A 25 per cent stake in Westfield Chermside has been acquired by Dexus for $683 million, marking a major property investment in one of Brisbane’s key retail centres.
On 23 July 2025, Dexus confirmed the acquisition of a quarter interest in Westfield Chermside through its Dexus Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund. The purchase was made from Scentre Group, valuing the entire property at over $2.7 billion. Westfield Chermside, located 20 minutes north of Brisbane’s CBD, originally opened in 1957 as the Chermside Drive-In Shopping Centre. It was Australia’s first retail development of its kind and has since evolved into the country’s largest single-level shopping centre.
The $683 million acquisition was an off-market transaction reflecting Scentre Group’s book value as of 30 June 2025, with a capitalisation rate of 5 per cent. Westfield Chermside generated $1.35 billion in retail sales and recorded 17.6 million customer visits in the past calendar year. The centre includes major anchor tenants such as Myer, David Jones, Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Target, Apple, and an Event Cinemas complex, supported by approximately 476 specialty stores and a leisure and dining precinct.
Capital Strategy and Investment Direction
Scentre Group retains a 75 per cent interest in the asset and will continue to manage property, leasing, and development operations under the new ownership structure. The company has adopted joint ventures as a strategic method to secure capital for redevelopment plans, including housing projects around existing retail assets. Instead of diluting equity through public raisings during market downturns, it has relied on divestments and funding partnerships. Proceeds from the Chermside transaction will support these long-term objectives.
Dexus, having recently exited a separate stake in Sydney’s Macquarie Centre, directed funds from that sale into this Brisbane deal. The company also increased its commitment to the Dexus Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund by $170 million, bringing its total investment in the fund to $300 million. The Chermside acquisition is positioned as a strategic win for the fund, following earlier legal and operational setbacks.
Ongoing Collaboration Between Companies
This transaction continues a history of collaboration between Dexus and Scentre Group. Previous joint ventures include residential approvals in Perth and the exchange of retail assets in Adelaide, such as Westfield Tea Tree Plaza and Westfield West Lakes.
The Westfield Chermside joint venture strengthens Dexus’s retail portfolio and advances Scentre Group’s capital management plans without altering control of day-to-day operations. Both parties intend to pursue further strategic collaborations while maintaining their respective roles in asset performance and redevelopment.
A 41-year-old man from Tingalpa is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a Geebung business and stealing copper wiring in the early hours of 22 July.
Police were called to a Bilsen Road business around 4.15am following reports of an intruder allegedly cutting copper wiring from the premises. Officers responding to the incident later intercepted a silver Subaru Forrester travelling on the same street.
During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly discovered multiple spools of copper wiring in various lengths and sizes, along with bolt cutters, drug paraphernalia, and personal documents belonging to someone else. The investigation revealed that the registration plates on the intercepted vehicle had allegedly been stolen from a nearby vehicle dealership, and the driver was unlicensed.
The incident reflects a broader trend across Queensland, where copper theft has become a growing community concern, impacting energy, communication and transport networks, as well as local schools, sporting clubs and other properties. Police in Townsville have reported that more than 1,000 kilograms of copper has been stolen from local businesses since the start of 2025, highlighting the scale of the issue facing communities across the state.
The accused has been charged with seven offences: entering premises and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, possessing equipment intended for use in break and enter activities, possessing drug utensils, driving without a licence, stealing, and using a vehicle with false number plates attached.
He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 28 August.
The case underscores the serious nature of copper theft, which causes unnecessary costs and disruption to utility providers, businesses, residents, and community organisations. Local authorities have been working to address the issue, with detectives running Operation Victor Surface targeting copper theft across North Brisbane and the Moreton Bay area.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information about this incident can contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or phone 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Police conducted metal detector searches at Chermside’s shopping precinct and bus interchange as part of a statewide crackdown targeting concealed weapons.
Jack’s Law, named after a fatal stabbing in 2019, was introduced to allow police to use handheld metal detectors in designated areas. Initially limited to Safe Night Precincts and selected public spaces, the law was trialled across Queensland beginning in May 2021 and expanded over time.
