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Affordable Downsizer-Friendly Projects Shape The Future of Chermside

Photo Credit: Westfield Chermside/Google Maps

Chermside is emerging as a key hub for affordable housing and downsizer-friendly developments with multiple projects set to reshape the suburb’s housing landscape.

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Located approximately 10 kilometres north of CBD, Chermside has long been recognised as a major suburban hub. Known for Westfield Chermside—one of Australia’s largest shopping centres—and its well-established transport links, the suburb has become a focal point for residential growth. Recent years have seen increasing demand for downsizer-friendly homes and affordable housing solutions, leading to several key development projects.

Key Developments Addressing Housing Needs

Based at 75-81 Kittyhawk Drive, Gardner Vaughan Group’s Estilo on the Park is one of the main ongoing projects. Situated opposite Westfield Chermside and next to the 7th Brigade Park, this development boasts three towers providing one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. Emphasising the mix of natural surroundings and urban convenience, the development features communal areas fit for modern life, rooftop terraces, and landscaped gardens. Building is happening steadily; completion is expected early in 2025.

Apart from private property developments, an affordable housing project is scheduled to produce 92 units on Rode Road close to Prince Charles Hospital. Comprising 46 affordable and 46 social housing units, the project is a joint venture between Brisbane Housing Company (BHC) and Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC). The expected completion is by mid-2025. This programme seeks to give senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families at risk of homelessness among other vulnerable groups safe and secure housing choices.

While nearby public transportation choices and retail stores provide extra convenience, the strategic location close to Prince Charles Hospital guarantees residents have access to necessary healthcare services. The initiative shows a more general state-level will to solve housing affordability and build inclusive communities.

Balancing Growth with Community Concerns

While these projects aim to address the suburb’s housing needs, they also raise questions about infrastructure and liveability. Long-term residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion and potential strain on local amenities. Urban planners and developers are working to balance growth with sustainable practices to ensure the suburb maintains its appeal.

Affordable housing Chermside — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Future Outlook for Chermside

Chermside is likely to stay among Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs given continuous infrastructure and housing investments. As the affordable housing initiative is near completion, it is expected to provide much-needed housing solutions for both downsizers and low-income residents.

Strategic urban planning and ongoing community involvement will be absolutely vital in controlling development and ensuring Chermside stays a vibrant, easily accessible suburb.

Published 2-Jan-2024

The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside Saves Mum’s Life with Groundbreaking Transplant

Photo Credit: Tina Lee/Facebook

A mother with cystic fibrosis was saved by a pioneering heart and double lung transplant, a complicated and rare procedure, at the Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside.

Since birth, Tina Lee, a 39-year-old Yeppoon teacher, has had cystic fibrosis (CF). A genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs, CF frequently results in serious health complications. Ms Lee received a second chance at life after undergoing a double lung transplant last 2015, in her early 30s.

In 2023 February, she and her partner, Tom, found out they were expecting their first child years later, they were ecstatic. However, Ms Lee was in critical condition after a severe rejection of her transplanted lungs at 34 weeks into her pregnancy.

Her baby, Henry, was delivered by emergency caesarean section and was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) right away. But Ms Lee’s health kept getting worse.

The Prince Charles Hospital Takes the Lead

As her condition deteriorated, Ms Lee was moved to The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, which is renowned for its proficiency in cardiothoracic care. With limited traditional treatment options available, her case became urgent.

Under the direction of Professor Peter Hopkins, the hospital’s medical staff decided to try tocilizumab, a drug typically used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This medication had never been tested on cystic fibrosis patients in Australia before. To everyone’s relief, Ms Lee’s condition stabilised within just one day, giving her much-needed time for further treatment.

A Record-Breaking Transplant

In 2024 May, Ms Lee was added to the transplant waiting list. Amazingly, donor organs were available six hours later. She had a heart and double lung transplant at The Prince Charles Hospital, a rare and difficult procedure that went well.

With medical professionals like Professor Hopkins highlighting the impact that prompt donations can have on patients in critical condition, Ms Lee’s story serves as a reminder of the significance of organ donation for critically ill patients.

Chermside Community and Family Support

The Prince Charles Hospital has long been acknowledged by the Chermside community as an essential local centre for cutting-edge medical care. Ms Lee’s experience serves as more evidence of the hospital’s commitment to offering patients state-of-the-art treatment.

