The former store manager of a Lego store in Chermside has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing $60,000 in cash and merchandise, and causing $70,000 in fire damage to conceal the theft.
In 2020, the store manager of a Westfield Chermside Lego outlet misappropriated 40 boxes of Lego and nearly $60,000 from the store to support a gambling addiction. The theft led to an elaborate cover-up attempt, where the manager set fire to the shopping centre’s stockroom, significantly damaging stock from Lego and neighbouring stores, Specsavers and Macpac.
Upon discovering the theft and subsequent arson, an investigation quickly focused on the manager. The escalation of the case resulted in the manager’s attempt to evade consequences by committing further thefts in Longreach while on bail. These actions led to an additional $10,000 stolen from a new employer.
Presented before the Brisbane District Court on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, the Chermside Lego store manager pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated fraud, endangering property by fire, and stealing by a clerk or servant.
The court handed down a sentence of five years for aggravated fraud, with concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentences for the other charges, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crimes and the breach of trust involved.
The prosecution and defence addressed the court on the impact of the manager’s actions and her personal circumstances, including mental health issues tied to her gambling addiction.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 5:15 am at the intersection.
The pedestrian involved in the crash was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
The vehicle involved in the incident fled the scene, and police are currently searching for the suspect.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage related to the incident to come forward.
Information can be provided to Policelink using the online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, crime information can be reported via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
When providing information, please quote the reference number QP2400499386.
Toga Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels) is expanding its Adina apartment hotel brand into the fast-growing Chermside with the signing of the new Adina Apartment Hotel Chermside.
The 148-key hotel is being developed in partnership with local firm Limitless Developments and is slated to open in 2025.
Designed by WMK Architecture, the new-build hotel will be centrally located in the heart of Chermside, about a 20-minute drive north of Brisbane’s central business district.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
The hotel aims to offer a modern experience for guests with amenities like an all-day dining restaurant, cafe/bar, lobby lounge, meeting room, gym, rainwater harvesting, and on-site parking.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
The signing of Adina Chermside Brisbane is a significant milestone for TFE Hotels, providing an opportunity for them to expand their Adina footprint from two hotels to three in the powerhouse state of Queensland.
“Adina Chermside brings a homegrown hotel brand to this important suburb, filling a gap in the accommodation market for the north side of Brisbane and the Prince Charles Hospital,” the company website stated.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
The new hotel is being developed in anticipation of the transformative decade ahead as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Chermside itself is one of Brisbane’s fastest-growing suburban areas, with the population projected to nearly double by 2036 as it emerges as a secondary CBD for the northern suburbs.
The Adina will be owned by local developer Limitless Developments, which has over $150 million of completed projects in its portfolio and another $160 million in active developments underway in Southeast Queensland.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
Owner Nick Barr has more than 25 years of experience in the Brisbane market and is deeply involved in community philanthropy, including an annual 1,000km charity cycle to raise funds for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
With its prime suburban location and community-minded ownership, the new Adina Apartment Hotel Chermside Brisbane looks to be an exciting addition to the booming Brisbane hospitality scene in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.
The plans, designed by architectural firm Telha Clarke, would see the current single-storey dwellings at 10-18 Kelso Street demolished to make way for the large-scale housing project.
The proposed development would have a total gross floor area of 21,567 sqm, with 12,338 sqm dedicated to residential spaces.
Photo credit: Telha Clarke
It would feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, including 60 studios, 107 one-bedrooms, 56 two-bedrooms and 3 three-bedrooms.
The design incorporates a number of amenities for residents, including 813 sqm of communal space spread throughout the floors. There would also be 296 sqm of deep planting or green space, meeting the 10 percent site coverage requirement.
Photo credit: Nearmap
Parking and transportation provisions have been made with 167 car parking spaces and 284 secured bicycle spaces. Vehicle access would be from a new crossover on Kelso Street, while separate pedestrian access would lead to the main lobby.
