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Margot Robbie And Jacob Elordi Appear At Chermside Cinema On Valentine’s Day

Moviegoers in Chermside were met with an unexpected appearance from Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi during a Valentine’s Day screening of Wuthering Heights.

The Queensland-born actors visited several Brisbane cinemas on February 14, including Event Cinemas Chermside, where audiences had gathered for the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel.

Valentine’s Day Visit To Chermside

At the Chermside V-Max session scheduled for 6:40 p.m., the actors entered the theatre before the film commenced, prompting a strong reaction from the audience. Attendees reported audible cheering as the pair greeted the crowd.

Robbie distributed long-stem roses to cinemagoers during the appearance. In some Brisbane locations, sweets were also handed out as part of the Valentine’s Day gesture.

The visits were unannounced. Some audience members indicated they suspected something was planned after noticing microphones positioned at the front of the cinema prior to the screening.

Chermside cinema surprise — *Photo Credit: Warner Bros. AU/Facebook*

Brisbane Screenings Across The City

In addition to Chermside, the actors made appearances at screenings in New Farm and Red Hill. Reported venues included Palace Cinemas on James Street and Five Star Cinemas at Red Hill.

The Brisbane stops formed part of the film’s Australian promotional activity. Robbie, who grew up on the Gold Coast, and Elordi, who is from Brisbane, have both publicly acknowledged their Queensland ties during recent appearances.

*Photo Credit: Wuthering Heights Movie/Instagram*

Wider Promotional Tour

Before arriving in Brisbane, the pair attended the Sydney premiere of Wuthering Heights at the State Theatre. They also surprised a large audience at Westpac OpenAir at Mrs Macquarie’s Point and appeared at Vogue Forces of Fashion at the Sydney Opera House, as well as an iHeartLIVE event in North Sydney and a photocall at Bronte cliffs.

The film is directed by Emerald Fennell, with Robbie also credited as a producer. Discussion surrounding the adaptation has accompanied its release, with the cast noting that varying audience responses were anticipated.

The Chermside cinema visit marked one of several in-person appearances during the Valentine’s Day promotional schedule.

Published 18-Feb-2026

High-Density Zones Approved for Chermside Westfield Shopping Centre Precinct

Chermside’s Westfield shopping centre precinct will see new high-density zones allowing apartment buildings under plans approved this week, with the location selected for its proximity to a proposed future Brisbane Metro line.

The precinct plan passed with broad support and will now proceed to Queensland authorities for approval before returning for final details including specific rezoning areas and building height limits. Chermside was chosen because of the shopping centre’s location near a planned future Metro line, providing anticipated public transport connectivity for future residents.

The high-density zones around the shopping centre aim to concentrate housing near established retail, services and future transport infrastructure. Chermside already features the Westfield shopping complex, multiple bus routes including the Eastern Busway, and extensive retail and dining options, making it positioned to accommodate additional residential density.

Community Perspectives on High-Density Development

Brisbane residents have shared mixed views on the high-density zones proposal for Chermside. Some community members expressed strong support for building apartments near high-frequency public transport, arguing these are exactly the sort of locations that should accommodate denser housing.

Others suggested broader upzoning around all train stations and busway stations across Brisbane, rather than isolated precinct-by-precinct changes. Several residents called for comprehensive transport infrastructure to support high-density corridors, warning against creating pockets of apartments separated by areas with limited public transport options.

Some community feedback emphasized the need to bring back medium-density development options, suggesting that encouraging property owners to consolidate two to six lots at a time could create more housing diversity. The sentiment reflected interest in various density options rather than only high-rise apartments.

Urban Densification Near Shopping and Transport

The precinct plan forms part of Brisbane’s urban densification approach, intended to build taller apartments near public transport to reduce car dependency. Recent changes include reducing minimum block sizes to 120 square metres and cutting parking requirements for new buildings.

Other precinct plans under development include Stones Corner, Wynnum Central, Salisbury, Moorooka and Alderley. Each precinct focuses on areas with existing or planned public transport infrastructure and established commercial centers.

The Chermside high-density zones will complement the shopping centre’s role as a major retail and service hub for Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The precinct serves residents from Chermside, Chermside West, Aspley, Carseldine, Stafford and surrounding areas.

Following approval from Queensland authorities, final details will be determined including exactly which areas receive rezoning and maximum building heights permitted. The timeline for development following final approval will depend on developer interest and market conditions.

Published 15-February-2026.

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

Chermside Hospital Infrastructure Pressures Revealed by Obsolete Electrical Parts

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A hospital in Chermside required an obsolete electrical component to manage a high-risk power system issue, highlighting broader maintenance pressures across Queensland’s public hospital network.

Electrical System Risk at Chermside Hospital

The issue occurred at The Prince Charles Hospital, where electrical equipment was assessed as being at very high risk of failure and in need of replacement. Parts required to maintain the system were no longer manufactured, limiting standard supply options.

To address the immediate risk, a critical component was sourced from an electrician’s stored old stock kept in a private garage. The part allowed the hospital and health service to stabilise the system and reduce the likelihood of electrical failure.

electrical systems — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Ageing Infrastructure and Maintenance Backlog

The incident reflects wider challenges identified in a recent health audit examining hospital assets across Queensland. As at 30 June 2025, reported maintenance needs across hospital and health services totalled $2.6 billion, an increase of $587 million from the previous year.

The audit noted that deferred maintenance is affecting service delivery in some facilities, particularly where ageing systems are difficult to maintain due to discontinued components.

Impact on Health Services

The report highlighted unresolved water purification and plumbing issues at one unnamed hospital that disrupted clean water supply to renal and pathology services. As a result, dialysis services were unavailable for six months, requiring patients to travel to other hospitals for treatment.

The issue remained unresolved during the period examined.

Chermside hospital infrastructure — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Operational Safeguards and Financial Context

Health authorities have stated that clinical areas are supported by backup generator systems designed to activate quickly in the event of power interruptions. They have also indicated that processes are in place to secure replacement parts when maintenance is required, while noting that product discontinuations are outside their control.

The audit also reported a combined operating deficit of $960.6 million across the public health system in the 2024–25 financial year, compared with $14.1 million the year before. Increased staffing, service demand, and asset maintenance costs were identified as contributing factors.

Published 26-Jan-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

Chermside Hospital Expansion To Deliver New Beds And Emergency Facilities

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The expansion project at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside is progressing, with new emergency, inpatient and paediatric facilities planned to increase healthcare capacity across Brisbane’s north.

Project Scope And Design In Chermside

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

The project is being delivered through staged construction and improved use of the hospital site and nearby facilities, allowing hospital services to continue operating while new infrastructure is developed.

Hospital Role And Service Demand

The Prince Charles Hospital is a tertiary-level cardiac hospital in Brisbane’s north, employing around 3,200 staff and providing 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.

Milestones And Current Planning

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 Improvements

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

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

Funding Context And 2025–26 Progress

The Prince Charles Hospital expansion is listed in the 2025–26 Budget as part of a wider 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. This year’s funding supports continued planning, staging and site preparation activities outlined for the project.

What Happens Next In 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