A disgraced hockey coach with long-standing ties to the Brisbane sporting community has been found dead, days after being charged with multiple child sex offences.
Gregory Thomas Shirvington was listed as a life member of the Ascot Arana Hockey Club in Keperra and had previously coached at the Kedron Wavell Services Hockey Club in Chermside. He also served as a senior technical official with the Kedron Wavell Wolves club in Chermside.
Queensland Police confirmed emergency services attended following reports of a death last December 9. Police have said there were no suspicious circumstances and that a report will be prepared for the coroner, as is standard procedure.
Charges before the courts
Shirvington had recently been charged with several child sexual offence matters following a police investigation. The charges were before the courts at the time of his death.
No trial had commenced, and the allegations had not been tested in court.
Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the death.
Community impact
The news has caused shock across Brisbane’s hockey community, particularly among clubs and officials connected to junior sport.
Sporting organisations across Queensland have previously highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies, background checks and mandatory reporting obligations for those working with children.
Authorities have not indicated that any other individuals are under investigation in connection with the matter.
Support services
Police and health authorities have reiterated that support services are available for anyone affected by the case.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, help is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.
Long-envisioned upgrades to the Chermside Aquatic Centre are edging closer, with plans for modern pools, improved accessibility, and family-friendly amenities set to transform one of the suburb’s most heavily used community facilities.
The search for a partner to take on the major redevelopment of the Chermside Aquatic Centre has moved into a new phase, after the tender calling for expressions of interest closed and shifted the long-running project from planning to evaluation. The Chermside community is now watching for the next decision that will shape one of the city’s busiest public pool precincts.
According to the procurement listing for the Chermside Aquatic Centre Redevelopment Project, the tender identified as Doc82959920 invited organisations to submit expressions of interest through an EOI/RFI process. The listing confirms that the process is now closed, signalling that Council has begun assessing submissions.
The redevelopment is set to provide updated facilities designed to better support Chermside residents. Plans outlined reference a heated indoor program pool, a modernised 50-metre outdoor pool with a movable wall, improvements to family and accessibility features, and upgraded community amenities.
The demand for the centre has grown in recent years, prompting Council to seek a partner capable of delivering a durable, community-focused upgrade that integrates health, recreation, and accessibility needs.
No public notice has yet stated whether a shortlist has been finalised or when the next round of tendering will begin. Council has previously indicated that a contract decision is expected later in the redevelopment process, and updates will likely follow once evaluations are complete.
For Chermside locals, the progress of the tender marks a key moment in a project expected to support recreational activity and meet growing community needs.
When Operation X-Ray Scutter took place at a Chermside shopping centre, police increased their presence across the busy retail precinct with a clear focus on community safety. The operation centred on proactive patrols designed to deter offending behaviour and reassure workers and shoppers in one of the suburb’s most frequented public spaces.
Led by North Brisbane District Police, the initiative formed part of broader efforts to address property crime and anti-social behaviour in retail environments, particularly areas that experience high daily foot traffic.
Police Activity in the Retail Precinct
As part of the operation, officers conducted targeted patrols through the shopping centre and surrounding areas. During these patrols, police arrested a 35-year-old man and charged him with 17 offences. The charges related to alleged property crime across multiple Brisbane suburbs and were laid following proactive police activity within the Chermside precinct.
The man was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court at a later date. Police have indicated the arrest demonstrates the role of visible and intelligence-led policing in identifying repeat offending patterns in busy commercial locations.
While enforcement outcomes were part of the operation, police messaging around Operation X-Ray Scutter has emphasised prevention and visibility. Officers engaged with people working in the precinct, reinforcing the importance of early reporting and community awareness in reducing crime.
Residents and workers in the area were able to see an increased police presence throughout the operation, particularly during peak shopping periods. Police have encouraged anyone with concerns about safety in the area to approach officers on patrol.
What It Means for Chermside Locals
Chermside’s shopping precinct is a central part of daily life for many locals, serving as both a workplace and a social hub. Operation X-Ray Scutter reflects ongoing efforts to maintain safety in these shared spaces through proactive policing rather than reactive responses.
