A luxury penthouse in Toowong has been sold for $4.1 million with completion scheduled for early 2025. The sale highlights the continued demand for high-end properties in Brisbane’s luxury market.
The penthouse, part of Azure’s One Earle Lane development, boasts impressive features including an 18.3-metre frontage, three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, multiple living areas, a home office, and a large north-facing balcony. The property also includes parking for three cars, catering to the needs of affluent urban dwellers.
Azure director Trent Keirnan expressed satisfaction with the sale, stating that the development had received “tremendous interest.” He views the penthouse sale as a testament to the superior quality of products entering the Brisbane market.
Designed by Paul Conrad Architects and under construction by 5Point Projects, One Earle Lane is reportedly on track for completion at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025. Simon Caulfield of Place Estate Agents, who brokered the sale, confirmed confidence in meeting this completion timeline.
Interestingly, the buyer, a downsizer from nearby Paddington, chose this property over options with river views. Caulfield explained that the decision was influenced by One Earle Lane’s extensive amenities, top floor corner position, uninterrupted city and park views, and superior design and finishes.
The development promises a range of luxury amenities for residents, including private dining facilities, a cinema, gymnasium, yoga studio, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunges, and a 25-metre heated lap pool.
This sale is part of Azure’s broader portfolio, which includes over $500 million in developments such as Oakmont, One Five Six, and Dahlia. The company reports a future pipeline exceeding $1.3 billion, indicating continued growth in Brisbane’s luxury property sector.
Five talented dancers from Sharee Skye Dance Centre in Toowong have recently achieved outstanding results in various regional and state competitions and exams. These young dancers have demonstrated exceptional skill, passion, and dedication to their craft, making their studio and community proud.
Eliza Carson, age 9, secured a spot among the top 10 highest-scoring novice soloists at a regional dance competition, earning her eligibility for national eisteddfods. Eliza’s love for hip-hop and contemporary dance began at Sharee Skye when she was just four years old.
Tap Enthusiast
Mila Collier, age 12, was recognised as the most outstanding on-stage performer by Sharee Skye Dance Centre. Mila’s enthusiasm for tap dancing is evident in her participation in two of the school’s eisteddfod teams. For Mila, the studio is a welcoming and secure environment where she can express herself through dance.
Gabi Parikh, age 15, attained the highest grade statewide in her level four TPA musical theatre exam. Since joining Sharee Skye in 2017, Gabi has shown remarkable potential across multiple genres. She considers dance her “second home” and cherishes the opportunity to continuously improve.
Erin Savage, also age 15, is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Dance at RAW Dance. Erin’s time at Sharee Skye fostered significant growth and a passion for contemporary dance. She views dance as a powerful form of self-expression and storytelling.
Multi-Talented Performer
Isabelle Qiu, age 9, received the Adjudicator’s Choice Award at the Dance 4350 Eisteddfod. Isabelle’s journey with Sharee Skye began at age four, and she has since blossomed into a multi-talented performer, dancer, and student. While excelling in various genres, she holds a special fondness for musical theatre and jazz.
The achievements of these five dancers not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the quality of training and supportive environment provided by Sharee Skye Dance Centre. Their successes serve as an inspiration to aspiring dancers in Toowong and beyond.
Disturbing details have emerged as an eyewitness statement provides an insight into what may have occurred in the moments before the multi-vehicle crash which claimed the lives of former police officer Bruce Daley and young nurse Lily Galbraith, in addition to leaving another critically injured, at Legacy Way tunnel in Toowong.
Among the disturbing details emerging from the crash is the revelation of Mr Daley’s haunting social media posts, where he openly discussed relationship struggles, loneliness, and even referenced his mental health challenges for several years.
These posts raise questions about Mr Daley’s state of mind leading up to the tragic incident, adding complexity to the investigation.
Mr Daley left the service over a decade ago.
Eyewitness Accounts
The collision, involving three vehicles, occurred at 3:10 p.m. on 1 May 2024 in the tunnel’s inbound section. Police are piecing together the events leading to the crash, with forensic crash units currently investigating.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as Mr Daley’s black Audi S3, reportedly travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h, collided with a silver sedan, subsequently impacting a small truck. Witnesses described narrowly avoiding the collision and the devastation left in the aftermath, with debris scattered over a considerable distance within the tunnel.
