Series
Life in the ’burbs
We asked Brisbane locals to write about their suburb – whether the clichés are true, how it has changed, and how their lives have been shaped by the place where they live.
- Opinion
- Brisbane
Residents are appalled by the plans for our suburb. We may be sentimental, but we’re not stupid
Ours is a shabby-chic pocket of character homes and character people – loomed over by a future stadium.
- Natalie Bochenski
- Opinion
- For subscribers
My suburb has two train stations, but people are still surprised anyone lives here
Known for one key asset, this “million-dollar suburb” also embraces dogs and birds. Shame about the horses.
- Luke Tayler
- Opinion
No one has heard of my Brisbane suburb, but it was good enough for Elvis
After heavy rain, the cicadas and frogs make such a din, it’s hard to hear the TV. But it’s the perfect home for horses, hoons, and recluses.
- Gillian Wills
My suburb was famous for car yards. Now we have coffee, culture and big plans for the future
Known for its Magic Mile of car dealerships, this suburb now offers a lot more than a good trade-in deal.
- Evan Dean
- Opinion
My suburb has a reputation for sleaze. But now Sydney and Melbourne want to emulate it
I’ve seen things here I wouldn’t tell my mother about – but this place has an incredible history – and an exciting future.
- Matt Shea
- Opinion
I moved to my Brisbane suburb to get closer to the mountains – and further from the rats
Here, you’re only ever a horse, motorcycle, train or even tram ride away from somewhere lovely.
- Michele-Rose Boylan
- Opinion
My suburb is gentrifying quickly, but the shopping centre is still a horror show
My suburb has a strong community spirit. But while its ritziness rises, its shopping plaza remains a 1970s time capsule.
- Nick Dent
- Opinion
Kids used to ride horses to school in my Brisbane suburb. As a matter of fact, they still do
When I lived here as a kid it seemed to me like a country town. That hasn’t really changed.
- Nick Kilvert
- Opinion
My suburb is a sleepy village, but it’s secretly one of the best places to eat in Brisbane
It flies under the Instagram radar – and that’s just how the locals like it.
- Tamara Playne
- Opinion
My suburb has become a construction zone. What happened to my hilly, bohemian retreat?
The neighbourhood has gone from shabby chic to a developer’s dream.
- Olivia Stewart
- Opinion
In my suburb you hear sirens and choppers all night long. But I know my neighbours by name
I live in a locale that’s diverse, dynamic and unapologetically rough around the edges.
- Tammy Law
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