I know my neighbour and the cafe owner in my suburb. It’s all so disgustingly wholesome

May 11, 2026 — 6:00am

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The other day, I rushed out the door at 6.15am to catch the bus. I waved goodbye to my daughter and husband, and then smiled and even said “good morning” to the man who was picking up after his dog next to my driveway.

Five years ago, a man whose dog had fouled my footpath would have gotten a cold shoulder at best, let alone a smile. But Tarragindi, with its tree-lined streets and pockets of bushland, has turned me into that person.

For much of my adult life, I lived in apartments – either here in Brisbane or in New Zealand – and I never knew, or laid eyes on, my neighbours. I liked it that way. But living in this southside hub has changed me.

I know, and really like, my neighbour. I say good morning to fellow walkers. I engage with other parents at the playground. And I make small talk with cafe workers. My internal monologue regularly asks of myself, “Who are you?!”

Tucked between Annerley and Moorooka, Tarragindi is a gem of a place. I often joke that everyone either has a dog or a pram – or both. In just a 15-minute walk, you can go through bush to a dog park, into a cafe........

© Brisbane Times