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Chermside Welcomes 92-Unit Housing Complex for Essential Workers and At-Risk Residents

A new 92-unit social and affordable housing complex known as The Curwen has been completed in Chermside, providing much-needed homes for vulnerable Queenslanders and essential workers struggling to find affordable rentals in the area.

Read: Adina Chermside Brisbane Hotel Set to Open in 2026

The 92 units, designed by KO&CO Architecture, have been purpose-built with accessibility and long-term liveability in mind. Features include wider hallways, step-free access, safer bathrooms and flexible layouts that support older Queenslanders, people with mobility needs and those wanting to age in place.

Photo credit: KO&CO Architecture (Kate Mathieson Photography)/koandcompany.com.au

The development adds to housing supply in Chermside, offering safe and secure accommodation for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as well as essential workers needing affordable rentals.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the Chermside homes are designed to meet genuine community needs.

“Our record investment of $5.6 billion will help more Queenslanders have a place to call home,” Minister O’Connor said in a statement.

“Our new partnerships with community housing providers like BHC are helping us deliver homes faster, with more support wrapped around residents so they can build a stable future.”

The housing complex also includes communal spaces where residents can connect, along with on-site tenancy support services designed to help people maintain stable housing and build independence over time.

Photo credit: Facebook/BHC Creating Liveable Communities

Community housing provider BHC delivered the project in partnership with consortium partner QIC Limited, with financing from Housing Australia and Australian Retirement Trust.

BHC Acting CEO Jamie Muchall said the development provides security and stability for vulnerable Queenslanders.

“Developments like this provide people with the security and the stability they need to rebuild their lives.”

The completion of The Curwen comes as Queensland faces ongoing pressure on its housing system, with social housing having previously increased at less than a third of the state’s population growth over the past decade.

The $5.6 billion investment in social and community housing includes partnerships between housing providers and the private sector to increase delivery across the state.

The 92 units will house essential workers needing affordable rentals, alongside vulnerable individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The accessible design features are intended to support residents as their circumstances or mobility needs change, with on-site tenancy support services available to help maintain stable housing and build independence.

Read: Two Decades On: The Prince Charles Hospital Triple-Transplant Story That Defied the Odds

The project involved collaboration between community housing provider BHC, QIC Limited, Housing Australia and Australian Retirement Trust. The 92-unit complex is now complete, with BHC managing the tenancy and support services.

Published 27-January-2026

Stop And Go Facility Construction Underway In Chermside West

Photo Credit: Craigslea State School

Construction is underway in Chermside West on a new stop and go drop-off facility at Craigslea State School, designed to improve student safety and reduce traffic congestion along Hamilton Road.

School Access Improvements In Chermside West

Craigslea State School is delivering a dedicated on-site drop-off zone located within the school grounds, shifting vehicle movements away from surrounding roads during peak school hours.

The project is intended to create a safer and more controlled environment for students, parents and carers by relocating drop-offs from Hamilton Road into a defined internal access area.

What The Project Includes

The stop and go facility forms part of a school access upgrade listed under the 2025–26 Budget projects for Brisbane, identifying Craigslea State School for delivery of a dedicated drop-off zone.

Construction work has commenced on the internal traffic area, with site preparation and layout works underway to establish a clear flow for vehicles entering and exiting the school grounds.

Timeline And Delivery

The stop and go facility is expected to be completed by Week 4 of the first school term.

Once operational, the school will begin transitioning families to use the new drop-off arrangement during peak morning and afternoon periods.

Chermside West school safety — *Photo Credit: Craigslea SS P&C Association*/Instagram

Communication And Safety Measures

A new LED sign will be installed on site to replace one damaged earlier in the year, improving communication with families and visitors.

Following completion, the school community plans to roll out a road safety campaign using a grant secured in 2024. The campaign will include videos showing how to use the new stop and go zone and other approved drop-off locations safely and legally.

What Happens Next In Chermside West

After construction is completed, the focus will shift to community guidance and monitoring how the new traffic flow operates during peak school times.

Published 20-Jan-2026

2025–26 Budget Supports Prince Charles Hospital Expansion In Chermside

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The expansion of The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside is moving through its planning and early delivery stages, with new emergency, inpatient and paediatric facilities outlined under the 2025–26 Budget to support healthcare services across Brisbane’s north.

Hospital Role And Catchment In Chermside

The Prince Charles Hospital expansion is identified in the 2025–26 Budget as part of a broader hospital infrastructure program for Brisbane and surrounding regions. The budget listing outlines the project’s scope, including new emergency departments, additional beds and expanded paediatric and operating theatre facilities.

