The cherished LGBTQ+ and romance bookshop Shelf Lovers has permanently closed its physical store in Wooloowin, marking the end of what many considered an important safe space for the local community.
When its lease finished, the shop at 1 Dickson Street ceased operations at its brick-and-mortar location. The official closure date for the physical premises was 20 April. Trading concluded over the Easter weekend, which saw customers visit for a last chance to browse and take advantage of discounts.
Shelf Lovers hosted a final farewell event to mark the closure, celebrating with the community. Gold Coast drag queen Cady DeVille entertained attendees during a special story time, bringing smiles and laughter. Following the event, the Shelf Lovers team expressed thanks on social media to everyone who shared their final weekend, acknowledging it involved laughs, tears, and many books.
Owner Kat previously announced the closure online, stating that deciding not to commit to a new lease was incredibly difficult. She revealed that considerations regarding her family’s financial situation and her health and wellness influenced the decision.
The bookshop had become recognised as a significant, inclusive, safe space within Brisbane for the LGBTQ+ community and romance readers. If the shop had continued operating from its physical location, plans had been made to develop the space further.
While the Wooloowin store is permanently closed, Shelf Lovers continues operating its online business. Customers can still purchase books through their website. The business can be contacted via email at shelflovers@outlook.com.
Kat mentioned previously that they were investigating options to continue the business in some form in the future, potentially. However, she noted that there were no definite answers yet regarding what that might look like, but updates would be provided.
Developer Cedar Woods has started building 58 new luxury apartments called Vera, the first apartment complex within its large Greville community project in Wooloowin.
This marks a significant step for the development, moving into apartment construction after successfully selling out two earlier townhome releases. Vera is planned as the first of three apartment buildings for the master-planned Greville site in Brisbane’s inner north.
Vera Apartment Features
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Vera building will be six storeys tall and offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Designed by architecture firm Rothelowman, the floorplans will measure between 78 and 122 square metres.
Some apartments overlook a large parkland area within the community, while others offer views of the Brisbane skyline. Residents will have access to exclusive rooftop facilities, including a swimming pool, barbecue and dining spaces, and an outdoor lounge area equipped with a firepit, all offering city vistas.
Cedar Woods Development Director Blair Britton stated that Vera represents a high-quality addition to the area, featuring resort-style amenities designed to improve residents’ lifestyles.
Greville Community Growth
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Greville master-planned community is just five kilometres north of Brisbane’s central business district in the historic suburb of Wooloowin. The 3.5-hectare site is expected to develop further over the next five years. Plans include 84 townhomes, more than 200 apartments across the three buildings, and a unique collection of homes inside the historic Holy Cross laundry building, which dates back to the 1800s.
People already living in Greville have access to shared facilities such as a recreation area with a pool and barbecues and the 4,000-square-metre Greville Park, which opened to the public in 2023. Mr Britton also noted that Greville is quickly becoming a desirable urban neighbourhood, thanks to new and existing facilities and good connections to shops and transport.
Addressing Housing Needs
Photo Credit: Supplied
Local government representatives have welcomed the project. Marchant Ward Councillor Danita Parry, explained that adding Vera at Greville will help supply much-needed housing in Brisbane’s inner north. She pointed out that Brisbane is among Australia’s fastest-growing cities and developments like Greville help address the strong demand for homes.
Cr Parry added that the project provides more housing choices for people of different ages and abilities and contributes to more things for people to see and do, such as the new public park. She mentioned her support, along with that of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, for projects that deliver more homes and enhance the city’s lifestyle.
Cedar Woods has selected Brisbane-based builder Emacen Projects to construct the Vera apartments. Mr Britton expressed pleasure in partnering with Emacen, noting their experienced local team will help bring more quality homes to the market. The first townhome stage at Greville was finished late last year, and work on the second townhome stage is currently close to completion.
Emacen Projects Executive Director Mark Spry commented on the high calibre of the project team and Cedar Woods’ knowledge of the building process. Mr Spry confirmed that early works have started on the Vera site. His team expects to finish construction in early 2027 based on the current schedule. He added that Emacen draws on extensive experience from major Australian projects, applying strong systems to deliver Vera to a high standard.
