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Chermside Gardener Reveals Daily Habits after Reaching 101 Years of Age

A resilient Chermside local has proven that a simple daily routine of pulling weeds and eating a hearty breakfast is the surprising formula for reaching the rare milestone of 101 years of age.

After taking a tumble while working in her garden, the vibrant senior, Eloise, was treated at The Prince Charles Hospital before moving into Anglicare St Martin’s this week to begin her next chapter. She celebrated her latest birthday milestone surrounded by a mix of long-time friends, new acquaintances, and the hospital medical staff who aided her recovery. Eloise remains in excellent health and has seamlessly settled into her new care facility, which she now calls home.

The secret to such a long life goes beyond simple luck, with Eloise attributing her health to a lifetime of hard work and a commitment to exploring the globe. She spent many years travelling overseas with her husband, taking memorable trips to destinations like Russia, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

At home, she prefers to stay active by pottering around the yard and removing weeds. She also insists that her daily routine of taking vitamin supplements and eating a substantial breakfast gives her the necessary energy to keep going.

Medical professionals agree that these consistent lifestyle choices make a massive difference in how we age. Dr Lucy Dakin, a geriatrician from the local hospital who attended the birthday celebrations, explained that reaching such an advanced age requires a mix of good genetics and dedicated self-care.

She noted that people who live for a century often share common traits, such as walking regularly, maintaining a clear sense of purpose, and practising gratitude daily. The doctor added that staying curious about the world, much like Eloise did through her travels and hobbies, is a key factor in keeping the mind sharp.

While reaching a century of life is still quite rare for the average person, medical teams are seeing a shift in the local wards. Dr Dakin observed that the number of centenarians is growing due to the generally ageing population. It is becoming increasingly common for patients in their hundreds to successfully recover from hospital visits and return to their normal lives. Because of this trend, doctors are highly focussed on promoting healthy diets, exercise, and strong social networks to give older patients the best chance of staying happy and healthy well into their hundreds.

Published Date 25-June-2026

Free ‘Toy Story’ Fun at Westfield Chermside for the School Holidays

School holidays often leave parents searching for ways to keep children entertained without spending a fortune. This winter, Westfield Chermside is giving local families another option, with a series of free Toy Story-themed activities inspired by Disney and Pixar’s latest film, Toy Story 5.

Across two weeks, children can step into the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their friends through interactive experiences, hands-on crafts and short animated films, all designed to celebrate the latest chapter in one of Pixar’s best-known movie franchises.

Toy Story adventures arrive in Chermside

The festivities begin with the Toy Story Tales Corner, an immersive space where families can watch four episodes from Disney+’s Forky Asks a Question series.

Running daily from 26 June to 9 July between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Centre Court near Telstra on Level 1, the experience gives younger visitors the chance to spend time with Forky, the curious handmade toy introduced in Toy Story 4, while enjoying a break from shopping.

The activity forms part of a Queensland-wide promotion celebrating the cinema release of Toy Story 5, which reached Australian theatres on 18 June.

Creative activities for young Toy Story fans

The Toy Story fun continues from 5 July to 9 July, when Centre Court transforms into a creative space where children can make and decorate their own themed keepsakes.

Families can take part in activities including DIY Forky creations, Slinky Dog-inspired crafts, decorated tote bags and bucket hats, each drawing inspiration from familiar characters from the Toy Story universe.

Rather than simply watching the story unfold on screen, children will have the chance to create something of their own to take home.

Part of a statewide school holiday celebration

Westfield Chermside is one of several Queensland shopping centres taking part in the Toy Story 5 promotion, alongside locations including Coomera, Helensvale, Mt Gravatt and North Lakes.

While Westfield Carindale will host exclusive Buzz Lightyear and Woody meet-and-greet sessions, the Chermside program focuses on free activities that families can enjoy throughout the school holidays.