Ms Lee attributed her persistent perseverance during her recovery to her baby boy, Henry. Seeing him, she claimed, gave her the willpower to keep going.

A Call for Organ Donors

Ms Lee’s story highlights the continued need for organ donors. Many of the thousands of Australians waiting for transplants depend on the generosity of donors to stay alive, according to DonateLife.

Her story demonstrates the importance of these contributions and the efforts made by institutions such as The Prince Charles Hospital to oversee such life-saving operations.

A Brighter Future

Ms Lee is loving being a mother today and treasures her time spent with her family. She continues to promote organ donation and urge others to do the same.

Stories like Ms Lee’s attest to the commitment of the hospital’s staff and the value of community health resources, demonstrating the exceptional medical care that The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside continues to provide.

Published 26-Dec-2024

Brisbane Measles Alert: Chermside Community on High Alert

Photo Credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Facebook

A two-year-old boy from Brisbane’s northern suburbs has tested positive for measles. Health authorities have identified several public exposure sites, including Chermside. Learn more about symptoms, prevention, and vaccination services.

According to the experts, the child was infectious from 7 to 13 December 2024, in which he visited various public places.

Exposure sites and timeline

The Metro North Public Health Unit has identified multiple sites the child visited while infectious:

December 7 and 8: Flight TG346 from Lahore to Bangkok
8 December: Flight TG461 departs Bangkok for Melbourne; arrives at Melbourne International Airport between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
9 December: Melbourne Domestic Airport from 5:00 to 7:30 a.m.; Flight JQ562 from Melbourne to Brisbane; Brisbane Domestic Airport from 8:20 to 9:30 a.m.
10 December: Visited the Prince Charles Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department from 8:00 to 9:40 a.m.; attended a QUT graduation ceremony at The Star Brisbane from 4:40 to 10:00 p.m.
12 December: visited Nundah Family Practice at 12:30 PM and 1:15 PM; Lumus Imaging in Nundah from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM; returned to the Prince Charles Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department at 6:20 PM and stayed until 12:15 AM.

Residents in Chermside and surrounding suburbs are advised to remain vigilant for symptoms, particularly if they visited any of these locations during the specified times.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing and sneezing. Symptoms usually appear between 7 to 18 days after exposure, beginning with fever, fatigue, a runny nose, a wet cough, and sore, red eyes. These are followed by a blotchy red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads throughout the body.

Brisbane Measles Alert: Chermside Community on High Alert — *Photo Credit: Metro North Health*

People who have spent time at the locations above during the times listed above should be vigilant for symptoms up to 31 December, 2024. Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate indoors and consult their GP for advice straight away. Secondary transmission should be avoided by telling the health facility of a suspected case of measles infection before going there.

Health authorities recommend that individuals born during or after 1966 ensure they have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, as this is the most effective protection against measles.

Those uncertain of their vaccination status should consult their healthcare provider. The MMR vaccine is available through general practices, some pharmacies, and community immunisation clinics.

Free Measles Vaccination in January 2025

The city provides free vaccination services to eligible citizens at community clinics, including at the Chermside Library. These clinics offer immunisations to those aged six weeks and above, protecting them against illnesses including measles, influenza, whooping cough, polio, and tetanus.

Schedule free immunisation

This is the second measles notice in Brisbane within a period of three weeks, with a case reported in the Sunshine Coast. Authorities are working closely with the hospitals and places the affected child would be found in tracing contacts and advising whoever could be infected.

As the community takes preventive measures so that another event does not occur, they are encouraged to be careful and to check their immunization status.

Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in children and other immunocompromised individuals. It protects not only the individual but also contributes to community immunity, which helps to control the spread of the virus.

Public health efforts still target immunisation campaigns, raising awareness about the importance of the vaccine and encouraging quick access to medical attention should the symptoms appear.

Published 19-Dec-2024

Brisbane’s Suburban Shift: Why Chermside is Poised to Thrive

With its established health precinct and strategic location, Chermside is seen as a strong candidate to evolve into a major employment and lifestyle hub, contributing to solutions for Brisbane’s housing and infrastructure challenges.

Read: New Health Care Facility Proposed for Chermside

According to Ross Elliott, Suburban Futures director and chair of the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Initiative, Chermside has the potential to become a regional powerhouse similar to Parramatta. He noted that the suburb, currently home to 16,000 jobs, primarily in health, could grow to support 50,000 jobs with the right urban planning and investment.

