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The Chermside Choir That Made History Is Now Heading to the Sydney Opera House

Less than a year after becoming the first state school to place first in the Advanced Secondary Choir category at the Queensland Youth Music Awards, achieving a gold standard, Craigslea State High School‘s Chamber Choir is preparing for its next milestone: performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Australian International Music Festival, with a chance to perform at other superb venues.

The choir, which operates from Craigslea State High School, is raising funds through a community raffle to cover travel and participation costs for its members. Every ticket sold goes directly toward the trip, giving local supporters a tangible way to be part of what shapes up to be the most significant performance the ensemble has taken on.

“We’re raising funds to help these dedicated students travel to Sydney in July 2026 for an unforgettable International Music Festival experience at the iconic Sydney Opera House,” the school said in announcing the fundraiser.

The Work Behind the Moment

The Chamber Choir’s place at the Australian International Music Festival is not simply a participation opportunity. Ensembles are accepted to perform at festival venues, including the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage, through an Expression of Interest process.

As an outstanding music education and performance event, Craigslea’s participation is consistent with everything the group has demonstrated since it was formed in 2021 under the direction of music teacher Jennifer Pedder, who established the school’s vocal program in 2014.

The choir’s defining moment came in 2025, when it competed at the Queensland Youth Music Awards in the advanced Auditioned Secondary Choir category against some of the state’s most established and well-resourced school programmes, many fielding ensembles of 80 or more singers.

Craigslea entered with 17 voices and walked out with a gold standard and first place, becoming the first state school in the competition’s history to have its name engraved on the Perpetual Trophy for that category.

Choir member Thomas described the moment the winner was announced.

“I didn’t know that I could lose my voice in just 20 seconds,” he said. “We all jumped up and screamed, we were so happy!”

One of the adjudicators was particularly taken with the choir’s performance of Madonna’s Like a Prayer, with one judge noted to have been clapping along during the piece and admitting she had not managed to take any notes, having been too absorbed in the performance.

“There weren’t many of us, but we still filled the space with sound,” Thomas said.

Mrs Pedder said the win reflected more than a year of committed early-morning rehearsals.

“Choir members must audition to be part of the group and commit to practising every Monday and Friday at 7.30am,” she said. “Singers must be able to sight-read music and carry a harmony part on their own.”

A Festival That Takes Young Musicians to the World Stage

The Australian International Music Festival, now in its 37th year and organised by World Projects South Pacific, draws over 1,000 participants each year from Australia and international ensembles from the United States, China, Europe, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.

Performances during the week-long festival take place across Sydney’s most iconic cultural venues, including the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Angel Place City Recital Hall, Sydney Town Hall, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, St Andrew’s Cathedral and Darling Harbour.

Participating ensembles are adjudicated by an international jury and awarded gold, silver or bronze plaques based on their concert performances. Alongside the competitive programme, the festival runs educational workshops with world-class clinicians at the Conservatorium, rehearsal exchanges with other ensembles, and cultural experiences across the city.

For 24 students from a state school in Chermside West, performing on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage alongside international ensembles is the kind of experience that does not come around twice.

Support the Choir Before They Go

The community raffle is open now. Tickets are available here, with online ticket sales available until 7pm of 16 May 2026. Prizes are drawn at 7:30pm in the same day and winners will be contacted via phone or email.

The Australian International Music Festival will run from 5-12 July 2026. For more information about the Craigslea State High School Signature Music Programme and the Chamber Choir, visit the school’s website or follow the school’s Facebook page.

Published 29-April-2026

Kedron-Wavell Cougars Board Member Earns Top Netball Queensland Honour

Photo Credit: Netball Queensland

A long-time netball leader from Chermside has been recognised among the state’s most dedicated volunteers, with Kedron-Wavell Cougars board member Paula Sale awarded Honorary Life Membership by Netball Queensland for her decades of work across grassroots sport.

The honour was presented at Netball Queensland’s annual general meeting, where Ms Sale was named alongside Downey Park stalwart Diana Moore for their lasting impact on the game across Brisbane communities, as detailed in the official announcement.

From local courts to community leadership across Brisbane’s west

Ms Sale’s involvement in netball began in 2002 when her daughters joined Western Districts Netball Association, based at Faulkner Park in Graceville. What started as helping on the sidelines grew into a long-term commitment that saw her take on roles in coaching, umpiring and administration.

Over time, she moved into leadership positions within the association, contributing to decision-making, governance and planning. Her work extended beyond game day, supporting the systems that allow local competitions and pathways to run smoothly.

