After an 18-month closure for major works, local commuters returned to the improved station on June 30. The upgrade has transformed the station into a modern, fully accessible transport hub, with new features designed to improve safety, comfort, and ease of travel for all passengers.
Photo credit: Queensland Rail/Facebook
Key improvements at Buranda include a new footbridge with lift access, full-length raised platforms, extended shelters, upgraded security lighting and CCTV, and enhanced wayfinding signage. The station now also features accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket windows and parking, as well as improved seating areas.
New technology such as hearing augmentation loops and tactile surfaces has been added to support passengers with hearing or vision impairments. Platform edges have been fitted with flexible rubber gap fillers to reduce the space between the train and platform, improving safety for all passengers, especially those using mobility aids.
The station’s close proximity to the Buranda busway and nearby shopping and dining precincts makes it easier for more people to take advantage of South East Queensland’s integrated public transport network—and the new 50 cent train fares.
Buranda train station is the final stop in a major accessibility upgrade that also included five other stations: Banyo, Morningside, Lindum, Bundamba, and Burpengary. All six stations now offer improved accessibility, helping to remove barriers to train travel across the region.
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the accessibility upgrades centred on equality, safety and customer experience.
“Queensland Rail has delivered six stations, our biggest ever upgrade series, and we’re so thrilled to have Buranda station back in service for our customers,” Ms Stapleton said.
“We’re passionate about connecting communities at Queensland Rail and this program helps by making train travel easier and more inclusive for everyone.
Queensland Rail has thanked the community for their patience throughout the construction process, with the upgrades now delivering long-term benefits for all travellers.
Greenslopes Private Hospital has introduced Queensland’s first private hospital microsurgery for lymphoedema, offering new treatment options for the chronic condition.
Greenslopes Private Hospital has become the first private hospital in Queensland to provide advanced microsurgery for lymphedema. This addressed the needs of patients living with this chronic and often disabling condition. The hospital recently performed Queensland’s first lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in a private setting.
Lymphoedema affects an estimated 70,000 Australians. This typically follows cancer treatments involving lymph node removal. The condition results in ongoing swelling, pain, and an increased risk of infection. For many years, treatment options were limited to conservative measures such as compression therapy and massage.
Australia has played a significant role in the development of surgical options for lymphoedema. Pioneering work by Australian surgeons laid the foundation for modern techniques. This includes LVA and vascularised lymph node transfer. Greenslopes Private Hospital’s adoption of LVA marks a further step in applying these innovations locally.
Details of the Procedure
The first LVA procedure at Greenslopes was performed by specialist plastic surgeons, Dr Matthew Cheng and Dr Andrew Lewandowski, using supermicrosurgery techniques. These techniques connect lymphatic vessels to veins. This approach allows lymph fluid to bypass damaged areas, aiming to prevent or reduce swelling and associated complications.
The surgery was carried out as a preventive measure during cancer surgery to reduce the likelihood of lymphoedema developing.
Conservative treatments, while helpful in symptom management, require lifelong adherence and do not address the underlying cause of lymphoedema. By contrast, procedures like LVA offer a surgical solution designed to enhance lymphatic drainage and potentially reduce the need for ongoing conservative therapy.
The introduction of LVA at Greenslopes Private Hospital reflects a shift towards more comprehensive care that addresses both cancer treatment and its long-term effects. This development expands access to advanced lymphoedema management within the private health sector.
Brisbane’s 2025–26 budget will bring rate increases for most homeowners across the city, with those buying inner-city units after 1 October facing some of the steepest hikes — and Stones Corner among the hardest hit.
New property owners in the inner suburbs will see an extra $100 added to their annual rates bill, more than double the inflation rate. In Stones Corner, the average total rates and charges will rise by over $143, marking a 7.99 per cent increase, among the highest ones under the new cap.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Announced by Cr Adrian Schrinner, the $4.1 billion budget includes an average rate rise of 4.7 per cent for owner-occupiers — roughly $1.14 a week — with the minimum increase set at 3.87 per cent. Although rates in a few suburbs, such as Yeronga and Tennyson, will drop slightly due to land valuation adjustments, suburbs like South Brisbane, Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley and Stones Corner will bear the brunt of the changes.