Westfield members across Queensland can also enter a statewide competition through the Westfield app for the chance to win a family holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The prize includes return flights for up to four people, accommodation at a Disney resort hotel and four-day Park Hopper theme park tickets.

Chermside, Westfield Chermside, Toy Story 5, school holidays, Brisbane North, family activities, Forky Asks a Question, Disney Pixar, free events, winter holidays

Westfield Chermside will host free Toy Story-themed activities, crafts and animated fun for families during the Queensland school holidays.

Published 25-June-2026

Uncertainty Remains Over When Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel Will Move Beyond Planning

Northside commuters may be waiting until after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games before work begins on the proposed Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel, a nine-kilometre bypass between Carseldine and Kedron designed to ease congestion along one of Brisbane’s busiest transport corridors.

Read: Gympie Road Named Among Brisbane’s Worst Peak-Hour Routes

The project’s delivery timeline has come under renewed attention after Cr Adrian Schrinner indicated in his recent budget speech that the tunnel would be among the first major projects to commence following the 2032 Games.

The comments have sparked debate about when construction could begin on the transport project, which has been promoted as a solution to persistent traffic congestion affecting motorists across Brisbane’s northside.

Gympie Road remains one of Queensland’s busiest arterial roads, serving as a key transport corridor through suburbs including Chermside, Aspley, Kedron and Carseldine. Traffic delays are particularly noticeable around major intersections including Hamilton Road, Rode Road, Stafford Road and Beams Road.

Questions over delivery timeline

Attention turned to the project’s schedule after Cr Schrinner referred to the tunnel as one of the first major infrastructure projects expected to begin immediately after the 2032 Games.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles argued the comments suggested residents could face several more years of congestion before any relief arrives. He said congestion on Gympie Road was already affecting motorists across Brisbane’s northside.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg did not provide a specific timeframe for construction when questioned about the project, stating that planning work was continuing as previously outlined.

Labor transport spokesman Bart Mellish also raised concerns about the future funding pathway for the tunnel, noting that planning and pre-construction funding allocated in previous budgets is approaching the end of its current funding period.

Cr Schrinner’s office later clarified that the comments reflected the scale and complexity of major tunnel projects, which typically require lengthy planning and delivery timeframes. The office noted that other significant underground infrastructure projects in Brisbane have taken many years to progress from planning to construction.

What is the Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel?

The Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel is a proposed nine-kilometre, two-lane tolled bypass connecting Carseldine and Kedron. The project would include a seven-kilometre tunnel designed to run broadly alongside the existing Gympie Road corridor.

The proposal was announced in June 2024 and has been progressed by North Brisbane Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Queensland Investment Corporation. The tunnel is intended to provide an alternative route for through traffic travelling along Brisbane’s northside and ease congestion along Gympie Road.

For Chermside residents, the proposal has attracted particular attention because planning investigations identified several potential tunnel entry and exit locations within the suburb.

A report released last year identified eight possible access points in the Chermside area. Many details remain unresolved, including the final design, delivery schedule and funding arrangements.

Read: Gympie Road, Chermside Among Queensland’s Congestion Hotspots

Planning review underway

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is currently reviewing planning work previously undertaken by Queensland Investment Corporation.

According to the department, responsibility for the proposed tunnel was formally transferred on 1 July 2025. The review is continuing as authorities assess planning completed to date and consider the project’s next stages.

For now, motorists travelling through Chermside and surrounding suburbs continue to navigate one of Brisbane’s busiest road corridors while awaiting greater certainty on when the proposed bypass could move from planning into construction.

Published 23-June-2026

Chermside-Based Disability Employment Program ORCA to Close After Eight Years

Photo Credit: YouTube/Wesley Mission Queensland

Families of young people with disability are scrambling to find alternatives after Wesley Mission Queensland announced it will close the ORCA Project, an employment-readiness program that has helped school leavers transition into the workforce since 2018.

