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Figtree Social Brings A Taste Of Modern Australia To Yeerongpilly’s Brunch Crowd

Figtree Social is redefining the local café scene in Yeerongpilly with a menu that celebrates native ingredients, familiar classics, and a laid-back community spirit.

A Local Spot Built For Connection

Figtree Social has quickly become a favourite among Yeerongpilly locals for its honest, ingredient-focused food and relaxed atmosphere. Located at 25 Figtree Street in Yeerongpilly Green Riverside Village, the café was founded by hospitality veteran Tze-Huei “TH” Choo and chef Libbie Butler.

The pair aimed to create a space that feels both thoughtful and welcoming. Their menu shifts with the seasons while keeping to simple Australian flavours. Each dish highlights fresh produce and supports regional suppliers.

Simple Food With Native Flair

The menu combines classic breakfast dishes with native Australian ingredients. Highlights include the kangaroo pot pie, avocado toast with finger lime and whipped feta, and a mushroom damper cob with chimichurri butter.

*Photo Credit: figtree_social/instagram*

Seasonal specials, such as the Hot Smoked Trout Bagel, keep the offerings fresh. Each dish focuses on bold flavour and quality produce.

Seasonal Flavours And Local Pride

Recent social media updates reflect Figtree Social’s focus on freshness and community. Their “October line-up” features a yuzu matcha soda with elderflower, a housemade tiramisu paired with Passport Cold Brew, and the trout bagel special.

They also promote accessible offers, such as a $9.99 combo for any coffee with a bacon and egg roll, appealing to both weekday commuters and weekend diners. Each promotion strengthens the café’s reputation for quality, creativity, and inclusivity.

Community Dining Done Right

The venue seats around 55 guests and was designed with natural textures, soft light, and subtle country influences that make the space feel comfortable and local. Choo and Butler’s goal is for every visit to feel personal, whether someone stops in for a quick coffee or a slow Sunday brunch.

Their focus on Australian produce, local suppliers, and a grounded dining experience reflects a growing shift in Brisbane’s café culture, toward authenticity, value, and connection.

Published 9-October-2025

The Back Room in Annerley Hosts Concert for a Cause Close to Home

Music lovers are turning up the volume for a cause that hits close to home. A group of Brisbane bands will headline the Gimme Shelter Charity Concert in Annerley to raise funds for people experiencing homelessness in the city, transforming the suburb’s vibrant live music scene into a night of compassion and community action.

The event takes place on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at The Back Room, Chardons Corner Hotel.

Local Bands Unite for Change

Four homegrown acts — Kelly’s Heroes, Fried Okras, The Full Creams, and 2nd — will perform at The Back Room, a well-known live music venue in Brisbane’s south. The event’s organiser, musician Kevin Kelly, said he and his friends were inspired to act after noticing more people sleeping rough around the city. He explained that every ticket sold will help fund The Salvation Army’s Brisbane Homelessness Services, which provide crisis accommodation and support for those struggling to secure housing.

Kelly emphasised that the idea was born out of mateship and community spirit rather than any formal campaign. He noted that local musicians wanted to give back in the most practical way they could — through music and fundraising.

Gimme Shelter, The Back Room Annerley — *Photo Credit: Oztix*

Rising Need in Brisbane

According to The Salvation Army Queensland, demand for housing assistance has risen sharply due to the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Rendle Williams, External Communications Manager for The Salvation Army, said more individuals and families are seeking help, often with complex needs that go beyond shelter. Williams explained that their services rely heavily on community generosity and grassroots events like the Gimme Shelter concert to continue their work across the state.

The Salvation Army operates housing and homelessness services throughout Queensland, including Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Cairns, and Mount Isa, as well as longer-term housing through Salvos Housing.

Music With a Purpose

The Gimme Shelter Charity Concert serves as a poignant reminder of what local communities can achieve when creativity and compassion come together. The organisers hope the event will not only raise funds but also raise awareness about the increasing visibility of homelessness across Brisbane.

Kelly said the night would blend great music with a meaningful message: that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Community members are encouraged to bring friends, purchase tickets online, and enjoy a night that gives back to those who are doing it tough.

TICKETS

For more details, visit The Salvation Army Queensland Facebook page or check Live At Your Local.

Families Highlight Bike Use as Annerley Road Project Advances

Photo Credit: CrSteveGriffiths/Facebook

An average of 17 children and eight parents from Junction Park State School cycled as part of a bike bus along Annerley Road each week during the last school term, underscoring community interest in safer walking and cycling options. In a related update, the consultation period for the Annerley Road active travel investigations is now over and, the feedback gathered will help the grant-funded process investigate potential concepts to improve the active transport connections for residents, visitors and commuters.

