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North Brisbane Police Encourages Chermside, Other Nearby Suburbs Residents to Review Home Security

The incidence of residential break-ins, where intruders enter through fly screens and unlocked or open doors, has increased, according to North Brisbane Police. These types of offences have lately taken place in the suburbs of Hamilton, Geebung, Fitzgibbon, Chermside, Newmarket, and Nudgee.

In North Brisbane’s suburbs, fly screens were cut or otherwise destroyed to gain entry on nine separate occasions in July, according to North Brisbane Police intelligence checks.

Unlike insect screens, which are only intended to keep insects out, security screen products are made to keep both people and insects out. They are also exempt from Australian security regulations.

Hence, the Queensland Police Service is encouraging residents to assess their home security with the below layered approach.

How to conduct a home security assessment

A simple and effective way to review your home security is to start from the outside and work inwards, using a layered approach. For most homes, including multi-residential buildings, units and townhouses, there are six layers that can be used to identify existing and desirable security.

Layer one: External perimeter
Layer two: External walls and access
Layer three: Internal walls
Layer four: Internal areas
Layer five: Property
Layer six: People

Reviewing your home security using a layered approach is a straightforward way to apply the key home security principles.

The video below demonstrates how you can apply the layered approach to your own home.

If you have information for the police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

You may also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 11-August-2023

Make Time for Kate and Gemma’s Bestie Brunch at Westfield Chermside!

Kate Reeves and Gemma Pranita, mainstays of the ‘We Don’t Have Time For This’ Podcast, are heading out on the road this August and September, bringing their sharp and honest wit to a series of Bestie Brunches at Westfield Chermside and other Westfield destinations across the country.

After kicking off at Westfield Doncaster on Thursday 17th August, the Bestie Brunch tour will visit Westfield Chermside for its Brisbane leg, then head on out to adelaide and Sydney before finishing at their local centre, Westfield Warringah on Saturday 9^th September.

Kate and Gemma will be hosting an interactive panel discussion centered around the style ‘dilemons’ of ticket purchasers. The duo will discuss the evolution of their style into motherhood, all things post-partum, capsule Mum wardrobe, great basics and the secret to grab and go looks.

Guests will enjoy brunch and games, as well as the opportunity to meet and have a photo moment with the duo.

With a ticket price of just $40, guests will be able to attend the exclusive event at the Gold Class Lounge of Event Cinemas. During the brunch, new season looks will also be displayed with trending styles, exclusively selected by Westfield stylists.

Jacqui Waine, General Manager Marketing and Community at Westfield said the Bestie Brunch is an opportunity for mums to connect and support each other.

“The Bestie Brunch with Kate and Gemma from the WDHTFT Podcast reinforces our focus on providing unique social experiences for the community. It is an opportunity for busy mums from all walks of life to come together and build friendships with like-minded people. We are so excited to partner with Westfield and take the ‘Bestie Brunch’ on tour. Grab your besties and join the ultimate D&M… we’ve got lots to catch up on. Gemma and I hope to see you there, DL’s! ”
Kate Reeves

Attendees will receive a gift bag and lucky door prizes from Westfield’s retail partners will be drawn during the event.

For more information about the Bestie Brunch and to see when you can purchase tickets, visit participating Westfield destinations at westfield.com.au.

Published 31-July-2023

Ella Bache Salon Chermside’s Future Uncertain as Logan-Based Sister Closes

Photo Credit: Ella Bache / ellabache.com.au

The continued Covid pandemic’s negative effects on businesses around the world have forced the Ella Bache beauty salon franchise to close another location. The future of Ella Bache salon at Brisbane’s Westfield Chermside is currently unknown.

The Logan-based salon that has been serving customers for 19 years permanently closed its doors, leaving both customers and employees with heartfelt memories and a sense of loss.