The Brisbane-based service, operated by the Chermside-headquartered charity, will finish on 26 June. Wesley Mission Queensland says rising costs, increasing compliance requirements and changes across the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sector have made the program unsustainable.

Loss of a Pathway

For some families, the closure feels like the loss of a pathway they had spent years searching for.

Among those affected is a teenage boy who joined ORCA after leaving school. He lives with autism and a rare chromosomal condition that affects his communication, learning and overall health. His family said the program was helping him build a future around his strong interest in information technology while providing the support he needs to navigate the workplace.

Another participant, a young woman, attended ORCA while completing her schooling. She lives with Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that can affect learning and development. Her family said the program had helped her become more independent and confident, including learning practical skills such as using public transport on her own.

Families who spoke publicly following the announcement described feeling shocked and concerned about what comes next.

Photo Credit: YouTube/Wesley Mission Queensland

Built Because Families Could Not Find Enough Support

The ORCA Project was established after parents and disability advocates identified a gap between school and employment for young people with disability.

Rather than focusing solely on classroom learning, the program combined training with real workplace experience. Participants worked alongside employers, developed practical job skills and explored career options in supported environments.

What began as a small initiative grew steadily over the years. ORCA built partnerships with businesses, community organisations and employers across South East Queensland, creating opportunities for young people who might otherwise struggle to gain workplace experience.

More than 90 participants took part in the program during 2025, completing more than 300 work placements.

Why Wesley Mission Queensland Says ORCA Can No Longer Continue

Wesley Mission Queensland described the closure as a difficult decision.

The organisation said disability providers are facing increasing pressure from rising operating costs, compliance obligations and changes to funding arrangements. It also revealed attempts were made to transfer the program to another provider, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

Participants have since been offered assistance to identify alternative programs and training opportunities.

The closure comes as the NDIS undergoes significant reform, with governments seeking to slow the growth of the scheme’s spending. While some families fear these changes are reducing available support options, the National Disability Insurance Agency says it funds participants rather than providers directly and has reported growth in employment-related supports.

More Than a Program Closure

Supporters of ORCA argue its value extended beyond job preparation.

Former participants have gone on to secure employment in industries including technology, retail and community services. Wesley Mission Queensland has previously promoted the program as a way of helping people with disability build independence while connecting employers with capable workers.

For families now searching for alternatives, the challenge is not simply finding another service. It is finding one that offers the same combination of workplace experience, individual support and long-term preparation for employment.

Published 22-June-2026

How Marchant Park Went From War Camp to Community Hub

In the heart of Chermside, Marchant Park looks like any other suburban green space. But more than a century ago, it echoed with the sounds of hooves, boots, and military drills as young men from across Queensland prepared for the First World War.

From Marchant’s Paddock to Military Grounds

Before it became a public park, the land known as Marchant’s Paddock was transformed into “Camp Chermside” during WWI. It was a major training ground where soldiers, including the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, camped, drilled, and broke in horses before heading to war.

*Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Records show Marchant Park was a key training site in Queensland during 1914–1918. Soldiers learned to handle weapons, navigate rough terrain, and work with animals used in war zones. Life was harsh—tents for shelter, long marches in the heat, and basic meals.

A Gift to the People

In 1917, soft-drink maker and philanthropist George Marchant offered to donate the land, on the condition it remain a public park that honoured those who served. The gift was finalised after the war, fulfilling his wish to preserve the site as a lasting tribute to the soldiers who trained there.

Brisbane City Council records show Marchant’s gift came as memorial parks were becoming popular in Australia, spaces that honoured war service while serving the community. Marchant Park became one of Brisbane’s earliest examples.

Preserving a Legacy

Over time, the community added features to honour the park’s military past. The Kedron Shire War Memorial Gates were built in 1924, listing local soldiers, and the park later became part of Seventh Brigade Park—named after a WWI unit that trained in Queensland. These reminders still stand, though many may not know their full meaning.