Her connection to Chermside comes through her role as a board member with the Kedron-Wavell Cougars, part of the Brisbane North Cougars program, linking her efforts in the western suburbs to the wider north Brisbane netball community.

Driving recovery and growth through challenging seasons

Ms Sale’s contribution has also been shaped by how she responded during difficult periods for community sport. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a role in helping competitions return safely, working through changing health requirements and ensuring players could get back on court.

When flooding impacted facilities in Brisbane’s west, she was involved in recovery efforts, supporting the association as it rebuilt and secured funding to improve infrastructure. Her work in grants and community liaison helped bring in support for upgrades, strengthening facilities used by players across multiple suburbs.

These efforts were highlighted in a community discussion on disaster recovery, which outlined how leadership at Western Districts helped the club continue operating after major setbacks.

Supporting players, volunteers and inclusive pathways

Beyond administration, Ms Sale has been involved in programs aimed at widening participation and supporting players at different levels. Her work has included helping coordinate opportunities for athletes, volunteers and officials, making sure pathways remain open for those wanting to stay in the sport.

Her role as a community liaison officer and grant coordinator at Western Districts, as listed on the association’s committee page, reflects a focus on building connections between clubs, players and support networks.

This type of work often sits behind the scenes, but it underpins how local competitions continue to operate and grow.

The Honorary Life Membership from Netball Queensland is one of the highest forms of recognition within the sport at a state level.

Published 29-April-2026

The Timber Footbridge at Raven Street Reserve Is Back Open

CrTracyDavis/Facebook

The timber footbridge at Raven Street Reserve in Chermside West has reopened following major structural works, with residents and walkers now able to cross freely again after what has been a notable absence from one of Brisbane’s northside most popular bushland corridors.

A small section of the bridge remains temporarily fenced while minor finishing tasks are completed over the next week, but the main span is now accessible and the reserve is once again fully walkable from end to end.

A reserve worth the visit

Raven Street Reserve sits tucked between Rode Road and Raven Street in Chermside West, and for a park this close to the suburban grid it carries a surprising amount of wildness. Downfall Creek winds through the lower reaches of the reserve, and the footbridge that has just been repaired sits across one of the creek crossings that connects the reserve’s internal trail network.

The broader reserve links into the Chermside Hills walking network, giving walkers access to the Giwadha Circuit Track, the Xanthorrhoea Track named for the grasstreets that line its ridges, and further routes toward Milne Hill and Chermside Hills Reserve.

Wildlife sightings in the area are reliably good: lace monitors, scrub turkeys, water dragons, and if you move quietly along the upper ridgeline sections, wallabies. The reserve also features a grassed oval with public toilets, picnic facilities and plenty of shaded trail under eucalypt canopy.

The Xanthorrhoea Track in particular draws walkers back repeatedly, especially in late winter and spring when the native understorey comes alive with yellow pultineas, golden banksias and purple patersonia lilies.

Getting there

Raven Street Reserve is accessed via Raven Street, Chermside West, off Rode Road. Bus route 353 stops on Hamilton Road near Trouts Road, providing access to the broader reserve network. Street parking is available on Raven Street and the surrounding streets.

The reserve is free to enter and open daily. For more information about Raven Street Reserve and its trail network, click here.

Published 29-April-2026

Chermside Confirmed for Youth Foyer Supporting Young People into Housing and Work

A new supported housing project is set to take shape in Chermside, aimed at assisting young people in Brisbane at risk of homelessness.

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

The suburb has been identified as the location for a youth foyer that will deliver 40 self-contained units, providing housing alongside structured support. The project forms part of a broader rollout of youth foyers across Queensland, with Brisbane and Ipswich among the selected locations.

Youth foyers are designed for people aged 16 to 25 who are at risk of homelessness or unable to live at home. Residents live in supported accommodation while they engage in education, training or work, with on-site staff available at all hours.

Under the model, tenants contribute about 25 per cent of their income in rent. In return, they receive 24/7 support from youth workers while they enter education, training or work.

Construction on the Brisbane youth foyer is expected to begin in early 2027. Once completed, the Chermside site will add 40 units to the network of foyers being delivered across the state.

Designed for independence and support

A new youth foyer in Townsville (Photo credit: QLD Housing and Public Works Department)

Youth foyers are designed to reflect local climate, place character, and community values, while also meeting the practical requirements of an independent home environment.

The layout balances private and shared spaces to support young tenants. Each resident is provided with a self-contained unit that includes a dedicated study area.

