photo Credit: QASMT
Queensland’s Selective Schools Lag Behind NSW
Experts argue that Queensland’s limited number of selective schools is putting regional students at a disadvantage.
Currently, NSW has 17 fully selective schools and 25 partially selective schools, many located outside Sydney. In contrast, Queensland’s three academies are all concentrated in Southeast Queensland, leaving gifted students in regional areas with few options.
Dr Matthew White, an inclusive education expert from Australian Catholic University, believes Queensland should expand its selective school network. However, a Queensland Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed that there are no plans to establish additional selective schools. Instead, she pointed to regional ‘Programs of Excellence’, such as those at Cairns State High School and Rangeville State School in Toowoomba.
Critics argue that while these programs provide enrichment opportunities, they do not match the academic intensity of selective schools.
The Mental Toll of Selective School Exams
While some students thrive in competitive academic environments, experts warn that rejection from selective schools can negatively impact students’ self-esteem.
Dr White highlighted that students who fail to secure a spot often experience lower academic self-confidence. Additionally, the high cost of tutoring and exam fees is placing financial strain on many families, raising concerns that selective schooling is becoming an exclusive opportunity for wealthier students.
Photo Credit: QASMT
What’s Next for Queensland’s Selective Schools?
As pressure mounts on the state government to address Queensland’s selective school shortfall, education experts continue to push for a more inclusive model.
With no immediate plans for new selective schools, the debate will likely intensify as more families turn to expensive tutoring services to boost their children’s chances. For now, students in Toowong and across Queensland face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the state’s most sought-after high schools.
The beloved 1952 FX Holden of Brisbane icon Rock ’n’ Roll George has found a new home at Hutchinson Builders’ office in Toowong. After years on display at the Queensland Museum, the vehicle has been relocated to a dedicated space at the company’s reception foyer.
For decades, George Kiprios, better known as Rock ’n’ Roll George, was a fixture on Brisbane’s streets, driving his distinctive FX Holden through the city from the 1950s to the late 1990s. The Greek-Australian worked various jobs, including at a suit factory, a luggage manufacturer, and the Golden Circle cannery, before retiring from the Government Printing Office.
With rock ’n’ roll blaring from the car radio, Mr Kiprios became synonymous with Brisbane’s urban culture, often spotted in Queen Street, Melbourne Street, and West End. He frequented Cloudland’s dances, local milk bars, and cafes, always in his signature flat-top haircut. Legends arose about his near-daily laps through the city, with one story claiming he spent decades searching for a blonde woman he once saw but never found again.
His car, adorned with a personalised “Rock ’n’ Roll” number plate, became as famous as the man himself. The FX Holden and Mr Kiprios were immortalised in the 1960s song “Rock ’n’ Roll George,” with lyrics describing his daily route past Brisbane landmarks.
A Final Ride and Museum Display
Mr Kiprios passed away in November 2009 at the age of 82. His funeral at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in South Brisbane was attended by more than 200 mourners, including then-premier Anna Bligh. In a fitting tribute, his FX Holden led the funeral procession down Queen Street one last time before he was laid to rest.
Following his passing, Hutchinson Builders acquired the car and later donated it to the Queensland Museum, where it featured in the Rock Around the Block exhibition. Over time, the FX Holden became a centrepiece of Brisbane’s cultural history.
Returning to Toowong
Recently, Hutchinson Builders arranged for the FX Holden’s relocation after the museum no longer required it for display. The vehicle was delivered to Hutchies’ Toowong premises in December 2024, where a special area is being set up in the office’s reception foyer for public viewing.
Caption: Holden FX (48-215) that once belonged to George Kyprios. Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook
Scott Hutchinson, chairman of Hutchinson Builders, emphasised the cultural significance of Rock ’n’ Roll George, stating that he was a Brisbane icon who did laps in the city for over half a century. He also added that every adult in Brisbane knew him. Mr George had four songs written about him.
The move ensures that the car remains accessible to the public, preserving the legacy of one of Brisbane’s most recognisable figures.
