Dear neighbours, 

As spring approaches, it’s been an incredible month of community events across The Gabba Ward!

A few weeks ago, the Kurilpa Derby West End came to life with a day full of entertainment, floats, bike races, stalls, arts and craft, and loads of community spirit. Huge thanks to everyone who came along, dressed up, and to the volunteers and the West End Community Association. Without you, the event simply wouldn’t happen.

In August, we also celebrated the West End State School 150 Fiesta, a mammoth undertaking by the WESS P&C. The day was packed with rides, food trucks, entertainment, workshops, and stalls. None of this would have been possible without the tireless effort of volunteers, parents, and the incredible leadership of the WESS P&C, who make these feel seamless and welcoming.

Dutton Park hosted the 16th Serbian Festival, celebrating the rich history of Brisbane's Serbian community through St Nicholas Church, Woolloongabba.  Events like this celebrate culture, language, food, music, and traditions, bringing people together and strengthening our diverse communities.

Just this past weekend, Pride at Musgrave Park, South Brisbane, was a vibrant and joyful celebration recognising and uplifting LGBTIQ+ communities. Pride is about love, acceptance, inclusion, and visibility, and reminds us how important it is to maintain public spaces where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and celebrated.

Across The Gabba Ward, community events, big and small,  build connections, celebrate diversity, foster creativity, strengthen neighbourhood ties, and support local businesses and volunteers. I feel so lucky to be part of a community that values joy, connection, and creativity. Seeing neighbours smile, children laughing, and people from all walks of life coming together reminds me every day why I love this Ward and city so much. It’s a privilege to witness, celebrate, and support this incredible energy.

With gratitude, joy and a little bit of sparkle, 

Trina 

Read on to learn more about: 

• Together shaping Safer and Fairer Streets - Annerley Road and Park Road School Crossing
• Final Week to Make West End’s Replacement Dog Park a Reality
• Protecting Our Community Assets from Privatisation
• Celebrating 30 Years of Dauphin Terrace Bushcare Group 
• Bus Stop Removals at Gray Road and Montague Road 
• Plant It Forward: Turning Local Plants into Native Forests 
• Community Notices
• Community Grants
• Tree Removals 
• Upcoming Events

Together shaping Safer and Fairer Streets - Annerley Road and Park Road School Crossing

Making our streets safer and fairer benefits everyone—whether you’re walking the kids to school, riding to work, catching the bus, or just crossing the road in your neighbourhood. Right now, there are two key opportunities for Gabba Ward residents to have their say on local streets, and I encourage everyone to get involved.

Annerley Road Active Travel Consultation

Brisbane City Council is seeking feedback on making Annerley Road (Peter Doherty Street to Ipswich Road) safer and more welcoming for people walking, riding, and using public transport. Proposed ideas include:

• Separated bike lanes away from car traffic
• Safer crossings near Dutton Park Station and a new crossing at Denham Street
• Lower speed limits (40–50 km/h)
• Other improvements suggested by locals
  

This is your chance to shape Annerley Road so it works for the people who use it every day. Active Travel For Annerley have a helpful flyer with more info here. 

The survey link here closes Sunday, 28 September 2025.

Dutton Park State School Crossing Survey

The Park Road crossing outside Dutton Park State School is dangerous. With poor visibility, fast traffic, and no School Crossing Supervisor for the last two months ago, students and families are at risk. The P&C is calling for traffic lights, and your voice will strengthen that call.

The survey link here closes Friday, 12 October 2025.

Why This Matters

Local consultations like these help support organisations like the Dutton Park P&C. Active travel makes our streets safer, our communities healthier and greener, and protects our kids, and everyone who uses them.

Take a few minutes to complete these surveys and help shape streets that put safety and accessibility first. Together, our local voices can make a real difference.

Final Week to Make West End's Replacement Dog Park a Reality

Since the Riverside Dog Park closed in February 2022, I’ve been working to deliver a replacement that works for everyone. Its loss has put pressure on Davies Park and Riverside Drive, creating challenges for sporting clubs, market-goers, kids, dog owners and residents.

After securing a site near Beesley Street and pathways for funding, I held three on-the-ground consultations in June and July. The outcome of these consultations led to a community poll so residents can have the final say on whether this project should go ahead. Hundreds have already voted. Thank You!

This is the last week to vote. Poll closes Friday, 3 October. Your voice matters,dog owners and non-dog owners alike.

Why this matters

• West End’s population has grown over 80% in the past decade, with many living in apartments without private yards.
• Riverside Dog Park cannot reopen due to contamination and State Government ownership.
• The proposed site is larger, safe, accessible, and no trees will be removed.
• It’s the only viable site in 4101 with Council support.
  
  

This isn’t just about a dog park, it’s about balancing growth, green space, and community wellbeing.

A note on misinformation:
I’m aware of an active anti-dog park campaign at for the proposed park Beesley Street. Claims about hectares of parkland “returning soon” (trust me, I’d be shouting it if it were true), mass tree removal, or other potential sites are incorrect. I’ve pushed for Council approval on five sites, and Beesley is the only one supported.

Because of this misinformation, there’s a real risk this off-leash dog park could be stopped. Please vote and talk to your neighbours to make sure our community has an informed say.

Reminder: the poll has a two-step verification process, so please complete both steps to make sure your vote counts.

Protecting Our Community Assets from Privatisation

The LNP Administration at Brisbane City Council is increasingly turning to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to manage key community assets. While sold as “innovative solutions”, the reality is that private investment is being sought to cover years of under-funding and neglect, a story we’ve seen recently with the iconic Story Bridge.