Photo credit: Zeglar “Zeg” Fergus/Google Maps

Mr Elliott highlighted the untapped potential of Chermside’s green spaces, such as the Downfall Creek corridor and the nearby Marchant Park. These areas, he said, could serve as active transport routes linking residential neighborhoods with employment hubs. He emphasized that urban renewal efforts must integrate job creation and social infrastructure alongside addressing housing needs.

The Vision for Chermside

Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps

Chermside’s transformation could build on its existing strengths, including The Prince Charles Hospital and Westfield Chermside, one of the country’s largest shopping centers. These institutions provide a foundation for further development, such as mixed-use precincts and high-density housing designed to support modern urban lifestyles.

Mr Elliott suggested that improved transport links, such as expanded busways and cycling corridors, could enhance the suburb’s connectivity, making it an even more attractive place to live and work. He also pointed to the importance of leveraging natural assets like Marchant Park and Downfall Creek to create a sustainable and vibrant urban environment.

A Suburban Strategy for Growth

Moorooka’s Magic Mile (Photo credit: Google Street View)

While Chermside leads the charge in Brisbane’s suburban renewal plans, other areas, including Moorooka and Mount Gravatt, are also being considered for transformation. For example, proposals for Moorooka’s Magic Mile include replacing car yards with bike paths and mixed-use developments, reflecting the city’s focus on sustainable, community-centric growth.

Mr Elliott underscored the importance of investing in suburban areas, pointing out that the vast majority of Brisbane residents live and work in these neighborhoods. He argued that for Brisbane to thrive, it must focus on where its population actually resides and operates.

Read: Hidden Family History Inspires Local to Create New Chermside Ancestry Group

As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, Chermside’s potential rise as a mini Parramatta could become a model for suburban renewal, helping the city grow as a balanced and inclusive metropolis.

Published 3-December-2024

A Water Wonderland: Aquatic Oasis in Chermside

Chermside’s heart beats with community spirit, and its beloved Aquatic Centre is the lifeblood. This sprawling water wonderland offers fun for everyone, from families to fitness fanatics.

The centre’s crowning jewel is undoubtedly its expansive water park. With a dazzling array of water slides, a splash lagoon, and a leisure pool, it’s a summer paradise for children of all ages. As the temperature rises, the park becomes a hive of activity filled with squeals of delight and laughter.

But the fun doesn’t stop when the summer sunsets. The centre’s heated indoor pool provides year-round swimming opportunities, making it a popular spot for lap swimmers and fitness classes.

The outdoor 25-metre lap pool is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional swimming experience.

Chermside Aquatic Centre is more than just a place to cool off; it’s a place to connect with the community. The centre hosts various swimming programs, from learn-to-swim classes for young children to advanced squad training for competitive swimmers. Additionally, it offers a variety of fitness classes for adults, including aqua aerobics and water walking.

For those who prefer to relax, the centre’s sun loungers and picnic areas provide the perfect setting for a leisurely day out. The on-site kiosk offers a range of refreshments, from ice creams to hot drinks, making it easy to refuel after a swim.

Hidden Family History Inspires Local to Create New Chermside Ancestry Group

In January 2025, Chermside Library will host the first of a series of free Ancestry Group Discussions hosted by Donna Arnold, a local who wants to bring people together to discover and share their family history and reconnect with their heritage.

A Passion Born from Family Connections

Donna Arnold’s interest in ancestry was sparked during a family reunion, where the fragments of her family’s history began to take shape. As relatives swapped stories, she discovered that her grandfather, born in 1888 at Zillman Waterholes in Kedron, was a first-generation Australian of Prussian descent.

George Magdalinski c1990s — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

He was the 15th child in a family that overcame significant challenges to establish themselves in Southeast Queensland. Arnold marvelled at his journey, which included farming in the Lockyer Valley and Murgon, serving as a postman during hard times, and raising a family with his wife Elsie before settling into dairy and citrus farming in the Noosa Hinterland.

George & Elsie Magdalinski c1918 — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Her grandfather’s life was deeply intertwined with the land. He was part of a pioneering spirit that defined the region, living through two World Wars and economic hardships while remaining connected to his home state. Arnold finds it remarkable that, by the end of his life, he had made a “circuit of SE Queensland,” starting at Zillman Waterholes and finally resting at Lutwyche Cemetery in Kedron.

