Jazz Sessions Hits A Milestone With 10th Anniversary Celebration

A treasured fixture of the Sunshine Coast’s music scene is preparing to mark a significant achievement, with The Jazz Sessions set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style at Buderim War Memorial Hall next month.



The monthly jazz series, which has become synonymous with quality live music on the Coast, will host a Festival of Jazz on Saturday, 23 August, bringing together emerging talent and seasoned performers for what organisers promise will be an exceptional evening of musical diversity.

Photo Credit: The Jazz Sessions

The Jazz Sessions began its journey in 2015 and has since established itself as a platform for showcasing local, national and international jazz artists across the region. Organiser Robyn Brown, who is also a jazz singer herself, has been instrumental in curating the high-quality performances that keep audiences returning.

The anniversary celebration will feature three distinct acts, each representing different facets of the jazz genre. Opening the evening will be the Glasshouse Country Christian College Jazz Band, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of jazz through the energy and enthusiasm of young musicians working within a big band format.

The programme will also showcase Camaron de la Vega Duo, whose performance promises to take listeners on what organisers describe as a unique musical journey. The guitarist’s approach blends flamenco with Afro-Cuban, Latin, jazz and world music influences, creating what’s expected to be a deeply expressive and rhythmically diverse set.

Completing the line-up will be the Wil Sargisson Trio, featuring a New Zealand-born pianist whose credentials include performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at age 17. Sargisson’s expertise spans Boogie Woogie, Harlem Stride, and New Orleans R&B, with previous collaborations including internationally recognised acts such as The Coasters, The Platters, and Australian group Galapagos Duck.

Wil Sargisson Trio
Photo Credit: Sticky Tickets

Since its humble beginnings at the intimate Bison Bar, The Jazz Sessions has weathered various venue changes whilst maintaining its commitment to presenting monthly performances alongside boutique festivals and larger events including the Gypsy Jazz Fest and Sunshine Coast Jazz & Brews Fest.

The series has built its reputation on consistently delivering what Brown describes as world-class jazz, attracting both established musicians and nurturing emerging talent within a supportive community environment.

The anniversary festival represents more than just a musical celebration, according to organisers, serving as recognition of the vibrant community that has developed around live jazz on the Coast over the past decade.

Doors for the anniversary celebration will open at 6:00 PM on Saturday, 23 August, with performances commencing at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available through The Jazz Sessions’ website at thejazzsessions.com.au.

The Buderim War Memorial Hall venue continues the series’ tradition of bringing quality jazz to intimate, accessible settings where audiences can appreciate the nuances of the genre in a community-focused environment.



For music lovers seeking an evening of variety and musical excellence, the 10th anniversary Festival of Jazz offers an opportunity to experience the culmination of a decade’s worth of dedication to preserving and promoting jazz on the Sunshine Coast.

Published 23-July-2025

Patient in Chermside Recovers Well After 3D-Guided Aortic Surgery

A Queensland man is now recovering well in a Chermside hospital, with full movement in his arms and legs, after undergoing one of Australia’s most complex vascular operations where surgeons used a custom 3D-printed replica of his own artery to replace a life-threateningly swollen vessel.



The Path to Recovery

Chermside
Photo Credit: Queensland Health/3Dprint. com

Nearly three weeks after the intensive procedure, the patient has been moved out of intensive care and has begun rehabilitation. Medical staff at The Prince Charles Hospital report that he has avoided any major complications, and his strong family support has been a positive factor during his recovery. While his progress is excellent, a second follow-up surgery is planned for later this year to replace the lower portion of his aorta, addressing all residual risk from his condition.

A Ticking Time Bomb

Before the surgery, the man, who is in his late fifties, was in a perilous state. His aorta, the body’s main artery, had swelled to approximately eight centimetres—about four times its normal size. 

Vascular surgeon Dr Samantha Peden explained that the artery wall was stretched so thin that a fatal rupture was imminent. The situation was described as a “ticking time bomb.” This dangerous dilation continued despite a previous surgery in 2017, leading doctors to suspect an underlying connective tissue disorder.