Located in Brisbane’s north, The Prince Charles Hospital is a tertiary-level cardiac hospital that employs around 3,200 staff and provides care to more than 420,000 Queenslanders each year.

Based on 2023 data, the hospital services the largest catchment area in Metro North and operates the second busiest emergency department in Queensland. The catchment also has the largest child population in the region and is projected to grow by 0.97 per cent per year over the next 20 years.

What The Expansion Will Deliver

The expansion includes new and expanded adult and paediatric emergency departments, additional operating theatres and at least 93 new overnight beds, including paediatric beds.

Once delivered, the hospital is expected to become the second largest paediatric service in Queensland, strengthening access to specialised care for children across Brisbane’s north.

The project scope also includes staged construction and better use of the hospital site and nearby facilities to support ongoing clinical operations during delivery.

Chermside hospital expansion — *Photo Credit: Hospital Rescue Plan*

Works Completed And Planning Progress

Two early milestones have already been completed on the hospital campus. Building 50, which houses allied health, nursing and medical administration functions, was completed in January 2025.

A new Gathering Garden was finalised in May 2025, providing additional shared space for patients, visitors and staff.

Clinical priorities and a staging plan are currently being developed, with an updated project timeline to be released once the plan is finalised.

Access And On-Site Facilities

A multi-storey car park was delivered in 2025 as part of site improvements, supporting access for patients, carers, visitors and staff.

Next Steps For Chermside

The next phase will focus on confirming construction sequencing and site integration, ensuring hospital services continue operating while new clinical and support facilities are developed.

Published 20-Jan-2026

Chermside Milestone: $78M in Community-Funded Health Support Reaches 40 Years

Photo Credit: Chani/Google Maps

Chermside patients have been supported by more than $78 million in community-funded hospital research and care over the past four decades — and now a new rehabilitation pathway at The Prince Charles Hospital is set to help people practise everyday movement skills safely before they return home.

A new rehabilitation pathway developed will be officially opened on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at the Chermside campus. The project is supported by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, which is using the launch to mark the start of its 40th anniversary year.

The pathway has been created to help patients working with allied health professionals practise mobility tasks that mirror day-to-day life, such as walking in different environments and building stability and confidence step by step. The aim is to support people recovering from illness or major treatment in regaining independence and functioning beyond the hospital setting.

The pathway helps bridge the gap between clinical therapy and the practical skills people need once they leave the ward. The opening will also include visual elements across the campus marking 40 years of Foundation impact, along with opportunities for interviews.

40 Years of Impact in Chermside and Queensland

The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation was established in 1986 and says it has funded more than 1,000 research grants and invested over $78 million into adult and paediatric healthcare across Queensland. The Foundation’s support has included medical research, equipment and patient care programs connected to The Prince Charles Hospital and, more recently, Caboolture Hospital, which serves one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.

The Foundation credits its supporters with helping fund research that has influenced clinical practice locally and globally, including work linked to advanced 3D cardiac imaging, investigations into alternatives to heart and lung transplantation, new approaches to heart and lung disease, and a silicosis screening trial using breath samples.

It also points to funding for practical, patient-centred care programs, including Queensland’s first Child Life Therapy program in a public hospital emergency department, comfort initiatives for patients across wards, and “Charlie’s Village”, a dementia-friendly hospital environment designed to support patients and families.

Local Faces and Stories Behind the Milestone

The anniversary year will feature 40 stories shared across 2026, focusing on patients, clinicians, researchers and community members connected to the Foundation’s work. The Foundation says the stories are designed to show how research and rehabilitation can change everyday outcomes for patients and families.

Photo Credit: The Common Good Au/Facebook

Among the people connected to the milestone is Chermside-based heart transplant recipient Rhys Hoole, who was the 500th person to receive a heart transplant at The Prince Charles Hospital and now serves as a community ambassador. Material provided by the Foundation describes him as an example of how medical research and improvements in care can help patients recover, return to daily life, and plan for the future.

Foundation Plans Events Throughout 2026

As part of the anniversary year, the Foundation will also hold the Jacaranda Gala on 16 May 2026, which it says will be its first major gala event in more than 15 years. The event theme is inspired by the jacaranda trees on The Prince Charles Hospital campus, which the Foundation links with long-term community connection and renewal.

The Foundation says more announcements will be released throughout the year as the milestone program continues.