Coorparoo Ward Cr Fiona Cunningham, whose electorate includes Stones Corner, said the rate increases had been carefully managed in the face of rising construction costs and limited external funding. She pointed to a 40 per cent spike in concrete prices and a 26 per cent jump in other building materials, adding that councils had long been underfunded by both state and federal governments.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Cr Cunningham also noted that about 273,000 Brisbane residents would continue to benefit from the on-time payment discount, which will save them a combined $47 million this financial year. She said the pensioner rebate would increase by $50, bringing it to $1298, and confirmed the continuation of the popular $2 Summer Dips pool entry initiative.
Despite speculation earlier this week, the council confirmed a citywide rollout of green bins will go ahead. This move is designed to divert more organic waste from landfill and avoid a state-imposed “bin tax”, even though the waste levy for green bins will rise by almost $50 annually — including for those who may not want one.
Cr Cunningham defended the budget as responsible and focused on service delivery, stating that if Labor or the Greens had been elected last year, rates could have risen by up to 30 per cent due to what she described as billions in unfunded commitments with no identified savings.
The budget also forecasts a $298 million surplus and a drop in city debt to $2.9 billion by 2028–29. Council assets are now valued at $45.2 billion, with 85 per cent of spending committed to projects in the suburbs.
A three-bedroom cottage in Greenslopes has set a suburb price record at auction, with a young couple purchasing the home after a short, competitive bidding process.
A post-war cottage at 94 Dunellan Street, Greenslopes, has sold under the hammer for $1.39 million, the highest price ever paid for a three-bedroom home on a 405-square-metre block in the suburb.
The auction followed a 17-day sales campaign led by Place Estate Agents, which drew 79 inspection groups and generated more than 125 buyer enquiries. The listing also attracted over 40,000 digital views. Ten bidders registered for the auction, which concluded in just four minutes.
Bidding began at $1.1 million and quickly escalated in increments of $50,000 and $10,000, with the final $40,000 contested by two remaining parties. A young couple upgrading from their first home secured the winning bid and plan to demolish the existing structure to build a new residence.
Photo Credit: Place
Property Features and Location
The property, built in the post-war period, features traditional timber floors, casement windows, and decorative cornices. The layout includes a renovated kitchen and bathroom, three bedrooms, a flat backyard, and a lock-up garage.
Positioned just 5.5 kilometres from the CBD, the home is located close to Stones Corner Village, local cafes, public transport links, and major hospitals. It also falls within the Brisbane South State Secondary College catchment and is a short walk from parks and Greenslopes State School.
Photo Credit: Place
Broader Market Context
According to selling agent Ben Smith of Place Estate Agents, the pace and intensity of bidding resembled auction activity last seen in 2021. He attributed the strong buyer turnout and rapid bidding to renewed market confidence amid expectations of falling interest rates. Most participants were first and second-home buyers.
The auction was part of a larger weekend of Brisbane property sales, with 145 scheduled auctions and a 42 per cent preliminary clearance rate from 112 reported results.
A new chapter is beginning for Greenslopes as the Parkside Community & Services Club takes shape at the site of the former Greenslopes Bowls Club. The development, set to become the new home of the Coorparoo RSL & Community Club, promises a vibrant social space that brings locals together through food, leisure and community events.
Construction Progressing Ahead Of Christmas Opening
Major renovations are already underway at 131 Ridge Street, with the site undergoing a full transformation into a modern and welcoming venue. The project is aiming for completion just before Christmas 2025, giving residents something to look forward to during the holiday season.
Site foreman Ryan and his team have begun work on clearing space for one of the club’s key features, an outdoor alfresco deck. Social media updates show glimpses of timber finishes and layout plans that hint at a relaxed yet stylish environment.
Councillor Fiona Cunningham also remarked on the area’s great lifestyle and the appeal of having another local spot to enjoy a meal and drink. She noted that the addition will give Greenslopes residents a fresh option without leaving their neighbourhood.
A Club Shaped Around Community Life
The Parkside Community & Services Club has been designed with a strong focus on inclusivity and shared experiences. The new venue will feature a bistro, a casual bar, a modern café, and areas for barefoot bowls. Plans also include landscaped outdoor spaces and a green where community activities can take place, preserving a link to the site’s bowling past.
Beyond dining and leisure, the facility will offer multiple function rooms to support both private events and local group activities. Expanded parking has also been planned, aimed at easing access for members and guests.
Bringing Locals Together
The Parkside project continues the legacy of the Coorparoo RSL & Community Club, known for its role in bringing locals together. By moving to Greenslopes, the club aims to grow its reach while staying connected to the community.
