Knauf, a leading construction materials company, played a crucial role in the $355 million expansion of Westfield Chermside, by supplying essential materials for the project’s ceilings and partitions.
The redevelopment completed in mid-2017, has expanded the shopping centre to become the largest in the Scentre Group’s portfolio. Located 10 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, the project added 33,000 square meters of retail space, including 95 new stores.
North Australian Contracting (NAC), engaged by Scentre Group, used 25,000 square meters of Knauf’s 13 mm plasterboard and compounds throughout the redevelopment.
A notable feature of the Westfield Chermside expansion is the ceiling in the new upper floor using small segments of Knauf plasterboard, creating an illusion of a continuous curve through the use of glancing light.
The project faced logistical challenges, including maintaining normal operations for existing retailers during construction and managing large material deliveries. NAC reported that Knauf successfully met the high demand for materials throughout the project.
Meeting tight deadlines was critical, with the construction team working double shifts towards the end to ensure timely completion.
The expanded Westfield Chermside now features top Australian retailers such as David Jones, Myer, Harris Scarfe, Big W, Kmart, Target, Coles, Woolworths, and Apple. New additions include Brisbane’s first Sephora, along with H&M and Zara. The redevelopment also incorporates a new resort-style landscaped leisure and dining area with cafés and restaurants.
The winning tickets, each valued at a life-altering $2.5 million, were purchased in recent draws and could languish unnoticed in someone’s possession.
One of these elusive division one winning entries was sold at Nextra Express Chermside, adding another chapter to the store’s recent winning streak. This marks the outlet’s second major win in recent weeks, following the sale of a $100 million Powerball ticket last month.
The other unclaimed division one entry was purchased at The Store on Eagle in Brisbane. As both winning entries are unregistered, lottery officials cannot directly contact the ticketholders and must rely on them to come forward and claim their prizes.
The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell expressed her excitement for the two mystery winners, who are likely unaware of their newfound fortune. She encouraged everyone to check their tickets, as they could be among the two lucky Brisbane residents they were searching for.
Nextra Express Chermside owner Shannon Hickey was delighted to sell another multi-million-dollar winning entry. He stated they were thrilled to have sold another division-one winning ticket to one of their customers. The atmosphere in the store has been electric since they sold the $100 million Powerball ticket, and they’re hoping their latest mystery winner comes forward soon to claim their prise.
The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4501 on 7 September were 16, 38, 7, 15, 20 and 13, with supplementary numbers 26 and 41. Across Australia, there were four division one winning entries in this draw—two each in Queensland and Victoria.
Lottery officials are reminding all players to register their tickets to ensure they can be easily contacted in the event of a win. If you believe you may be holding one of the winning tickets, contact The Lott on 131 868 to begin the claims process.
Children at The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre, part of Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS), are taking learning to the shores to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day.
The Beach Kindy program marries play with environmental education, encouraging young learners to engage with nature while cleaning up Decker Park beach.
Engaging Early Learning
Beach Kindy at Prince Charles offers a dynamic learning environment where children are encouraged to use nature’s resources to initiate learning and explore their surroundings.
This initiative promotes physical, social, and cognitive growth through structured play and environmental interaction and aligns with the goals of International Coastal Cleanup Day on 21 September by instilling a sense of environmental stewardship among participants.
Photo Credit: Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre/Facebook
The Beach Kindy program provides manifold benefits. It equips children with an understanding of conservation and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, integrating activities such as shell collecting, observing local wildlife, and exploring tidal ecosystems.
These activities foster a love for the outdoors and enhance critical thinking and creativity. Research indicates that engaging in nature play reduces stress, bolsters the immune system, and improves emotional well-being.
Building Community and Awareness
The vital aspect of Beach Kindy is its community involvement. Engaging in activities that are connected to a worldwide occasion, such as International Coastal Cleanup Day, helps children understand the value of working together and taking responsibility for the environment. This initiative fosters a sense of community among the young learners and guarantees that they develop the ability to have positive interactions with their peers and teachers in a nurturing outdoor environment.
Photo Credit: The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre/Facebook
Looking ahead, The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre continues to enrich their nature-based learning with their well-established Bush Kindy program, which runs fortnightly. This initiative, already a key component of their curriculum, provides up to three hours of uninterrupted play in natural bush settings, offering diverse learning opportunities essential for healthy development.
The centre has created a calendar to alternate between Bush Kindy and Beach Kindy bi-monthly, ensuring all children benefit from and are exposed to these innovative outdoor education programs.
Detectives from the Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch are seeking public assistance following a violent assault that occurred last night, September 5, in Huxtable Park.
According to police reports, a 29-year-old man from Bracken Ridge was attacked while sitting in his parked vehicle at approximately 11 PM on September 5. The victim was assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals who fled the scene in a white car, heading towards Hamilton Road.
Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services transported the man to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for treatment.
Authorities have declared the area a crime scene and are conducting a thorough investigation. They are particularly interested in any surveillance footage or dashcam video that may have captured the white car in the vicinity of Huxtable Park around 11 PM last night, the time of the assault.