A Blueprint for a Breakthrough

Chermside
Photo Credit: Queensland Health/3Dprint. com

To prepare for the high-stakes procedure, the surgical team collaborated with engineers at the nearby Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI). The HBI team used the patient’s CT scans to create a life-sized, anatomically precise model of the damaged aorta. 

The printing process took four days and used multiple materials to create a replica that mimicked the tactile feel of real tissue. This innovative model gave surgeons a hands-on understanding of the patient’s unique anatomy, allowing for meticulous planning that would not have been possible with standard 2D scans alone.



A High-Stakes Operation

The nine-hour surgery was a coordinated effort between vascular and cardiac specialists. To operate safely, they employed a technique called induced circulatory arrest, cooling the patient’s body and stopping his heart for a critical 20-minute window. Dr Peden noted that this method, while necessary, carried significant risks, including stroke or organ failure. 

During this time, the surgical team removed the diseased section of the aorta and replaced it with a synthetic graft made of a flexible, waterproof fabric. This type of full aortic replacement is exceptionally complex and is performed only about six times a year at the hospital.

Published Date 22-July-2025

Six Charged Over Chermside Jewellery Store Robbery

Six people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been charged following a violent armed robbery at a Chermside jewellery store that left the owner requiring emergency brain surgery.



The shocking incident unfolded at a business on Gympie Road on 10 June, when masked offenders armed with hammers and metal bars burst into the store shortly after 5pm. The attack was witnessed by customers, including a child, who watched in horror as the group smashed glass display cabinets and made off with a substantial quantity of expensive jewellery.

The store owner suffered serious head injuries after allegedly being struck with a hammer during the robbery. He required emergency surgery to remove a haematoma on his brain and was treated at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Honda believed to have been stolen from an Alfred Circuit address at Calamvale on Sunday, June 8
Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Queensland Police launched an intensive investigation following the brazen daylight attack. Last week, detectives executed search warrants at multiple homes and vehicles across Brisbane and Logan, uncovering items allegedly linked to the robbery.

The arrests culminated on Tuesday when a 25-year-old Carseldine man and 22-year-old Goodna man were intercepted during a vehicle stop. Officers also located three additional suspects: a 25-year-old man from Goodna, a 29-year-old man from Inala, and a 20-year-old man from Loganlea.

All five adult men have been charged with a series of serious offences, including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, entering premises with intent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and endangering a child by exposure. The 16-year-old boy faces similar charges along with additional drug and property offences.

The accused appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, with police strongly opposing bail applications for the group. The matter will return to court next month.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers emphasised the priority placed on apprehending the offenders, stating that detectives had been working around the clock to ensure community safety following the violent attack.

The investigation remains active, with police still seeking a 21-year-old Mount Gravatt man who they believe may have been involved in the incident. The suspect is known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas.

Detectives are also examining potential links between the Chermside robbery and an armed robbery at a Lutwyche jewellery store that occurred in May, as they work to determine whether the incidents are connected.



The case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime targeting small businesses in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with the jewellery store owner continuing his recovery from the serious injuries sustained during the attack.

Published 17-July-2025

Looking for Family DNA for Identification: Help Give Lance Corporal George Probert Millard His Own Grave

Lance Corporal George Probert Millard was one of many young men from across Queensland – Warwick, Maryborough, Brisbane, Cairns, Allora and Hughenden – who served with the 31st Battalion. He died, along with many others, during a single night of fighting on 19 July 1916 in Fromelle, France. Their names are known, but their final resting places are not. Now, only DNA can give George and his fellow soldiers back their names.

A Mass Grave and a World-first DNA Program

In 2008, a mass grave was uncovered behind German lines at Pheasant Wood, near the village of Fromelles. It contained the remains of 250 Australian soldiers. Since then, 180 have been formally identified and buried with named headstones – thanks to a world-leading program of DNA analysis and forensic research.