One witness described the moments leading up to the crash, noting the sudden acceleration of the Audi and the absence of hazard signals. Another recounted the horrifying sight of the vehicles colliding at high speeds, leaving little chance for survival.
The tunnel’s inbound and outbound lanes were closed for over two hours, causing significant traffic delays.
Tributes and Commemoration
Ms Galbraith, a 24-year-old nurse from the Northern Territory, tragically lost her life in the crash whilst travelling to a wedding with her friend Emma McLean. McLean, who was driving the sedan, remains in critical condition at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital. Tributes poured in for Ms Galbraith, highlighting her dedication to nursing and extending sympathies to her loved ones.
Meanwhile, heartfelt tributes and messages of remembrance have flooded social media platforms. Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances have shared memories of both Mr Daley and Ms Galbraith.
Candlelight vigils and memorial services are being planned to honour the memory of the victims and provide solace to their grieving loved ones.
Police Statement
The Queensland Police Service has reiterated its commitment to thorough investigation, promising transparency and diligence in the pursuit of answers for the families of the victims.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Hansel addressed the media, acknowledging the complexity of the investigation and refraining from speculating on specific scenarios without a thorough examination of the evidence. Mr Hansel emphasised the consideration of speed and various factors contributing to the crash, highlighting the need for patience and caution on the roads, particularly with a long weekend approaching.
To gather comprehensive evidence for their investigation, the Queensland Police Service is appealing to the public for assistance. They are specifically requesting any dash cam footage or eyewitness accounts that may shed light on the moments leading up to the crash at Legacy Way tunnel.
The Legacy Way Tunnel crash has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support for the victims’ families. Premier Steven Miles and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed their sympathies, acknowledging the tragic loss of life and the impact on those affected.
Dilly Dally is more than just a cafe; it’s a Toowong community hub where warm smiles and friendly conversations welcome you, making you feel at home as soon as you walk in.
Dilly Dally Cafe is tucked away in a cute corner on Dean St, at the site of the former Bean on Dean. Its front door is decorated with bright flowers and rough wooden accents to make you want to go inside. When people walk in, they are met with friendly smiles and the sound of friendly conversation, which makes them feel right at home.
The mood in this cafe is as cool and pleasant as a breeze on a hot day. With its mix of old furniture, funky decorations, and art on the walls, the room feels warm and inviting. Large windows let in lots of natural light.
There is a cosy nook or shared table ready to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for a place to think or a lively place to hang out with friends.
But it’s not just the atmosphere that makes Dilly Dally stand out; the food is what really shines. When you go to Dilly Dally, every bite of their delicious food is an adventure in taste, from the first sip of their expertly made coffee to the last.
If you need a caffeine fix, the baristas at Dilly Dally are experts at what they do. They make a variety of specialty coffees using locally sourced beans that have been roasted just right.
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Each cup shows how much they care about quality and flavour, whether you like a simple espresso or a latte art creation made of foamy milk.
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Plus, Dilly Dally’s food is a real treat for the taste buds when you’re hungry. For breakfast, there are filling options like fluffy pancakes and avocado toast. For lunch, there are healthy options like gourmet sandwiches and colourful salads. Locally sourced ingredients are carefully put together to make dishes that are both tasty and healthy, and there are lots of choices for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike.
Photo Credit: Instagram/ Dilly Dally Coffee
Dilly Dally may really stand out, though, because it cares about society and the environment. Dilly Dally also wants to leave as little of an impact on the earth as possible, so it does things like composting, recycling, and finding eco-friendly packaging.
Not only does this cafe serve delicious food, but it also fosters meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging by supporting local suppliers and artisans. Local artists and makers put their goods on the menu and in a cosy area for shopping.
Here, people are encouraged to stay a little longer, dilly-dally, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and good vibes. Cups are clinking and the smell of freshly baked sweets fills the air.
One year after 78-year-old Lesley Trotter vanished from her Toowong home, her family remains without answers or closure following a major search and a grim discovery near her residence.