For more information about the Foundation and its 40-year milestone, visit The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation: https://www.tpchfoundation.org.au/

For milestone updates and the anniversary campaign, visit: https://www.tg.org.au/40years

Published 19-Jan-2026

North Brisbane Area Sports Results Jan 2-4

Sun, January 4, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 15
• Brisbane Bullets 86 | Adelaide 36ers 67

Fri, January 2, 2026 (The Gabba, Brisbane) – KFC BBL|15 – Men – Match 20
• Brisbane Heat 6-199 (19.4) | Melbourne Stars 6-195 (20.0)

Chermside’s Record-Length Sushi Train Becomes A Fixture Of Local Dining Scene

Photo Credit: Sushi Jiro/Facebook

Chermside continues to host the longest sushi train in the Southern Hemisphere, with the 115-metre conveyor at Sushi Jiro inside Westfield Chermside now firmly established as a regular dining choice for the local community more than a year after opening.

The restaurant has been operating since late 2024 and remains a steady draw for shoppers, families and workers moving through Westfield Chermside, reinforcing Chermside’s position as one of Brisbane’s busiest food and retail destinations.

A Community Drawcard In Chermside

Located within the heart of the shopping centre’s dining precinct, Sushi Jiro has settled into the daily rhythm of Chermside life. The sushi train runs continuously through the venue and seats about 171 diners, allowing the restaurant to cater to short visits as well as group meals.

Retail and hospitality coverage over the past year has noted the venue’s consistent foot traffic, supported by the surrounding mix of retail, entertainment and public transport access.

How The Sushi Train Supports Everyday Dining

The 115-metre sushi train circles the dining area, giving customers the option to select dishes as they pass rather than placing traditional table orders. This format has proven well suited to the high-traffic environment of Chermside, particularly during peak shopping hours. Reports describe the design as efficient without feeling rushed, helping the restaurant maintain steady service during busy periods while keeping the experience accessible for all ages.

Sushi Jiro’s Queensland Presence One Year On

Before entering Queensland, Sushi Jiro operated largely in Victoria. Industry sources state the Chermside venue formed a key part of the brand’s first interstate expansion, alongside a location at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast. More than a year later, the Chermside restaurant is regarded as an anchor site for the brand in Queensland, demonstrating how large-format sushi venues can succeed inside major shopping centres.

A Lasting Addition To Chermside’s Dining Mix

Observers say the restaurant’s size and layout have helped it become a reliable option rather than a short-term attraction. Its ability to handle large numbers of diners while remaining casual has aligned well with Chermside’s community needs.

As shopping centres continue to evolve as social hubs, the sushi train’s continued popularity highlights how experiential dining can become part of everyday local life.

Published 5-Jan-2026

Two Decades On: The Prince Charles Hospital Triple-Transplant Story That Defied the Odds

Photo Credit: Metro North Health

Did you know that 20 years ago, The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside became the site of a groundbreaking, complex triple-organ procedure that allowed a young lady, then only 24 years old, to go on and get married, become a mother and live a full life?

A Medical Milestone

transplant — *Photo Credit:* *Metro North Health*

In the winter of 2005, Lucinda Winnem underwent a massive operation at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside to replace her heart, lungs, and liver. At only 24 years old, she became the first Australian woman to survive this specific triple transplant.

She suffered from cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that had severely damaged her lungs and liver, leaving her struggling to breathe. Doctors decided to replace her heart as well because transplanting the three organs together as a single block is safer and technically easier than doing them individually.

Because Lucinda’s original heart was not affected by the disease, the medical team was able to use it to save another person. This procedure is called a domino transplant. Lucinda explained that it felt humbling to receive such a huge gift from a donor, and she found comfort in knowing her own healthy heart went to help a stranger who was just as desperate for a second chance as she was.

Support Through the Storm

Lucinda had a strong support system during her recovery, led by her partner Damon Simpson. The couple met at a Gold Coast shopping centre in 2003 and connected immediately. Early in their relationship, Lucinda warned Damon that she would need a major transplant, but he stayed by her side. Damon stated that he knew they were meant to be together from the moment they met.

Just 16 weeks after the 12-hour surgery, the couple married in a stone chapel at Mt Nathan.

Three of the specialists who managed her care—surgeon John Dunning and physicians Peter Hopkins and Keith McNeil—were among the guests. Lucinda said having the men who helped save her life present at her wedding made the day a celebration of life as well as marriage. Dr McNeil noted that seeing patients reach such happy milestones was an indescribable feeling for the medical team.

Creating a Family Against the Odds

For a long time, doctors told Lucinda and Damon that having children would be impossible. The couple even prepared to become foster parents because they believed they could not have a family of their own. However, about five years after her surgery, Lucinda spoke to Professor Peter Hopkins again about the possibility of pregnancy. This time, the medical team was more optimistic.