Foyers also include shared outdoor, social and recreational spaces for residents. Dedicated rooms for meetings, training and support services are included in the design.

Other features include off-street parking and covered outdoor areas.

Who the foyers support

Young people who enter a youth foyer often do so because they are unable to remain at home or are at risk of homelessness.

This can include those leaving home due to conflict or family violence, living in overcrowded conditions, or unable to find safe and affordable housing while studying or working. Others may be transitioning out of the child safety system after turning 18, or seeking to develop independent living skills before moving into the private rental market.

Read: Chermside Man’s Story Sheds Light on Public Housing Challenges

The presence of on-site staff at all times is a key part of the model. It provides support for residents and ensures assistance is available when needed.

The Chermside project is one of several foyers being delivered across Queensland, expanding access to supported accommodation for young people.

Published 15-April-2026

Temporary CCTV Camera Installed At Marchant Park Carpark After Safety Concerns

Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook

A temporary CCTV camera has been installed at Marchant Park carpark after concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour, bringing added visibility to a space used daily by families, walkers and local sporting groups.

A Familiar Park With A New Presence

For many in the area, Marchant Park is part of everyday life. It is where families gather, where walkers pass through, and where sporting clubs train and compete. The carpark sits at the centre of this activity, acting as the main entry point for people arriving throughout the day.

The recent installation of a temporary CCTV camera marks a noticeable change in this familiar setting. Positioned in response to concerns about behaviour in the carpark, the camera is intended to help deter issues and support a safer environment for those using the space.

CCTV Brisbane — Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook

Responding To What’s Happening On The Ground

The addition of the camera reflects a direct response to issues raised about the carpark. Rather than a broad or general measure, it focuses on a specific location where concerns have been identified.

By increasing visibility in the area, the camera aims to discourage behaviour that affects how the space is used, particularly in a park that sees a steady mix of visitors throughout the day.

Part Of A Larger Safety Network

The camera at Marchant Park sits within a wider network of more than 4,500 safety cameras operating across Brisbane. These include permanent, temporary and mobile units placed in public areas.

The network is designed to support safety by monitoring activity, deterring harmful or disruptive behaviour, and assisting in identifying people involved in incidents when they occur. Some cameras, including mobile units, operate continuously to provide ongoing surveillance in selected locations.

How Footage Is Handled

Footage from the network is monitored and stored under strict controls. Recordings are encrypted and kept for at least 31 days, with longer storage periods applied when incidents occur.

Access to footage is limited to authorised personnel, and all access is logged. Requests for footage must go through formal processes, with access granted only under specific conditions.

Marchant Park CCTV — Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook

Keeping Everyday Spaces Safe

For those who regularly use Marchant Park, the camera represents a practical step aimed at maintaining a safe and welcoming space. While the park continues to serve its usual role as a place for recreation and community activity, the added presence of CCTV reflects an effort to address concerns and support its ongoing use by the public.

Published 3-Apr-2026

Chermside Listed Among Locations In Alleged Fraud Targeting Elderly Victims

Photo Credit: QPS

Chermside is among several Queensland locations linked to an alleged fraud and stealing operation targeting elderly victims, with three people charged following an investigation by financial crime detectives.

Alleged Distraction Tactics Used In Chermside And Beyond

Authorities allege the group targeted older individuals, aged between 70 and 94, while they were using ATMs or paying for groceries in shopping centres including Chermside, Kenmore, Strathpine, North Lakes, Buddina, Caloundra and Laidley. The approach involved engaging victims and creating a distraction by suggesting they had dropped cash or a wallet, before allegedly taking the victim’s wallet during the interaction. Bank cards were then used to carry out unauthorised transactions.

The alleged incidents occurred between February and March, with losses amounting to thousands of dollars across multiple locations. The activity reflects a pattern of offences focused on older individuals in public transaction settings.

Chermside fraud case — Photo Credit: QPS

Arrests And Charges Following Investigation

Following investigations by the Financial and Cyber Crime Group, supported by regional units, three people were arrested at a unit complex in Eight Mile Plains, where almost $20,000 in cash was seized. A 49-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman have each been charged with multiple counts of fraud, stealing and enter with intent.

elderly scam Queensland — Photo Credit: QPS

Both appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 28 March and were refused bail, with matters adjourned to 15 April. A 42-year-old man has also been charged with one count of stealing and was granted bail, with a court appearance scheduled in Southport Magistrates Court on 8 April.