During World War II, nearby Sparkes’ Paddock became an army camp, and Marchant Park was used for vehicle testing and driver training. The park stayed public land, though soldiers used the George Hastie Cricket Pavilion during that time.

Today, Marchant Park is a place for families, sporting groups, and weekend barbecues. Yet underneath the grass where cricket players now run, history is buried, stories of young men who trained there before being sent far from home.

A Community Connection

The Chermside & Districts Historical Society has spent years researching the park’s past. Their work, along with articles archived on Trove from 1917, helps paint a full picture of how the park went from military ground to community treasure.

Locals who walk through Marchant Park may not know the full story, but its legacy is woven into the suburb’s identity. From horse drills to playgrounds, the land has changed but the community’s commitment to remembering those who served has stayed the same.

Updated 21-June-2026

The Coffee Club’s New Coffee Guarantee Comes With a Free Coffee Offer

Most coffee drinkers are loyal to their local café, but The Coffee Club is hoping its new Coffee Guarantee might convince a few people to try something different. To celebrate the launch, customers can claim a free coffee by bringing in a takeaway cup from another café.

The week-long promotion (15 to 21 June) is available at participating outlets across Australia and forms part of the company’s push to showcase its specialty coffee offering. The Coffee Guarantee promises to remake any coffee free of charge if it isn’t prepared exactly as ordered.

In Chermside, The Coffee Club is at Westfield Chermside. You can view other locations here.

Breaking one of coffee’s biggest unwritten rules

Most coffee drinkers don’t shop around. Once they find a place they like, they tend to stick with it. Whether it’s the café near work, the local drive-through, or the spot they’ve visited for years, loyalty runs deep when it comes to a morning coffee order.

That makes The Coffee Club’s latest campaign a tempting proposition for even the most loyal coffee drinkers. Rather than relying on discounts, loyalty cards or app-based rewards, the company is inviting people to step outside their usual routine and try its coffee for themselves.

It’s a bold move, but one backed by a growing confidence in the product behind the counter.

Why The Coffee Club believes customers will come back

The Coffee Club’s Coffee Guarantee promises to remake a coffee free of charge if it isn’t prepared exactly as ordered. Whether it’s almond milk instead of full cream, extra hot, no sugar or a flavoured syrup, the company says customers should receive the drink they asked for.

Nikki Price, General Manager of Marketing and Product at The Coffee Club, said the guarantee reflects the company’s focus on customer satisfaction and consistency. The confidence isn’t coming from the guarantee alone.

In recent years, The Coffee Club has invested heavily in its coffee program, including training more than 1,200 baristas across Australia and introducing its specialty-grade coffee blend, Three Stories, which is roasted in Melbourne.

The company has also received recognition in major coffee competitions, including awards at the Golden Bean Awards and the title of Best Overall Chain/Large Franchise at the Golden Bean World Series.

For a brand that has spent decades serving Australians, the campaign signals a growing focus on specialty coffee and quality.

What locals need to know

The free coffee promotion runs from 15 to 21 June at participating The Coffee Club stores across Australia. To claim the offer, customers simply need to bring in a takeaway coffee cup from another café.

Whether you’re fiercely loyal to your regular coffee spot or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, this might be one of the easiest free coffees you’ll find this year.

And if nothing else, it’s a good excuse to shake up the morning routine.

Published 15-June-2026

‘Conquering Breast Cancer’ Screening at Event Cinemas Chermside

Residents across Brisbane’s northside can catch the new Australian documentary Conquering Breast Cancer when it screens at Event Cinemas Chermside. The film shares powerful stories of resilience, advocacy and medical innovation while highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection.

Presented beginning 10 June by filmmaker Sue Collins and produced by impact filmmakers Mike Hill and Sue Collins, the feature-length documentary combines expert medical insight with the personal experiences of survivors, advocates and researchers working to reduce the impact of breast cancer in Australia.