On 27 March 2023, Ms Trotter, a retired teacher known for her active lifestyle and community involvement, contacted her family for the last time. Living in her Maryvale Street unit in Toowong for nearly four decades, Trotter was a fixture in her local community, participating in activities like bushwalking, gym, and cycling, often exploring the trails of Mount Coot-tha.
Her disappearance triggered a significant police search, revealing the unsettling detail that her body had been disposed of in a wheelie bin and subsequently taken to the tip, its whereabouts unknown to this day.
While deeply integrated into her community, Ms Trotter was known for her stringent stance on recycling, which often led to disagreements with neighbours. The recent home sale and retirement village plans, combined, presented an image of a life in transition that has been tragically cut short.
The Search Effort
Following her disappearance, a comprehensive search operation spanned areas from Mount Coot-tha to waste facilities at Swanbank and Rochedale. Despite efforts involving police and the Australian Defence Force, and the examination of 3,000 tonnes of waste, Ms Trotter’s remains were never found, leading to the search’s eventual cessation.
Theories regarding her disappearance include a possible medical episode during her recycling routine, an accidental misadventure, or a more sinister scenario involving foul play. Despite extensive investigations and public appeals for information, the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain elusive.
Police continue to explore all possibilities, with the case remaining open and ongoing inquiries. The community, especially those near Maryvale Street in Toowong, is urged to come forward with any information that might shed light on this mystery
A Community Reflects
One year has passed since the incident, and the family has been searching for answers indefinitely. The situation has also affected Brisbane and the Toowong community, both those who knew Lesley Trotter and those who did not.
“Unfortunately it’s now become a somewhat cold case,” a commenter said on Reddit. “The huge, extensive search at the landfill provided only a piece of clothing and the search was eventually called off. Unless some more evidence appears, it’s likely there won’t be any more updates or closure for the family.”
“I met Lesley prior to her death. She had not long before slightly injured herself while tending to the bins,” another Redditor shared. “She was quite spritely for her age. I would say she’s also eccentric judging by her behaviour and dress. I also know a former unit tenant who said she caused lots of issues re: the bins. If people hadn’t brought their bins back in by 3pm after collection she would yell at them that it’s an offence to leave the bin out in the road. Sometimes she would drag all the bins that had been left out, into the unit block stairwell blocking entry and exit. I hope the police are following leads in the background. Annoying neighbour by the sounds but nobody deserves that.”
“I remember seeing [the family] in the media at the time, after the initial reports which didn’t paint her in a positive light,” another commenter wrote. “I believe she was pedantic about how people sorted their rubbish amongst other things, and the crappy media spun that horribly, almost implying she deserved her fate in a rubbish bin. It was ghastly.”
“Her friends and family spoke of her love of certain hobbies. They also shared happy photos of her enjoying life generally, in contrast to the unfavourable pic the media initially used.
A rundown Queenslander home at Morley Street in Toowong that was once the site of a police raid after stolen radioactive materials were discovered has sold at auction for $1.3 million – without buyers being able to inspect inside.
The property at 46 Morley Street became infamous back in 2002 when a university lab technician was charged after police found over 200 containers of chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, stashed inside the house. A state of emergency was declared and nearby residents evacuated during the hazardous materials scare.
Despite its controversial history, the 632 square metre block of prime inner-city land proved irresistible to buyers willing to take a gamble. Listed as a “beautiful pre-war detached workers cottage” needing “some love and attention,” the auction held on-site last week attracted a crowd of 70 and saw 28 bids before selling in less than 10 minutes.
Photo credit: Public Trustee
Potential buyers were warned they could not inspect the interior beforehand and that the home was being sold “as is, where is” given its dilapidated state. But the lure of a character Queenslander on a large block close to top schools, transport and the Brisbane River was enough to entice fierce competition.
Photo credit: Public Trustee
The listing highlights that the upper floor offers three spacious bedrooms and a sunny front sitting room. There is a sizeable central living space that flows into a dedicated dining area. Toward the back of the home, one will find the original kitchen as well as the bathroom.
Photo credit: Public Trustee
The Public Trustee, who facilitated the sale, said all standard checks were done and no concerns raised about any remaining hazardous materials. However, the new owner faces an expensive and potentially risky renovation project to transform the property into a family dream home.