In June 2024, Queensland passed the Making Jack’s Law Permanent Act 2025, amending the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000. From 18 July 2025, police gained the permanent authority to scan anyone in any public area without prior authorisation, widening the reach of these operations beyond previous limits.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: QPS
Chermside Scanning Activity and Results
Between January and March 2025, Queensland Police conducted scanning operations at various high-traffic locations across the state. At Chermside Shopping Centre and its nearby bus interchange, police scanned 86 individuals.
Four weapons were located at the Chermside Shopping Centre, resulting in five persons being charged and eight total charges laid. The offences included breaches of the Weapons Act, Drugs Misuse Act, and other statutory provisions. The group scanned included 61 adults and 25 juveniles, with the majority being male.
Chermside recorded one of the highest numbers of weapons detections among Brisbane shopping centres, equal to the total found at Grand Central Shopping Centre in Toowoomba during the same period.
Scanning Powers and Implementation
Under the permanent law, officers may now stop and scan members of the public with a handheld detector in any location deemed necessary, including transport hubs, retail areas, and entertainment venues. Searches can also be authorised for up to 12 hours in areas not previously defined as relevant places.
Individuals scanned may be required to produce any object that sets off the detector and to comply with further scanning or confiscation procedures.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: QPS
Concerns Around Effectiveness and Oversight
While police describe the law as a preventative tool, some legal and academic figures have raised concerns. From over 12,400 scans between January and March 2025, fewer than 3 per cent resulted in weapons charges. Critics argue that resources are being spent in areas where low detection rates suggest minimal risk.
Community groups and experts have also pointed to the potential for discriminatory practices in how scans are conducted, especially in areas with higher youth or homeless populations. These concerns remain under observation as the law continues to be enforced.
Looking Ahead in Chermside
The application of Jack’s Law in Chermside is part of ongoing enforcement at high-traffic locations across Queensland. With the law now permanent, similar scanning operations are expected to continue, particularly in areas where previous offences have occurred.
Chermside remains a focus point due to its high foot traffic and transport interchange activity, with law enforcement maintaining a visible presence in the area.
A small Ford dealership in Chermside became the starting point of one of Queensland’s most remarkable business journeys, led by a woman who defied expectations and transformed both her industry and her community.
Betty Byrne Henderson AM, who passed away at 93 earlier this year, was posthumously honoured in the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame on 24 July. She was recognised for breaking ground in the male-dominated automotive industry and for her lasting contributions to community health.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
Her journey began in the 1970s in Chermside, where her husband had established Byrne Ford. After his sudden death in 1977, she took over the business, despite the rarity of women in such roles at the time. Under her leadership, the dealership grew from 35 to over 140 staff, driven by her values of teamwork, respect, and accountability.
From Office Girl to Industry Leader
Ms Byrne Henderson’s flair for business emerged young, at just 15, she left school and landed a job as an office girl, where she once stepped in and sold an AGA cooker while the salesmen were out, impressing her boss.
Photo Credit: Supplied
That unexpected sale ignited a lasting passion for enterprise. Years later, when she took charge of Byrne Ford, she brought fresh ideas rather than simply keeping the business afloat. She introduced performance incentives and championed a workplace culture built on trust and positivity. Her children say she had a sharp eye for talent and a natural ability to lead with fairness and respect.
Staying Strong Through Tough Times
Through challenges like the 1974 Brisbane floods, when cars floated down the streets and stock was written off, Ms Byrne Henderson showed resilience. Her staff rallied to help, and so did she. Her family recalls this as one of the few moments when the pressure overwhelmed her, but it didn’t stop her.
Offers to buy the dealership came and went, but she stood firm, committed to continuing what her family had built in Chermside. She became a respected figure not just in business circles but across the wider community.
A Life of Giving Back
Photo Credit: Supplied
Outside of business, Ms Byrne Henderson poured her energy into helping others. She was especially passionate about women’s health and was instrumental in bringing mobile breast screening units, travelling mammograms, to remote and Indigenous communities throughout Queensland.
