Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 2 of 41

Temporary CCTV Camera Installed At Marchant Park Carpark After Safety Concerns

A temporary CCTV camera has been installed at Marchant Park carpark after concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour, bringing added visibility to a space used daily by families, walkers and local sporting groups.

A Familiar Park With A New Presence

For many in the area, Marchant Park is part of everyday life. It is where families gather, where walkers pass through, and where sporting clubs train and compete. The carpark sits at the centre of this activity, acting as the main entry point for people arriving throughout the day.

The recent installation of a temporary CCTV camera marks a noticeable change in this familiar setting. Positioned in response to concerns about behaviour in the carpark, the camera is intended to help deter issues and support a safer environment for those using the space.

CCTV Brisbane — Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook

Responding To What’s Happening On The Ground

The addition of the camera reflects a direct response to issues raised about the carpark. Rather than a broad or general measure, it focuses on a specific location where concerns have been identified.

By increasing visibility in the area, the camera aims to discourage behaviour that affects how the space is used, particularly in a park that sees a steady mix of visitors throughout the day.

Part Of A Larger Safety Network

The camera at Marchant Park sits within a wider network of more than 4,500 safety cameras operating across Brisbane. These include permanent, temporary and mobile units placed in public areas.

The network is designed to support safety by monitoring activity, deterring harmful or disruptive behaviour, and assisting in identifying people involved in incidents when they occur. Some cameras, including mobile units, operate continuously to provide ongoing surveillance in selected locations.

How Footage Is Handled

Footage from the network is monitored and stored under strict controls. Recordings are encrypted and kept for at least 31 days, with longer storage periods applied when incidents occur.

Access to footage is limited to authorised personnel, and all access is logged. Requests for footage must go through formal processes, with access granted only under specific conditions.

Marchant Park CCTV — Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry/Facebook

Keeping Everyday Spaces Safe

For those who regularly use Marchant Park, the camera represents a practical step aimed at maintaining a safe and welcoming space. While the park continues to serve its usual role as a place for recreation and community activity, the added presence of CCTV reflects an effort to address concerns and support its ongoing use by the public.

Published 3-Apr-2026

Chermside Listed Among Locations In Alleged Fraud Targeting Elderly Victims

Photo Credit: QPS

Chermside is among several Queensland locations linked to an alleged fraud and stealing operation targeting elderly victims, with three people charged following an investigation by financial crime detectives.

Alleged Distraction Tactics Used In Chermside And Beyond

Authorities allege the group targeted older individuals, aged between 70 and 94, while they were using ATMs or paying for groceries in shopping centres including Chermside, Kenmore, Strathpine, North Lakes, Buddina, Caloundra and Laidley. The approach involved engaging victims and creating a distraction by suggesting they had dropped cash or a wallet, before allegedly taking the victim’s wallet during the interaction. Bank cards were then used to carry out unauthorised transactions.

The alleged incidents occurred between February and March, with losses amounting to thousands of dollars across multiple locations. The activity reflects a pattern of offences focused on older individuals in public transaction settings.

Chermside fraud case — Photo Credit: QPS

Arrests And Charges Following Investigation

Following investigations by the Financial and Cyber Crime Group, supported by regional units, three people were arrested at a unit complex in Eight Mile Plains, where almost $20,000 in cash was seized. A 49-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman have each been charged with multiple counts of fraud, stealing and enter with intent.

elderly scam Queensland — Photo Credit: QPS

Both appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 28 March and were refused bail, with matters adjourned to 15 April. A 42-year-old man has also been charged with one count of stealing and was granted bail, with a court appearance scheduled in Southport Magistrates Court on 8 April.

Ongoing Inquiries And Public Awareness

Investigations remain ongoing, including potential links to similar offences in other states, and further arrests are expected. Authorities have urged individuals to remain alert when using ATMs or conducting transactions in places such as Chermside, and to take steps to protect personal banking information.

Members of the public are advised to regularly check their accounts for unauthorised activity, promptly notify their financial institution if irregularities are detected, and report incidents to police.

Published 31-Mar-2026

Northside Wins as Haigh’s Chocolates Brings Iconic Artisan Treats to Chermside

Photo Credit: Haigh’s Chocolate/ Facebook

The iconic family-owned Haigh’s Chocolates will officially end a century of waiting for local fans by establishing a permanent retail home in Chermside.

A Long-Awaited Arrival

For over a century, fans of the family-owned brand in Queensland have had to wait for interstate trips or postal deliveries to enjoy their favourite sweets. This shift to a physical presence comes after the company noticed that Brisbane residents already make up 18 per cent of all their online sales.