The regular rides, organised by parents from Junction Park State School, have become a practical example of how families are already using the corridor in ways that the project is seeking to support.

On Sunday, 28 September 2025, the Annerley Road Active Travel Investigations public consultation concluded. Through online surveys and an interactive map tool, locals, businesses, and commuters were asked for their opinions for a few weeks. In addition to sharing their own road travel experiences, participants were able to pinpoint issues and offer solutions.

To direct the project’s next phase, the gathered data will now be integrated with technical evaluations of the corridor. Funding for building is not yet included in this phase.

Rather, the focus is on creating concept choices that can be later reviewed and analysed in more detail. It is anticipated that investigations will continue until early 2026, at which time concept designs might be made available for community evaluation and input.

Key corridor under review

Annerley Road, which runs from Dutton Park to Ipswich Road in Annerley, is a significant transportation route in the southern part of Brisbane. Every day, automobiles, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians use the road. Additionally, it has direct connections to several significant locations, such as nearby schools, medical facilities, retail areas, and municipal bridges.

Active Transport Annerley Road — *Photo Credit: BCC*

The corridor has long been the focus of requests for safety and accessibility improvements because of its twin function as a community centre and a commuter route. The goal of the consultation process was to determine the scope of these problems and the kinds of enhancements that the local population would most want to see.

Common feedback highlighted the importance of separated cycle lanes where space allows, wider and more continuous footpaths, and safer crossings at busy intersections. Other comments focused on improved lighting, landscaping, and general streetscape changes that would make the corridor more appealing for walking and cycling.

Community involvement

The Junction Park State School bike bus provided one of the clearest examples of active travel demand in the area. Each week, families gathered in the morning to ride together along Annerley Road. With children at the front and back of the group accompanied by adults, the bike bus has offered both safety in numbers and a social way to start the school day.

Parents have said the rides help children build confidence in cycling, while also easing traffic around the school by reducing the number of cars used for drop-off. For many, it is proof that with the right facilities, more families would choose to walk or cycle rather than drive.

Next steps

With the feedback stage now closed, planning teams will begin the process of reviewing submissions and combining them with technical data. The outcome will be a series of concept design options for the corridor. These designs will attempt to balance the competing needs of drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses, while addressing the safety and access issues raised in submissions.

The project demonstrates that even without immediate changes, community involvement is crucial in shaping the evolution of neighbourhoods. Families, businesses and commuters have all had the chance to contribute to the vision for Annerley Road. The next step will be to see how those voices are reflected in the plans that emerge over the coming months.

Published 2-Oct-2025

New Private Hospital Approved In Buranda Health Hub

Photo Credit: PA Health Connect

A new eight-level private hospital has been approved in Buranda, with Barwon Investment Partners leading a $350 million development beside the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Expanding Barwon’s Healthcare Footprint

Barwon Investment Partners has been expanding its healthcare property portfolio in Queensland and interstate. In August 2023, the group acquired 87 Ipswich Road, Buranda, which included two day hospitals leased to the Queensland Eye Institute and another healthcare tenant. This move was closely linked to Barwon’s plans for PA Health Connect, a major project at 240 Ipswich Road.

The Buranda precinct is undergoing significant redevelopment. Alongside Barwon’s investment, the State Government has committed $750 million to upgrading the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Developers have also put forward plans to transform the nearby Buranda Village shopping centre into a new laneway-style retail and dining hub.

Details Of The $350m Development

Approval has now been granted for PA Health Connect, an eight-level private day hospital and medi-hotel in Buranda. The $350 million development will be constructed on top of an existing 10-level carpark with 700 spaces. The facility will include radiology, oncology, general practice clinics, pharmacies, medical suites, research offices and education spaces.

The design includes a pedestrian bridge connecting directly to the Princess Alexandra Hospital. At street level, a new main entrance and porte cochere will improve access. A medi-hotel for patients, doctors and researchers has been flagged as a possible addition in later stages.

Although the total height exceeds Brisbane City Council’s 15-level neighbourhood plan limit, Barwon has stated it is comparable with other nearby projects such as Buranda Village.

Buranda hospital — *Photo Credit: PA Health Connect*

Creating A Health And Research Hub

The project is expected to form part of one of Australia’s largest integrated health, education and research hubs. It will introduce services not currently available locally, supporting both private and public healthcare delivery. The new facility is also positioned to attract visiting specialists, researchers and students, strengthening Buranda’s role as a health precinct.