Police have advised that similar patrols and engagement activities may continue in the area, with community cooperation playing a key role in keeping the precinct safe for everyone who works, shops or passes through Chermside.
Chermside locals now have a new reason to linger a little longer at Westfield, with Catch Fish and Chips now open and serving in the Outdoor Dining Precinct at Westfield Chermside. The venue brings a beach-day favourite into Westfield Chermside, offering a relaxed spot for classic, comforting seafood without the long drive to the coast.
The new arrival blends the easy familiarity of a traditional fish and chip shop with a modern, brightly presented fit-out that suits the centre’s dining strip. Positioned beside The Bavarian on Level 2, the eatery offers quick, simple and satisfying options for shoppers.
Photo credit: Facebook/Catchfishandchips
Catch Fish and Chips’ menu centres on staples commonly found in Aussie fish shops. The menu includes golden calamari, crisp prawn rolls, salty chips and a selection of freshly cooked fish prepared to order. Customers can pick from NZ hoki, salmon and barramundi, and the menu also includes burgers and loaded “catch bowls”.
Photo credit: Facebook/Catchfishandchips
Families haven’t been forgotten, with a “Little Nippers” menu designed for kids seeking something familiar and fuss-free. The menu also includes a deep-fried Mars bar, a sweet treat often found at traditional fish shops.
Catch presents a modern take on classic fish-and-chip offerings. The venue focuses on fresh ingredients, straightforward service and casual dining that appeals to solo diners and families alike. It’s fast and simple; no bookings are required, making it convenient for spontaneous visits.
For Chermside, the addition brings another accessible option to Westfield’s Outdoor Dining Precinct for locals seeking familiar, coastal-style dishes. Its coastal-inspired menu brings beach-style dishes into a suburban shopping setting.
Photo credit: Facebook/Catchfishandchips
Catch Fish and Chips is open daily: 11:30am–9:00pm Monday–Friday, 11:00am–9:30pm Saturday, and 11:30am–8:30pm Sunday. With no bookings required, it’s an easy choice for spontaneous cravings or a quick bite between errands.
Adore Beauty is heading to Westfield Chermside, bringing one of Australia’s most recognised online beauty retailers into the heart of the northside community.
The store will open on 11 December at 9am, and the first 300 customers will receive a goodie bag. Every purchase during the launch will also include a mini Tim Tam.
Westfield Chermside’s directory confirms the location beside the cinema stairs on Level 1, offering a simple spot for locals visiting the busy shopping precinct. The store description notes that it will carry products for skincare, haircare, fragrance and makeup, along with features usually found on the online platform.
What Shoppers Will Find Inside
The store is expected to feature more than 100 brands, including established names across skincare, premium fragrance, professional haircare and popular makeup lines. A dedicated K-Beauty section will be part of the layout. Shoppers will find in-store dermal therapists who will provide consultations, LED treatments, facials and skin analysis.
A private treatment room will support monthly product showcases and specialist sessions. Digital kiosks will link customers to the full online catalogue of more than 14,000 products, giving access to a wide range even if certain items are not on shelves.
Expansion Across Brisbane
The Chermside opening follows the launch of the retailer’s first Queensland store earlier in the year. The move is part of a national roll-out plan to add physical stores in major centres.
The company’s leadership has described the expansion as a way to blend online strengths with personal in-store experience, helping customers receive clearer guidance while shopping.
What It Means For Local Shoppers
For the Chermside community, the new store means easier access to a wide beauty range without delivery wait times. Shoppers will gain the ability to test products and receive tailored service from trained staff.
Launch day perks add an extra draw for early visitors, and the central location within Westfield Chermside places the store in a convenient spot for residents, workers and students in surrounding suburbs. The addition strengthens the centre’s growing mix of lifestyle and beauty retailers while giving locals a new place to explore personal care products.
A mother and daughter team from Chermside is fulfilling a long-held European dream by creating a sleek new community hub that promises to bridge morning coffee with evening drinks, transforming the local day-to-day rhythm.