Because the local demand is so high, the business decided to fast-track its move into the Sunshine State. While the Chermside location is a major highlight for the northside, the expansion actually includes three different spots across the city to make sure everyone has easy access to their products.

Boosting the Local Economy

The first shop is scheduled to welcome customers at Westfield Mt Gravatt in August 2026. Shortly after that debut, the Chermside and Carindale locations will finish the trio of openings before the year ends. This move is not just about sweets; it is also a win for the local workforce.

The company expects to hire about 75 people to staff these new branches within the first few months. Those looking for work can prepare to apply soon, as the official recruitment process is set to begin this April.

Growing to Meet Demand

To make this expansion possible, the business has been busy upgrading its behind-the-scenes operations. According to chief executive Peter Millard, the company has increased its chocolate-making capacity from 1,100 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes per year.

This growth is supported by a brand-new production and fulfilment centre in South Australia. Former leader Alister Haigh, who represents the fourth generation of the founding family, noted that this is a major milestone for the business as it grows its reach across the eastern seaboard.

Maintaining Tradition

Even as it grows larger, the company remains focused on the traditional methods that earned it a loyal following since 1915. They use a “bean-to-bar” process, which means they control every step of making the chocolate from the raw cocoa beans. They also prioritise using ingredients that are sourced ethically. By the time the Brisbane rollout is finished, there will be 26 of these specialty shops operating across Australia, including existing sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Adelaide.

Published Date 31-March-2026

Have Your Say on the Future of Chermside Centre

Brisbane is inviting the community to share their ideas on the future of Chermside Centre as part of a suburban renewal planning process.

Read: High-Density Zones Approved for Chermside Shopping Centre Precinct

A Chermside Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan is being prepared, which will form part of Brisbane City Plan 2014 — the city’s local planning scheme. Once adopted, the plan will be used to guide and assess property development in the precinct. The plan will also guide future building design, development and local job opportunities over the next ten years and beyond.

Chermside is identified as one of Brisbane’s major centres, supporting the northern suburbs and the wider region with significant retail, commercial and health care services, as well as housing. The precinct is well connected to the city and other suburban centres, supported by high-frequency buses with a central interchange and services along Gympie Road.

Proposed Chermside Centre precinct boundary (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The surrounding area is also home to a number of community and recreation facilities, including the Chermside Aquatic Centre and Water Park, Chermside Library, Marchant Park, 7th Brigade Park and the Brisbane North Hockey Centre.

The precinct plan is being developed around four themes:

Housing choice — a review of zoning and housing options to accommodate a range of household types, including singles, couples and families.
Vibrant village — improving public spaces and facilities, and creating more opportunities for local shops, dining and businesses.
Subtropical lifestyle — ensuring buildings and public spaces incorporate shade and greenery.
Connecting people and places — maximising public and active transport networks while making walking and cycling safer and more convenient.

The plan will be developed using technical investigations, community feedback and Queensland Government feedback.

Community members can have their say by completing an online survey or by adding location-specific comments to an interactive map, both available via Brisbane’s YourSay platform.

Read: Chermside Hospital Expansion To Deliver New Beds And Emergency Facilities

After the feedback period closes, community input will be reviewed alongside technical investigations before a draft precinct plan is released for a further round of consultation later in 2026. Following a review of feedback on the draft plan, a final version is expected to be adopted into Brisbane City Plan 2014 by mid-2027.

Feedback closes Sunday, 12 April 2026.

Published 17-March-2026

Chermside Patrols Included In North Brisbane Operations Resulting In 179 People Charged

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Police patrol operations across Brisbane’s north, including Chermside, have resulted in 179 people being charged on 321 offences during targeted patrols addressing property crime and public-order incidents.

Proactive Patrols Across North Brisbane

Police have conducted separate patrol operations across northern Brisbane, focusing on areas with high foot traffic and locations linked to late-night property crime. The patrols formed part of ongoing operations targeting property offences, vehicle theft and public-order incidents.

The combined operations have resulted in 179 people being charged with a total of 321 offences across the district.

Chermside police patrols — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Chermside Patrol Interception

One of the initiatives, Operation Grimlock, has been active since 21 February and focuses on proactive patrols targeting late-night property crime and vehicle theft.

Police reported that 42 people have been charged on 84 offences during this operation.

Shortly before 12.30 a.m. on 9 March, officers from the Boondall Tactical Crime Squad conducting patrols in Chermside identified a suspicious black Mercedes stopped on Davenport Street.