Next Steps For The Precinct

Barwon Investment Partners will refurbish the existing carpark before constructing the hospital above it. Once completed, PA Health Connect will be a major addition to Brisbane’s inner-south healthcare network, complementing public investment in the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the wider redevelopment of Buranda.

Published 25-Sep-2025

Yeronga State High’s ‘Student Voice’ Program Behind Dramatic Drop in Suspensions

Yeronga State High School recorded a dramatic drop in suspensions, a turnaround the school and officials credit to placing student voice at the centre of school life.

Read: Yeronga State High School Program Lauded for Empowering Young Women in Australian Education Awards 2025

Between 2022 and 2024, suspensions at the school fell by 45 per cent, despite enrolments rising by more than 150 students over the same period. According to the Education Department, the combined rate of long and short suspensions peaked in 2022 at about 30 per cent. Two years later, it had fallen to 11 per cent – well below the Brisbane state high school average.

The shift is linked to the school’s “student voice” program. Each year begins with an exercise that asks students what needs to change. Their responses are channelled into summits where young people raise concerns, explore solutions, and propose reforms.

Outcomes from these summits have varied. Some led to adjustments in school policies, such as more flexible uniform rules, while others introduced new initiatives to support student wellbeing. Teachers and external experts are also brought in to help address complex issues raised during discussions.

School leaders say the program helps ensure emerging problems are addressed constructively before they escalate. By giving students ownership in shaping solutions, the school reports suspensions have become less necessary; students also report feeling more involved.

The student voice approach has also been recognised by the State. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the program has instilled pride in students by involving them directly in decision-making.

One of the most notable initiatives to emerge is the Horizons Women’s Hub. Now in its third year, the hub provides a safe space for girls to discuss identity, family expectations, and friendships, and to connect with alumni who have gone on to pursue their goals after graduation. The program’s impact was acknowledged nationally when it won an Australian Education Award just recently.

The hub also invites guest speakers to address challenging topics such as assertive communication and understanding coercive control. The women’s group asked the school to create a similar program for boys.

Plans are now under way to launch a male students’ group, with input from community advocate Michael Jeh. The initiative will emphasise peer leadership, encouraging older students to act as role models for younger ones.

Yeronga State High says these efforts are part of a wider commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful school community. In a statement, the school noted: “We work with our young people to listen and respond to student voice with empathy to ensure we all feel safe, respected and valued members of our learning community.”

Read: Yeronga State High School Takes Action to #endcyberbullying

Student survey results indicate the school’s student-voice work is reflected in how students say they are treated. Around 62 per cent of Yeronga students report feeling that their opinions are taken seriously by teachers and staff, higher than the Brisbane state high school average of 57 per cent.

School staff and students say these changes have strengthened students’ sense of being valued and empowered.

Published 24-September-2025

Noise and Odour Warnings as Paint Factory Site Redevelopment Moves Ahead

A major redevelopment of the old Taubmans paint factory site in Yeronga could soon pave the way for hundreds of new apartments, cultural spaces, and lifestyle facilities on the 34,000-sqm block.

Read: Arts Village Redevelopment Approved in Yeronga

The approval means the industrial property on Hyde Road , which has been vacant since the factory shut a decade ago and later became a popular arts hub, will soon be transformed into a mixed-use precinct.

Plans for the former Paint factory site include residential towers rising between four and eight storeys, food and drink outlets, galleries, a theatre, and what has been promoted as the nation’s first fully integrated arts village. Longer-term stages may add markets, health services, a microbrewery, hardware and entertainment venues.

Future residents, however, will be required to accept the realities of the site’s location. The land sits near the Fairfield wastewater treatment plant and several major sporting fields at Goodwin, Leyshon and Fehlberg parks. Conditions of approval stipulate that buyers and tenants must be informed of potential odours, noise from matches, evening floodlights and large weekend crowds. A 240-metre buffer will separate the new community from these neighbouring facilities.

The proposal has been one of the most contentious development debates in Brisbane’s southside, attracting 638 public submissions. Around half opposed the plan, citing fears of overdevelopment, increased building heights in the future, and impacts on sporting clubs already facing noise complaints. Supporters argued the project represents much-needed urban renewal, new housing supply and economic opportunities for the suburb.

The site’s transformation will not happen overnight. Developers estimate construction could span a decade, with the first stage focusing on food outlets, arts spaces and entertainment facilities. Flood-prone sections of the property will remain undeveloped, with landscaped open space included to soften impacts on neighbours.

