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Active School Travel Program Returns to Yeronga and Brisbane Schools

As students across Brisbane return to classrooms for the 2026 school year, Brisbane’s Active School Travel program is encouraging families to rethink the school run—swapping car trips for walking, cycling, and public transport.

Read: St Sebastian’s Primary School Gathers Christmas Hamper Donations for Local Families in Need

The initiative, which supports primary schools throughout the city including local institutions such as St Sebastian Primary School in Yeronga, aims to reduce traffic congestion around school gates while promoting healthier, more active lifestyles for young people.

Cr Nicole Johnston announced the program’s return for 2026, reminding motorists to slow down and watch for students making their way to school on foot, by bike, or scooter.

The Active School Travel program invites primary schools to participate in initiatives designed to make the journey to and from school safer and more active. Schools that join the programme work to build awareness about road safety, encourage physical activity among students, and ease the morning traffic chaos that many parents know all too well.

The program comes as Brisbane continues to roll out its broader Safer School Precincts initiative across the city. While the initial precincts focus on Kedron, Mansfield, Wynnum Manly, and Indooroopilly, the council has committed to improving road safety infrastructure, pedestrian connectivity, and opportunities for active travel near schools throughout Brisbane.

These improvements are designed to benefit everyone in the community, whether they walk, ride, catch public transport, or drive. The goal is straightforward: get students to school and home again more safely, with more transport choices and less time spent in traffic.

The Active School Travel initiative addresses safety concerns by building greater awareness about school road safety among students and families. The program encourages school students to be more active, building healthier habits while helping students develop road safety awareness.

As the new school year gets underway, council representatives are urging all road users to exercise extra caution in school zones. Increased foot and bicycle traffic means drivers need to be particularly vigilant, especially during the first weeks of term when routines are still being established.

Read: Plans Scrapped for Children’s Mental Health Clinic in Yeronga

Parents interested in learning more about active school travel options can contact their school directly or visit BCC’s website for resources and information about the program.

With Brisbane students heading back to school, the message from council is clear: slow down, look out for kids, and consider whether your family might join those choosing to walk, ride, or roll to school.

Published 4-February-2026

Gloriette Tower: New 25-Storey Development to Deliver 181 Apartments and Public Parkland in Yeerongpilly

The 25-storey Gloriette residential tower approved for Bedivere Street will deliver 181 apartments alongside more than 2,000 square metres of publicly accessible parkland in Yeerongpilly, adding housing within walking distance of the upgraded Cross River Rail station.

The Gloriette development sits within the broader Yeerongpilly Green precinct, which has already delivered the Woolworths-anchored riverside village and is preparing for the Queensland Tennis Centre expansion ahead of the 2032 Olympics. For Yeerongpilly residents, the approved tower represents both increased density and the addition of green space that anyone can use.

What This Means for the Neighbourhood

The development on the 4,323 square metre site at 30 Bedivere Street creates a reduced building footprint that allows for landscaped gardens surrounding the tower. Unlike typical high-density developments that maximize site coverage, this design dedicates nearly half the land to gardens that will remain open to the public despite being privately owned.

Gloriette — *Photo Credit: Brisbane PD Online (A006748034)*

Yeerongpilly’s transformation centers on its upgraded train station, which reopened in February 2025 after extensive Cross River Rail works. The station now features three platforms, improved accessibility, new ticket facilities, and public toilets. Platform 1 remains temporarily closed but will open later this year.

For residents in the area, the 181 new apartments add to housing supply within genuine walking distance of public transport. The Yeerongpilly station sits directly across from the Queensland Tennis Centre and provides access to the new Cross River Rail tunnels opening in 2026, dramatically reducing travel times to the CBD and inner suburbs.

Olympics Infrastructure Changing the Precinct

The Queensland Tennis Centre expansion will add 2.3 hectares to the existing facility, creating a new 3,000-seat roofed show court alongside the Pat Rafter Arena and 12 additional courts meeting International Tennis Federation standards. During the 2032 Olympics, the venue will host tennis matches before returning to its role hosting events like the Brisbane International.