Ongoing Inquiries And Public Awareness

Investigations remain ongoing, including potential links to similar offences in other states, and further arrests are expected. Authorities have urged individuals to remain alert when using ATMs or conducting transactions in places such as Chermside, and to take steps to protect personal banking information.

Members of the public are advised to regularly check their accounts for unauthorised activity, promptly notify their financial institution if irregularities are detected, and report incidents to police.

Published 31-Mar-2026

Northside Wins as Haigh’s Chocolates Brings Iconic Artisan Treats to Chermside

Photo Credit: Haigh’s Chocolate/ Facebook

The iconic family-owned Haigh’s Chocolates will officially end a century of waiting for local fans by establishing a permanent retail home in Chermside.

A Long-Awaited Arrival

For over a century, fans of the family-owned brand in Queensland have had to wait for interstate trips or postal deliveries to enjoy their favourite sweets. This shift to a physical presence comes after the company noticed that Brisbane residents already make up 18 per cent of all their online sales.

Because the local demand is so high, the business decided to fast-track its move into the Sunshine State. While the Chermside location is a major highlight for the northside, the expansion actually includes three different spots across the city to make sure everyone has easy access to their products.

Boosting the Local Economy

The first shop is scheduled to welcome customers at Westfield Mt Gravatt in August 2026. Shortly after that debut, the Chermside and Carindale locations will finish the trio of openings before the year ends. This move is not just about sweets; it is also a win for the local workforce.

The company expects to hire about 75 people to staff these new branches within the first few months. Those looking for work can prepare to apply soon, as the official recruitment process is set to begin this April.

Growing to Meet Demand

To make this expansion possible, the business has been busy upgrading its behind-the-scenes operations. According to chief executive Peter Millard, the company has increased its chocolate-making capacity from 1,100 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes per year.

This growth is supported by a brand-new production and fulfilment centre in South Australia. Former leader Alister Haigh, who represents the fourth generation of the founding family, noted that this is a major milestone for the business as it grows its reach across the eastern seaboard.

Maintaining Tradition

Even as it grows larger, the company remains focused on the traditional methods that earned it a loyal following since 1915. They use a “bean-to-bar” process, which means they control every step of making the chocolate from the raw cocoa beans. They also prioritise using ingredients that are sourced ethically. By the time the Brisbane rollout is finished, there will be 26 of these specialty shops operating across Australia, including existing sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Adelaide.

Published Date 31-March-2026

Have Your Say on the Future of Chermside Centre

Brisbane is inviting the community to share their ideas on the future of Chermside Centre as part of a suburban renewal planning process.

Read: High-Density Zones Approved for Chermside Shopping Centre Precinct

A Chermside Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan is being prepared, which will form part of Brisbane City Plan 2014 — the city’s local planning scheme. Once adopted, the plan will be used to guide and assess property development in the precinct. The plan will also guide future building design, development and local job opportunities over the next ten years and beyond.

Chermside is identified as one of Brisbane’s major centres, supporting the northern suburbs and the wider region with significant retail, commercial and health care services, as well as housing. The precinct is well connected to the city and other suburban centres, supported by high-frequency buses with a central interchange and services along Gympie Road.

Proposed Chermside Centre precinct boundary (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The surrounding area is also home to a number of community and recreation facilities, including the Chermside Aquatic Centre and Water Park, Chermside Library, Marchant Park, 7th Brigade Park and the Brisbane North Hockey Centre.

The precinct plan is being developed around four themes:

Housing choice — a review of zoning and housing options to accommodate a range of household types, including singles, couples and families.
Vibrant village — improving public spaces and facilities, and creating more opportunities for local shops, dining and businesses.
Subtropical lifestyle — ensuring buildings and public spaces incorporate shade and greenery.
Connecting people and places — maximising public and active transport networks while making walking and cycling safer and more convenient.

The plan will be developed using technical investigations, community feedback and Queensland Government feedback.

Community members can have their say by completing an online survey or by adding location-specific comments to an interactive map, both available via Brisbane’s YourSay platform.

Read: Chermside Hospital Expansion To Deliver New Beds And Emergency Facilities

After the feedback period closes, community input will be reviewed alongside technical investigations before a draft precinct plan is released for a further round of consultation later in 2026. Following a review of feedback on the draft plan, a final version is expected to be adopted into Brisbane City Plan 2014 by mid-2027.

Feedback closes Sunday, 12 April 2026.

Published 17-March-2026

Chermside Patrols Included In North Brisbane Operations Resulting In 179 People Charged

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Police patrol operations across Brisbane’s north, including Chermside, have resulted in 179 people being charged on 321 offences during targeted patrols addressing property crime and public-order incidents.