Brisbane officials described the paint factory project as part of a broader strategy to repurpose ageing industrial land into modern, multi-use communities. While some residents remain wary, backers see it as a chance to revitalise Yeronga much like the renewal of precincts in New Farm and West End.

Read: Old Taubmans Paint Factory in Yeronga to be Reborn as ‘The Paint Factory Arts Village’

Published 18-September-2025

Petition Pushes for Safer Road Crossing at Mackenzie Place Park in Annerley

A local resident has launched an e-petition calling for urgent safety upgrades at Mackenzie Place Park in Annerley, where locals say crossing the road remains dangerous despite the area’s popularity with families.

Read: Then and Now: Waldheim, the Stephen Family’s Homestead in Annerley

The petition, now with 87 signatures, argues that Sarah Street, which separates the park from nearby shops and cafes, poses a daily risk for children, parents with prams, and older residents trying to access the playground.

Supporters said the stretch of road is particularly unsafe because of parked cars blocking sight lines, the absence of kerb ramps for wheelchairs and scooters, and cars often travelling well above the 50 km/h speed limit.

Alternative routes to reach the park involve crossing up to three separate roads, with no traffic lights or zebra crossings, leaving many pedestrians to take the most direct but unsafe option – walking across Sarah Street outside the popular Billykart Kitchen.

The petition calls on Brisbane’s local officials to consider two main options for a safer connection. One is the installation of a raised “wombat crossing” built into a speed hump, which would lower traffic speeds and prioritise pedestrians. The other is creating a “shared zone” between Eric Crescent Park and Clifton Street, where vehicles are restricted to 30 km/h and paving signals pedestrian priority.

Mackenzie Place Park — Photo credit: Google Street View

Residents backing the move say the issue goes beyond safety, arguing that a well-designed crossing could also enhance the precinct. Linking the upgraded playground with Billykart and nearby businesses would provide a more attractive community space, encouraging families to linger and boosting local trade.

Concerns about the possible loss of parking are addressed in the petition, which notes that disability bays, bus zones and short-term customer parking could remain in place. It also argues that weekend church crowds would still have ample parking within easy walking distance.

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

The petition closes on 4 January 2026. Locals say that with the playground already drawing strong community use, the next step should be making sure everyone can reach it safely and with less stress.

Published 17-September-2025

Princess Alexandra Hospital Turns Food Waste Into Fertiliser, Saving $50,000 a Year

Photo Credit: Metro South Health/Facebook

Princess Alexandra Hospital is showing how a major hospital can cut down food waste, saving money and helping the community by turning leftovers into fertiliser instead of landfill.

Hospitals Facing a Food Waste Challenge

Research from End Food Waste Australia shows that almost half of hospital waste is food, with about 30 per cent of meals never eaten. Nathan Cook from the University of Queensland said staff face the challenge of reducing waste while still meeting patients’ nutritional needs.

*Photo Credit: Metro South Health/Facebook*

He noted that large-scale meal production often results in excess, especially for older patients who eat smaller portions. Some Brisbane hospitals are trialling room service systems, cutting food waste by 15 to 30 per cent.

What Princess Alexandra Hospital Is Doing Differently

Since March 2020, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane has used a food waste dehydrator that processes nearly three tonnes of scraps each week, saving about $50,000 annually. The system produces fertiliser for hospital gardens, patient projects, and local social enterprises.

Instead of sending waste to landfill, the hospital donates or sells the product through the Princess Alexandra Foundation to support sustainability efforts. By diverting waste, the hospital reduces emissions and creates direct benefits for patients and the wider community.

A Growing Push Across the Sector

While Princess Alexandra Hospital has taken the lead, many other facilities still send food waste to landfill. Research by Nathan Cook found more than 80 hospitals worldwide, including up to 20 in Australia, are beginning to divert waste into composting, energy recovery, or donation programs.

The Hospital and Aged Care Sector Action Plan from the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre urges more providers to adopt measures like on-demand meal ordering and food recovery partnerships. It also calls for government support through grants and infrastructure to expand these efforts.

Community Impact

The example of Princess Alexandra Hospital shows how a large public facility can rethink food waste and deliver benefits beyond its walls. Patients, staff, and local groups now share the gains through healthier gardens, reduced landfill, and new funding for projects.

With thousands of meals served daily in hospitals and aged care, these lessons highlight a pathway toward more sustainable models. The Brisbane hospital’s experience may help guide similar efforts across Queensland and the nation.