Police allege the occupant assaulted officers while attempting to flee. A taser was deployed and the man was taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle allegedly located a homemade taser, a loaded slam gun, ammunition, methylamphetamine, drug utensils and a small quantity of counterfeit money.

A 47-year-old man from Macgregor has been charged with multiple offences including obstruction of police, assault of police, drug possession, possession of drug utensils, unlawful possession of weapons and possession of counterfeit money.

The man was remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 22 April.

Brisbane north crime — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Operation Thunderstrike Activity

A separate initiative, Operation Thunderstrike, returned to Brisbane’s north on 1 January and has so far resulted in 137 offenders being charged on 237 offences.

The operation targets public-order offences in high foot-traffic areas including Brisbane City, Chermside and Toowong shopping centres as well as nearby public transport hubs.

At 12.22 p.m. on 26 February, police allege two teenagers stole products from a Brisbane City convenience store and made verbal threats toward an employee while armed.

The pair allegedly fled to a nearby bus station where officers conducting patrols arrested them.

A 15-year-old Greenslopes boy has been charged with robbery armed and unauthorised dealing with shop goods and is expected to reappear before Brisbane Childrens Court on 24 March.

A 16-year-old Greenslopes boy has been charged with possession of a knife in a public place and unauthorised dealing with shop goods and is expected to appear before Brisbane Childrens Court on 13 March.

Ongoing Operations

Both operations remain ongoing. Police said the patrol initiatives are supported by Operation Yankee Forge, which provides intelligence and specialist capabilities to assist with the prevention and investigation of robbery and unlawful entry offences.

Published 13-Mar-2026

Newest Italian Restaurant La Regina Now Open at Westfield Chermside

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Chermside locals who’ve been craving a proper sit-down Italian feed will want to take note: a new Italian restaurant has opened at Westfield Chermside, and it’s already turning heads on Level 1.

La Regina, which sits just outside the main food court below Event Cinemas — near Grill’d and GYG — takes its cues from the warmth and generosity that Italian dining is known for. The space is set up for everything from a weeknight dinner with the family to a longer, more celebratory meal, and the menu reads like a love letter to the Italian table.

For starters, there’s a generous antipasti board piled with prosciutto, mortadella and salami, alongside arancini, marinated olives, bread and bocconcini. Other entrée options include rosemary and herb focaccia, salt and pepper calamari with aioli and rocket salad, and chilli prawns made with local prawn cutlets in a chilli garlic sauce. The arancini deserves a special mention — the kitchen rotates the flavours each week, giving regulars a reason to keep coming back.

The pasta selection is the kind of thing you’d want on a cold Brisbane evening. The Linguine Marinara is loaded with mussels, clams, prawns, scallops and calamari in a Napoli sauce with chilli and garlic, while the Pappardelle Al Ragù D’Anatra features flat ribbon pasta slow-braised with duck and tomato. There’s also ricotta and spinach Cannelloni, Lasagna, and a Gnocchi Boscaiola — soft potato gnocchi in a creamy sauce with Italian pork sausage and mushroom.

Those after something more substantial can choose from the mains, which include a Veal Scaloppini (served with either a creamy mushroom sauce or white wine and garlic sauce, steamed vegetables and roast potatoes), a grilled 250g rump Bistecca with fries and salad, and a Brodetto Di Pesce — a traditional Italian seafood stew with mussels, clams, prawns, scallops and calamari in a tomato-based sugo, served with sourdough.

The pizza list covers the classics — Margherita, Capricciosa, Diavola, Calzone and Marinara — alongside more indulgent options like the Montanare, topped with mozzarella, mortadella, burrata and crushed pistachio, and the Primavera, finished with rocket, prosciutto and shaved parmesan.

Dessert is not an afterthought here. The tiramisu is made in-house, layered with espresso-soaked savoiardi biscuits and mascarpone. There’s also a panna cotta with mixed berries and cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cream, crushed pistachios and dark chocolate.

On the drinks side, the bar carries an Italian wine list available by the glass or bottle, Italian and Australian beers, and a solid cocktail menu featuring Italian classics like the Negroni, Bellini and Rossini, as well as house originals including a Basilico Martini, Italian Mojito and Rose Negroni Fizz. Aperitivo options — Campari, Aperol, Cynar and Cinzano — round out the pre-dinner possibilities, and there are also mocktails, Italian sparkling water, soft drinks and coffee.

Families are well catered for, with a dedicated kids’ menu offering spaghetti bolognese, Margherita pizza or chicken nuggets and chips.