Among those featured are Olympic legend and breast cancer advocate Raelene Boyle AM, MBE, First Nations survivor and mountaineer Kristal Kinsela, male breast cancer survivor and former professional basketballer Paul Maley, and podcaster Dr Charlotte Tottman. The film also includes insights from leading experts including Professor Bruce Mann, Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips and Associate Professor Christine Chaffer.

conquering breast cancer documentary — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

More Than 20,000 Australians Diagnosed Every Year

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer overall.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Around 56 people receive a diagnosis every day, while more than 3,300 Australians lose their lives to the disease annually — the equivalent of approximately nine deaths every day.

While the majority of cases occur in women over 50, breast cancer also affects younger Australians. Around 1,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection across all age groups.

The Survivors, Advocates and Experts Behind the Film

Rather than focusing solely on statistics, Conquering Breast Cancer tells the stories of Australians whose lives have been changed by the disease.

The documentary follows survivors, patient advocates and researchers from across the country, exploring everything from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, recurrence, genetic risk and the emotional impact breast cancer can have on individuals and families.

breast cancer patient — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The film also highlights the experiences of people living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as Australians making difficult decisions around preventative treatment after discovering they are at high genetic risk of developing the disease.

Early Detection Remains One of the Strongest Defences

A central theme throughout the documentary is the importance of prevention and early detection.

Medical experts featured in the film discuss advances in screening technologies, personalised risk assessment, targeted therapies and clinical trials that are helping improve outcomes for patients.

While Australia has achieved five-year survival rates of more than 90 per cent, the filmmakers argue that breast cancer is far from solved and that ongoing investment in research, screening programs and access to treatment remains essential.

The documentary also examines how researchers are working towards reducing recurrence rates and improving long-term outcomes for those who have already undergone treatment.

researchers working on breast cancer improvements — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The Growing Impact on Australian Families and Communities

Beyond the personal toll, breast cancer continues to have a significant impact on communities across Australia.

More than 160,000 Australians are currently living after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis within the past decade. Research has also shown the disease carries substantial social and economic costs, affecting workforce participation, family wellbeing and quality of life.

breast cancer warriors and supporters — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The filmmakers hope the documentary will encourage more Australians to understand their personal risk, participate in recommended screening programs and support ongoing efforts to improve prevention, treatment and research.

As the third instalment in the Conquering Cancer documentary series, Conquering Breast Cancer aims to start conversations, challenge complacency and highlight both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.

For more information and session times, visit ConqueringBreastCancer.com.au.

Published 9-June-2026

Nearly 200 Apartments Proposed for Kelso Street as Chermside’s Skyline Keeps Climbing

Five properties on a Chermside street could make way for a 15-storey residential tower, with a developer having lodged plans to build 193 apartments on the site.

Read: Major Residential Project Proposed for Kelso Street

Plans lodged with Brisbane City propose demolishing the properties at 10 to 18 Kelso Street to make room for the complex, developed by CS Development Group.

The building would contain 41 one-bedroom, 124 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom apartments across roughly 3,035 square metres, along with a swimming pool, spa, sundeck, gym, steam room and sauna. Three underground levels would provide 282 car parks, split between 234 residential spaces and 48 visitor bays. Inset parking bays would also be added along the street itself, together with a new footpath.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007025371

According to the project’s architects, the vision is for “a high quality, multi-residential development that facilitates a lifestyle that will benefit all of its residents, from first home buyers to families and downsizers.” The planning documents describe the project as one that will “enhance the Chermside precinct” by adding to the area’s “diverse mix of residential developments.”

The location sits within easy reach of the Chermside shopping centre, Prince Charles Hospital and the Chermside bus interchange. The site falls within the High Density Residential zone under Brisbane City Plan 2014, within the Chermside Centre Neighbourhood Plan’s Residential North Precinct. That zone is intended to support high-density residential development where lot amalgamation is achievable, while protecting the amenity of neighbouring properties through transitions in height and scale at site boundaries.