The new cafe and wine bar, Coda, is scheduled to arrive in early December, just weeks before Christmas festivities begin. Located at the base of the Estilo on the Park apartment building on Kittyhawk Drive, Coda aims to provide the type of gathering place that its founders, Donna and Jordan, felt the northern Brisbane suburb needed.
For Donna, the idea of hosting and feeding people is a passion that existed long before her daughter Jordan was born. The pair envisioned a shared space with a European piazza feel, but set inside a stylish wine bar environment. They sought to create a venue that could become a seamless part of the local routine, starting with coffee in the morning and smoothly continuing into the afternoon and evening. This community focus guided their decisions for the entire venture.
Working with Dreampods Group, the duo designed the 40-seat venue to manage the transformation between day and night seamlessly. The aesthetic blends warm natural textures, using lime-washed walls, timber, and rich green tones, accented by marble surfaces and quiet brass detailing.
Jordan explained that the choice of wood and textures, including the curved rendering, helps to maintain a mood that is welcoming for breakfast yet still suitable for evening drinks. Donna added that with a slight adjustment to the lighting, the space successfully translates from a bright daytime cafe to a place perfect for after-work drinks or a date night, without feeling like a bar during the morning hours.
Coda’s food and drink offerings are designed to shift along with the time of day. Morning service features invigorating brews from Veneziano Coffee Roasters, specifically their Elevate blend, alongside artisanal teas from The Steepery Tea Co. The kitchen will offer a concise but seasonal menu, featuring dine-in options and house-baked goods in the cabinet. Jordan noted that light meals such as tartines, and egg-based dishes like frittata and shakshuka, will be available.
As the day moves on, the menu transitions towards grazing and sharing. Home-cooked items, like cakes, will be available from the cabinet, and the shift toward evening includes Ploughman’s boards and charcuterie, leading into snacks, share plates, and a selection of larger plates.
The evening beverage selection is anchored by an impressive commitment to wine tasting. Coda will pour 36 wines by the glass, facilitated by high-tech Enomatic wine dispensers. Jordan noted that this system is a fun way for customers to explore different drops without the pressure of buying a whole bottle, as they can start with a 30-ml pour.
This ability allows Coda to feature both familiar favourites and high-end wines, giving locals the chance to try something fancy they may have always wanted without committing to a full purchase. Mediterranean-inspired barrel-aged cocktails, a signature spritz, and inventive non-alcoholic options round out the drinks list.
Chermside is set to welcome a fresh addition to its hospitality scene with the opening of Adina Chermside in February 2026. Positioned in Brisbane’s northern corridor, the hotel promises more than just a room—it will provide apartment‑style accommodation with sustainable features and modern amenities suited to both short and extended stays.
The 148‑key property, developed by TFE Hotels, is designed to cater to a range of guests including business travellers, families and leisure visitors. With a mix of studio rooms and apartment‑style suites, Adina Chermside aims to combine the convenience of hotel living with the flexibility of a home‑like environment.
This setup is expected to be particularly helpful for longer stays, including those linked to the nearby hospital precinct, as well as corporate guests seeking comfort and convenience.
Located close to Westfield Chermside, the property offers easy access to one of Brisbane’s largest shopping and entertainment hubs, while nearby major transport links support connectivity across the city. The opening forms part of Brisbane’s broader accommodation growth in the lead‑up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sustainability at the Core
Photo credit: Facebook/Adina Hotels
Designed by WMK Architecture, Adina Chermside incorporates a number of sustainable design practices. Features include high‑performance double glazing, sun‑shading, rain‑water harvesting and deep planting zones. These design elements aim to reduce energy usage and support environmental responsibility while delivering comfortable and contemporary accommodation.
Adina Chermside is tailored for today’s diverse travellers. Guests can expect the services of a full‑service hotel alongside the space and flexibility of apartment‑style accommodation, including in‑room kitchen and laundry facilities, gym access, and on‑site parking. Whether visiting for business, shopping, leisure or medical purposes, the hotel is positioned to meet a variety of needs.