Her work earned her multiple honours, including being named a Queensland Great and receiving the title of Queenslander of the Year. But for her children and many who worked with her, her greatest strength was her quiet persistence, generosity, and dedication to people.
A treasured fixture of the Sunshine Coast’s music scene is preparing to mark a significant achievement, with The Jazz Sessions set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style at Buderim War Memorial Hall next month.
The monthly jazz series, which has become synonymous with quality live music on the Coast, will host a Festival of Jazz on Saturday, 23 August, bringing together emerging talent and seasoned performers for what organisers promise will be an exceptional evening of musical diversity.
The Jazz Sessions began its journey in 2015 and has since established itself as a platform for showcasing local, national and international jazz artists across the region. Organiser Robyn Brown, who is also a jazz singer herself, has been instrumental in curating the high-quality performances that keep audiences returning.
The anniversary celebration will feature three distinct acts, each representing different facets of the jazz genre. Opening the evening will be the Glasshouse Country Christian College Jazz Band, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of jazz through the energy and enthusiasm of young musicians working within a big band format.
The programme will also showcase Camaron de la Vega Duo, whose performance promises to take listeners on what organisers describe as a unique musical journey. The guitarist’s approach blends flamenco with Afro-Cuban, Latin, jazz and world music influences, creating what’s expected to be a deeply expressive and rhythmically diverse set.
Completing the line-up will be the Wil Sargisson Trio, featuring a New Zealand-born pianist whose credentials include performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at age 17. Sargisson’s expertise spans Boogie Woogie, Harlem Stride, and New Orleans R&B, with previous collaborations including internationally recognised acts such as The Coasters, The Platters, and Australian group Galapagos Duck.
Since its humble beginnings at the intimate Bison Bar, The Jazz Sessions has weathered various venue changes whilst maintaining its commitment to presenting monthly performances alongside boutique festivals and larger events including the Gypsy Jazz Fest and Sunshine Coast Jazz & Brews Fest.
The series has built its reputation on consistently delivering what Brown describes as world-class jazz, attracting both established musicians and nurturing emerging talent within a supportive community environment.
The anniversary festival represents more than just a musical celebration, according to organisers, serving as recognition of the vibrant community that has developed around live jazz on the Coast over the past decade.
Doors for the anniversary celebration will open at 6:00 PM on Saturday, 23 August, with performances commencing at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available through The Jazz Sessions’ website at thejazzsessions.com.au.
The Buderim War Memorial Hall venue continues the series’ tradition of bringing quality jazz to intimate, accessible settings where audiences can appreciate the nuances of the genre in a community-focused environment.
For music lovers seeking an evening of variety and musical excellence, the 10th anniversary Festival of Jazz offers an opportunity to experience the culmination of a decade’s worth of dedication to preserving and promoting jazz on the Sunshine Coast.
A Queensland man is now recovering well in a Chermside hospital, with full movement in his arms and legs, after undergoing one of Australia’s most complex vascular operations where surgeons used a custom 3D-printed replica of his own artery to replace a life-threateningly swollen vessel.
Nearly three weeks after the intensive procedure, the patient has been moved out of intensive care and has begun rehabilitation. Medical staff at The Prince Charles Hospital report that he has avoided any major complications, and his strong family support has been a positive factor during his recovery. While his progress is excellent, a second follow-up surgery is planned for later this year to replace the lower portion of his aorta, addressing all residual risk from his condition.
A Ticking Time Bomb
Before the surgery, the man, who is in his late fifties, was in a perilous state. His aorta, the body’s main artery, had swelled to approximately eight centimetres—about four times its normal size.
Vascular surgeon Dr Samantha Peden explained that the artery wall was stretched so thin that a fatal rupture was imminent. The situation was described as a “ticking time bomb.” This dangerous dilation continued despite a previous surgery in 2017, leading doctors to suspect an underlying connective tissue disorder.