Kelso Street also falls within the proposed Chermside Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, announced in February but not yet in effect. The broader area has already been changing. The Adina hotel recently opened nearby, and Curwen Terrace has seen freestanding houses progressively replaced by high-rise apartment buildings along its western edge.

At 15 storeys, the proposal exceeds the 10-storey acceptable outcome under the neighbourhood plan, making it impact assessable and subject to a public consultation process. A pre-lodgement meeting was held with council in February 2026.

In response, council’s planner described the proposed height as “an appropriate response to the need for increased residential density in a highly accessible location proximate to high frequency public transport, a major retail centre and hospital services,” noting that the Chermside Centre Neighbourhood Plan accommodates building heights of up to 15 storeys.

Read: Residents Warned: Multi-Residential Carparks Targeted by Thieves in Chermside

Not everyone on the street sees it that way. Several neighbours raised concerns about the project, saying they were worried the tower would overshadow their homes, drag down property values and fundamentally alter the character of the area. One resident raised the disruption caused by a nearby construction project, pointing to heavy truck movements that had clogged the street and complaints about loud music during work hours.

At least two of the five properties earmarked for demolition were reported to still have tenants at the time of writing.

Published 6-June-2026

Sport And Cycling Spaces Proposed For 7th Brigade Park In Chermside

Photo Credit: BCC

Chermside locals could soon see new ways to play, ride and gather at 7th Brigade Park, with draft plans now open for feedback on proposed sport and cycling upgrades.

New Ideas For A Busy Chermside Park

7th Brigade Park has long served as a place for families, walkers, cyclists, sporting users and nearby residents to spend time outdoors. New draft plans now show how parts of the Chermside park could be shaped to offer more informal sport and cycling options while keeping space for quieter everyday use.

The proposed upgrade focuses on two new recreation areas: a multi-use sports space for casual games and an off-road cycling skills track for riders of different abilities.

The plans follow feedback gathered in November 2025, when locals were asked to share ideas on possible future improvements. That feedback showed interest in flexible sports spaces that could be used in different ways, as well as support for exploring an off-road cycling skills track.

The proposed changes are intended to respond to growth in Chermside and surrounding suburbs, where well-designed open space, recreation areas and informal activity spaces are becoming increasingly important.

Casual Sport Near Delaware Street And Newman Road

Near the open parkland at Delaware Street and Newman Road, the draft plans propose an informal multi-use sports area with two courts marked for different activities.

The courts would be designed for casual play, including basketball, netball, soccer and volleyball. Rather than being limited to formal club use, the space is intended for people who want to meet friends, have a quick game or use the park more actively without joining an organised sporting group.

The proposed area would also include seating walls with shade planting, an accessible connecting pathway, bike racks, rubbish bins and a drinking fountain.

Existing trees are intended to be retained and protected. The sports area has been proposed in a location where trees would not be affected, allowing the park to gain a more active recreation space while still keeping room for open parkland and relaxed use.

Cycling Track Proposed Near Murphy Road

Another key part of the draft plans is an off-road cycling skills track proposed near the Murphy Road car park.

The track would be designed for different experience levels, with options such as beginner flow tracks, intermediate tracks and advanced downhill tracks. The plans also include an adaptive bike adventure track, a slow riding zone, bridges and a gathering area with a shelter, bike racks, a drinking fountain and rubbish bins.

The track is intended to suit younger and older children, along with cyclists using adaptive mountain bikes. Its proposed location near the existing learn-to-ride track would help families with children of different ages and abilities use cycling facilities in the same part of the park.

The design has taken into account established trees, flood-affected areas, existing park infrastructure and nearby homes. Bridges and tracks are proposed to avoid impacts on tree roots, while potential new tree planting is also included.

Have A Say

Feedback on the 7th Brigade Park draft plans is open through an online survey.