Privatising places like Brisbane’s pontoons (including West End and Dutton Park), Riverstage, and Chermside Aquatic, puts valuable community spaces at risk. These aren’t just facilities; they’re part of our city’s identity and funded by our rates and rents. When private profit comes first, transparency, accountability, and community benefit often take a back seat.

Instead of handing control to private companies, we should be asking how these spaces can be improved and better used for the people who live here.

These partnerships are a band-aid for a financially stretched LNP administration, but the real question is whether our public spaces should ever be treated as profit-making assets or remain community spaces for everyone.

I want to hear your thoughts. Please email my office and share your views.

Celebrating 30 Years of Dauphin Terrace Bushcare Group

On Sunday, 21 September 2025, I was honoured to attend the 30th Anniversary morning tea for the Dauphin Terrace Bushcare Group. Originally known as the West End Greening Group, volunteers began regular working bees in this BCC-owned remnant bushland back in September 1995.

Over three decades, this dedicated group has made an enormous impact on protecting and restoring Kurilpa’s natural environment—through revegetation, erosion control, and campaigns to preserve and transform council-owned land.

Current and former volunteers, along with members of local networks, joined the celebration from 11am to midday to mark this milestone and recognise the passion and commitment of everyone involved.

A huge thank you to the Dauphin Terrace Bushcare Group, and to leaders Sarah and Peter, for your tireless work. Your efforts continue to make Kurilpa greener, healthier, and more vibrant.

Bus Stop Removals at Gray Road and Montague Road

Bus stops #1053 and #1054 on route 192 will soon be removed due to low usage, their close proximity to other stops, network efficiency, and the need to meet accessibility standards. The change also aligns with upcoming development works that would have required costly upgrades.

Signage will be placed at the affected stops, and riders are encouraged to use nearby stops at Cordeaux Street and Raven Street, around 150 metres away. Translink guidelines recommend 400-metre spacing, so coverage will remain in line with standards.

I know how important reliable public transport is for our community. I’ll continue advocating for better services and accessibility across Gabba Ward and will share updates on any future changes.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact my office at [email protected]

Plant It Forward: Turning Local Plants into Native Forests

I recently met with Grace, a local uni student who is passionate about protecting the environment. She has founded Plant It Forward, a project that involves selling plants to raise $10,000 for Greenfleet. This organisation restores forests to provide habitat for native animals across Australia and New Zealand. Plant It Forward donates every dollar that people spend on their plants, and every $10 donated funds a tree being planted in a native forest.

Every part of these plants is locally sourced, as the clippings and pots are generously donated by the community. This means that all the pots are quirky, up-cycled and one-of-a-kind.

You can support Plant It Forward by:

• Buying plants
• Donating materials like soil, clippings and pots
• Following the project on Instagram (@plantitforward_)
• Telling people about this project

Every bit counts and reaching this goal is a community effort!

Community Notices

• Justice for Palestine – Light the Story Bridge
  Show your solidarity with Palestine and opposition to the ongoing genocide in Gaza by urging Brisbane City Council to light the Story Bridge in the colours of the Palestinian flag. The Story Bridge has been illuminated in the past to show support for nations during times of crisis, and the Palestinian community has requested the same acknowledgement of their suffering. Lighting the bridge is a small but powerful gesture to recognise humanity and stand against injustice. Have your say by contacting the Lord Mayor here: Show Brisbane Solidarity with Palestine
• Dutton Park State School – School Crossing Supervisor
  Dutton Park State School is looking for a new School Crossing Supervisor to help children get safely to and from school on weekday mornings and afternoons. This is a casual position with training provided, and applicants must be at least 18 years of age. If you’re interested, please email your full name and contact details to [email protected] for more information and to begin the application process.
• Baby Give Back – Clothing Donations Needed
  Baby Give Back is critically low on preloved clothing in sizes 0000, 000, 3, 4, and 5 (Boys and Girls). Since January, they have issued over 6,000 clothing boxes, more than the total given out in 2024. Donations of clothes can be dropped at the Gabba Ward Office to help families in need.
• Expressions of Interest – People’s Park Kiosk Mural
  Expressions of Interest are open for artists to paint a mural on the People’s Park Kiosk. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring creativity and colour to one of our community spaces.
• Share the Dignity – Council Cares Initiative
  The Gabba Ward Office has partnered with Share the Dignity as part of their new Council Cares initiative. The program aims to increase awareness and understanding of menstruation and help break down barriers. Check out the resources and tools available on the menstruation education hub today: Share the Dignity Education Hub
• Homeless Connect Donation Drive The Gabba Ward Office is a drop-off point for Council’s Homeless Connect event. Donate non-perishable food or personal toiletries between 22 Sept – 31 Oct to support Brisbane’s most vulnerable residents.

Community Grants 

Council’s Creative and Environmental Grants are open throughout October. These grants are a great opportunity for our local residents and community organisations to secure funding for important projects. I encourage you to check your eligibility and the guidelines below:

• The Creative Sparks Grants Program provides funding of up to $15,000 to help artists and not-for-profit community arts, historical and cultural organisations to create and present their work. Projects must be shared with the public online or at a location within the Brisbane local government area.
• The Environment Grants Program provides funding to not-for-profit community groups and organisations. They support initiatives that address local or citywide environmental issues, and maintain community gardens on Council land. The program has 2 grant categories.

Please contact my office at [email protected] if you would like a referee or letter of support for your application.

Tree Removals

• A Bumpy Ash (Flindersia schottiana) at Horan Street, West End will be removed by the end of October. The tree is leaning into the school pickup zone and lifting the pathway, creating a safety risk. A replacement tree of a suitable species will be planted in the same location, timing depending on conditions and availability.