This sense of connection deepened for Arnold when she realised that the Taigum property she once owned could overlap with the land her ancestors cultivated over a century ago. The idea of physically standing where her great-grandparents might have worked inspired her to explore further. Over the last nine years, she has meticulously pieced together her family’s history, combining online research with “on-location” investigations across Australia and even overseas. These efforts have revealed details that cannot be found through digital archives alone.

Arnold also reflects on the personal losses her family endured, such as the deaths of several newborns in the 19th century. She recalls visiting the Nundah Historic Cemetery, where a memorial plaque now commemorates those who were not given a grave site. These discoveries bring an emotional weight to her research and reinforce her commitment to preserving her family’s legacy for future generations.

Her personal connection to her ancestors, combined with her growing expertise in genealogy, fuels her desire to bring others on the same journey.

“It’s not just about the names and dates,” Arnold explains in her writings. For her, it’s about understanding the lives behind those details and sharing stories that might otherwise be lost. This passion is the foundation for the Ancestor Group Discussions she is launching, which aim to connect like-minded individuals in the community to celebrate and uncover their heritage.

A Local Initiative with Broader Appeal

Ms Arnold emphasises that her efforts are not limited to expert genealogists. She hopes the discussions will attract a diverse group, including beginners who are curious about their ancestry. Through this initiative, she hopes to create a space where people can gather to explore and share their family stories.

The group discussions, to be held twice monthly, will encourage participants to delve into their roots, exchange insights, and uncover hidden aspects of their personal histories.

The first session of the ancestry group will take place on 9 January 2025 at 6:00 p.m., with plans for future meetings to foster ongoing collaboration and learning among participants.

Chermside Library’s central location makes it an accessible venue for the initiative, which Arnold views as an opportunity to strengthen community ties while preserving history. She stresses the value of in-person discussions for uncovering details that cannot always be found online.

Encouraging Participation and Preserving History

The initiative comes at a time when interest in genealogy is growing, bolstered by accessible DNA testing and historical archives.

Ms Arnold sees this as a chance to enrich people’s understanding of their heritage while creating a supportive community where stories can be preserved for future generations. She encourages anyone with an interest in family history to attend, regardless of how much they know about their own ancestry.

The Ancestor Group Discussions offer a free and welcoming environment for sharing personal histories, asking questions, and discovering the importance of the past. Ms Arnold hopes to see many faces at Chermside Library in January, eager to uncover and celebrate the stories that make up their family histories.

Published 20-Nov-2024

Street Spotlight: Kilburn St, Chermside

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Kilburn Street in Chermside tells a compelling story of Brisbane’s northern suburban evolution. Historical records from 1946 reveal a sparsely populated landscape with only a handful of houses dotting the streetscape, a stark contrast to today’s established residential community. The street’s growth is reflected in its real estate history, with notable transactions like 18 Kilburn Street changing hands for $30,000 in June 1981.

Today, the street boasts 42 properties with a strong sense of community, evidenced by its 75% owner-occupier rate and remarkable average residency of nearly 13 years. The fact that 56% of residents have called Kilburn Street home for over a decade speaks to its enduring appeal and the stability of this Chermside pocket.

Kilburn St, Chermside Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 42
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 75%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 12 years and 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 56%

Kilburn St, Chermside – As It Looked in 1946

Kilburn St, Chermside in 1946

SOME RECENT SALES ON KILBURN ST, CHERMSIDE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
2/22 Kilburn St, Chermside	$850,000	Jul 2024
23 Kilburn St, Chermside	$873,000	Jan 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON KILBURN ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
18 Kilburn St, Chermside	$30,000	Jun 1981
12 Kilburn St, Chermside	$110,500	Aug 1990
39 Kilburn St, Chermside	$162,000	Aug 1994

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Chermside in 2024 was $935,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Chermside in 2020 was $625,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHERMSIDE SINCE 2020 : $310,000

The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Chermside in 2024 was $403,000
The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Chermside in 2020 was $330,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 1 BEDROOM UNIT IN CHERMSIDE SINCE 2020 : $73,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Chermside in 2024 was $550,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Chermside in 2020 was $359,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN CHERMSIDE SINCE 2020 : $191,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Chermside in 2024 was $700,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Chermside in 2020 was $467,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN CHERMSIDE SINCE 2020 : $233,000

If you know Kilburn St, Chermside well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Multiple Drink Driving Offences in Chermside Police Operation

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

Police detected six drink driving offences during a targeted operation on Gympie Road, Chermside on Friday, November 1, 2024.