Owner of the EBQ Nominees firm, which ran three Ella Bache salons, Roslyn Rudd, announced the closure with sadness. She attributed the difficult choice to the Covid pandemic’s extensive impacts, which have left numerous businesses around the world facing economic hardship and uncertainty.

This is not Ms. Rudd’s company’s first setback; in 2021, their Brisbane branch in Toowong suffered the same fate, which led to its closure. Businesses, particularly those engaged in the retail and service sectors, have found it increasingly challenging to survive as a result of the ongoing pandemic and the ensuing economic difficulties.

An EBQ Nominees liquidator had been selected, and the Chermside store was specifically mentioned in a winding-up notice published by the Australian Securities and Investment Commision. However, no official announcement regarding the Chermside salon’s future has been made at this time.

The devoted customers of the salon, who had been an important part of their journey for more than 19 years, received a touching statement from Ms. Rudd that she shared on Instagram. In the message, she expressed her regret and gratitude to them.

She disclosed that the mall had given them a challenging choice: either move because their lease was about to expire, or leave. They took the unfortunate decision to close its Logan Hyperdome location because the financial burden brought on by the pandemic prevented them from making more investments in a new salon.

‘Financially, after all of the COVD impacts to our business these past years, we are unable to reinvest in a new salon.

“To all our valued clients, we are sadly advising that as our lease has finished we have faced a terrible decision from the shopping centre to relocate or leave,” her message reads.

‘So we have finished at the Logan Hyperdome with the salon now closed.

‘Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives these past 19-plus years.

‘Our staff and I will always remember our shared memories of your visits some for so many, many years.’

Your Say on the Gympie Arterial Road and Murphy Road Intersection Upgrade Plan

Plans to upgrade the Gympie Arterial Road and Murphy Road intersection, which includes the historic Downfall Creek Bridge built in 1927, are now moving forward.

According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), approximately 67,000 vehicles passing through the Gympie Arterial Road and Murphy Road intersection on a daily basis so the need for an upgrade has become increasingly evident.

As part of the planning process, TMR is actively seeking feedback from the community regarding the proposed design options. The input from residents, commuters, and local workers will play a vital role in determining the course of action for the upgrade.

The plan aims to tackle the growing issue of congestion at the intersection, enhance traffic flow and safety, and ensure a more reliable transport network for the future. The proposal will not only address the immediate concerns of traffic congestion and safety but will also strengthen the flood resilience of the road network, crucial in this flood-prone area.

As the consultation phase commences, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives on the proposed upgrades, including new bridge structures and intersection improvements. Additionally, TMR is keen on understanding the transport priorities of individuals who live, work, and travel through this area.

Gympie Arterial Road — Photo Credit: TMR

The planning study aims to identify potential bridge and road upgrades that not only address current safety and structural concerns but also cater to the ever-increasing demands of public transport, general traffic, and active transport in the region.

By future-proofing the carriageway, the project aims to create a sustainable and efficient transport system that can cope with the expected growth and demands of the area in the coming years.

Mark Bailey, the Transport and Main Roads Minister, emphasised the significance of community engagement in shaping the final design.

“The proposed upgrade will not only improve the flood resilience and reliability of the road network, but also address the key issues of traffic congestion and safety, and provide for active and public transport users,” Mr Bailey said.

The community consultation period will remain open until 20 Aug 2023. Residents are encouraged to provide their valuable feedback before the submission deadline to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of this vital intersection.

Have YOur SAy

Once the consultation process is complete, the community will be informed of the outcomes, and all feedback will be thoroughly considered and collated in the final planning decisions. TMR aims to achieve a comprehensive and community-focused design that addresses the intersection’s challenges while improving the overall transportation experience in the region.

“Feedback on the proposed new bridge structures and intersection upgrade will be used in the business case phase, which is expected to be completed in mid-2024,” Mr Bailey said.

For more information, contact TMR Metropolitan Region on 3066 4338 or metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au

Published 28-July-2023

Plans Submitted for Ambitious 14-Storey Tower Project in Chermside

Chermside is set to witness a towering addition to its skyline as architect-developer Carver Leung of Iplus Architects reveals plans for a 14-storey mixed-use structure in the suburb.