But 70 soldiers remain unknown. And the remains of George Probert Millard could be one of them.

A Local Hero Lost in the Chaos of War

George Probert Millard, a soldier in the 31st Battalion, was killed in action on 19 July 1916 during the Battle of Fromelles. This tragic battle, known for its heavy losses, saw Australian troops pushed into a brutal night of fighting near German lines. George, like many others, was buried in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood, a site where hundreds of Australian soldiers were later unearthed in 2008.

George’s father, a railway stationmaster, had worked in Zillmere after emigrating from the UK, making George’s story not just a distant tale of sacrifice but a piece of local history that needs to be remembered. Though George’s name is known, the exact location of his final resting place remains a mystery.

The Millard family received news after the battle that George was missing, but additional information came in piecemeal. A letter from W. Weston (likely William Weston, 11th Field Artillery Brigade, also from Zillmere) informed George’s father that his son had been wounded in the arm at Fromelles. However, Weston could not trace George in any English hospitals.

In September 1916, George’s father, Thomas, wrote to the Army requesting further details. By January 1917, Private Charles Jenkinson reported that George was thought to be a Prisoner of War. But a month later, Lieutenant Ivon Gair refuted this, noting there had been no German communication regarding George’s capture.

Despite these efforts, George was officially reported as ‘Killed in Action, 20 July 1916’ in a Court of Enquiry on 1 August 1917. There was also a note on his file stating that he had been ‘Buried in vicinity of Fleurbaix, Sh.36 N.W.’, but this was a very broad reference used for several soldiers, providing little clarity on his final resting place.

Now, his name is known, but his body remains one of the 70 still unidentified in the mass grave at Fromelles.

Screenshot from: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1646431

The Vital Role of DNA in Uncovering the Past

The Fromelles Association, a volunteer group working alongside the Australian Army, has helped identify many of those now named. They are now urgently searching for living relatives who may be able to donate DNA and help identify the “Final 70.”

Tony Ryan, a volunteer with the Fromelles Association of Australia, explains why this mission is so urgent.

“These men were sons, brothers, farmers, clerks; everyday Australians who gave their lives in France,” he said. “We know who they are. What we don’t know is exactly where they are. That’s where families can help.”

“Living memory is gone. Now we rely on family stories, photos, service records, and DNA,” he added.

The Association’s DNA testing program has already played a pivotal role in identifying soldiers who were previously unknown. But for the 70 still missing, every family story, photograph, or lead could be the one that cracks the case. “Every DNA match starts with a lead. One person, one photo, one family story—that’s all it takes,” Mr Ryan says.

The Association’s website enables the public to explore soldier stories, contribute memorabilia, and register as potential DNA donors. “They died for their country. The least we can do is name their graves,” Mr Ryan says. “No other group continues this level of forensic family research. We are their last chance.”

With the clock ticking, the Fromelles Association continues to work tirelessly alongside the Australian Army, hoping to give each of the final 70 soldiers a name and a proper resting place.

The urgency is real, as the window for identifying these men is closing, and with it, the chance to bring them home with the respect they deserve.

Call for DNA Donors: Help Identify George Millard

George Probert Millard details
Screenshot from: https://fromelles.info/soldiers/252-lance-corporal-george-probert-millard/

The search for George Probert Millard’s family is a critical part of the final phase of this project. The Fromelles Association is appealing to anyone who might have connections to George’s family. Whether you live in Queensland or Wales, or have information on the Millard family tree, the Association needs your help.

If you are a descendant of George Probert Millard or have any information that could help, please reach out to the Fromelles Association. Your contribution could be the one that finally uncovers his final resting place and brings closure to a century-old mystery.

