Read: Have Your Say on the Future of Chermside Centre

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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Read: TFE Hotels’ Adina Chermside Brisbane Confirmed for April 2026 Opening

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.

Read: Have Your Say on the Future of Chermside Centre

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

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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. 

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

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Read: Reality Check at Red Hill: 5 Surprising Truths from the Broncos’ Tough Round 1 Start

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 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.

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

Read: Two Men Charged After Alleged Chermside Crime Incidents Across North Brisbane

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

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Read: TFE Hotels’ Adina Chermside Brisbane Confirmed for April 2026 Opening

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.

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.

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.

Read: Recall Alert: Milo Snack Bars Stocked at Coles, Woolworths and ALDI Amid Contamination Warning

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

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Read: Adina Chermside Brisbane Hotel Set to Open in 2026

Managed by TFE Hotels under the Adina brand, the property will sit adjacent to Westfield Chermside, Queensland’s largest shopping centre, and just 20 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD.

The 148-room hotel is designed around Adina’s “casual living philosophy,” offering guests apartment-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes, dedicated work areas, and high-speed internet. Six flexible meeting rooms will also be available on-site, catering for small team briefings through to larger conferences.

Chermside has grown significantly as a commercial destination in recent years, and the new hotel adds an accommodation option to a suburb better known for its retail offering. Guests will have immediate access to more than 400 stores, dining options, and a cinema at Westfield Chermside, all within walking distance. The hotel’s developers have also identified the nearby Prince Charles Hospital precinct as a key drawcard for visitors to the area.

The hotel’s location places it within easy reach of Brisbane Airport, adding to its appeal for interstate and international travellers.

TFE Hotels’ Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, highlighted the hotel’s potential role in Brisbane’s lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Chermside is poised to shine as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said. “With the city’s new 63,000-seat Olympic Stadium set to be built in Victoria Park — an inner-city location serving as the centrepiece for athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies — Adina Chermside offers convenient access to the Olympic action while providing a home away from home for visitors.”

The building was designed by WMK Architecture, with the Chermside Hills Reserve serving as the primary design reference. Stepped building forms draw natural light through the structure, while horizontal lines and vertical screening elements provide shade and privacy. The material palette, brickwork, rendered surfaces, and terracotta tones, was selected to reflect the local architecture and blend the hotel into its surroundings.

Inside, the interiors follow the same nature-inspired direction, using earthy tones and soft materials intended to reflect the character of the Chermside Hills Reserve. A lobby lounge, café and bar, and a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces complete the offering.

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

Sustainability is a core component of the build, with the property incorporating passive solar design, water-saving initiatives, and sustainable building materials, which is part of TFE Hotels’ broader commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The development is expected to create jobs and contribute to the local economy, according to TFE Hotels, adding to Chermside’s appeal as a destination in Brisbane’s northern corridor.

With the April 2026 opening approaching, Adina Chermside is set to add a new dimension to what the suburb can offer both visitors and the broader Brisbane community.

Published 27-February-2026

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Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) issued the recall notice for selected batches of Nestlé’s Milo Dipped Snack Bars and Milo Original Snack Bars, citing the presence of foreign matter that may pose a risk of illness or injury if consumed.

The affected products were sold at major retailers including ALDI, Coles, Woolworths and independent stores such as IGA across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, as well as through online outlets.

Authorities warned consumers not to eat the products and advised returning them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

“Food products containing black rubber may cause illness or injury if consumed,” FSANZ said in its notice, urging anyone concerned about their health after eating the bars to seek medical advice.

Manufacturing fault behind contamination

Nestlé Australia said the issue was linked to an equipment failure at a contract manufacturing facility, which caused small pieces of black rubber to become dislodged during production.

The company has not reported any confirmed injuries linked to the contamination but said the recall was issued as a precautionary measure to protect consumer safety.

Food recalls are typically initiated when foreign materials — including plastic, rubber or metal fragments — are detected in food products, as they can present choking hazards or cause internal injury.

Products affected

The recall applies to the following items with best-before dates of end August 2026:

• MILO Dipped Snack Bars — 270g, 960g and 160g boxes (batches 5316TD15, 5317TD15, 5318TD15, 5321TD15, 5322TD15)
  
• MILO Snack Bars Original — 210g box (batches 5323TD15, 5324TD15)
  

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to check packaging for the specified batch numbers.

Consumer advice

Authorities say customers should avoid consuming the recalled snack bars and return them to retailers for a refund. Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about potential exposure should consult a health professional.

Further information is available through Nestlé Australia’s customer service lines or the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand food recall website.

The recall highlights ongoing food safety monitoring processes designed to identify and remove potentially hazardous products from the market.

Published 20-Feb-2026

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Published 18-Feb-2026

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

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.

The precinct plan passed with broad support and will now proceed to Queensland authorities for approval before returning to Council 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.

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.

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

Published 15-February-2026.

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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.

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.

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

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