Did you know that Chermside Library is the second most visited library in Brisbane? This fact emerged from the BCC’s data for 2023/2024, revealing an impressive 484,869 visits to this library.
In the rankings of library popularity, Chermside was outpaced only by Brisbane Square Library, which recorded around 539,525 visits in the same period.
Photo credit: Chermside Library/Google Maps
Located at the North Regional Business Centre, Chermside Library has quickly become a favourite among Brisbane residents since its opening in 2017. Its rapid rise to become the second most visited library in the city showcases the enduring appeal of public libraries in the digital age.
More Than Just Books
Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au
Chermside Library offers more than just a vast collection of books. The library is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring it’s open to all members of the community. It also boasts community meeting rooms available for hire, complete with kitchenette access, making it a hub for local gatherings and events.
Photo Credit: BCC
Adding to its unique offerings, Chermside Library houses specialised Italian and Chinese, Tagalog, and Punjabi language collections, catering to Brisbane’s diverse population and reflecting the city’s multicultural character.
Brisbane’s Love Affair with Libraries
Photo credit: Paul Hayes/Google Maps
The popularity of Chermside Library is part of a larger trend in Brisbane, where libraries continue to play a vital role in community life. Council announced that residents made more than 10 million loans from Council’s extensive library collection of books, CDs, DVDs and online resources throughout 2023/24, which equals almost 27,400 loans every single day.
Among the most borrowed books were bestsellers like “The Secret” by Lee Child, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han, and “The 169-Storey Treehouse” by Andy Griffiths, highlighting the diverse reading interests of Brisbane’s residents.
Photo credit: T Y/Google Maps
BCC has also been proactive in making library services more accessible. In the past year, six new 24/7 library lockers were installed across the city in locations such as Carina, Holland Park, New Farm, Mitchelton, The Grange, and Bracken Ridge. These lockers have already facilitated over 10,000 collections, making borrowing even more convenient for residents.
There were more than 12,000 free library events that attracted over 340,000 attendees. The popular early literacy program alone saw more than 200,000 participants, underscoring the important role libraries play in early childhood education.
Despite the digital revolution, Brisbane’s libraries remain relevant by adapting to modern needs. More than 1.1 million residents have logged on to Brisbane libraries’ free Wi-Fi since July 2023, demonstrating how these institutions have evolved to become digital hubs for the community. This seamless blend of traditional library services with modern technology ensures that libraries continue to meet the changing needs of Brisbane’s residents.
A 25-year-old Chermside man was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit through local streets last Friday night. The incident, which began shortly before 10 pm on August 23, involved a white Holden Colorado utility that had been reported stolen from a Banyo business on August 21.
Police first spotted the allegedly stolen vehicle speeding along Rode Road. The driver, attempting to evade capture, made a sharp left turn onto Sydney Street, continuing to drive dangerously through the suburb. The chase came to an end when the vehicle stopped at the Carseldine rail station carpark.
In a desperate attempt to escape, the sole occupant fled on foot, prompting a coordinated response from local police and the Dog Squad. Their efforts led them to a residence near Bellara Street, where the suspect was successfully apprehended.
The 25-year-old Chermside resident now faces multiple charges, including entering premises and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 26.
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of vehicle theft in the area and the swift response of local law enforcement. Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are advised to remain vigilant and secure their vehicles properly.
As part of World Princess Week celebrations, Westfield and Disney are set to bring the “Spark Magic” event to Westfield Chermside, featuring storytelling sessions and interactive experiences with beloved Disney Princess characters.
Starting the 14th of September, Westfield Chermside will transform into a fairy-tale hub where young fans and families can enjoy an up-close experience with Disney’s Cinderella. The event promises several days of enchantment, with scheduled appearances of Cinderella on the 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, and 19th of September.
This unique opportunity allows attendees to interact directly with one of Disney’s most iconic princesses, fostering a memorable connection between the characters and their admirers.
Community Engagement and Impact
The meet-and-greet sessions are designed to entertain and give back to the community. A booking fee of $5 per group is required, and all proceeds will go towards Make-A-Wish Australia.
This collaboration highlights Westfield’s commitment to community enrichment through exciting and meaningful events.
“We are thrilled to bring the magic of Disney Princesses to Chermside,” said Jacqui Waine, Westfield’s General Manager of Marketing and Community. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while supporting a fantastic cause.”
Event Details and Booking
Booking is essential for those wishing to meet Cinderella, ensuring an organized and enjoyable guest experience. Families interested in attending are encouraged to secure their spots early to avoid missing out on this special occasion.
To enhance the magical experience, Westfield Chermside has planned various activities around the Cinderella meet and greet. These include Disney Princess-inspired face painting, storytelling sessions, and craft activities such as wand-making and crown decorating.
Throughout the event, Westfield Chermside will also feature Spark Magic Stations, designed to enhance the enchanting atmosphere of the Disney Princess celebrations. These stations are crafted to provide a hands-on experience that allows children to engage creatively with the themes and characters they adore, making their visit to Westfield Chermside even more memorable and magical.