This infrastructure investment changes what it means to live in Yeerongpilly. The suburb gains major sporting facilities, upgraded public transport, and new commercial amenities while maintaining its position as an inner-south residential area with river and golf course views.

The Yeerongpilly Green Riverside retail village already serves the community with Woolworths, Goodlife Health Clubs, medical services, and restaurants. That established amenity means new residents moving into the tower will have immediate access to daily needs without adding pressure on surrounding suburbs.

Housing Supply and Community Impact

Brisbane faces ongoing housing demand as the city grows by roughly 1,000 residents weekly. Developments near major transport infrastructure address this demand while reducing car dependency. Cross River Rail will enable turn-up-and-go service frequencies across Southeast Queensland, making transit-oriented living increasingly viable.

The two- and three-bedroom apartment configuration targets downsizers and families rather than just investors buying studios. Larger floor plans mean the development could free up existing houses for families needing more space, as households transition to apartment living without sacrificing room.

Views from the elevated position take in the Brisbane River, Indooroopilly Golf Course, and CBD skyline. These aspects attracted the developer to the site and will likely influence pricing when sales launch later this year.

Precinct Still Evolving

Yeerongpilly Green encompasses multiple development sites beyond this tower. Two additional parcels totaling over one hectare have been released to market for high-density residential and mixed-use projects, with proposal submissions closing in February 2026.

The precinct benefits from established infrastructure including connections for water, sewer, electricity, and telecommunications. More than $30 million in community infrastructure investment has delivered roads and parklands throughout the area.

For current Yeerongpilly residents, the next few years will bring continued construction activity as the precinct develops and Olympics preparation accelerates. The Queensland Tennis Centre upgrades, additional residential towers, and Cross River Rail completion will reshape the suburb significantly before 2032.

The publicly accessible parkland component of developments like Gloriette represents one approach to balancing density with green space. Whether this model becomes standard for the precinct or remains exceptional will emerge as additional sites receive approval and commence construction.

Published 30-January-2026.

Woolloongabba Budget Funding Includes Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion

Photo Credit: QLD Gov

A major hospital expansion is planned for Woolloongabba, with Princess Alexandra Hospital set to add a new acute services building and additional bed capacity under the 2025–26 Budget.

Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion

The 2025–26 Budget documents list a significant expansion for Princess Alexandra Hospital, located in Woolloongabba, as part of a broader hospital works program across Brisbane and the Redlands.

The expansion includes construction of a new acute services building above the existing emergency department, delivering 249 additional beds. The documents also state that more car parking spaces will be built to support patients, carers, visitors and staff.

Role Within A Wider Hospital Program

The Princess Alexandra Hospital project forms part of a wider package of hospital works listed in the same Budget documents.

Other projects include 112 new beds and a multi-storey car park at Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, and at least 93 new beds at Prince Charles Hospital alongside a new emergency department, paediatrics and an operating theatre.

Additional works listed include refurbishment of the Psychiatric Emergency Centre at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to improve capacity and patient flow, along with $48.7 million for equipment replacement and works at its Sterile Supply Department. Queensland Children’s Hospital is listed for $10.7 million to update emergency and exit lighting in the hospital precinct.

Supporting Infrastructure And Access

While the Woolloongabba hospital expansion is the largest health project listed for the inner south, the Budget documents also reference transport and safety upgrades across Brisbane that may support access to major facilities.

These include a major upgrade to the Gympie Road and Beams Road intersection at Carseldine, described as carrying more than 80,000 vehicles a day, as well as $500,000 for expanded CCTV coverage across inner-city suburbs.

Looking Forward

The Budget documents outline funding allocations and project scopes for Princess Alexandra Hospital and other health facilities but do not provide detailed delivery schedules or construction staging.

Further information on planning and implementation is expected as the listed hospital projects move through subsequent development phases.