A Blueprint for a Breakthrough
Photo Credit: Queensland Health/3Dprint. com
To prepare for the high-stakes procedure, the surgical team collaborated with engineers at the nearby Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI). The HBI team used the patient’s CT scans to create a life-sized, anatomically precise model of the damaged aorta.
The printing process took four days and used multiple materials to create a replica that mimicked the tactile feel of real tissue. This innovative model gave surgeons a hands-on understanding of the patient’s unique anatomy, allowing for meticulous planning that would not have been possible with standard 2D scans alone.
The nine-hour surgery was a coordinated effort between vascular and cardiac specialists. To operate safely, they employed a technique called induced circulatory arrest, cooling the patient’s body and stopping his heart for a critical 20-minute window. Dr Peden noted that this method, while necessary, carried significant risks, including stroke or organ failure.
During this time, the surgical team removed the diseased section of the aorta and replaced it with a synthetic graft made of a flexible, waterproof fabric. This type of full aortic replacement is exceptionally complex and is performed only about six times a year at the hospital.
Six people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been charged following a violent armed robbery at a Chermside jewellery store that left the owner requiring emergency brain surgery.
The shocking incident unfolded at a business on Gympie Road on 10 June, when masked offenders armed with hammers and metal bars burst into the store shortly after 5pm. The attack was witnessed by customers, including a child, who watched in horror as the group smashed glass display cabinets and made off with a substantial quantity of expensive jewellery.
The store owner suffered serious head injuries after allegedly being struck with a hammer during the robbery. He required emergency surgery to remove a haematoma on his brain and was treated at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Honda believed to have been stolen from an Alfred Circuit address at Calamvale on Sunday, June 8 Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News
Queensland Police launched an intensive investigation following the brazen daylight attack. Last week, detectives executed search warrants at multiple homes and vehicles across Brisbane and Logan, uncovering items allegedly linked to the robbery.
The arrests culminated on Tuesday when a 25-year-old Carseldine man and 22-year-old Goodna man were intercepted during a vehicle stop. Officers also located three additional suspects: a 25-year-old man from Goodna, a 29-year-old man from Inala, and a 20-year-old man from Loganlea.
All five adult men have been charged with a series of serious offences, including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, entering premises with intent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and endangering a child by exposure. The 16-year-old boy faces similar charges along with additional drug and property offences.
The accused appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, with police strongly opposing bail applications for the group. The matter will return to court next month.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers emphasised the priority placed on apprehending the offenders, stating that detectives had been working around the clock to ensure community safety following the violent attack.
The investigation remains active, with police still seeking a 21-year-old Mount Gravatt man who they believe may have been involved in the incident. The suspect is known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas.
Detectives are appealing for information into the whereabouts of a 21-year-old man from Mount Gravatt, known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas. Photo Credit: myPolice Bayside
Detectives are also examining potential links between the Chermside robbery and an armed robbery at a Lutwyche jewellery store that occurred in May, as they work to determine whether the incidents are connected.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime targeting small businesses in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with the jewellery store owner continuing his recovery from the serious injuries sustained during the attack.
A development application lodged in July proposes a multi-storey residential building on Davenport Street, Chermside. The plans feature a modern design with private balconies, secure parking and landscaped areas.
The building will include several levels of apartments, each with contemporary layouts and private outdoor spaces. One-bedroom and two-bedroom units are planned, catering to individuals, couples and small families.
Ground-floor amenities and communal landscaping are also proposed. Located near major shops, medical centres and public transport, the development aims to support Chermside’s shift toward medium-density living.
Chermside’s Changing Landscape
Chermside is quickly transforming, with more apartment buildings replacing older homes to keep up with demand and limit urban sprawl. Just under 10 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, the suburb is becoming a hotspot for higher-density living.
Recent projects on streets like Wallace and Playfield are helping reshape the area into a busier, more walkable neighbourhood. As more residents move in, local cafés, health services and shops are stepping up to meet the growing needs of the community.
What’s Next for the Development
The proposal is now under assessment by Brisbane City Council. If approved, construction would likely begin after demolition of existing dwellings on the site. Timelines will depend on further design checks, public submissions and final approval stages.