Dream Holiday Competition
In conjunction with the Disney Princess event, Westfield Chermside offers an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to win a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This prize includes a one-night exclusive experience in the Cinderella Castle Suite, a dream come true for any Disney fan.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The competition runs from the 12th of September until the 13th of October, with the winner announced on the 18th of October. This competition highlights the partnership between Westfield and Disney and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to delight and amaze the lucky winners.
This Disney Princess event is part of a larger series of activities at Westfield locations across Australia, celebrating the magic and inspiration of Disney characters. Following the success of similar events centered around Star Wars and Marvel characters earlier this year, Westfield continues to provide exclusive entertainment experiences that attract families from all over the region.
Now in its seventh year, the programme acknowledges and celebrates the tireless dedication of individuals and organisations working to enhance their communities and the environment.
Each Westfield centre will grant $20,000 to the finalist receiving the most votes, while the remaining finalists will each receive a $5,000 grant to further their impactful work. This year, Westfield is set to award $AUD1.25 million in community grants across Australia and New Zealand.
Benjamin Bjarnesen, founder of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, addresses critical service gaps within LGBTQ+ communities. The foundation’s education and resources reached over 7.3 million people last year, fostering safer support systems. With the grant, Ben aims to expand the foundation’s e-learning package.
Bianca Campling, Baby Bundle Coordinator at A Brave Life, assists vulnerable new mothers facing challenges like domestic violence and homelessness. By providing essential baby items to over 1,500 mothers annually, Bianca empowers them to care for their newborns. The grant would enable Bianca to expand the Baby Bundle programme, reaching over 3,500 mothers annually.
Jodi Traves, CEO of Bridgecare Ltd, leads a team offering compassionate support to those in need. Bridgecare aids homeless individuals, provides weekly food hampers, and assists with household tasks. The grant would allow Jodi to bolster Bridgecare’s capacity to purchase and store food, including fresh and frozen items from OzHarvest.
Centre Manager Pietta Lacey encourages customers to take a moment to vote and acknowledge the finalists’ exceptional contributions. She highlighted that every vote counts and can significantly impact the positive change these individuals and organisations drive in the community.
Voting is open until Monday, September 9th, and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, 15 October. Thanks to Scentre Group’s generous support, the Westfield Local Heroes programme is more than just recognition; it’s an investment in the future of our communities.
A 39-year-old Chermside man allegedly attempted to flee the scene after his vehicle struck multiple cars and a light pole at a busy intersection in Chermside, causing injuries and prompting a police investigation.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Gympie Road and Banfield Street in Brisbane’s north.
Details of the Crash
According to a Queensland Police Service spokesman, early investigations suggest a Holden Trax was travelling north on Gympie Road when it side-swiped three other vehicles before colliding with a light pole. The driver, a local Chermside resident, reportedly tried to flee the scene but was quickly found nearby by authorities.
The Queensland Ambulance Service attended the scene, assessing six people for injuries. The driver was taken to the Prince Charles Hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries. Additionally, a child involved in the crash was transported to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, also in a stable condition.
Ongoing Investigation
Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. The police have not yet released information about potential charges or the cause of the crash.
The multi-vehicle collision has raised concerns among Chermside residents about road safety in the area. In the coming weeks, local community leaders are expected to discuss potential measures to improve traffic safety at the busy Gympie Road and Banfield Street intersection.
Located at 470 Rode Road, the proposed new structure, designed by Red Door Architecture, aims to enhance the club’s facilities while maintaining its current footprint and usage.
Photo credit: Red Door Architecture
The single-storey building, standing less than 6 metres tall, will feature an elongated design along the fence line, efficiently utilising the available space.
Key aspects of the development include:
Demolition of the existing clubhouse and associated buildings
Construction of a new, consolidated facility
Redesign of the car park, resulting in the loss of 4 parking spaces and some landscaping
Retention of existing netball courts
The BNA emphasises that this development is not intended to intensify land use or increase patronage. Instead, it focuses on improving facilities for existing members and visitors.
Photo credit: Red Door Architecture
Documents submitted to the Council state, “The proposed development does not involve an intensification of the current use on the site and will not result in an increase in people on site, as development is for the improvement of the existing BNA clubhouse only.”
Regarding parking concerns, the planners noted, “The proposal’s intent is to achieve no net loss of car parking.” This approach aims to balance the minor reduction in parking spaces with the improved facilities.
Site plan (Photo credit: Red Door Architecture)
The project will be funded through a State Government grant, underlining the importance of the BNA to the local community. The association offers year-round netball activities, catering to families with games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in summer, and Wednesday nights and all-day Saturday during winter.
This development represents a significant step forward for the Brisbane Netball Association, promising to enhance the netball experience for players and spectators alike, while maintaining the club’s commitment to the local community.
As the plans progress through the Council approval process, local residents and netball enthusiasts will be eagerly anticipating the transformation of this popular sporting facility in Chermside.