Published 20-Jan-2026

Zmirk Co Opens in Dutton Park With Creative Asian-Inspired Menu

Dutton Park locals no longer need to venture far for a decent brunch. Zmirk Co, a fresh café has landed on Annerley Road, and it’s already generating buzz for its Asian-inspired menu and inventive drinks lineup that goes well beyond your standard flat white.

Read: ZMiRK Draws Community Attention as a New Coffee Spot Takes Shape in Dutton Park

The cafe opened in December 2025, breathing new life into a former fish-and-chip shop on Annerley Road. The 40-seat venue offers both indoor dining and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed space for the neighbourhood’s brunch enthusiasts.

Behind the venture are four Thai-born chefs—two couples who’ve spent years working in Brisbane’s hospitality scene. After deciding to leave the demanding restaurant kitchen lifestyle behind, they’ve poured their experience into this daytime café concept built around creative fusion cooking.

What really distinguishes Zmirk Co from Dutton Park’s existing café offerings is its bold approach to the menu. Rather than playing it safe with standard brunch fare, the four-chef team decided early on that fusion would be their calling card. Getting there required some spirited debates, with the chefs eventually whittling down an ambitious list of ideas to fit on just a page of offerings.

The philosophy driving the menu is refreshingly straightforward: food shouldn’t be constrained by borders. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and even Mexican influences all find their way onto plates here, blended together in ways that reflect Brisbane’s multicultural dining landscape.

The all-day ‘Anytime Line-up’ delivers familiar comfort food elevated with Asian twists. The Seoul Good Chicken Sando pairs crispy fried chicken with fresh Asian slaw and sweet-and-spicy gochujang, while the Holy Wagyu Burger gets its punch from Thai basil, garlic and chilli krapow sauce. Papa’s Sriracha Melt offers a nostalgic touch—Bell’s childhood favourite reimagined with house-made tuna salad, sriracha mayo and melted cheese.

Zmirk Co — Photo credit: Dens O’Sullivan/Google Maps

The menu pushes even further into creative territory. The AMC Fried Rice combines tomato fried rice with golden fried chicken, a fried egg and chicken frankfurter, all finished with a gochujang glaze. The menu also features udon noodles with grilled salmon in a creamy spicy rose sauce, topped with nori, tobiko and parmesan—a dish that demonstrates the team’s approach to blending diverse influences. The Fiesta Corn Fritters round out the offering with avocado smash, fresh salsa, mixed salad and a poached egg.

Coffee comes courtesy of Single O, ensuring a solid foundation for your morning brew, but Zmirk’s drinks menu ventures well beyond standard café territory. Specialty beverages reflect the same creative fusion approach as the food. Matcha features prominently across several drinks, including the matcha tiramisu latte that’s already earning particular praise from early visitors. Oat-milk hojicha lattes offer a toasty, gentler alternative to standard coffee, while chrysanthemum tea topped with matcha foam provides a lighter option.

Thai milk-tea clouds bring a nostalgic Southeast Asian favourite to the menu, and the fresh strawberry milk, made from house-made strawberry coulis rather than artificial syrups,demonstrates the kitchen’s commitment to doing things properly. Mont Blancs round out the specialty lineup.

Read: Yeronga’s Riverside Bus Cafe Becomes a Morning Favourite

For Dutton Park and Annerley residents tired of the same breakfast rotation, Zmirk Co offers something genuinely different—a café that’s unafraid to experiment while delivering the quality brews and bites that make a neighbourhood spot worth returning to week after week.

Published 16-January-2026

Yeronga Set to Become New Home for Brisbane Community Umpires

Photo Credit: AFL Queensland/Facebook

Yeronga is set to take centre stage in Brisbane’s football landscape, with community umpires preparing to shift their training base to the suburb, marking a major change in where the next generation of officials will learn, connect and grow within the game.

After several years based at Moorooka, Brisbane’s community umpire program will relocate its main training operations to Yeronga, reflecting a broader alignment with AFL Queensland’s home.

The move brings youth and South East Queensland senior umpires into a more central setting, placing training alongside the state body that oversees the sport’s development. The change is designed to strengthen links between umpires and the wider football network while keeping training accessible for participants across Brisbane.

