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Exploring the Traffic Box Gallery of Chermside and Wavell Heights

Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are turning their daily commute into a cultural experience by transforming traffic signal boxes into vibrant displays of local history and imagination.

Youthful Perspectives

Local schools have taken a leading role in brightening the streetscape, using public infrastructure to tell important stories. Students from Wavell State High School have contributed multiple pieces, ranging from the somber “Honouring our fallen heroes of 1942” in Aspley to the adventurous “Space Kids” and historical “Polly in PNG” in Chermside.

Meanwhile, a group from Craigslea State High School—including Isobel Andrews, Rose-Marie Nicolia, Mia Sullivan, and Pinyade Tangchaitrakul—focused on heritage with their collaborative work, “Cultural Connection and Preservation,” at Chermside West. These student-led projects turn standard metal boxes into educational landmarks that reflect the values of the younger generation.

Library

Artist: Junipah Harrison Location: Chermside (B0326)

Appropriately titled for a community hub, this artwork pays homage to the power of reading and education. Located in the bustling area of Chermside, “Library” likely serves as a colourful reminder of the worlds that can be explored through books, turning a standard street utility into a celebration of literacy and imagination.

Every Piece Matters

Artist: Olivia Donaghy Location: Chermside (B0361)

This artwork carries a powerful message of inclusion and unity. The title “Every Piece Matters” suggests a visual metaphor—often using puzzle pieces or mosaics—to represent how individual members of the community fit together to create a complete picture. It stands as a vibrant statement that everyone in Chermside has a role to play in the neighbourhood’s social fabric.

Live Fast Pie Yum

Artist: Daniella Doherty Location: Chermside (B0130)

Bringing a dose of humour to the streetscape, Daniella Doherty’s “Live Fast Pie Yum” plays on the classic phrase “Live Fast Die Young.” Instead of a rebellious rock-and-roll message, this artwork celebrates the simple, delicious joys of life—specifically, the humble pie. It is a fun, lighthearted addition to the suburb that likely brings a smile to hungry commuters.

Celestial Critters

Artist: Chloe Burr Location: Chermside West (B0180)

In this imaginative piece, Chloe Burr looks to the skies, blending the natural world with the cosmos. “Celestial Critters” suggests a dreamlike scene where animals float among the stars, turning a grounded metal box into a portal to a magical universe. It adds a touch of whimsy and wonder to the streets of Chermside West.

A Backyard Oasis

Artist: Libby McArdle Location: Chermside West (B8032)

Celebrating the green, suburban charm of Chermside West, Libby McArdle’s artwork captures the tranquility of a personal sanctuary. “A Backyard Oasis” likely features lush foliage, flowers, or garden scenes, offering a visual “breath of fresh air” for pedestrians and drivers passing by the concrete infrastructure.

Our Beautiful Home

Artist: Ravenna & Joshua Ren Location: Chermside West (B8032)

This collaborative piece by Ravenna and Joshua Ren is a tribute to the place they call home. Whether depicting a specific house or the broader local environment, “Our Beautiful Home” reflects a deep sense of pride and belonging. It serves as a warm, welcoming marker for residents returning to their neighbourhood at the end of the day.

The Good Fortune Cat

Artist: Amelie Turner-Francis Location: Chermside West (B0156)

Drawing on the symbol of the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), this artwork brings a symbol of luck and prosperity to the street corner. Amelie Turner-Francis’s design acts as a friendly greeter to the community, wishing good fortune to anyone who passes. It is a bright, cultural icon that adds character and positivity to the local intersection.

Nature and Whimsy

Beyond the schools, individual artists have brought a sense of fun and natural beauty to the area. Daniella Doherty adds a touch of humour to the streets of Chermside with “Live Fast Pie Yum,” while Amelie Turner-Francis brings luck to passersby in Chermside West with “The Good Fortune Cat.”

Nature is a strong theme across the suburbs, with Jessica Taylor’s “Alive and Active Waterway” and Kassandra Marsh’s “Parkland” in Geebung reminding locals of the green spaces nearby. In Chermside West, Libby McArdle depicts a relaxing scene with “A Backyard Oasis,” offering a visual break from the busy traffic.

A Community Canvas

The Artforce Brisbane program continues to showcase the diversity of the community through these scattered artworks. Pieces like “Every Piece Matters” by Olivia Donaghy and “Our Beautiful Home” by Ravenna and Joshua Ren highlight themes of inclusion and belonging.

Others celebrate local groups and hobbies, such as Eileen O’Hely’s tribute to the “Chermside-Burul Scouts” and Junipah Harrison’s “Library,” which sits near the local shops. Whether it is Chloe Burr’s “Celestial Critters” or the historical nod in Bree McDonald’s “Newman Rode the Waves,” each painted box adds a unique chapter to the visual story of Brisbane’s northside.