The development proposed for 33-37 Latham Street in Chermside has been lodged under DA A006310686 in April 2022. Iplus Architects designed the Chermside tower with multiple dwellings (54 units), three ground-level retail or office tenancies, 95 car spaces, and a rooftop terrace, promising a seamless integration of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.

Chermside Lantham St — Photo Credit: DA A006310686

“The proposal delivers a fourteen (14) storey built form from the street with a rooftop terrace that adopts a high-quality architectural style, with significant articulation, building recesses, modulation, as well as the use of variation of materials and finishes to present as a development with high aesthetic value.” Town Planning Alliance, the consultant, stated in the DA assessment report filed with Brisbane City Council.

The proposed site of the tower is adjacent to a nine-storey development approved and constructed in 2015. What sets this development apart is Iplus Architects’ commitment to maintaining harmony with the surrounding neighborhood.

The firm’s design for the Chermside building showcases an active ground floor, inviting pedestrians to interact with the commercial and retail spaces, while its aesthetic complements the existing architectural style of nearby developments.

Chermside boasts other similarly-sized towers, ensuring the new structure remains in sync with the existing skyline and maintains a compatible scale and design that maximizes the potential of the subject allotment.

Characterised by its rapid growth and urban transformation, Chermside, has become a coveted location for property developments. The suburb’s strategic position, anchored by the popular Westfield Chermside, has propelled it into the spotlight as a mixed-use central frame zone.

As a result, multiple apartment buildings have been replacing single homes, with this particular project combining four lots to form a generous 1,623 square metre site.

Chermside has seen a steady influx of diverse housing options in recent times. Earlier this year, plans were announced for an affordable housing block in the area, contributing to the diverse residential mix.

Published 18-July-2023

No More Sweet Treats: Cowch Closes After Trying Times

Following the closure of its Chermside store earlier this year and amidst hopes from loyal patron of an eventual reopening, popular dessert chain Cowch has shut down the business and closed its other locations across Queensland, a little over three months after the business entered voluntary administration.

Read: Oh, No! Cowch Has Entered Into Voluntary Administration

Cowch, known for its indulgent dessert cocktails and sweet treats, first opened in South Bank in 2014. Founded by husband and wife duo Arif and Havva Memis, the business rapidly expanded to locations in Chermside, Mt Gravatt, and other parts of Queensland after launching franchising in 2019.

The closure represents a major loss for Brisbane’s dessert scene. Cowch was beloved by many for its inventive menu and lively, vibrant locations across the city.

The company hit hard times earlier this year, prompting it to enter voluntary administration in March, as it sought an investor to keep the business afloat.

The Memis family (Photo credit: Cowch/Facebook)

In a recent LinkedIn post, founder Arif Memis shared that despite exploring every option over the last four months, Cowch was still unable to find the necessary financial support to continue operating.

Photo credit: Cowch Chermside/Google Maps

“We explored every avenue, leaving no stone unturned, in the hopes of finding a lifeline that would allow Cowch to continue serving our delightful dessert cocktails and mouthwatering desserts,” Mr Memis wrote.

“As founders, owners, and husband and wife team, we have poured our hearts and souls into building Cowch from the ground up, and it pains us deeply to reach this difficult decision.”

Photo credit: Jo W (TheStick)/Google Maps

The owners shared a special thanks to their incredible team members, who have become like family and worked tirelessly to create a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with laughter in all of their stores.

The couple also thanked their loyal customers, who they consider their extended family. The support of their staff and devoted customers was what made building their business so rewarding for the Memis family.

Read: Step into a World of Playful Nostalgia: Brisbane’s Hijinx Hotel Delivers Fun-Fueled Adventure

As a result, the company has permanently closed all of its Queensland stores, just nine years after the first location opened its doors in South Bank. Its Chermside operations closed in April 2023.