Acknowledging Moorooka’s long-standing role

The relocation also marks the end of a long partnership with Moorooka AFC, which has hosted community umpire training for many seasons.

The AFL Queensland has formally recognised Moorooka’s contribution, noting the role the club played in supporting and mentoring umpires at grassroots level. Moorooka was an important base that helped foster a supportive and welcoming environment for officials learning their craft.

Opportunities for new and returning umpires

From 21 January 2026, weekly training for youth and South East Queensland senior umpires will take place at Yeronga AFC in Leyshon Park on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

It’s a chance for new participants to get involved, with Brisbane Community Umpires encouraging interested locals to attend sessions and learn more about officiating pathways.

What stays the same across Brisbane

Not all umpire programs will move to Yeronga. State League umpires will continue training at Zillmere AFC on Tuesday and Thursday nights, while a Brisbane North venue for youth umpires is expected to be confirmed later.

Together, the arrangements aim to balance continuity with change as Brisbane’s umpiring structure adapts for the 2026 season.

Published 7-Jan-2026

Yeronga’s Riverside Bus Cafe Becomes a Morning Favourite

Photo Credit: Baladi/Facebook

A converted double-decker bus serving coffee from the river’s edge has become one of Yeronga’s most talked-about morning stops, drawing walkers, cyclists, dog owners and locals to an unexpected cafe parked along Brisbane Corso.

A Cafe Built Around Yeronga Life

Baladi Trailer operates from a restored London double-decker bus set within parkland in Yeronga, directly beside the Brisbane River. The business is run by a local family and focuses on serving the neighbourhood rather than destination crowds.

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A post shared by Farah & Anton (@baladitrailer)

The location places the cafe on a well-used walking and cycling route, which has shaped how the space functions day to day. Visitors often arrive mid-walk or after exercise, stay briefly for coffee, then continue along the river.

Sources describe the cafe as informal and welcoming, with seating inside the bus and upstairs where customers can look out across greenery and the water.

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A post shared by Farah & Anton (@baladitrailer)

Food And Coffee With A Simple Focus

According to multiple local guides and the business’s own material, Baladi Trailer centres its menu on coffee and a small selection of baked items. These include croissants, pain au chocolat, savoury pastries and slices, along with lighter options such as gluten-free snack items.

*Meghle – rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and caraway topped with coconut and a variety of nuts*
*Photo Credit: Baladi Trailer/IG*

The menu is designed for takeaway or short visits rather than long meals. Sources consistently describe the offering as straightforward and suited to early mornings, with quality coffee as the main draw rather than an extensive food range.

*Photo Credit: Baladi Trailer/Instagram*

A Space For Community Connection

Community use is a recurring theme across coverage of the cafe. Sources state the business provides dog treats for visitors walking pets through the park and welcomes families, runners and nearby residents. The bus setting itself has become a point of interest, often photographed and shared online.

The cafe has added activity to this section of Brisbane Corso, encouraging people to stop rather than pass through. The owners are described as present on site and engaged with regular customers, which has helped establish familiarity within Yeronga.

How The Idea Fits Yeronga’s Riverside Setting

Coverage from local news and lifestyle platforms highlights how the converted bus complements the outdoor character of Yeronga rather than changing it. The cafe does not replace existing park use but sits within it, offering a service aligned with how the space is already used.

Sources indicate the business trades in the early part of the day and closes before midday, which limits disruption and keeps the focus on morning community activity. The concept has been received as a practical addition to the area rather than a major commercial development.

House Fire Destroys Home in Yeronga Days Before Christmas

Photo Credit: Pexels

A residential home in Yeronga has been destroyed after a fire broke out early Monday morning, prompting a large emergency response.

Fire Breaks Out on Arras Street

Emergency services were called to Arras Street in Yeronga on Monday, 22 December 2025, after reports of a house fire shortly after 6:30 a.m. When crews arrived, the two-storey Queenslander-style home was fully engulfed in flames.