Dutton Park Hub Part of Plan to Remake Brisbane River Experience

The Brisbane River experience is set for its biggest shake-up in decades, with plans to open public pontoons, including the one at Dutton Park, for new water taxi services, on-water dining, and adventure tours.

More to See and Do on the Water

A new chapter for life on the Brisbane River is beginning, promising more options for residents and visitors to enjoy the city’s iconic waterway. The plan, announced by city officials this week, is designed to encourage new businesses to operate from the river. This could see the return of familiar floating restaurants like Prawnster and boat-hire companies such as Go Boat to inner-city locations. The changes are part of a broader goal to “supercharge” the river and enhance its role in the city’s identity ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner explained that the move is similar to the transformational decision decades ago to allow footpath dining, which reshaped Brisbane’s street life. The aim is to create more fun and adventure on the water, providing a welcome boost for local jobs and tourism. One of the most anticipated outcomes is the potential for private water taxis, which could offer a faster, express-style service between key points along the river, complementing the existing CityCat network.

Local Hubs to See New Activity

At the heart of the plan are eight council-owned recreation hubs that dot the river from the western suburbs to the east. These include pontoons at Dutton Park, Murarrie, Northshore Hamilton, Kingsford Smith Drive, New Farm Park, the City Botanic Gardens, Riverhills, and a hub at West End that is currently closed for repairs.

Until now, these facilities have mostly been used for short-term recreational activities like dropping off passengers or launching kayaks. Under the new licensing system, they will be activated for commercial use while remaining accessible for community enjoyment. The review will focus particularly on the larger hubs at New Farm and the City Botanic Gardens, which are better equipped to handle bigger vessels and more people. The Committee for Brisbane has backed the initiative, noting that while the river’s pathways are well-used, the river itself has largely been limited to small-scale private users.

Balancing Public Access with New Opportunities

While the prospect of a more vibrant river has generated excitement, questions have been raised about the execution of the plan and the use of public assets. Some community representatives have expressed concern about the potential privatisation of public pontoons and jetties. Greens Councillor Trina Massey argued that these facilities exist for community use and questioned the council’s motives.

Concerns were also raised by Labor leader Jared Cassidy regarding the council’s track record, pointing to a recent incident where a jet-ski operator at the City Botanic Gardens was given an eviction notice. Officials have since stated that the notice will not be enforced while the new rules are explored. These perspectives highlight the community’s interest in ensuring a balance is struck between encouraging new business investment and preserving public access to the river.

What Happens Next

This is not the first time the idea of activating the river with water taxis and cruises has been explored. Similar proposals were considered as part of the River’s Edge strategy in 2013 and again in 2018 when the river hubs were first delivered. For the current plan to proceed, it will require approval from the state government to make changes to “wet licences,” the official leases required for businesses operating on the water. If approved, the licensing system will be designed to give businesses the certainty they need to invest in bringing new and exciting experiences to the Brisbane River for everyone to enjoy.

Published Date 10-September-2025

Annerley Named Among Brisbane Hotspots for Abandoned Vehicles

New figures from Brisbane showed Annerley is among the suburbs most affected by abandoned and unregistered vehicles, with thousands of cars left on the streets in the past financial year.

Read: Officeworks Woolloongabba Car Park Named Among Brisbane’s Worst

A total of 10,994 vehicles were removed across the city, with almost half unregistered and more than 4,000 officially deemed abandoned. Annerley joined Coorparoo, New Farm, Moorooka, Nundah, and Sunnybank Hills as suburbs where abandoned cars were most commonly reported.

While tourist towns such as Cairns and the Gold Coast have long dealt with backpackers leaving old vehicles behind, Brisbane has seen the issue grow. In Annerley and neighbouring suburbs, vehicles are often left for weeks in residential streets, creating safety risks and taking up valuable parking space.

The process of removing unregistered vehicles in Brisbane can take more than a month as authorities first attempt to trace owners. In some cases, vehicles are reunited with owners, but many end up impounded and later sold at auction. Logan City Council, for example, recently raised about $100,000 by selling 55 such vehicles.

Airports and private carparks have also been affected. At Brisbane Airport, dozens of vehicles are abandoned annually, often by overseas tourists leaving the country. In the city centre, a car left in a Queen Street Mall shopping centre carpark has accumulated theoretical fees of more than $70,000 since 2022.

Read: Annerley Officer’s Courage Following January Shooting Leads to Major Police Safety Initiative

A vehicle is considered abandoned if it is unregistered and left for more than 24 hours in a short-stay bay or more than seven days in unrestricted parking. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious vehicles by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888 so they can be investigated and removed if necessary.

Published 3-September-2025