The process took careful planning. Lucinda had to switch her medications to ensure they were safe for a baby. Professor Hopkins said the transition was risky, but Lucinda followed her health plan strictly. After years of preparation, she gave birth to a son named Angus. Her doctors believe she is the only woman in the world with a heart-lung-liver transplant to successfully have a baby. Now living in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lucinda continues to maintain her health with a strict routine of exercise and medication, grateful for the normal life she fought so hard to secure.

Published Date 31-December-2025

Adina Chermside Brisbane Hotel Set to Open in 2026

Photo Credit: WMK Architects/LinkedIn

A new apartment-style hotel, Adina Chermside Brisbane, is set to open in Chermside, adding a large-scale accommodation option to Brisbane’s northern corridor.

Chermside As A Health And Activity Hub

Chermside has continued to develop as a key residential, retail and health precinct in Brisbane’s north. The suburb supports a high level of daily activity driven by major shopping, medical services and transport connections, contributing to demand for accommodation close to essential services.

The hotel is being delivered on Hamilton Road, adjacent to the Prince Charles Hospital, placing it within an established health and services precinct. Its location is intended to support visitors requiring short-term stays as well as families and individuals seeking longer accommodation options.

Project Overview And Facilities

Adina Chermside Brisbane will comprise 148 rooms, including a mix of studios and apartment-style accommodation. The rooms are designed to support extended stays, with kitchens and laundry facilities included as standard features.

Guest amenities will include conference and meeting spaces, a lobby lounge, café and bar, gym facilities and on-site parking. The hotel will be operated by TFE Hotels and delivered by Limitless Developments, with architectural design by WMK Architecture.

Construction has reached structural completion, with the project now progressing through interior fit-out works ahead of the confirmed opening in February 2026.

Chermside hotel — Photo Credit: WMK Architects/LinkedIn

Location And Surrounding Area

The site is located close to retail and dining services, including Westfield Chermside, as well as established public transport links connecting to surrounding suburbs and the Brisbane CBD. Nearby parklands and pedestrian connections further support accessibility in the area.

Chermside accommodation — Photo Credit: WMK Architects/LinkedIn

Looking Ahead

With an opening scheduled for February 2026, Adina Chermside Brisbane is expected to increase accommodation capacity in Chermside. The development is positioned to support business travellers, hospital-related stays and visitors seeking apartment-style accommodation in Brisbane’s northern corridor, responding to existing demand without altering the character of the surrounding precinct.

Published 31-Dec-2025

Exploring the Traffic Box Gallery of Chermside and Wavell Heights

Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are turning their daily commute into a cultural experience by transforming traffic signal boxes into vibrant displays of local history and imagination.

Youthful Perspectives

Local schools have taken a leading role in brightening the streetscape, using public infrastructure to tell important stories. Students from Wavell State High School have contributed multiple pieces, ranging from the somber “Honouring our fallen heroes of 1942” in Aspley to the adventurous “Space Kids” and historical “Polly in PNG” in Chermside.

Meanwhile, a group from Craigslea State High School—including Isobel Andrews, Rose-Marie Nicolia, Mia Sullivan, and Pinyade Tangchaitrakul—focused on heritage with their collaborative work, “Cultural Connection and Preservation,” at Chermside West. These student-led projects turn standard metal boxes into educational landmarks that reflect the values of the younger generation.

Library

Artist: Junipah Harrison Location: Chermside (B0326)

Appropriately titled for a community hub, this artwork pays homage to the power of reading and education. Located in the bustling area of Chermside, “Library” likely serves as a colourful reminder of the worlds that can be explored through books, turning a standard street utility into a celebration of literacy and imagination.

Every Piece Matters

Artist: Olivia Donaghy Location: Chermside (B0361)

This artwork carries a powerful message of inclusion and unity. The title “Every Piece Matters” suggests a visual metaphor—often using puzzle pieces or mosaics—to represent how individual members of the community fit together to create a complete picture. It stands as a vibrant statement that everyone in Chermside has a role to play in the neighbourhood’s social fabric.

Live Fast Pie Yum

Artist: Daniella Doherty Location: Chermside (B0130)

Bringing a dose of humour to the streetscape, Daniella Doherty’s “Live Fast Pie Yum” plays on the classic phrase “Live Fast Die Young.” Instead of a rebellious rock-and-roll message, this artwork celebrates the simple, delicious joys of life—specifically, the humble pie. It is a fun, lighthearted addition to the suburb that likely brings a smile to hungry commuters.

Celestial Critters

Artist: Chloe Burr Location: Chermside West (B0180)

In this imaginative piece, Chloe Burr looks to the skies, blending the natural world with the cosmos. “Celestial Critters” suggests a dreamlike scene where animals float among the stars, turning a grounded metal box into a portal to a magical universe. It adds a touch of whimsy and wonder to the streets of Chermside West.