Six fire crews initially attended the scene, with reports later confirming that up to nine crews, including senior officers, were involved in extinguishing the blaze. Firefighters worked for around an hour to bring the fire under control.

Yeronga house fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Occupant Escapes Safely

One person was inside the home at the time of the fire and was able to self-evacuate before emergency services arrived. Paramedics attended as a precaution, but no medical treatment was required. No injuries were reported.

Crime Scene Declared as Investigation Continues

Police and fire investigators remained at the property following the incident, with a crime scene declared as inquiries into the cause of the fire commenced. Authorities confirmed the cause of the blaze had not yet been determined. Emergency services also spoke with nearby residents during the investigation.

Brisbane house fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Neighbours Wake to Heavy Smoke

Residents described the street as close-knit and said they were shocked to wake to heavy smoke and flames. Smoke was visible from several streets away as the fire spread through the property. The fire occurred just days before Christmas, adding to the impact on those affected.

Part of Series of Weekend Fires

The Yeronga incident was the third house fire reported in Brisbane over the same weekend. Separate fires were reported in Salisbury on Saturday and Parkinson on Sunday. Investigations into the Parkinson fire were also continuing at the time of reporting. Authorities have not indicated whether the incidents are connected.

Published 22-Dec-2025

Yeerongpilly Green Land Opens Doors for High‑Density Residential Development

Inner‑south Brisbane is poised for new development, with two parcels of land at Yeerongpilly Green opened to the market for high‑density residential and mixed‑use projects.

Read: Plans Submitted for Mixed Residential and Heritage Project in Yeerongpilly

The land, marketed by Ray White Special Projects, including director Mark Creevey alongside Matthew Fritzsche and Tony Williams, comprises a 7,105 square metre site for high‑density residential use and a 2,949 square metre site earmarked for residential‑led mixed‑use development.

Submissions for proposals are due by 4 pm (AEST) on 12 February 2026.
This release forms part of an opportunity within the broader Yeerongpilly Green precinct, which is strategically located near transport, retail and recreational facilities.

A Well‑Serviced Precinct

Yeerongpilly Green sits beside the upgraded Yeerongpilly Cross River Rail station and the Yeerongpilly Green Riverside retail village anchored by Woolworths. The precinct already benefits from established infrastructure, including connections for water, sewer, electricity and telecommunications, and more than $30 million in community infrastructure investment such as roads and parklands.

The sites are accessible from Godiva Avenue (the larger parcel) and Fig Tree Street (the smaller parcel), and both are considered development‑ready. The area’s transit‑oriented setting reflects its inclusion within a planning framework that supports intensified land uses near key transport corridors.

Just a short distance away, plans are underway to expand the Queensland Tennis Centre, with facility upgrades intended to support sporting events as part of Brisbane’s role during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Flexible Housing Opportunities

The planning framework for the Yeerongpilly Green precinct allows a range of housing and mixed‑use outcomes. Developers can propose high‑density apartment buildings, build‑to‑rent projects, retirement or aged‑care facilities, student accommodation, social and affordable housing, and options such as short‑stay or hotel uses.

To illustrate local planning support for denser residential outcomes, a consolidated development application has gained approval for a 25‑storey residential tower with 181 apartments at another site within the precinct.

This flexibility responds to broader housing needs in Brisbane, where demand for well‑located housing close to transport and services remains strong. By opening these parcels to market, planners and developers can explore diverse housing typologies in an inner‑south location with established amenities and infrastructure.

What This Means for Developers and Community

For developers, the Yeerongpilly Green land release provides a chance to contribute to Brisbane’s evolving urban landscape in a location that combines connectivity with lifestyle assets. The sites’ proximity to public transport and retail, as well as major facilities like the Queensland Tennis Centre, make them attractive for a range of project types.

Read: Yeerongpilly Line: A Forgotten Link in Brisbane’s Rail Network?

For the local community, increased housing supply near existing amenities and transport may help address some pressures in the housing market while complementing the precinct’s long‑term growth trajectory.