The operation, which involved officers from Hendra, Boondall and Stafford Stations alongside North Brisbane Highway Patrol, conducted 707 Random Breath Tests (RBT) and Random Drug Tests (RDT).

Blood alcohol readings among the offenders ranged from 0.053 to 0.143.

The operation also resulted in one drug driving detection. A separate driver was charged with possession of dangerous drugs, failing to properly dispose of needle and syringe, and possession of tainted property. Another motorist was charged with obstructing police.

Officers issued five additional infringement notices for offences including unlicensed driving and unregistered vehicles.

Police have advised that traffic operations and patrols will increase in the North Brisbane area as year 12 students finish school and holiday periods approach.

The Queensland Police Service continues its efforts to reduce road fatalities by targeting the ‘Fatal Five’: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads

Published 8-November-2024

Santa Arrives at Westfield Chermside to Start the Festive Season

Get ready! Santa is arriving at Westfield Chermside, bringing Christmas cheer and a calendar full of holiday activities, starting with a festive parade throughout the centre.

On Saturday, 10 November, families can catch Santa’s parade at Westfield Chermside from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. He will be joined by Rudolph, Frosty, the Gingerbread Man, and other characters spreading festive joy.

Santa’s arrival will kick off a season of Christmas events and community-focused celebrations at Westfield locations across Queensland, including family photo sessions and other holiday experiences.

Westfield Chermside Santa Claus — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Santa Photography Sessions

Along with the parade, Westfield Chermside will offer various Santa photography options designed to make the season accessible and enjoyable for all families. Bookings are now open for traditional Santa photos and specialised sessions such as “Auslan Santa” and “Sensitive Santa.”

The Auslan Santa sessions allow children who communicate with Auslan to meet and share their Christmas wishes directly with a Santa fluent in Auslan, supported by an interpreter and additional helpers.

Sensitive Santa sessions are designed for children with sensory sensitivities and take place in a quieter environment before the stores open. Additionally, pet photography sessions are available for families who want festive photos with their pets.

Westfield Chermside Santa Clause — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Booking Details and Extended Hours

Families can reserve their Santa photo sessions online through the Westfield website to make sure they get all the benefits. Santa photography will be available at Westfield Chermside from 10 November until Christmas Eve, 24 December. Westfield will also offer extended trading hours, beginning on 14 December, to accommodate holiday shopping needs in the lead-up to Christmas.

BOOK SANTA PHOTO SESSION

Published 8-Nov-2024

New Health Care Facility Proposed for Chermside

A development application has been submitted for a new health care services building along Gympie Road, Chermside, which aims to introduce a multi-functional facility to the area.

Read: Chermside Community Leader Jodi Traves Wins $20,000 Westfield Local Hero Grant

Designed by the architectural firm NettletonTribe, the proposal envisions a nine-storey structure that would accommodate a variety of services, including health care, food and drink outlets, office spaces, and retail shops.

The proposed development at 766 Gympie Road, Chermside would feature a total gross floor area of 12,384 square metres, with health care services planned for levels three to nine. The ground floor is set to include a cafe of 121 sqm, and a retail space of 800 sqm, potentially enhancing local amenities for both residents and visitors.

In terms of parking, the design includes provisions for 282 car parking spaces—144 on the first two levels and 138 in the basement—as well as six motorcycle parking spots on Level 2. Access to the site would be available via Latham Street, which would include a designated drop-off area for convenience. Additionally, two pedestrian access points on Gympie Road are proposed to facilitate foot traffic.

The project entails the partial demolition of some structures in the northern section of the site, while preserving the building located to the south. The existing car park would also undergo modifications to better support the new development and improve accessibility for future users.

Planners have emphasised that the design incorporates a central access corridor that connects with the southern part of the site, where an office building is expected to remain operational. Landscaping elements will be introduced at the building’s frontage, aimed at enhancing the streetscape and providing shading, while framing the entrances to the new facility.

Read: Tricare Unveils Expansion Plans for Chermside West Aged Care Community

While this development application is still under consideration, it represents a significant potential investment in the Chermside area, with the possibility of improving local health services and providing new amenities for the community. As the proposal moves through the approval process, stakeholders and residents will be monitoring its progress closely.

Published 7-November-2024