According to planning documents, the building has been designed to appear as two separate forms with strategic breaks along the facade and recessed balconies to reduce visual bulk. A central spine would connect the two sides of the development and would be significantly set back from the street.
Photo credit: Telha Clarke
“The site provides a great opportunity for Brisbane, as a growing World City, to advocate housing quality in medium and high-density apartment living in the form of a 10-storey purpose built build to rent residential development,” said planners about the development.
“Furthermore, due to much-needed housing supply, the proposal will deliver an alternate housing product (of an appropriate scale) in a location with great access to jobs, services, amenities, public transport, critical care lightweight appearance and highlight the balconies.”
The development application is currently under assessment by Brisbane City Council. If approved, it would mark a major increase in housing density for the area.
Chermside resident Ryan McVeigh clocked up an impressive 400 blood, plasma, and platelet donations when he turned 40 last February 17, making him the youngest donor in Australia to reach this significant milestone.
Ryan McVeigh, a paramedic and volunteer firefighter, first started donating at age 16 when that was the minimum eligible age under Red Cross guidelines, and has been donating regularly as a form of volunteering ever since.
He did not even realise he was approaching his 400th lifetime donation until Lifeblood informed him. Now Mr McVeigh hopes to one day reach 1,000 total donations.
Photo credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Instagram
Lifeblood, which is responsible for providing blood, blood products, and services to the Australian community, was celebrating Ryan’s achievement and encouraged others to follow his lead.
“The van came around to my high school and I was already very involved in volunteering, so I just took every opportunity do something good. It was only after donating for some time that I became very passionate and regular,” said Mr McVeigh.
Lifeblood spokesperson Liam Richardson praised him as an incredible example of someone making a meaningful difference to people who need blood and the loved ones who support them.
He added that because one whole blood or plasma donation can save up to three lives, Mr McVeigh has saved an astounding 1,200 lives over the years with his donations, dubbing him a real-life superhero.
Photo credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Instagram
Mr Richardson noted that every week, Lifeblood needs approximately 33,000 blood product donations across Australia to meet patient needs.
Whilst 400 donations is not feasible for most people, the key message is that every single donation counts and is appreciated. He expressed gratitude to donors who give the gift of life by visiting Lifeblood centres.
According to Lifeblood, blood and plasma donations help save the lives of people suffering from cancer, trauma injuries, chronic illnesses, and complications during childbirth. Plasma donations were in high demand, with plasma able to be used in 18 different life-sustaining medical treatments.
To donate blood, you can book an appointment by calling 13 14 95, going online to lifeblood.com.au, or using the DonateBlood app. This applies whether you are a regular donor who hasn’t donated in a while, or you are considering donating for the first time.
The Chermside Lifeblood Donor Centre is open six days a week (Monday, Thursday and Friday from 7am-6:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) for whole blood donations.
The Instagram-famous eatery quietly opened the doors of its newest outlet on February 5, bringing its signature overloaded dishes and photogenic desserts to the Health Hub complex on Gympie Road.
Fans can expect the same signature Andonis fare: fluffy omelettes, towers of French toast, loaded milkshakes, and the piece de resistance – those gravity-defying desserts capped with sparklers that set social media alight.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
Between the all-day breakfast creations, burgers bursting at the seams, and the gravity-defying stacks of waffles adorned with everything from Nutella to Oreos, Andonis earned a reputation for being as delightful to photograph as it was to devour.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
“At Andonis Cafe, we understand the importance of presentation. Our chefs take great care to create dishes that are not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing. Each dish is carefully crafted and arranged to ensure that it looks as good as it tastes,” they stated on their website.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
The Chermside opening represents continued growth for founder Anthony Kekkou’s dining empire after launching his first venue in 2018 and adding five more popular southside locations over the past six years. They have locations in Fortitude Valley, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Upper Mt Gravatt, and Cornubia.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
Kekkou also confirmed plans to open additional locations at Mt Gravatt in March and Browns Plains later this year, with potential for more growth on the horizon.