Published 16-December-2025

Suspicious Powder Prompts Emergency Response in Denham Street

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Emergency services conducted three controlled detonations in Denham Street on Friday afternoon after discovering suspicious powder at a vacant residential property.

The Queensland Police bomb squad, supported by Queensland Fire Department officers, carried out the explosions at 4pm, 4.11pm and 4.20pm as part of an operation that had been underway since Thursday.

Local residents received advance warning about the detonations, with authorities informing neighbours they would hear loud noises that could shake nearby homes. Sirens sounded before each controlled explosion to alert the community.

Police confirmed they had located suspicious powder inside the residence, which necessitated the controlled disposal through detonation. Following the operation, authorities assured residents that no further detonations were planned and there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

According to a local resident who spoke to media, the property has been vacant for approximately 18 months since the owner relocated to a retirement home. The resident noted that family members had been gradually clearing belongings from the property over the past year.

“The bomb squad were here yesterday afternoon with the robot, but they didn’t tell us they were going to detonate until about 3pm today,” the neighbour said.

The nature of the suspicious powder and the circumstances of its discovery have not been disclosed by police. No injuries were reported during the operation.

Residents in the immediate area were able to return to their normal routines following confirmation from authorities that the situation had been resolved safely.

Published 12-December-2025

Annerley’s Vietnamese Icon Red Lotus begins New Chapter at Cafe O-Mai

For more than a decade, Red Lotus has been a familiar name to many locals seeking Vietnamese flavours in Annerley. Now, the Nguyen family is bringing the restaurant even closer to its sister venue, with Red Lotus relocating a few doors down to operate from the existing Cafe O-Mai site on Cracknell Road.

Read: Asian Restaurant Invasion in Annerley: Pho Queue Joins In the Fun

The move marks the end of Red Lotus’ standalone tenancy, but not the end of the restaurant itself. According to the family’s announcement, it will be business as usual with a new and improved dinner menu once the relocation is complete. The shift allows the two long-running venues to work side by side under one roof rather than maintaining two separate shopfronts on the same street.

Photo credit: Facebook/Red Lotus Vietnamese Chargrill Annerley

Cafe O-Mai will continue its daytime service, offering its well-known breakfast and lunch menu. In the evenings, the venue will transition seamlessly into Red Lotus mode, serving the restaurant’s traditional dishes from the Nguyen family’s longstanding repertoire. By bringing both operations together, the family aims to simplify staffing and kitchen logistics while keeping the experience consistent for customers.

The Nguyen family has noted that the change has been planned for some time. With both businesses only metres apart, staff previously had to prepare and transport ingredients between the two kitchens each day. Consolidating everything into one location reduces that workload and creates a more sustainable setup for the team, particularly for family matriarch Kim Nguyen, whose cooking has shaped both venues over the years.

While the move reflects operational efficiencies, it also opens the door for something new on the local dining strip. The former Red Lotus premises will eventually become available for another tenant, potentially adding more variety to the Cracknell Road pocket that has evolved into a popular food destination for Annerley and Moorooka residents.

One change diners can look forward to is the availability of Cafe O-Mai’s banh mi later in the day. The family hopes to cater to customers seeking a quick evening bite, especially those who enjoy eating outdoors. Picnic benches behind the cafe offer views stretching towards the Scenic Rim, and takeaway banh mi can be enjoyed in this quieter, leafy corner behind the building.

Red Lotus began its life in Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall before later settling into Annerley, where it developed a loyal local following. Cafe O-Mai, which opened later, has gradually become one of the suburb’s most recognisable Vietnamese eateries, known for its casual setting, colourful murals and relaxed neighbourhood feel. Bringing the two venues together is seen as a natural next step for the family as they look to streamline operations without changing what long-time customers love.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

The first Red Lotus dinner service in its new home is scheduled to begin on a Tuesday evening, with the family expecting a smooth transition for regulars. For locals who have visited both venues over the years, the change means the same flavours and faces—simply under one roof.

Published 10-December-2025