Residents in the area can typically view submitted plans via the council’s planning portal and provide feedback. Developers often use this phase to make adjustments to height, setbacks, traffic flow and landscaping based on community and council input.
Balancing Growth With Liveability
As Chermside grows, new developments are being designed to balance convenience with liveability. The Davenport Street proposal must meet council standards for noise, access, open space and visual impact. It’s not just about adding more housing, it’s about fitting in with the character and needs of the local community.
If given the green light, the building will add to the wave of medium-density projects reshaping the suburb. Planners are aiming for smarter growth that works for both new and existing residents.
Lance Corporal George Probert Millard was one of many young men from across Queensland – Warwick, Maryborough, Brisbane, Cairns, Allora and Hughenden – who served with the 31st Battalion. He died, along with many others, during a single night of fighting on 19 July 1916 in Fromelle, France. Their names are known, but their final resting places are not. Now, only DNA can give George and his fellow soldiers back their names.
A Mass Grave and a World-first DNA Program
In 2008, a mass grave was uncovered behind German lines at Pheasant Wood, near the village of Fromelles. It contained the remains of 250 Australian soldiers. Since then, 180 have been formally identified and buried with named headstones – thanks to a world-leading program of DNA analysis and forensic research.
But 70 soldiers remain unknown. And the remains of George Probert Millard could be one of them.
A Local Hero Lost in the Chaos of War
George Probert Millard, a soldier in the 31st Battalion, was killed in action on 19 July 1916 during the Battle of Fromelles. This tragic battle, known for its heavy losses, saw Australian troops pushed into a brutal night of fighting near German lines. George, like many others, was buried in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood, a site where hundreds of Australian soldiers were later unearthed in 2008.
George’s father, a railway stationmaster, had worked in Zillmere after emigrating from the UK, making George’s story not just a distant tale of sacrifice but a piece of local history that needs to be remembered. Though George’s name is known, the exact location of his final resting place remains a mystery.
The Millard family received news after the battle that George was missing, but additional information came in piecemeal. A letter from W. Weston (likely William Weston, 11th Field Artillery Brigade, also from Zillmere) informed George’s father that his son had been wounded in the arm at Fromelles. However, Weston could not trace George in any English hospitals.
In September 1916, George’s father, Thomas, wrote to the Army requesting further details. By January 1917, Private Charles Jenkinson reported that George was thought to be a Prisoner of War. But a month later, Lieutenant Ivon Gair refuted this, noting there had been no German communication regarding George’s capture.
Despite these efforts, George was officially reported as ‘Killed in Action, 20 July 1916’ in a Court of Enquiry on 1 August 1917. There was also a note on his file stating that he had been ‘Buried in vicinity of Fleurbaix, Sh.36 N.W.’, but this was a very broad reference used for several soldiers, providing little clarity on his final resting place.
Now, his name is known, but his body remains one of the 70 still unidentified in the mass grave at Fromelles.
The Fromelles Association, a volunteer group working alongside the Australian Army, has helped identify many of those now named. They are now urgently searching for living relatives who may be able to donate DNA and help identify the “Final 70.”
Tony Ryan, a volunteer with the Fromelles Association of Australia, explains why this mission is so urgent.
“These men were sons, brothers, farmers, clerks; everyday Australians who gave their lives in France,” he said. “We know who they are. What we don’t know is exactly where they are. That’s where families can help.”
“Living memory is gone. Now we rely on family stories, photos, service records, and DNA,” he added.
The Association’s DNA testing program has already played a pivotal role in identifying soldiers who were previously unknown. But for the 70 still missing, every family story, photograph, or lead could be the one that cracks the case. “Every DNA match starts with a lead. One person, one photo, one family story—that’s all it takes,” Mr Ryan says.
The Association’s website enables the public to explore soldier stories, contribute memorabilia, and register as potential DNA donors. “They died for their country. The least we can do is name their graves,” Mr Ryan says. “No other group continues this level of forensic family research. We are their last chance.”