Rock ’n’ Roll George’s FX Holden remains a symbol of Brisbane’s once-thriving car culture, now reshaped by changing road laws and urban development. While modern restrictions would have made his daily laps more difficult, Mr Kiprios’ legacy endures through stories, songs, and now, a permanent home in Toowong.
Toowong’s Regatta Hotel is bringing the electric atmosphere of Super Bowl LIX to locals, transforming its Courtyard into a football fan’s paradise this Monday, 10 February.
With a high-stakes showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles set to unfold, the historic riverside venue is going all out to deliver an authentic American game-day experience.
Game-Day Feasts and Ice-Cold Drinks at the Regatta Hotel
From 10:00 a.m., the Courtyard will come alive with the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the flavours of American football culture. Sports fans can dig into loaded fries, a full kilo of flavour-packed wings, and a trio of sliders. For those with heartier appetites, the venue’s signature smoked meat plates, featuring slow-cooked brisket and house-made barbecue sauce, are set to be a fan favourite. Ice-cold beers and classic game-day drinks will be available to keep the celebrations going.
While fans feast on American favourites, the action on the field promises to be just as thrilling. With both teams coming off dominant playoff runs, analysts predict a tight contest. The Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have lost by more than eight points just once all season. Meanwhile, the Eagles, now under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and revitalized by MVP finalist Saquon Barkley, are determined to avenge their previous Super Bowl loss to Kansas City.
Adding to the spectacle, this year’s halftime show will feature Grammy Award-winning artist Kendrick Lamar, known for his dynamic stage presence and critically acclaimed hits. Performing live at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Lamar is expected to bring an unforgettable show to one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.
The Regatta Hotel is offering a range of packages to enhance the viewing experience, including beverage deals and food-and-drink combinations. Management ensures a safe and enjoyable event, with responsible service of alcohol policies in place. The event is strictly 18+, so attendees are encouraged to book early to secure their spot. Seats are limited, so book your spot now for this must-see Super Bowl event at the Regatta Hotel.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eugene, a Toowong resident, has been honoured for living 25 years at St John’s Home for Men, a milestone celebrated by Anglicare Southern Queensland on International Men’s Day.
On International Men’s Day 2024, St John’s Home for Men in Toowong became the centre of celebrations for Eugene, who has been a Toowong resident of the facility for 25 years. Staff and fellow residents organised a morning tea to mark the occasion, complete with Eugene’s favourite treats, including milkshakes and a personalised crossword puzzle themed around his life at St John’s.
The day also featured music by Elvis Presley, creating a joyful atmosphere as Eugene, seated in his favourite chair, was surrounded by cherished photos from his time at the home. Staff presented him with a keepsake marking “This Day in History,” alongside other thoughtful gifts. Facility Manager Christina Lynch commended Eugene’s resilience and contributions to the community, noting that his presence brings joy to residents and staff.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Focus on Men’s Health and Wellbeing
The event aligned with this year’s International Men’s Day theme, “Men’s Health Champions,” which celebrates the positive contributions of men and promotes their overall wellbeing. Anglicare Southern Queensland used the occasion to highlight the importance of fostering community and meaningful connections for residents like Eugene, ensuring they live with dignity and respect.
Christina Lynch emphasised that care at St John’s is more than just providing accommodation. It is about cultivating an environment where residents can thrive socially, emotionally, and physically. Eugene’s quarter-century at the home exemplifies the significance of continuity in care and building lasting relationships.
Anglicare’s Commitment to Community
Anglicare Southern Queensland, which oversees St John’s Home for Men, has a long history of supporting vulnerable communities. Founded in 1870, the organisation provides a range of services, including aged care, foster care, mental health counselling, and homelessness support. Each year, Anglicare serves over 50,000 Queenslanders, ensuring tailored and compassionate care.
Through Eugene’s story, Anglicare seeks to remind the community of the value of recognising and supporting individuals in their unique journeys. The organisation also aims to encourage discussions around men’s health and wellbeing, spotlighting the role of community in improving quality of life.