La Regina is located on Level 1 at Westfield Chermside, Cnr Gympie and Hamilton Road. The nearest parking is at ground level off Gympie Road near Grill’d. Bookings can be made at laregina.com.au/chermside.

Published 3-March-2026

Two Men Charged After Alleged Chermside Crime Incidents Across North Brisbane

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Two men have been charged after a series of alleged incidents linked to Chermside involving dangerous driving reports, multiple crashes and reported thefts across North Brisbane.

Police allege that between 4:50 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on 1 March 2026, a silver Holden Rodeo utility was driven dangerously across several suburbs within the Brisbane region and struck multiple vehicles.

An earlier report was received around 4:42 a.m. on Gympie Road at the Hamilton Road intersection in Chermside, where a vehicle had stopped and a man was attempting to stop passing motorists.

Chermside crime incidents — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Crash Reports Across Multiple Suburbs

At about 4:53 a.m., police received reports that a utility had struck two vehicles on Lutwyche Road near Grantson Street at Windsor.

Around 4:55 a.m., another report was received that a utility had struck a vehicle on Lutwyche Road near Fuller Street at Lutwyche.

At approximately 5:03 a.m., police were notified that a vehicle had been struck on Gympie Road opposite Mellor Street at Kedron.

Reported Thefts In Brisbane City And Chermside West

At about 5:10 a.m., police received a report that property had allegedly been stolen from a pedestrian at Albert Street at the Roma Street and Turbot Street intersection in Brisbane City.

A further report was received around 5:15 a.m. that property had allegedly been stolen from a pedestrian on Webster Road near Taggan Street at Chermside West.

No injuries were reported to police in relation to the incidents.

dangerous driving charges — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Vehicle Located In Bald Hills

The Holden utility was later located abandoned around 5:35 a.m. on the Gateway Motorway near the Wyampa Road overpass at Bald Hills.

Shortly before 6 a.m., police located a 30-year-old Mooloolaba man in nearby bushland and took him into custody. A 38-year-old Mooloolaba man was also taken into custody in connection with the matter.

Both men have been charged with five counts each of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and five counts each of failing to comply with duties of a driver involved in a crash. They have also each been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle while allegedly adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

Police have appealed for anyone impacted by the Chermside crime incidents, or anyone with relevant information, CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward.

Published 3-Mar-2026

TFE Hotels’ Adina Chermside Brisbane Confirmed for April 2026 Opening

A new apartment-style hotel is set to open in Chermside in April 2026, with Adina Chermside Brisbane confirmed as the suburb’s latest major hospitality development.

Read: Adina Chermside Brisbane Hotel Set to Open in 2026

Managed by TFE Hotels under the Adina brand, the property will sit adjacent to Westfield Chermside, Queensland’s largest shopping centre, and just 20 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD.

The 148-room hotel is designed around Adina’s “casual living philosophy,” offering guests apartment-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes, dedicated work areas, and high-speed internet. Six flexible meeting rooms will also be available on-site, catering for small team briefings through to larger conferences.

Chermside has grown significantly as a commercial destination in recent years, and the new hotel adds an accommodation option to a suburb better known for its retail offering. Guests will have immediate access to more than 400 stores, dining options, and a cinema at Westfield Chermside, all within walking distance. The hotel’s developers have also identified the nearby Prince Charles Hospital precinct as a key drawcard for visitors to the area.

The hotel’s location places it within easy reach of Brisbane Airport, adding to its appeal for interstate and international travellers.

TFE Hotels’ Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, highlighted the hotel’s potential role in Brisbane’s lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Chermside is poised to shine as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said. “With the city’s new 63,000-seat Olympic Stadium set to be built in Victoria Park — an inner-city location serving as the centrepiece for athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies — Adina Chermside offers convenient access to the Olympic action while providing a home away from home for visitors.”

The building was designed by WMK Architecture, with the Chermside Hills Reserve serving as the primary design reference. Stepped building forms draw natural light through the structure, while horizontal lines and vertical screening elements provide shade and privacy. The material palette, brickwork, rendered surfaces, and terracotta tones, was selected to reflect the local architecture and blend the hotel into its surroundings.

Inside, the interiors follow the same nature-inspired direction, using earthy tones and soft materials intended to reflect the character of the Chermside Hills Reserve. A lobby lounge, café and bar, and a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces complete the offering.

Read: Chermside Milestone: $78M in Community-Funded Health Support Reaches 40 Years

Sustainability is a core component of the build, with the property incorporating passive solar design, water-saving initiatives, and sustainable building materials, which is part of TFE Hotels’ broader commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The development is expected to create jobs and contribute to the local economy, according to TFE Hotels, adding to Chermside’s appeal as a destination in Brisbane’s northern corridor.