An added bonus for visitors: The Chermside venue offers three floors of convenient onsite parking. The cafe is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for dine-in service at 3/621 Gympie Road.
Over 900 metres of the Gympie Road transitway have been completed in both directions as part of efforts to alleviate congestion and enhance travel efficiency for commuters in Chermside and other areas in North Brisbane.
The Northern Transitway, stretching from Sadlier Street to Rode Road, is slated for full opening in April 2024, marking a milestone in the ongoing project’s completion. These dedicated bus lanes are designed to facilitate more efficient bus travel, thereby separating buses from general traffic and resulting in substantial travel time savings.
Whilst progress is commendable, attention is now shifting towards the remaining section of the project, from Rode Road to Hamilton Road. This segment will change to better integrate with the proposed Gympie Road Bypass project.
Photo Credit: Translink
Anticipated to align with the release of the Gympie Road Bypass Investment proposal later this year, this shift aims to enhance the integration of the transitway with the broader transportation infrastructure, including proposed upgrades to the Chermside Bus Interchange.
Undoubtedly, the delivery of the Northern Transitway project has not been without its challenges, with considerable cost pressures and unexpected complexities, particularly in replacing old underground stormwater drainage structures. Nonetheless, efforts to mitigate these issues are already underway, ensuring the project’s completion aligns with the broader vision of enhancing transportation networks in the region.
The impact of these developments on the community is substantial, as articulated by Member for Stafford, Jimmy Sullivan.
“More than 9,000 people currently use buses to travel along Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside each weekday,” Mr Sullivan said.
“By separating buses from general traffic, the Northern Transitway is reducing congestion, delivering higher frequency services, improving service reliability and bonus travel time savings during peak periods.
As the project progresses, all Gympie Road bus stops from Stafford Road to Rode Road are set to open in April, further alleviating congestion and improving traffic times along this critical corridor. With completion milestones reached in April 2023 and December 2023, the project continues to forge ahead, with the next section to Rode Road anticipated for completion in April.
For commuters seeking information and planning their journeys, resources such as the MyTranslink app, the Translink website, and customer service helpline 13 12 30 remain invaluable tools
Stepping Stone Clubhouse has opened a new clubhouse in Chermside, servicing locals within the suburbs of North Brisbane, including Wavell Heights and Geebung.
Stepping Stone Clubhouse was founded in 1994, born out of a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support services in Brisbane. Its establishment was driven by the philosophy of the Clubhouse model, which emphasises the value of a supportive community environment for individuals recovering from mental illness.
For over a decade, the dream of having a Clubhouse in the northside has been nurtured by Stepping Stone, and this dream has finally come true in 2024.
Members of the Stepping Stone Clubhouse hail from the entire Brisbane region and adjacent catchments. A substantial 29 per cent of Stepping Stone’s membership resides in the northern suburbs, with only one-fifth of them attending the current Clubhouse located in Coorparoo for more than 10 hours in the last calendar year.
Distance has been a major barrier for Northside members, hindering consistent participation. This new venture aims to bridge this gap and provide support to individuals living with mental illness in the Northside communities.
Finding the Perfect Spot
A meticulous analysis was conducted by a business consultant to determine the ideal location for the new Clubhouse. The assessment took into account existing services in the north and identified crucial gaps that needed addressing.
Additionally, proximity to public transport and employment opportunities was a key consideration. Chermside emerged as the chosen location, owing to its vibrant atmosphere and potential for collaboration with local businesses and services.
Photo Credit: Stepping Stone Clubhouse
Overcoming Challenges
Securing recurring funding posed the most significant challenge in establishing the northside clubhouse. However, earlier this year, Stepping Stone received promising news as Queensland Health committed funding to kickstart this transformative initiative.