Interest in Vera has been strong, with 50 per cent of the apartments already under contract following an initial release campaign. The remaining apartments are available with prices starting from $874,000. Interested buyers can find more information online or at the Greville Sales Centre in Wooloowin.
Holy Cross School, one of Wooloowin’s oldest educational institutions, will receive significant facility upgrades in 2025. This initiative is to support its growing student population and enhance learning environments.
Holy Cross School was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1890. This 135-year-old Catholic school will undergo renovations to modernise its facilities while maintaining its rich heritage.
The renovation will include a new facade, updated Prep spaces, and play areas. The new Prep classrooms will feature state-of-the-art design and technology. It will offer flexible and engaging environments tailored to foster creativity and collaboration among the youngest learners.
Holy Cross School Principal Simon Mahaffy highlighted that the upgrades would improve aesthetics. It will also provide students, staff, and families with a more welcoming and stimulating environment. He emphasised that these modern facilities will support the growing number of families choosing the school amid increasing local housing developments.
Preserving Community Heritage
The planned renovations will also respect the school’s historical elements. Community members expressed concerns over maintaining significant features such as the brick pavers engraved with past students’ names and the Lone Pine tree from the War Memorial.
School representatives have reassured the community that these elements will remain part of the upgraded landscape. The brick pavers will be relocated to the new prayer space, and the Lone Pine will be preserved with a new sandstone plinth and commemorative plaque.
Community Reaction and Future Plans
Residents have largely welcomed the upgrades. They expressed gratitude for preserving the school’s heritage while enhancing modern facilities. Many alumni are noting how the school has evolved over the years.
Principal Mahaffy also acknowledged Brisbane Catholic Education’s support in funding the project. The project is set to commence during the Easter school holidays. Completion is expected by the end of 2025. The upgraded facilities will cement Holy Cross School’s reputation as a thriving and welcoming community hub in Wooloowin.
After multiple rounds of consultation for the Stage 5 of North Brisbane Bikeway, the decision has been made to revert to a plan that was previously rejected in 2018.
Brisbane recently announced plans to establish a potential connection between the North Brisbane Bikeway on Dickson Street and Kedron Brook Bikeway at Brook Road, via Kent Road.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Kent Road concept design was released in 2018 and proposed travelling east-west to Kent Road via Price Street then across Rose Street into Park Road, finally connecting to the Kedron Brook Bikeway at Brook Road.
The decision follows Council’s recent scrapping of a plan to install bike lanes along a 500-metre stretch of Dickson Street. That plan, which had received strong community support in 2021, was abandoned in January this year due to concerns from local businesses and residents over the loss of on-street parking and potential traffic congestion. Two petitions opposing the project argued that reduced parking would negatively impact businesses in the area.
Photo credit: BCC
Despite Council’s decision, cycling advocacy group Space4CyclingBNE and other supporters continue to push for safety improvements along Dickson Street. An online petition launched by local residents highlights the dangers cyclists face when riding between parked cars and fast-moving traffic.
Photo credit: BCC
The petition calls for Council to implement road safety measures along Dickson Street, including reducing the speed limit from 60 km/h to 40 km/h and removing on-street parking to create a safer riding environment.
“While we’re looking forward to work finally starting again on the North Brisbane Bikeway, people will still want a safe and direct route to continue to Eagle Junction, Toombul, and towards the Brisbane Airport and Gateway North Bikeways, and the north-eastern suburbs,” the group stated.
Dickson St (Photo credit: Google Street View)
“People who continue riding on Dickson St, north of Price St, find they are riding between parked cars and faster moving motor traffic. That exposes them to the dangers of being hit by the opening door of a parked car and/or being hit by passing cars or trucks.”
Council’s move to revert to the 2018 plan comes as a draft document from the state government acknowledges the need for better-connected bikeways but warns that financial constraints may delay or limit their development. The council is now seeking state government funding to implement the Kent Road alignment. Whether the requested funding will be granted and whether safety concerns on Dickson Street will be addressed remain uncertain.
Local artist Zoe Corkill’s artwork, The View from My Window, has transformed a traffic signal box in Wooloowin into a vibrant artwork as part of Brisbane’s Artforce initiative. This public art program invites residents to enhance urban spaces, celebrating creativity and community pride.