Whilst the outcomes of the technician’s charges were not detailed, the Morley Street property has lingered with a toxic stigma for two decades. But for one cashed-up buyer, the risks seemed worthwhile to secure a slice of sought-after Toowong real estate.
In preparation for St Patrick’s Day festivities, the Queensland Irish Association has joined hands with Friends of Toowong Cemetery to present an enriching Irish History Tour.
Scheduled for Sunday, 10 March 2024 10:00 a.m., the guided tour promises an insightful walk through the final resting places of notable Irish figures, including founding members of the Queensland Irish Association.
Participants can anticipate captivating narratives during the two-hour exploration. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable, enclosed shoes and attire suitable for the weather. The meeting point is set at the flagpole located at the Frederick Street/main entrance to the cemetery. Parking is available within the cemetery premises, with convenient bus stops nearby.
Donations in cash are welcomed on the day to support the preservation efforts of Friends of Toowong Cemetery.
As the countdown to St Patrick’s Day begins, preparations are also underway for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, slated for Saturday, 16 March 2024 10:30 am.
The Queensland Irish Association extends an open invitation to all enthusiasts willing to partake in the parade and represent the Association. Participants will be honoured to march behind the QIA float, carrying none other than Saint Patrick himself.
Photo Credit: Queensland Irish Association
Those interested can simply assemble at the City Botanical Gardens on Alice Street gates from 10:00 a.m. onwards on the event day.
Grand St Patrick’s Eve Dinner at Brisbane City Hall
Mark your calendars for the most anticipated St Patrick’s Day celebration event – the St Patrick’s Eve Dinner hosted by the Queensland Irish Association at the grand Main Auditorium of the Brisbane City Hall. Members are encouraged to secure their spots early for the event, which promises an unforgettable evening filled with merriment and tradition.
Priced at $160 per person, the dinner includes a generous five-hour drinks package featuring beer, Guinness, red and white wines, and soft drinks, served from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Guests will also indulge in a delectable three-course dinner, courtesy of Epicure at Brisbane City Hall, accompanied by lively entertainment provided by the QIA Dancers and the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band.
The event will feature a toast to Australia Our Nation proposed by Father Frank Brennan SJ AO, alongside esteemed Irish and Australian guests. The evening will culminate in a heartwarming community sing-along of Irish favourites.
The Queensland Irish Association (QIA) traces its roots to March 23rd, 1898, emerging from the collective resignation of Irish volunteers in response to government interference. Led by former commandant Major PJ Stephens, ex-members joined forces with the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society to establish the association, embodying the principles of its predecessors.
Despite facing financial challenges and declining membership during wars and economic downturns, the QIA remains Queensland’s longest continuously operating national association. Non-sectarian and non-political from its inception, the QIA aims to unite Irish individuals and their descendants, fostering national freedom and community.
Over its century-long existence, membership has evolved to include women and has expanded to encompass various cultural activities such as a library, pipe band, dancers, singers, and theatre groups. The association hosts annual dinners and events, attracting prominent figures including Irish presidents and ambassadors.
Today, the QIA continues to be a beacon of Irish culture and heritage, guided by the vision of its founding fathers and embraced by Irish Australians who uphold its traditions. Stay connected to the QIA to celebrate Irish identity and heritage.
The latest blood-fest that is UFC 298 gets underway this Sunday, the 18th of February, with Aussie Alexander Volkanovski defending his Featherweight Title against the unbeaten Ilia Topuria from Germany, at the Honda Center in California, to be beamed live into the RE Hotel in Toowong from 1:00 p.m. Brisbane time.
Volkanovski was the first Aussie to win a UFC championship and has had 5 successful title defences.
Volkanovski likes to go long. His average fight time is 17 minutes, 40 seconds, which is the longest average in the Featherweight Division. His 57.1% “significant strike accuracy” is third on the all time list in the Division.
However, Topuria’s 67.4% “significant strike defense” is third on the all time list in the division and his record of 0.81 knockdowns for every 15 minutes of fighting ranks sixth of all time in the division, with his 1.62 submissions per 15 minutes ranking seventh on the all-time list in the Division.
This fight could be one for the ages.