The new Clubhouse promises to foster a sense of community, belonging, and fulfilment for individuals grappling with mental health concerns. Operating in a non-clinical, psychosocial environment, it aims to facilitate members’ journey towards rebuilding their lives.
This approach not only enhances the well-being of members but also reduces reliance on clinical support services, including hospitalization. As members regain confidence, reintegrate into the workforce, and actively engage with the local community, the benefits ripple outwards, positively impacting families and the broader community.
Programs and Progress
Similar programs to those offered at the existing Clubhouse, such as the Work Ordered Day and the Healthy Active Lifestyle Program (HALP), will be available at the new facility.
The Work Ordered Day program focuses on collaborative efforts between members and staff to manage daily tasks and share meals. HALP will initially offer lunchtime options like walks, meditation sessions, and swimming, gradually expanding to include evening and weekend activities. Social recreation programs will also be emphasized, recognizing the importance of community engagement in fostering friendships and a sense of connection.
Membership at Stepping Stone has been instrumental in transforming lives across various domains, including health, social interactions, employment, and education. The supportive and non-judgmental community provided by the Clubhouse empowers individuals to achieve their goals and integrate into their local communities with newfound confidence and skills.
St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Chermside is set to inaugurate a state-of-the-art radiation therapy centre in collaboration with the Icon Cancer Centre.
For a comprehensive and seamless cancer care experience, the new facility is expected to eliminate the need for patients to seek radiation therapy services elsewhere, underscoring a commitment to providing integrated, high-quality cancer care to the local community.
This groundbreaking initiative comes as a response to the evolving needs of cancer patients, where treatment often involves a combination of therapies ranging from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation.
Around 50 per cent of all patients diagnosed with cancer require radiation oncology treatment, and until now, they haven’t had access to these services at St Vincent’s Northside.
Icon Cancer Centre’s selection as a partner stems from its reputation in designing and constructing world-class radiation oncology centres and delivering top-tier cancer care.
Photo Credit: St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside/Google Maps
The new radiation therapy centre will offer a range of advanced treatment options, including Varian’s HyperArc for advanced brain cancer, Surface Guided Radiation Therapy, and tattoo-free advanced radiation therapy. The Varian linear accelerator, capable of delivering 18,000 radiation therapy treatments annually, represents a significant leap forward in treatment technology.
“Many patients going through chemotherapy are quite unwell, and with those patients that also require radiation treatment, it’s extremely beneficial to provide on-site, integrated cancer care,” St Vincent’s Northside medical oncologist, Dr. Rick Abraham, emphasised the positive impact of an on-site radiation facility on patient care.
The collaborative effort promises a multidisciplinary approach, excellent facilities, and robust collaboration to create a service that will make a difference to patients in Brisbane’s northside.
A pet dog, incapacitated and resting in a pram, was viciously dragged out and mauled to death in a deeply disturbing incident at the 7th Brigade Park in Chermside, raising serious concerns about public safety and animal control in the area.
Per reports, a pig dog, unaccompanied and unleashed, perpetrated the shocking attack. It dragged a 14-year-old arthritic Maltese named Phoenix from its pram, leading to the pet’s tragic demise despite desperate efforts to save it.
This horrific incident unfolded amid the park’s tranquil setting, a stark contrast to the violent act that transpired.
The residents of Chermside have expressed deep distress and fear following this incident.
With a history of similar attacks in the area, the community is increasingly worried about the safety of their children and pets. The fact that Phoenix was extracted from a pram adds a chilling dimension to the threat, highlighting the potential danger to even the most vulnerable park-goers.
In the wake of the attack, immediate measures were taken. The pig dog was restrained and subsequently seized by authorities. The local Council has been urged to intensify patrols and consider additional safety measures in the park, frequented by families and pet owners.
Civic Cabinet Chair for City Standards, Kim Marx, has underscored the Council’s serious approach to animal attacks. Investigations are ongoing, and the incident has cast a spotlight on the broader issue of dog attacks in the region.