Published 17-July-2023

Aboriginal Artist’s Mural Transforms St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane’s Entrance

Visitors to St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane will now be welcomed by a vibrant mural, ‘Original Healer,’ by contemporary Aboriginal artist Xoe Mazzoni.

Read: 90-Year-Old Chermside Local Defies Odds, Continues to Beat Australia’s Deadliest Female Cancer

This remarkable artwork, a sister mural to the artist’s earlier installation at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside in Chermside, serves as a powerful visual connection between traditional healing practices and western medicine.

Mazzoni, an art student at Griffith University, has skillfully incorporated the healing power of medicinal native flora into Original Healer.

Through her artistic vision, she has beautifully bridged the gap between the hospital’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care and the traditional knowledge of Aboriginal healing.

St Vincent's Private Hospital — Photo credit: St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside/Facebook

The mural showcases traditional Aboriginal symbolism, depicting the gathering places surrounding the Brisbane hospital, where people come together and connect. Its purpose is to gently guide visitors to the heart of the hospital, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The Arts in Health Program, spearheaded by the hospital, received a generous grant from the Queensland State Government in early 2022 to support this extraordinary project.

The grant aimed to provide an opportunity for the professional development of an emerging Aboriginal artist. Xoe Mazzoni’s talent and dedication have culminated in the completion of both the murals at the two hospitals, enriching the hospital’s spaces and fostering a sense of community and cultural diversity.

Read: Companies Shortlisted For QLD’s New Hospitals, Expansion Of Major Hospitals Including Prince Charles Hospital

Expressing gratitude for Mazzoni’s contribution, hospital representatives commended her for sharing her cultural and artistic gifts with the St Vincent’s community.

These captivating murals stand as testaments to the hospital’s commitment to embracing and celebrating Aboriginal culture whilst providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for patients, their families, and staff members.

Published 7-July-2023

Local Police Officer Scores Big Community Points in Backyard Soccer Game

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service / police.qld.gov.au

A routine patrol run around the neighbourhood took an unexpected turn when a local police officer from Stafford decided to join a group of kids in an impromptu backyard soccer game.

Capturing the heartwarming moment on camera, mother Jody Lee Hodda filmed Officer Brady Duggan one bright June day as he and his fellow officers paused during a routine patrol to engage with the children.

The officer took to the front yard of the home for a scratch match with six excited youngsters.

Stafford police — Photo Credit: Facebook/Jody Lee Hodda

As the video unfolds, Officer Duggan can be seen throwing himself into the game wholeheartedly, displaying impressive footwork and skills as he kicks, heads, and performs footstalls with the kids’ ball.

With each spirited play, the children excitedly responded, matching play for play.

Mrs Hodda expressed her astonishment and appreciation, stating that her kids were amazed at the police for stopping to play soccer on their travels.

For Mrs Hodda and the children, Officer Duggan’s actions conveyed an important message: that police officers are approachable and not to be feared.

During the game, Mrs Hodda saw that Officer Duggan fostered a sense of connection with each child individually. He even acknowledged the talents of one of the kids, declaring her the best player, and made a promise to join another child’s team in the future.

Meanwhile, three other officers observed the game from across the street, engaging in conversation while their patrol vehicles were parked nearby.

The video quickly gained attention online, drawing support and admiration from viewers encouraged by the officer’s commitment to fostering a sense of support and community through a simple game of soccer.

Published 4-July-2023

Westfield Chermside Welcomes New Fashion Stores

Great news for local fashionistas! Several new fashion stores have just opened at Westfield Chermside, expanding the range of options available to fashion-forward shoppers at the centre. Let’s take a closer look at some of the new additions.

Read: Get Cheesy With Melt Brothers at Westfield Chermside

Aje Athletica

If you’re in search of fashion-forward and consciously designed active and leisurewear, Aje Athletica is the place to go. With only three locations in Queensland, including Carindale and Pacific Fair, this store offers a unique selection that combines style with comfort.