‘The View from My Window’: A Wooloowin Perspective
Zoe’s artwork, completed in November 2024, captures Wooloowin’s charm through her unique perspective. Featuring striking colours and intricate designs, it reflects the suburb’s character and has quickly become a local highlight.
The artwork enhances Wooloowin’s streetscape, offering a fresh perspective on the suburb while demonstrating the transformative power of public art.
About the Artist: Zoe Corkill
Zoe Corkill, a young artist, first participated in Artforce Brisbane at age 10, collaborating with her mother, Trudy Corkill, on the 2021 artwork Happy Life. Photos from the project show Zoe being lifted to paint alongside Trudy, showcasing their shared passion for public art.
Her latest work, The View from My Window, demonstrates her growth as an artist. Drawing inspiration from her community, Zoe’s work highlights the beauty of everyday life in Wooloowin while contributing to the city’s evolving cultural landscape.
Fostering Community Connection
Artforce Brisbane empowers residents to turn traffic signal boxes and Energex Padmount Transformers into public art. Since its launch, the program has supported over 1,000 art instillation across Brisbane, fostering community connection and transforming the city’s streetscape.
Projects like Zoe’s artwork foster pride, encourage engagement, and transform urban spaces into shared canvases for creativity.
Artforce Brisbane continues to provide a platform for artists of all ages and abilities to contribute to the city’s cultural fabric. Each artwork adds to Brisbane’s outdoor gallery, showcasing diverse stories and perspectives.
Artforce Brisbane welcomes artists of all experience levels to participate. Information on how to register, along with guidelines, is available on the program’s official website. Residents are encouraged to leave their mark on the city through this initiative.
Clifford House in Wooloowin is seeing the joy of community spirit through volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting elderly residents with companionship, activities, and kindness.
Volunteers like Rose Tilyard have become integral to creating a vibrant and supportive environment for residents in Wooloowin.
Rose, who once worked as a nurse at Clifford House for over 20 years, now spends two days a week assisting with activities, outings, and one-on-one interactions. She says her volunteer work allows her to build connections with residents in ways she couldn’t while nursing. Bringing her pet dog on visits has also brought extra smiles, with residents lighting up at the presence of a furry companion.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Supporting People in Vulnerable Circumstances
While aged care is a major focus, other volunteers are extending their compassion to different sectors of the community.
Melody Fawssett, another local volunteer, spends her time at a Queensland correctional centre, providing emotional and spiritual support to incarcerated women. She describes listening to their stories and helping them process their circumstances as both challenging and rewarding.
Similarly, Joanne Foster, a volunteer chaplain at the Wesley Hospital, has been offering emotional support to patients for nearly 15 years, seeing her role as a privilege to bring comfort to those in difficult times.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Opportunities for Community Involvement
Carinity, the organisation supporting Clifford House and other services, has been part of the Queensland community since 1949, offering a wide range of support including aged care, youth shelters, and disability services.
Volunteers are currently needed in suburbs like Boonah, Bundaberg, and Townsville, but for Wooloowin residents, Clifford House offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to their local community.
This master-planned community seamlessly combines Wooloowin’s rich history with modern living, offering a unique mix of townhouses, apartments, and heritage homes.
The first residents have already moved into their new townhouses, marking a significant milestone for the project. Construction on the second, sold-out release is underway, exceeding the halfway mark.
Located just 5km from Brisbane’s CBD, Greville occupies a 3.5-hectare site steeped in history. Over the next five years, the development will deliver diverse housing options catering to various lifestyles.
The heart of Greville will be an expansive 4,000 sqm public park, alongside exclusive resident amenities. This ensures a vibrant community hub where residents can relax and connect.
Swift Progress Meets Market Demand
Cedar Woods is making rapid progress on the project. The strong sales performance of the first two releases, selling out shortly after launch, has allowed the developer to accelerate construction.
The first collection of 12 townhouses was completed within a year, with residents now settled in. Construction of the second release, comprising 25 townhomes, is progressing swiftly.
This efficient delivery is a major drawcard for buyers, especially in the current market.
The next phase of Greville will launch 20 three-bedroom townhouses in the southern precinct. Construction is anticipated to begin early next year.