Dining and Local Connection
Photo credit: Facebook/Adina Hotels
Guest dining is anchored by St Marks Road Co., a restaurant and café within the hotel. It will serve locally sourced dishes and provide a setting for casual meals, working lunches and more formal dinners. The inclusion of this dining venue reflects the growing importance of integrated food experiences in hospitality offerings.
Leading the property’s launch is Sue Rowe, the appointed General Manager for Adina Chermside Brisbane. She is responsible for overseeing the pre‑opening phase and the hotel’s full launch in February.
With its blend of sustainable design, apartment‑style accommodation and modern amenities, Adina Chermside Brisbane is positioned to become a noteworthy part of the northern suburbs hospitality landscape. It reflects the evolving nature of hotel‑style stays in Brisbane as the city continues to expand and diversify its accommodation options.
The Hamilton Road wildlife overpass in Chermside was constructed as part of a $50 million upgrade completed in early 2008. The project reconnected a 1.2-kilometre section of Hamilton Road through the Chermside Hills, aiming to reduce congestion on nearby Rode Road and improve east–west vehicle access through Chermside and McDowall.
As part of the development, approximately 140 grass trees were relocated to preserve existing vegetation. Wildlife-related features included an overpass bridge, an underpass at Little Cabbage Tree Creek, and nesting boxes for wallabies, possums and sugar gliders.
Ongoing Use and Wildlife Monitoring
More than a decade after opening, the overpass remains in use, particularly by wallabies. North Brisbane Catchments confirmed continued cooperation with BCC in deploying motion detection cameras to assess the species utilising the crossing and the frequency of their movements.
The Hamilton Road overpass is one of many Wildlife Movement Solutions (WMS) implemented across Brisbane to allow animals safe passage where ecological corridors are interrupted by roads. These solutions include exclusion fencing, culvert underpasses, rope bridges, glider poles, and escape devices for koalas and kangaroos.
Chermside Hills is one of the city’s identified zones for WMS, with additional features placed near Milne Hill Reserve, Raven Street Park, and Hamilton Road Quarry Park.
Broader Comparisons and Design Insights
Though Hamilton Road was among the earlier overpass installations, Compton Road near Karawatha Forest has since become Brisbane’s most well-known WMS site. Completed in 2004, the Compton Road crossing includes a wide range of features such as rope ladders, glider poles, fauna culverts, and exclusion fencing. It has been recognised internationally and reportedly made up only around one per cent of the total project cost.
Internationally, The Netherlands has constructed 66 wildlife crossings, providing a reference point for urban biodiversity initiatives.
Some residents who engaged in recent community discussions described the Hamilton Road overpass as a well-considered element of the road upgrade. Local commentary has also credited former city official Campbell Newman for supporting the initiative during his term in office.
Others in the community highlighted the need for suitable fencing to better direct animals toward the crossing and called for similar infrastructure on regional roads, where wildlife-vehicle strikes remain a concern.
The Hamilton Road wildlife overpass in Chermside continues to contribute to local fauna safety and ecological connectivity. Ongoing monitoring and public discussion support its role as a reference point in urban biodiversity planning.
The ongoing expansion of The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside has been officially included in Queensland’s 2025–26 Budget, confirming continued support for one of Brisbane’s busiest health precincts.
The upgrade will deliver more than 93 new beds, a brand-new emergency department, expanded operating theatres, and improved paediatric services. Located at Rode Rd in Chermside, the hospital serves Brisbane’s growing northside population and is already a vital hub for specialist cardiac and respiratory care.
Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps
The expansion is part of a broader investment in public hospitals under the state’s Hospital Rescue Plan, aimed at easing pressure on emergency departments, improving wait times, and expanding treatment capacity across Queensland.
With a total investment of $18.5 billion, the Hospital Rescue Plan is set to deliver over 2,600 additional hospital beds across Queensland. The package includes the construction of three new hospitals, expansions at ten existing facilities, and an increase in health services for regional communities.
Alongside the Prince Charles Hospital upgrade, other major hospitals across Brisbane and the Redlands, including the Princess Alexandra, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospitals, will also receive new beds, facilities, and infrastructure upgrades.
Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps
Premier David Crisafulli described the 2025–26 Budget as laying the groundwork for what he called a fresh start for Brisbane and the Redlands. He indicated that the Budget aimed to tackle long-standing challenges across the state, including health, housing, cost of living, and youth crime, areas he said Queenslanders expected action on.
“We are delivering to restore safety where you live, health services when you need them, a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future.
The planned works at Prince Charles are expected to improve access to timely care for patients in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The hospital’s added capacity will help meet rising demand and provide more modern, fit-for-purpose healthcare spaces for both patients and staff.
We’ve combed Chermside, Chermside Centre, Chermside South, and Chermside North for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
lyka dominguez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I want to commend the staff/crew for their quick and precise service. It only took 3-5mins to wait for our food. Awesome guys!
Jennrady Chum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ didn’t wait long at all FOOD WAS SO GOOD and very friendly employees SUPER cheap as well. DID NOT WAIT and the food was still hot SUPER CRUNCHY TENDERS
Bella Strybos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ absolutely delicious food. Great service couldn’t recommend it enough- Very close comparison to raising canes. Sauce is slightly different but still amazing. Great vibe. Definitely recommend the lemonade.
aLLy B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Second time to visit. I have enjoyed both my visits to this place. We ordered the following Heidi’s Lychee and Alpine Aperol twist for drinks. Really enjoyed the cocktails 🍸. And also ordered Wings and The Bavarian schmankerl. Great share entree. The atmosphere was great, the place looks inviting. Love the staff wearing the cowbells on their hips. Adds to the theme. Great place for a date night.
Brendon Soo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I ordered the Bavarian Schmankerl for dinner and boy, what an eclectic protein feast I enjoyed! All the meats were delivered hot and fresh and my microbiome was thankful for the large portion of sauerkraut served. A must visit restaurant for your next BIG muscle building feed…
K Roche ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had such an amazing dinner here – good food, beer and the wait staff are amazing. We had schnitzel and wings, was really good. Naomi was super friendly and looked after us all night. Probably one of the best wait staff we’ve ever experienced. Will definitely come back.
Tina Jones ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a memorable birthday for my husband. The extra things that these guys did to make our dinner extra special were unreal. The fun interactions with our 4 year old, the sparklers on the churros, the sombrero hats made a lovely night amazing. All cocktails were superb. The mango habanero wings, chicken burrito bowl and bbq prawn tacos were delicious!! A extra special mention to Rinky who looked after us so well all night. He is an asset to your restaurant. Well done!
Aashish Official ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had an amazing time at El Camino Cantina Chermside! The food was absolutely delicious full of flavour, perfectly cooked, and served fresh. The tacos and nachos were especially good, and the margaritas hit the spot. The atmosphere was fun and lively, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Overall, such a great experience can’t wait to come back again soon!
lady duarte ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Angelica was very attentive and had a good attitude while serving our table. The food I tried had an excellent flavour but I can’t take spicy. It doesn’t take the good taste of the food though.
Tara Horner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a great find. Good craft beer range with plenty of options on tap, and some good low-alc options. Food was excellent! Poutine with squeaky cheese, brussels sprouts *amazing*. Acoustics aren’t great so it was pretty noisy despite only having a few groups mid week. That said, road noise wasn’t obvious despite the location and several ambulances flashing past! Staff are casual and kind. Kept the lights on and didn’t boot us out much later than necessary. Toilet is in the car park and smells like it belongs there.
Caitlin Blanch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The most wonderful place and staff. Food and cocktails were incredible. Games were awesome, atmosphere was incredible. My grandparents are hard to please but they were very impressed and asked if they could get the pizza takeaway for the future 🥲🥲 how cute. Thank you so much for the positive experience, will definitely be back soon.
Shannon Lamont ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very coeliac friendly, chef comes out and confirms your order and informs you of Their allergen practices. I ordered The Trio Pizza with a gluten free base and their Gluten free pork belly bites both were delicious! Will definitely be returning.
Kevin Bee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s a clean, bright and spacious place. The service from Frank is so amazing. Presentation is nice and the taste is fantastic as well. We will definitely come back.
Caitlin Coles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bento box and matcha icecream was so good! The service was above and beyond.