AS Colour

For men, women, and even children, AS Colour is a one-stop-shop for quality threads. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or stylish pieces to enhance your wardrobe, this store has you covered.

Calvin Klein

Westfield Chermside is now home to the first Calvin Klein multi-brand lifestyle store in Brisbane. Experience the renowned brand’s diverse range of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products, all in one convenient location.

Dr Martens

Known for their iconic footwear, Dr Martens is a beloved brand among fashion enthusiasts. Explore their range of classic boots and other stylish footwear options, and add a touch of edge to your outfits.

Glue Store

Offering a diverse range of local and international fashion brands, Glue Store is a go-to destination for trendsetters. Explore their extensive collection and find the perfect pieces to express your individuality.

Industrie

With its focus on contemporary men’s fashion, Industrie brings a touch of sophistication to Westfield Chermside. Discover a range of stylish and timeless clothing options designed to elevate your wardrobe.

LSKD

For those seeking high-performance gear, LSKD is the place to be. Discover a range of athletic apparel designed to enhance your performance and keep you comfortable during intense workouts.

Nude Lucy

If you’re in search of contemporary women’s fashion, Nude Lucy is a must-visit store. Discover a range of effortlessly chic clothing that combines comfort with style, allowing you to stay fashionable in any setting.

Stylerunner

Perfect for those who prioritise fashion while working out, Stylerunner offers a curated selection of women’s activewear, footwear, and fashion. Stay on-trend and feel confident during your fitness routines with their fashionable offerings.

Thrills

Vintage enthusiasts will rejoice at the addition of Thrills to the shopping centre. Uncover unique vintage finds that add a touch of nostalgia and individuality to your wardrobe.

Tommy Hilfiger

Known for its iconic American style, Tommy Hilfiger has become synonymous with timeless fashion. Experience the brand’s high-quality garments and accessories, reflecting their signature blend of classic and modern designs.

Read: Chermside Retailer Sabo Skirt Adopts TAGR Self-Checkout System, Scraps Queues and Contact

With these new fashion stores at Westfield Chermside, shoppers have an even wider selection of options to explore. Whether you’re looking for activewear, timeless classics, or unique pieces to express your personal style, these stores are sure to have something for everyone.

Westfield Chermside is open daily at Gympie Rd, Chermside.

Published 19-June-2023

No Breaches Found in Chermside Indoor Skydiving Centre Following Beloved Officer’s Death

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has found no evidence of breaches into the tragic death of Senior Sergeant Michelle “Mully” Mullen, a beloved Queensland Police officer who lost her life in a Chermside indoor skydiving incident.

Following a thorough investigation, the agency stated that the operator of the facility, Chermside iFly Indoor Skydiving Centre, had not breached any workplace health and safety guidelines. Similarly, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has concluded its investigation into the incident.

The incident occurred in January 2023 at the Chermside indoor skydiving centre, leaving the law enforcement community and her loved ones devastated.

A coronial report has been prepared and is set to be submitted to Coroner Donald MacKenzie. However, the coroner is waiting to receive “critical” reports from Queensland Health, QPS, and the Office of Industrial Relations. This will determine the length of the investigation and whether an inquest will be conducted.

Unfortunately, an estimated time frame for completion cannot be provided at this stage, according to a spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland.

Ms Mullen, aged 52, collided with the side of the wind tunnel during the indoor skydiving activity, resulting in severe head and spinal injuries. Despite receiving medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries a few days later while in the hospital.

Her death has left a significant void in the South Brisbane Crime Prevention Unit, where she was highly respected and served as an inspiration to her colleagues. Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Senior Sergeant Mullen, remembering her as “an inspiration” and the epitome of “kindness itself.”

She was known for her caring nature and contagious sense of fun, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered during her career in law enforcement.

Published 22-May-2023