Mandalay Progress Association was born out of the 1974 floods when Brisbane River broke its banks, surrounding the estate. Mandalay residents were cut off from Brisbane and all services, an island within the devastating floodwaters. This spawned a remarkable ethos, with neighbours rallying, creating an effective self-help network, supporting each other through
the disaster.

The incredible community efforts during these trying times forged a special bond and can-do spirit among residents. The idea of Mandalay Progress Association was overwhelmingly supported within a neighbourhood wanting to sustain the community’s self-concept and optimism. A committee was elected and has collectively worked as representatives for the local community ever since.

Fig Tree Pocket, a residential suburb on Brisbane River, is nine kilometres south-west of Brisbane CBD. Bounded on three sides by the river, creating a pocket, the name also reflecting the giant fig tree around which a reserve was created in 1866. Fig Tree Pocket State School opened in 1871 and a post office was established in 1878. Glenleighden School opened in 1979 and Brisbane Montessori School
in 1982.

The distance to Fig Tree Pocket by river is two and a half times the straight-line distance from the city, and by road via the Centenary Highway, it is about 14 kilometres. The district was rural until post-WWII years, and was best known for Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927. Fig Tree Pocket has a population of over 4,000 residents.