Proactive Patrols Across North Brisbane

Police have conducted separate patrol operations across northern Brisbane, focusing on areas with high foot traffic and locations linked to late-night property crime. The patrols formed part of ongoing operations targeting property offences, vehicle theft and public-order incidents.

The combined operations have resulted in 179 people being charged with a total of 321 offences across the district.

Chermside police patrols — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Chermside Patrol Interception

One of the initiatives, Operation Grimlock, has been active since 21 February and focuses on proactive patrols targeting late-night property crime and vehicle theft.

Police reported that 42 people have been charged on 84 offences during this operation.

Shortly before 12.30 a.m. on 9 March, officers from the Boondall Tactical Crime Squad conducting patrols in Chermside identified a suspicious black Mercedes stopped on Davenport Street.

Police allege the occupant assaulted officers while attempting to flee. A taser was deployed and the man was taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle allegedly located a homemade taser, a loaded slam gun, ammunition, methylamphetamine, drug utensils and a small quantity of counterfeit money.

A 47-year-old man from Macgregor has been charged with multiple offences including obstruction of police, assault of police, drug possession, possession of drug utensils, unlawful possession of weapons and possession of counterfeit money.

The man was remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 22 April.

Brisbane north crime — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Operation Thunderstrike Activity

A separate initiative, Operation Thunderstrike, returned to Brisbane’s north on 1 January and has so far resulted in 137 offenders being charged on 237 offences.

The operation targets public-order offences in high foot-traffic areas including Brisbane City, Chermside and Toowong shopping centres as well as nearby public transport hubs.

At 12.22 p.m. on 26 February, police allege two teenagers stole products from a Brisbane City convenience store and made verbal threats toward an employee while armed.

The pair allegedly fled to a nearby bus station where officers conducting patrols arrested them.

A 15-year-old Greenslopes boy has been charged with robbery armed and unauthorised dealing with shop goods and is expected to reappear before Brisbane Childrens Court on 24 March.

A 16-year-old Greenslopes boy has been charged with possession of a knife in a public place and unauthorised dealing with shop goods and is expected to appear before Brisbane Childrens Court on 13 March.

Ongoing Operations

Both operations remain ongoing. Police said the patrol initiatives are supported by Operation Yankee Forge, which provides intelligence and specialist capabilities to assist with the prevention and investigation of robbery and unlawful entry offences.

Published 13-Mar-2026

Two Men Charged After Alleged Chermside Crime Incidents Across North Brisbane

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Two men have been charged after a series of alleged incidents linked to Chermside involving dangerous driving reports, multiple crashes and reported thefts across North Brisbane.

Police allege that between 4:50 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on 1 March 2026, a silver Holden Rodeo utility was driven dangerously across several suburbs within the Brisbane region and struck multiple vehicles.

An earlier report was received around 4:42 a.m. on Gympie Road at the Hamilton Road intersection in Chermside, where a vehicle had stopped and a man was attempting to stop passing motorists.

Chermside crime incidents — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Crash Reports Across Multiple Suburbs

At about 4:53 a.m., police received reports that a utility had struck two vehicles on Lutwyche Road near Grantson Street at Windsor.

Around 4:55 a.m., another report was received that a utility had struck a vehicle on Lutwyche Road near Fuller Street at Lutwyche.

At approximately 5:03 a.m., police were notified that a vehicle had been struck on Gympie Road opposite Mellor Street at Kedron.

Reported Thefts In Brisbane City And Chermside West

At about 5:10 a.m., police received a report that property had allegedly been stolen from a pedestrian at Albert Street at the Roma Street and Turbot Street intersection in Brisbane City.

A further report was received around 5:15 a.m. that property had allegedly been stolen from a pedestrian on Webster Road near Taggan Street at Chermside West.

No injuries were reported to police in relation to the incidents.

dangerous driving charges — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Vehicle Located In Bald Hills

The Holden utility was later located abandoned around 5:35 a.m. on the Gateway Motorway near the Wyampa Road overpass at Bald Hills.

Shortly before 6 a.m., police located a 30-year-old Mooloolaba man in nearby bushland and took him into custody. A 38-year-old Mooloolaba man was also taken into custody in connection with the matter.

Both men have been charged with five counts each of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and five counts each of failing to comply with duties of a driver involved in a crash. They have also each been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle while allegedly adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

Police have appealed for anyone impacted by the Chermside crime incidents, or anyone with relevant information, CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward.

Published 3-Mar-2026