The UFC 298 main card also features another Aussie, former UFC Middleweight Champion, Robert Whittaker who fights Paulo Costa from Brazil in the Middleweight Division. Whittaker is knocking on the door of another title challenge in his current ranking at #3, Costa is ranked #6.
Whittaker has landed 7 knockdowns in his fight history but “The Eraser” will be in his grill early in his return to the Octagon after a two-year absence. In his last fight in 2021, he turned up 25 pounds over the middleweight limit.
This fight was supposed to take place last February 12, but a contract dispute means it will happen instead this Sunday, shown live on the big screen at the RE Hotel from 1:00 p.m. Toowong time.
A once-promising redevelopment project in Toowong has become the centre of community and council discussions following years of inaction and controversy.
The site at 23 High St, once the home of a Woolworths store and was earmarked for transformation into a vibrant hub with various amenities, remains undeveloped, causing widespread discontent among residents.
Originally slated to feature a mix of retail, office spaces, and green areas, the project, dubbed the Aviary, has been marred by delays and cancellations.
Concerns have been raised about the Brisbane City Council’s decisions regarding the development, including the waiver of green space requirements and alleged breaches of development application (DA) conditions.
A History of Disappointment
“We’ve been waiting to see whether the new owners lodge a DA, but we just learned they’re apparently asking Council for a licence to keep stalling – and have potentially been breaching their DA conditions for years,” Greens MP Michael Berkman said.
“It turns out that a very minor condition that Council imposed on the developers, to cover the site with grass within 3 months of demolition, was too much for them to comply with. They’ve now lodged a change application that effectively allows them to ignore this requirement and keep the site as they see fit indefinitely.
“Council already ditched the plans for a park at this site from their long-term infrastructure plan, waived the requirement for the developer to deliver greenspace nearby, and have apparently let the owners sit in breach for years.”
Response and Engagement
In response to the growing frustration, a local council member emphasised the city’s commitment to dialogues with the new site owners, who acquired the property three months ago.
“The new owner has only recently taken over the property 3 months ago and was not responsible for what occurred on site before this,” Cr Penny Wolff responded.
“Council has outlined their concerns regarding their non-compliance with the conditions of their approval in terms of the site condition and fencing.
“In late December 2023, the new owner made an application to Council to change that condition of their approval and that is currently being assessed by Council.
“The new owner wants to genuinely engage and shares the need to make the site look even better and useful while design/development plans are being completed.”
Meanwhile, the debate has also attracted attention from urban planning experts and residents, who have expressed mixed feelings about the development’s direction.
Photo Credit: DA A006427990
Some applaud the vision for revitalising Toowong but criticise the plan’s emphasis on parking facilities over more sustainable transportation options. Others, including local businesses, argue that the development could provide much-needed retail and public spaces, potentially boosting the local economy and community life.
As discussions continue, the future of the Toowong site hangs in the balance, with calls for a development approach that aligns with community values, environmental considerations, and the suburb’s overall needs. The council’s next steps and the developer’s plans remain keenly anticipated by those invested in the suburb’s development trajectory.
Earthworks at Monarch Residences, a 1.2-hectare project along Coronation Drive in Toowongthat has been called Brisbane’s best-performing project in the latest Urbis report, are now finished, pushing the project one step closer to completion.
With $300 million locked in sales, the project will ultimately comprise 224 apartments and penthouse residences spread across two imposing towers. The development includes a suite of facilities including a riverside pool, gym, sauna, and an expansive rooftop terrace.
Photo Credit: Monarch Residences
Recent developments have seen the successful completion of earthworks at Monarch Residences, reaching the basement level. This paved the way for both towers, named River 1 and River 2, to rise from the ground in the first half of 2024. The simultaneous construction of these towers is expected to culminate in the entire project’s completion by the end of 2025.
Don O’Rorke, Chairman, and CEO of Consolidated Properties Group, attributes the project’s swift progress to strong buyer demand for larger riverfront apartments and the unwavering capability of Hutchinson Builders. Past the holiday season and the New Year, sales have surged, particularly for River 2, where fewer than 10 residences remain available for purchase.
Scott Hutchinson, Chairman of Hutchinson Builders, reports that the construction site continues to be very active. This number is expected to double during peak construction phases.