With the April 2026 opening approaching, Adina Chermside is set to add a new dimension to what the suburb can offer both visitors and the broader Brisbane community.

Published 27-February-2026

Recall Alert: Milo Snack Bars Stocked at Coles, Woolworths and ALDI Amid Contamination Warning

A popular school lunchbox staple has been pulled from shelves across Coles, Woolworths and ALDI, after pieces of black rubber were discovered in some Milo snack bars, prompting a nationwide recall and health warning for consumers.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) issued the recall notice for selected batches of Nestlé’s Milo Dipped Snack Bars and Milo Original Snack Bars, citing the presence of foreign matter that may pose a risk of illness or injury if consumed.

The affected products were sold at major retailers including ALDI, Coles, Woolworths and independent stores such as IGA across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, as well as through online outlets.

Authorities warned consumers not to eat the products and advised returning them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

“Food products containing black rubber may cause illness or injury if consumed,” FSANZ said in its notice, urging anyone concerned about their health after eating the bars to seek medical advice.

Manufacturing fault behind contamination

Nestlé Australia said the issue was linked to an equipment failure at a contract manufacturing facility, which caused small pieces of black rubber to become dislodged during production.

The company has not reported any confirmed injuries linked to the contamination but said the recall was issued as a precautionary measure to protect consumer safety.

Food recalls are typically initiated when foreign materials — including plastic, rubber or metal fragments — are detected in food products, as they can present choking hazards or cause internal injury.

Products affected

The recall applies to the following items with best-before dates of end August 2026:

MILO Dipped Snack Bars — 270g, 960g and 160g boxes (batches 5316TD15, 5317TD15, 5318TD15, 5321TD15, 5322TD15)
MILO Snack Bars Original — 210g box (batches 5323TD15, 5324TD15)

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to check packaging for the specified batch numbers.

*Photo Credit: Food Standards Australia*

Consumer advice

Authorities say customers should avoid consuming the recalled snack bars and return them to retailers for a refund. Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about potential exposure should consult a health professional.

Further information is available through Nestlé Australia’s customer service lines or the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand food recall website.

The recall highlights ongoing food safety monitoring processes designed to identify and remove potentially hazardous products from the market.

Published 20-Feb-2026

Margot Robbie And Jacob Elordi Appear At Chermside Cinema On Valentine’s Day

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. AU/Facebook

Moviegoers in Chermside were met with an unexpected appearance from Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi during a Valentine’s Day screening of Wuthering Heights.

The Queensland-born actors visited several Brisbane cinemas on February 14, including Event Cinemas Chermside, where audiences had gathered for the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel.

Valentine’s Day Visit To Chermside

At the Chermside V-Max session scheduled for 6:40 p.m., the actors entered the theatre before the film commenced, prompting a strong reaction from the audience. Attendees reported audible cheering as the pair greeted the crowd.

Robbie distributed long-stem roses to cinemagoers during the appearance. In some Brisbane locations, sweets were also handed out as part of the Valentine’s Day gesture.

The visits were unannounced. Some audience members indicated they suspected something was planned after noticing microphones positioned at the front of the cinema prior to the screening.

Chermside cinema surprise — *Photo Credit: Warner Bros. AU/Facebook*

Brisbane Screenings Across The City

In addition to Chermside, the actors made appearances at screenings in New Farm and Red Hill. Reported venues included Palace Cinemas on James Street and Five Star Cinemas at Red Hill.

The Brisbane stops formed part of the film’s Australian promotional activity. Robbie, who grew up on the Gold Coast, and Elordi, who is from Brisbane, have both publicly acknowledged their Queensland ties during recent appearances.

*Photo Credit: Wuthering Heights Movie/Instagram*

Wider Promotional Tour

Before arriving in Brisbane, the pair attended the Sydney premiere of Wuthering Heights at the State Theatre. They also surprised a large audience at Westpac OpenAir at Mrs Macquarie’s Point and appeared at Vogue Forces of Fashion at the Sydney Opera House, as well as an iHeartLIVE event in North Sydney and a photocall at Bronte cliffs.

The film is directed by Emerald Fennell, with Robbie also credited as a producer. Discussion surrounding the adaptation has accompanied its release, with the cast noting that varying audience responses were anticipated.

The Chermside cinema visit marked one of several in-person appearances during the Valentine’s Day promotional schedule.

Published 18-Feb-2026