A Backyard Oasis

Artist: Libby McArdle Location: Chermside West (B8032)

Celebrating the green, suburban charm of Chermside West, Libby McArdle’s artwork captures the tranquility of a personal sanctuary. “A Backyard Oasis” likely features lush foliage, flowers, or garden scenes, offering a visual “breath of fresh air” for pedestrians and drivers passing by the concrete infrastructure.

Our Beautiful Home

Artist: Ravenna & Joshua Ren Location: Chermside West (B8032)

This collaborative piece by Ravenna and Joshua Ren is a tribute to the place they call home. Whether depicting a specific house or the broader local environment, “Our Beautiful Home” reflects a deep sense of pride and belonging. It serves as a warm, welcoming marker for residents returning to their neighbourhood at the end of the day.

The Good Fortune Cat

Artist: Amelie Turner-Francis Location: Chermside West (B0156)

Drawing on the symbol of the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), this artwork brings a symbol of luck and prosperity to the street corner. Amelie Turner-Francis’s design acts as a friendly greeter to the community, wishing good fortune to anyone who passes. It is a bright, cultural icon that adds character and positivity to the local intersection.

Nature and Whimsy

Beyond the schools, individual artists have brought a sense of fun and natural beauty to the area. Daniella Doherty adds a touch of humour to the streets of Chermside with “Live Fast Pie Yum,” while Amelie Turner-Francis brings luck to passersby in Chermside West with “The Good Fortune Cat.”

Nature is a strong theme across the suburbs, with Jessica Taylor’s “Alive and Active Waterway” and Kassandra Marsh’s “Parkland” in Geebung reminding locals of the green spaces nearby. In Chermside West, Libby McArdle depicts a relaxing scene with “A Backyard Oasis,” offering a visual break from the busy traffic.

A Community Canvas

The Artforce Brisbane program continues to showcase the diversity of the community through these scattered artworks. Pieces like “Every Piece Matters” by Olivia Donaghy and “Our Beautiful Home” by Ravenna and Joshua Ren highlight themes of inclusion and belonging.

Others celebrate local groups and hobbies, such as Eileen O’Hely’s tribute to the “Chermside-Burul Scouts” and Junipah Harrison’s “Library,” which sits near the local shops. Whether it is Chloe Burr’s “Celestial Critters” or the historical nod in Bree McDonald’s “Newman Rode the Waves,” each painted box adds a unique chapter to the visual story of Brisbane’s northside.

Published Date 31-December-2025

Chermside Dance Club Claims Historic Success At APDA National Championships

Photo Credit: Millennium Physie & Dance/Facebook

Millennium Physie and Dance (aka Millenium Dance Co) has produced record-breaking results at the 2025 Australian Physie & Dance Association National Championships, with 11 national champions, seven national runners-up and nine third-places finishes.

Historic Claim Linked To Chermside

Millennium Physie and Dance operates across Capalaba, Chermside and Sunnybank. Following the 2025 national event, the club said its overall results marked the highest level of success achieved by any club in the history of physie and in the history of the Australian Physie & Dance Association National Championships.

APDA National Championships — Photo Credit: Millennium Physie & Dance/Facebook

Results Reported From The 2025 Nationals

The club said 63 competitors represented Millennium Dance Co at nationals, ranging in age from five to 44. It reported 11 national champions, seven national runners-up and nine third-place finishes.

Millennium Dance Co also reported one fourth place, three fifth places and four sixth places. It said 18 competitors were national finalists, placing within the top 14 nationally, and 17 under-12 competitors reached the semi-final stage.

The club also reported multiple age groups achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd place podium sweeps, describing the outcome as unprecedented in Australian physie history.

Chermside dance club — Photo Credit: Millennium Physie & Dance/Facebook

When And Where The Championships Were Held

Event information provided for the 2025 APDA National Championships lists Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC Sydney as the venue, with competition held on Saturday 29 November and Sunday 30 November 2025.

For juniors on Saturday 29 November 2025, the schedule listed Session 1 beginning at 9 a.m. for ages 5, 7, 9 and 11 years, and Session 2 beginning at 2 p.m. for ages 6, 8, 10 and 12 years.

For Sunday 30 November 2025, the Seniors and Open Advanced program was described as featuring the top 14 competitors in each section, with one competitor crowned the 2025 Grand Champion.

Context On Physie And The Club

Physie is described as an Australian dance sport founded in 1892, and APDA was established in 2012. Millennium Dance Co describes itself as a family dance club established in 1998, offering classes across multiple ages and abilities.

Published 14-Dec-2025