Two information kiosks are also scheduled at the park near the Murphy Road entry, close to Kidspace Playground. The first is listed for 9 am to 11 am on Thursday, 4 June 2026, and the second for 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Sunday, 7 June 2026.

Feedback closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 14 June 2026.

After the feedback period, responses will be reviewed alongside technical investigations and design requirements before a final concept plan is prepared. The final plan is planned for release in mid to late 2026.

The draft plans offer a clearer look at how 7th Brigade Park could support casual games, cycling practice, accessible pathways and everyday outdoor activity while continuing to serve a wide mix of park users.

Published 1-June-2026

Chermside Library Has the Second-Highest Visits of Any Library in Brisbane — and the Numbers Keep Climbing

BCC/Facebook

Chermside Library logged 373,959 visits between July 2025 and March 2026, making it the second most visited of Brisbane’s 33 libraries during that nine-month period and one of the fastest growing, with visits up by more than 21,500 compared to the same period the year before.

New figures released this week show Chermside’s strong position in a Brisbane library network that has seen total visits rise by around 100,000 in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same stretch of 2025. Of that increase, Chermside accounted for the largest share of any individual library, recording 21,566 additional visits year-on-year, ahead of Wynnum with 17,623 and Kenmore with 14,070.

The data covers the nine-month window from July 2025 to March 2026 and captures foot traffic across all 33 Brisbane libraries. Brisbane Square Library led overall with 398,678 visits, followed by Chermside, then Garden City, Sunnybank Hills and Carindale.

During that same period, Brisbane residents borrowed more than 4.4 million physical items across the network, covering books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and audiobooks, alongside more than 1.6 million digital items.

A library that grew out of a different Chermside

Chermside Library has not always sat on Hamilton Road. Its origins stretch back to 1957, when construction of an earlier library building began on Gympie Road, its distinctive roofline visible from the street while the shell was still being erected.

The old School of Arts Hall, which had previously stood on that site, was moved back from the road and remained there until the 1980s. The library later relocated to its current Hamilton Road home, where it underwent two major renovations over the years. The Gympie Road site it left behind is now home to a restaurant and a spice shop.

The Hamilton Road location has since grown into one of the most comprehensive suburban library facilities in Brisbane. The building includes undercover parking, lift access and quiet meeting rooms with after-hours booking capability.

A dedicated parents room serves families with young children, and the children’s section is widely regarded as one of the largest in the city, built around a feature bridge, a reading nook housed in a van, and an open activity play space alongside an extensive collection.

A cafe operates within the building, open during library hours. Multilingual collections across Chinese, Italian, Punjabi and Tagalog reflect the breadth of Chermside’s surrounding community.

Books borrowed

Across Brisbane’s library network, these were the most borrowed books and series of 2025 so far:

Adult fiction

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman — borrowed 2,306 times
In Too Deep by Lee Child
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton
Nightshade by Michael Connelly

Non-fiction

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Wifedom by Anna Funder
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
RecipeTin Eats Tonight by Nagi Maehashi
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks

Junior readers

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Adventures Unlimited by Andy Griffiths
Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey
WeirDo by Anh Do
Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

Young adult

Powerless by Lauren Roberts
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Beyond the books

The figures capture more than just borrowing. Across the 2025 full year, Brisbane’s library network hosted more than 8,900 free events and workshops, downloaded 2.1 million e-books and audiobooks, facilitated more than 1.1 million free Wi-Fi sessions, and distributed more than 20,000 holds through 24/7 library lockers.

The BNELibraries app was downloaded more than 240,000 times over the same period.

The Mobile Library, which carries more than 4,000 books to suburbs without a permanent branch including Aspley, Bellbowrie, Brighton and Ellen Grove, contributed to the broader borrowing figures as well.

Chermside Library is at 375 Hamilton Road, Chermside, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm (with extended hours until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays), Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Phone (07) 3403 7200. Library membership and the BNELibraries app are free.

Published 28-May-2026