Plans highlight a space for families, friends and groups to gather in comfort. Project spokesperson Chris said the venue is taking shape and that the team is excited for the pre-Christmas opening.
Looking Ahead
With the promise of new dining options, a revitalised social hub, and flexible event spaces, the Parkside Community & Services Club is expected to be a valuable addition to Greenslopes.
While the opening is still months away, residents are encouraged to register for updates through the official website. For many locals, especially those in nearby suburbs like Coorparoo, the venue is shaping up to be a welcome part of their regular routine.
Uncle Lai’s Malaysian Cuisine was founded by Kian and Leen Lai, drawing on family cooking traditions that began in Malaysia and later expanded in New Zealand. The couple moved to Brisbane in 2011 and opened their first Australian shopfront in Mount Gravatt in 2017. The restaurant’s reputation grew steadily, particularly for its char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish prepared to traditional Kuala Lumpur standards.
Rise in Popularity and Media Exposure
Despite a slow start, the restaurant gained momentum after being featured by local food blogs. This exposure contributed to rising demand, including international attention, with some patrons reportedly travelling from overseas to sample the dish.
To accommodate increased customer numbers and reduce wait times, Uncle Lai’s moved to a larger premises at 588 Logan Road, Greenslopes. The new location continues to offer a focused menu of Malaysian hawker-style favourites including curry laksa, KL Hokkien Mee, and wat tan hor. Dishes are cooked individually to retain quality and deliver the distinct wok hei flavour.
Photo Credit: Uncle Lai’s/Facebook
Consistent Customer Feedback
Community responses vary, with regular customers praising the food’s authenticity and freshness. Some noted extended waiting times during peak hours, particularly on weekends. Several reviews highlighted issues with service prioritisation for delivery orders. Despite this, the restaurant remains widely recommended for its core dishes, with frequent positive feedback on the char kway teow.
Operational Standards and Local Ingredients
Uncle Lai’s maintains a commitment to freshness, using rice noodles delivered direct from the supplier and premium lap cheong sausage sourced from northern New South Wales. The cooking process remains manual and one-by-one, even during busy periods, which staff say is critical to maintaining the texture and flavour expected of traditional Malaysian cuisine.
Uncle Lai’s transition to Greenslopes marks a significant chapter for the family-run business, enabling it to manage increasing patronage while preserving its cooking standards. Future improvements to the new premises have been flagged, though the restaurant has not announced formal expansion plans beyond its current site.
Greenslopes residents have enjoyed the unique offerings of Mourning Roast on Logan Road since its opening in 2024. This coffee spot was established by experienced coffee professionals Sam and Nadine to foster a strong neighbourhood hub centred around the daily ritual of enjoying quality coffee.
From its inception, Sam and Nadine, the owners, envisioned their establishment as more than just a place for a caffeine fix. They strived to make it an integral and continuously evolving part of the Greenslopes community.
Since its launch in 2024, Mourning Roast has continued its mission to elevate the everyday coffee experience for its patrons, encouraging them to take a moment to pause and appreciate life’s simple pleasures with each visit.
The owners have consistently conveyed their goal of making a trip to their shop feel like a significant daily ritual, nurturing connection and a sense of indulgence within the local area. Their commitment to crafting an experience transcending the ordinary cup of coffee has remained a central tenet of their business.
Since opening in 2024, the coffee shop has maintained its offering of a custom coffee blend that provides smooth flavours with hints of cacao, caramelised cherry, and brown spice. The blend is consistently designed to have a lingering richness suitable for both long blacks and flat whites.
Besides their signature blend, Mourning Roast has continued serving cold and batch brew options. The concise menu of takeaway food items, including toasties, croissants, white chocolate and macadamia brownies, cinnamon rolls, Caramilk pavlova Rocky Road, and a carrot cake-inspired shortbread jam drop, has also remained a popular choice for locals since the shop’s introduction.
Furthermore, their commitment to featuring a dark roasted signature blend with notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, and toasted almonds, alongside rotating single-origin selections from small-batch Australian roasters, has been a consistent feature since 2024.
Since 2024, founders Sam and Nadine have continued to operate Mourning Roast with the initial passion that stemmed from their shared love for coffee and an appreciation for alternative culture. Their ongoing focus has been maintaining a space that reflects their tastes and provides a welcoming environment for like-minded individuals.