Cedar Woods believes these townhouses offer excellent value compared to detached houses. With prices starting from $1.325 million, they are significantly cheaper than the suburb’s median house price of $1.57 million, which has risen by a remarkable 26.5% in the past year.
Modern Design Meets Heritage Preservation
Designed by Rothelowman Architecture Studio, the townhouses and apartments at Greville seamlessly blend Wooloowin’s character with contemporary finishes. This is further complemented by the preservation of the historic Holy Cross laundry building from the 1800s. In a later release, this structure will be transformed into heritage homes.
Over 80% of buyers are locals who appreciate the site’s historical significance and the vibrant lifestyle being created at Greville.
Residents already have access to various community amenities, including a recreation area with a pool, BBQ facilities, and alfresco dining options. Additionally, the expansive Greville Park, which opened last year, provides a central green space for the community.
Greville boasts exceptional connectivity, offering residents easy access to Kedron Brook, the Northern Bikeway and Busway, and local shops and restaurants.
This focus on community, combined with the project’s prime location and diverse housing options, positions Greville as a desirable address in Brisbane’s thriving inner city.
A private, concrete air raid shelter on Hudson Road in Wooloowin is a reminder of the community’s wartime resilience. Built during World War II in response to the looming threat of Japanese air raids after the bombing of Pearl Harbour and Darwin, the shelter is a testament to the collective anxiety and preparedness of the time.
Recognised as a local heritage site, the Hudson Road shelter links to Brisbane’s wartime past.
At the time this private shelter was built, a government mandate for air raid shelters in public gathering places saw over 200 public shelters erected. The Wooloowin shelter, characteristic of the Queenslander style, is a rare example of a private shelter, often built in front yards with varied materials and construction depending on individual resources.
It reveals the measures taken by everyday citizens to protect themselves and their families during a national crisis, offering a glimpse into the realities of the home front.
Preserving this structure allows future generations to reflect on the societal impact of World War II on Brisbane’s residents. The shelter is a physical connection to a time of uncertainty and fear, reminding us of the community’s strength and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
It is a unique piece of history that continues to educate and engage locals and visitors alike. Other examples of backyard shelters are found elsewhere in the city.
Health authorities are sounding the alarm over a looming surge in Ross River virus infections, a concerning mosquito-borne illness. The rising number of infections has prompted mosquito spraying initiatives in high-risk suburbs, such as Wooloowin, Clayfield, Gordon Park, and Hendra in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, among other areas.
Chief Health Officer John Gerrard revealed a very high number of Ross River virus detections in mosquitoes across nine different council areas stretching from Mackay to South East Queensland.
And the number of infected mosquitoes — at 31 positive traps of the 700 tested across the state — is higher than what was detected during the horror 2019-2020 summer, ultimately leading to a whopping 3381 Ross River infections for that year.
There were 699 cases of the Ross River virus in 2023. As of the end of January this year, 64 people have been infected.
Efforts to increased mosquito spraying are underway in Wooloowin and other North Brisbane areas.
About the Ross River Virus
There is no cure nor vaccine for Ross River virus, and whilst most people recover in a few weeks some people experience joint pain and fatigue months after infection.
Origin and Spread
Ross River Virus (RRV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that is endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. The virus primarily spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes, notably those in the Aedes and Culex genera, which are common in these regions.
Symptoms and Treatment
RRV infection can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to debilitating. Common symptoms include polyarthritis, rash, fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. These symptoms can significantly affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and, in some cases, can persist for months or even years. While there is no specific treatment for RRV, management of symptoms is possible through medication and physical therapy.
Epidemiology
The virus has shown a notable propensity for causing large outbreaks, particularly in coastal regions. The incidence of RRV infection varies seasonally and geographically, with the highest rates typically observed in areas with warmer climates and in proximity to bodies of water where mosquito populations thrive.
Prevention
Preventing RRV infection centres on controlling mosquito populations and minimising individual exposure to mosquito bites. Public health measures include community education on the use of insect repellent, the importance of wearing protective clothing, and the need to eliminate standing water around homes and communities to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Global Health Perspective
RRV is considered a significant public health issue within its endemic regions. With climate change and increasing global travel, there is a potential for RRV to expand its geographical reach, making it a subject of interest for global health monitoring and research
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Elevated Risk and Intensified Efforts
Dr Gerrard expressed concern over the significant increase in Ross River virus detections in mosquito populations early in the usual season, particularly across a wide geographical area. This surge indicates heightened virus activity.