Published Date 31-December-2025

Chermside Dance Club Claims Historic Success At APDA National Championships

Photo Credit: Millennium Physie & Dance/Facebook

Millennium Physie and Dance (aka Millenium Dance Co) has produced record-breaking results at the 2025 Australian Physie & Dance Association National Championships, with 11 national champions, seven national runners-up and nine third-places finishes.

Historic Claim Linked To Chermside

Millennium Physie and Dance operates across Capalaba, Chermside and Sunnybank. Following the 2025 national event, the club said its overall results marked the highest level of success achieved by any club in the history of physie and in the history of the Australian Physie & Dance Association National Championships.

APDA National Championships — Photo Credit: Millennium Physie & Dance/Facebook

Results Reported From The 2025 Nationals

The club said 63 competitors represented Millennium Dance Co at nationals, ranging in age from five to 44. It reported 11 national champions, seven national runners-up and nine third-place finishes.

Millennium Dance Co also reported one fourth place, three fifth places and four sixth places. It said 18 competitors were national finalists, placing within the top 14 nationally, and 17 under-12 competitors reached the semi-final stage.

The club also reported multiple age groups achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd place podium sweeps, describing the outcome as unprecedented in Australian physie history.

Chermside dance club — Photo Credit: Millennium Physie & Dance/Facebook

When And Where The Championships Were Held

Event information provided for the 2025 APDA National Championships lists Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC Sydney as the venue, with competition held on Saturday 29 November and Sunday 30 November 2025.

For juniors on Saturday 29 November 2025, the schedule listed Session 1 beginning at 9 a.m. for ages 5, 7, 9 and 11 years, and Session 2 beginning at 2 p.m. for ages 6, 8, 10 and 12 years.

For Sunday 30 November 2025, the Seniors and Open Advanced program was described as featuring the top 14 competitors in each section, with one competitor crowned the 2025 Grand Champion.

Context On Physie And The Club

Physie is described as an Australian dance sport founded in 1892, and APDA was established in 2012. Millennium Dance Co describes itself as a family dance club established in 1998, offering classes across multiple ages and abilities.

Published 14-Dec-2025

Brisbane Hockey Coach Found Dead After Charges

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

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.

Published 14-Dec-2025

Chermside Aquatic Centre Redevelopment Moves a Step Closer to Reality

Photo Credit: Chermside Aquatic Centre

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.

Photo Credit: Chermside Aquatic Centre/Facebook

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.

Published 11-Dec-2025

Operation X-Ray Scutter: Local Safety Boost at Chermside Shopping Precinct

Photo Credit: QPS

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.

WATCH HERE

Focus on Prevention and Visibility

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.

Published 3-Dec-2025

Catch Fish and Chips Brings Coastal Comfort to Westfield 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.

Read: Noosa Chocolate Factory and Miniso Set to Join Westfield Chermside’s Retail Mix

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”.

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.

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.

Read: Westfield Chermside To Welcome Adore Beauty’s New Brisbane Store

Catch Fish and Chips offers Chermside a fresh take on a classic staple: simple, coastal-style comfort food in a relaxed, modern setting.

Published 1-December-2025

Westfield Chermside To Welcome Adore Beauty’s New Brisbane Store

Photo Credit: Brisbane

Adore Beauty is heading to Westfield Chermside, bringing one of Australia’s most recognised online beauty retailers into the heart of the northside community.

Store Opening And Location

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.

*Photo Credit:* *Westfield Chermside*/Facebook

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.

Published 26-November-2025

Chermside Mother and Daughter Launch Sleek European-Style Cafe and Wine Bar

Photo Credit: CODA Wine Bar/ Instagram

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.

A Communal Vision

European — *Photo Credit:* *Dreampods Group/ Instagram*

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.

Design That Transforms

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.

From Silky Brews to Spritzes

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.

High-Tech Wine Exploration

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.

Published Date 19-November-2025

Sustainable Stays Coming to Brisbane’s North as Adina Chermside Opens in 2026

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.

Read: Adina Hotel Project Reaches Topping Out in Chermside

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

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

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.

Read: What’s All the Hype? Pappa Flock Brings Its Viral Chicken to Chermside

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.

Published 12-November-2025

Wildlife Overpass Continues to Serve Chermside’s Native Fauna

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A wildlife overpass along Hamilton Road in Chermside continues to support native species movement more than 15 years after its construction.

Background and Early Development

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 wildlife overpass — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

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.

Community Observations and Considerations

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.

Looking Ahead

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.

Updated 22-October-2025