Their vision has consistently extended beyond simply serving coffee; they remain dedicated to nurturing a strong sense of community and belonging within their shop. The owners have strived to ensure that their establishment remains a place where coffee is central, with the aim that every cup continues to contribute to the local narrative.
Since its opening in 2024, Mourning Roast has continued to receive positive feedback from the Greenslopes community. Reports still indicate consistent praise for the quality of the food and coffee, the staff’s friendliness, and the establishment’s overall atmosphere. It continues to be noted as a convenient location for night shift workers seeking a place to unwind.
Specific items like the lavender matcha and the large biscuit have maintained their positive reputation. The availability of unique items such as “Sinnerbuns” and the Jerk on Turk specialty toasted sandwich continues to highlight their commitment to offering more than just standard cafe options.
The design of Mourning Roast, which merges a refined aesthetic with a touch of rebellion, creating a sanctuary where modern architecture meets luxe gothic design elements, has remained a consistent aspect of the shop since its 2024 opening.
This unique atmosphere continues to contribute to the overall experience that Sam and Nadine aimed to provide their customers from the outset.
A Greenslopes State School student has been selected for the Metropolitan East AFL team, earning the opportunity to compete at the upcoming Queensland State Championships.
Greenslopes Student to Represent Metropolitan East
Gabby from Greenslopes State School has been selected to join the Metropolitan East AFL team, an accomplishment that highlights her dedication to school sport. Her achievement is the result of consistent effort and a strong commitment to developing her skills.
Gabby will now represent Metropolitan East at the Queensland State Championships in June. She will be competing against selected student athletes from across the state.
Metropolitan East is among the twelve regions established to oversee representative school sports across Queensland. It covers an area from the Bay Islands in the east to Logan City in the south, including suburbs around the Brisbane River and the M1 corridor.
Greenslopes State School is part of the Mount Gravatt District, one of several districts within Metropolitan East. Students from affiliated schools, regardless of their school system, are eligible to trial for selection into regional teams such as AFL. Selection for a Metropolitan East team is highly competitive and considered a significant achievement.
Gabby’s selection has been celebrated within the Greenslopes State School community. Many offer messages of congratulations and support on social media. Her achievement stands as an example of how perseverance and a positive attitude can lead to opportunities.
Gabby’s journey to selection reflects countless hours of hard work. Greenslopes State School acknowledged her dedication to personal improvement and her enthusiasm for Australian football. With her place secured, Gabby will focus on preparing for the Queensland State Championships. She will represent both her school and her region with pride.
Last March, ex-tropical cyclone Alfred brought intense flash flooding to Brisbane, submerging roads and cars and bringing parts of the city to a standstill. Yet, just a week later, Hanlon Park in Stones Corner showed little sign of the disaster, standing as a proof to the success of its 2022 rejuvenation project.
When ex-tropical cyclone Alfred dumped record-breaking rain across Brisbane in March 2025, Hanlon Park in Stones Corner faced a major test. Streets turned into rivers, storm drains overflowed, and flash flooding hit hard. But unlike many urban spaces that were left damaged or inaccessible, Hanlon Park emerged remarkably unscathed.
This resilience wasn’t an accident.
Hanlon Park during Cyclone Alfred, March 2025 (Photo credit: Imran Ahmed/Facebook)
A Decade of Vision and Planning
Back in 2022, the park underwent a major transformation. The goal was to turn sterile infrastructure into vibrant green space.
Once a concrete drain, Hanlon Park was transformed into a lush green corridor designed to work with nature rather than against it. The $21.5-million project replaced the artificial channel with a naturalised creek, introduced more than 460 trees and 43,000 plants, and created spaces for recreation and relaxation. This investment not only enhanced the park’s beauty but also strengthened its ability to endure extreme weather events.
Photo credit: AL Fox/Google Maps
Concrete channels were removed, and the creek was reshaped to follow a slower, meandering path that helped absorb floodwaters. This ecological redesign not only enhanced biodiversity, but also provided natural flood mitigation.
The recent flooding tested the resilience of this design. Water levels rose rapidly as stormwater poured in from surrounding urban areas, but the park absorbed the impact remarkably well. While some mud and debris remained, and a few plants were flattened, the park’s core structures and pathways remained intact.
The strategic selection of plant species played a crucial role in this recovery—deep-rooted vegetation stabilised the banks, preventing erosion, while water-tolerant plants allowed floodwaters to pass through without lasting damage.