With the clock ticking, the Fromelles Association continues to work tirelessly alongside the Australian Army, hoping to give each of the final 70 soldiers a name and a proper resting place.
The urgency is real, as the window for identifying these men is closing, and with it, the chance to bring them home with the respect they deserve.
The search for George Probert Millard’s family is a critical part of the final phase of this project. The Fromelles Association is appealing to anyone who might have connections to George’s family. Whether you live in Queensland or Wales, or have information on the Millard family tree, the Association needs your help.
If you are a descendant of George Probert Millard or have any information that could help, please reach out to the Fromelles Association. Your contribution could be the one that finally uncovers his final resting place and brings closure to a century-old mystery.
Here are the other missing heroes from the 31st Battalion who remain unaccounted for and could be one of the unidentified bodies needing DNA for identification:
Lieutenant Ernest William Spreadborough – 42, grazier from Warwick. The oldest officer of the 31st Battalion at Fromelles. Killed while leading his men during the assault.
Private Thomas Henry Tedford – 20, from Maryborough. Enlisted with his brother Billie. Killed in action on 19 July 1916; his body was never found.
Private John Charles Radford – 24, warehouseman from Brisbane. Wrote home just before the battle, describing being “in a warm corner and expecting a big attack.”
Private Stanley Byfield King (alias King Smith) – 20, from Stanley, Queensland. He enlisted under the name “King Smith” while playing in the famous Toowoomba Brass Band. Along with the bandmaster and other members, he joined the 31st Battalion to form its brass band. His body was never recovered.
Private Hector McDonald McLeod – 33, fencer from Apsley, Queensland. Killed on 19 July 1916 during the 31st Battalion’s attack. (Profile link currently unavailable)
The Fromelles Association is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to identifying Australian soldiers who died in the Battle of Fromelles and were buried in mass graves. Through DNA testing, archival research, and forensic work, the Association helps to give these men back their names, providing families with closure and ensuring their sacrifices are honoured.
For more information or to register as a potential DNA donor, visit www.fromelles.info.
Chermside residents can now access free health checks at Priceline Pharmacy inside Westfield Shopping Centre as part of a national effort to improve early detection of type 2 diabetes and associated conditions.
Background and National Context
The initiative is part of National Diabetes Week 2025, which runs from 13 to 19 July. This campaign highlights the need for early identification and intervention for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as better management for those already diagnosed.
Australia currently records over 1.3 million people living with type 2 diabetes, with an additional 500,000 believed to be undiagnosed. An estimated 2 million more are at high risk of developing the condition.
Priceline Chermside is one of more than 300 participating pharmacies nationally offering five-minute, self-service health checks using in-store digital health stations. These checks provide instant results related to cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The service is designed to offer residents a simple and accessible way to monitor their health without the need for appointments or referrals.
Economic and Health Impact
Recent modelling by Diabetes Australia indicates that all types of diabetes are now costing the Australian health system approximately $9.1 billion annually. The organisation has warned that if preventive action is not taken, up to 3.2 million Australians could be living with type 2 diabetes by 2050.
Health experts stress that lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the risk. Up to 58 per cent of cases are considered preventable or able to be delayed through early intervention.
Photo Credit: Diabetes Australia/Facebook
Tools and Support for Management
In addition to health checks, people managing type 2 diabetes are being encouraged to take advantage of support services such as the six-month GroAus trial, which offers tools for diet, physical activity, sleep, and self-care.
Digital health technology like continuous glucose monitors is also highlighted as a useful tool, although access remains limited for many due to affordability.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
The campaign has focused on increasing awareness and removing barriers to early diagnosis. Pharmacists and health workers in Chermside are now part of the broader effort to address rising case numbers and reduce strain on the healthcare system through proactive care.
Free health checks at Priceline Chermside provide a practical step in responding to Australia’s growing type 2 diabetes epidemic. The program supports early detection and prevention, aligning with broader efforts to reduce the long-term burden of diabetes-related complications on individuals and the health system.