Typically, Ross River virus infections begin to surge with the arrival of rain and warm temperatures in December, reaching their peak in February and March. Moreover, it’s common to observe a notable increase in Ross River virus cases every three to four years, indicating a potential spike in infections.
With the current high mosquito numbers and recent surveillance findings, there is an increased risk of human exposure to mosquitoes carrying the virus throughout Queensland.
Metro North Public Health Unit entomologist Jon Darbro said in the past month it had been either wet or hot which added to the extra mosquitoes around.
Mr Darbro explained that the increased rainfall this season provides mosquitoes with additional breeding sites for laying eggs and larval development, resulting in larger mosquito populations. Warmer temperatures also contribute to heightened mosquito activity, accelerating their growth and the drying process of eggs. These conditions create an ideal environment for multiple mosquito species to thrive, as observed by many.
Metro North covers areas like Wooloowin, Clayfield and Hendra, which has intensified its spraying efforts in late January 2024.
More Mosquito Spraying for Brisbane and Gold Coast
Swarms of mosquitoes have inundated nearly every suburb across South East Queensland, with wet weather and warm temperatures creating the perfect breeding grounds for the flying pests. The unwanted buzz and bites have forced Brisbane City Council to spray an extraordinary 2,400 sites a week – a 140 per cent increase on the normal mozzie spraying schedules including seven aerial attacks in the past nine weeks.
Across Brisbane, 136 of 190 suburbs have been targeted and 24 on the Gold Coast. Redland City Council have increased their aerial treatments of mosquito larvae by 60 per cent making it the biggest year on record since 2016-2017. While Logan City Council, Sunshine Coast Council and Gold Coast Coast have also increased their spraying schedules.
According to the Queensland Health notifiable notifications data, dozens of mosquito-borne disease cases have been confirmed, including 29 cases of Ross River virus and three of dengue in the first three weeks of January.
Dickson Street in Wooloowin has been identified as one of the 10 most dangerous spots in Brisbane for cyclists, according to newly released data from the cycling safety app BikeSpot.
BikeSpot’s 2023 Interim Safety Report, released last week, ranked Dickson Street as the number 3 unsafe area for Brisbane cyclists due to a lack of bike lanes and a missing link with the North Brisbane Bikeway.
One BikeSpot user reported that riding south on Dickson Street was the “most dangerous section they have rode so far” because the North Brisbane Bikeway abruptly ends at Price Street, leaving cyclists to traverse Dickson Street without a bike lane.
Photo credit: BikeSpot map
“Bike lane ends, forcing bikes onto road or path,” one cyclist said. Others commented that there are lots of parked cars on the street.
Other cyclists agreed, saying the short section of the North Brisbane Bikeway is incomplete and leaves them feeling vulnerable when transitioning to Dickson Street.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Cancelled Project
The Brisbane City Council has announced the cancellation of several key cycling infrastructure projects, including the North Brisbane Bikeway extension, due to the devastating floods in South East Queensland in February 2022.
According to the council’s website, proposed plans to create a dedicated and separated bikeway along Dickson Street and Bonney Avenue, connecting stage four of the North Brisbane Bikeway to Junction Road, will no longer go ahead.
Funding has also been pulled from a project to build a “green street” with shared, low-speed active travel routes for cyclists and pedestrians along Keith Street, Sydney Street and Jackson Street.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The council said it made the difficult decision to redirect resources and prioritise the rebuilding and repair of roads, bridges, existing bikeways, parks and sports facilities across Brisbane that were damaged by February 2022’s catastrophic flooding.
“While the proposed project is not proceeding, Council is committed to working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads on the broader North Brisbane Bikeway network and future active transport connections in this area,” Council stated.
Cycling advocacy groups have expressed disappointment over the cancellations, saying the projects would have greatly improved safety and connectivity for Brisbane cyclists. However, the repairs from the destructive floods have been deemed a priority by local officials.