Photo Credit: BCC/Inspirelli
Built for Climate Adaptation
One resident and cyclist observed that the water rose quickly during the flood but drained just as fast, noting that by the next day, it was difficult to tell a flood had even occurred.
Environmental engineer Alan Hoban, who worked on the rejuvenation, explained that the park had been intentionally designed for such events. He emphasised that the goal wasn’t only to prevent flooding, but to create a space that could recover quickly while continuing to serve the community.
Post-flood assessments showed minimal damage to the park’s core infrastructure. Paths remained intact. Playgrounds reopened within days. And unlike other areas of Brisbane, native birds and turtles were spotted in the creek within a week of the event.
Photo Credit: BCC/Inspirelli
Nature Returns to the City
Beyond its environmental benefits, Hanlon Park has become an essential part of the local community. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists quickly returned to its paths, families resumed playtime in its open spaces, and the park once again provided a refuge from the city’s hustle. The rapid recovery demonstrated not only the effectiveness of the restoration but also the importance of green spaces in urban resilience.
The transformation also turned the park into a thriving urban ecosystem. Fish populations in the creek have quadrupled since the redesign. Children are often seen playing in the water, engaging with nature more than ever before.
Designs from students, like Kuan U Chan from the University of Queensland, even envision the future of Hanlon Park to include a glasshouse and community learning spaces. These ideas reinforce the park’s potential as a hub for education, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.
Photo credit: Malcolm Brown/Google Maps
Maintaining the Vision: A New Challenge for Brisbane
The rejuvenation of Hanlon Park/Bur’uda has transformed it into a vibrant urban oasis, but this transformation brings with it significant maintenance responsibilities for Brisbane City Council. As the project transitions from contractor maintenance to full council management, several challenges are emerging:
Infrastructure Upkeep: Eroding gravel paths and terraces require prompt attention to ensure safety and accessibility for park users.
Vegetation Management: The creekside vegetation currently exhibits limited diversity, and some plants are failing and need supplementation to maintain the park’s ecological balance.
Wildlife Interaction: Signs warning visitors about potential snake encounters highlight the complexities of managing a ‘wild’ space within an urban environment, balancing ecological authenticity with public safety.
These factors underscore the necessity for Council to adapt its management strategies to address the multifaceted demands of Hanlon Park. Coordinated efforts among various infrastructure services teams and active community engagement will be crucial in sustaining the park’s success and ensuring it remains a benchmark for urban waterway rejuvenation.
While ongoing maintenance remains a necessity, Hanlon Park’s ability to withstand and bounce back from extreme weather highlights the success of its redesign. It serves as a model for how cities can integrate nature into their infrastructure, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also built to endure. As the climate continues to bring unpredictable challenges, Hanlon Park stands as a reassuring example of how thoughtful planning can lead to lasting resilience.
Queensland has announced an additional $100 million in funding for the Surgery Connect Surge program, which aims to fast-track elective surgical procedures for patients waiting in the public system, with 10,000 extra surgeries to be delivered through private hospitals by the end of June.
Ramsay Health Care, which operates 20 private hospitals across Queensland, including Greenslopes Private Hospital, welcomed the state’s commitment to reducing surgical wait times.
Ramsay Health Care Australia CEO Carmel Monaghan praised the government’s proactive stance, highlighting the importance of timely access to diagnoses and treatments.
“Providing patients with timely access to diagnoses and treatments is a great outcome, and I want to congratulate the Minister and Government on their proactive and collaborative approach to tackling an issue that impacts all Queenslanders,” Ms Monaghan said.
The Surgery Connect program will cover a range of procedures, including ophthalmology, gynaecology, endoscopy, ear, nose and throat surgeries, urology, orthopaedics, and general surgery. This program will speed up the delivery of surgeries such as cataract procedures, tonsil and adenoid removal, and knee replacements.
Ms Monaghan expressed appreciation for the government’s collaboration on the initiative and said Ramsay Health Care looks forward to continuing efforts to ensure Queenslanders receive prompt medical care.
Photo credit: Kirsty/Google Maps
Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls, who visited Greenslopes Private Hospital to announce the news, said they will be working with more than 60 private partners to help deliver the boost to Surgery Connect across ENT, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology and Plastics.
He added that Queensland is working to stabilise the elective surgery waitlist, and this boost to Surgery Connect is just the beginning. The additional funding is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of elective surgeries and ease pressure on the public hospital system, benefiting thousands of patients across the state.