Call for DNA for George Probert Millard
Screenshot from: https://fromelles.info/soldiers/252-lance-corporal-george-probert-millard/

Other Missing Heroes

Here are the other missing heroes from the 31st Battalion who remain unaccounted for and could be one of the unidentified bodies needing DNA for identification:

  • Lieutenant Ernest William Spreadborough – 42, grazier from Warwick. The oldest officer of the 31st Battalion at Fromelles. Killed while leading his men during the assault.
  • Private Thomas Henry Tedford – 20, from Maryborough. Enlisted with his brother Billie. Killed in action on 19 July 1916; his body was never found.
  • Private John Charles Radford – 24, warehouseman from Brisbane. Wrote home just before the battle, describing being “in a warm corner and expecting a big attack.”
  • Private Stanley Byfield King (alias King Smith) – 20, from Stanley, Queensland. He enlisted under the name “King Smith” while playing in the famous Toowoomba Brass Band. Along with the bandmaster and other members, he joined the 31st Battalion to form its brass band. His body was never recovered.
  • Private George Olson Sutherland – 21, born in Scotland, lived in Queensland. Killed during the charge at Fromelles.
  • Private Arthur Donald Leigh – 23, from Landsborough. One of several Queenslanders killed in the same assault wave.
  • Private Walter Ernest Bain – 22, teamster born in Casino, joined from Queensland. Killed in the early stages of the attack.
  • Private James Joseph Curran – 29, originally from Maitland, NSW, enlisted in Queensland. No known grave.
  • Private Hector McDonald McLeod – 33, fencer from Apsley, Queensland. Killed on 19 July 1916 during the 31st Battalion’s attack. (Profile link currently unavailable)

Full stories and soldier profiles are available at www.fromelles.info.

About the Fromelles Association of Australia

The Fromelles Association is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to identifying Australian soldiers who died in the Battle of Fromelles and were buried in mass graves. Through DNA testing, archival research, and forensic work, the Association helps to give these men back their names, providing families with closure and ensuring their sacrifices are honoured.

For more information or to register as a potential DNA donor, visit www.fromelles.info.

Free Diabetes Health Checks Available at Priceline Chermside

Free health checks are now available in Chermside through Priceline Pharmacy, aiming to support early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes.



Health Initiative Reaches Chermside

Chermside residents can now access free health checks at Priceline Pharmacy inside Westfield Shopping Centre as part of a national effort to improve early detection of type 2 diabetes and associated conditions.

Background and National Context

The initiative is part of National Diabetes Week 2025, which runs from 13 to 19 July. This campaign highlights the need for early identification and intervention for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as better management for those already diagnosed.

Australia currently records over 1.3 million people living with type 2 diabetes, with an additional 500,000 believed to be undiagnosed. An estimated 2 million more are at high risk of developing the condition.

Check Process and Location Details

Priceline Chermside is one of more than 300 participating pharmacies nationally offering five-minute, self-service health checks using in-store digital health stations. These checks provide instant results related to cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The service is designed to offer residents a simple and accessible way to monitor their health without the need for appointments or referrals.

Economic and Health Impact

Recent modelling by Diabetes Australia indicates that all types of diabetes are now costing the Australian health system approximately $9.1 billion annually. The organisation has warned that if preventive action is not taken, up to 3.2 million Australians could be living with type 2 diabetes by 2050.

Health experts stress that lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the risk. Up to 58 per cent of cases are considered preventable or able to be delayed through early intervention.

Diabetes Australia
Photo Credit: Diabetes Australia/Facebook

Tools and Support for Management

In addition to health checks, people managing type 2 diabetes are being encouraged to take advantage of support services such as the six-month GroAus trial, which offers tools for diet, physical activity, sleep, and self-care.

Digital health technology like continuous glucose monitors is also highlighted as a useful tool, although access remains limited for many due to affordability.

Community Response and Ongoing Efforts

The campaign has focused on increasing awareness and removing barriers to early diagnosis. Pharmacists and health workers in Chermside are now part of the broader effort to address rising case numbers and reduce strain on the healthcare system through proactive care.

What’s Next



Free health checks at Priceline Chermside provide a practical step in responding to Australia’s growing type 2 diabetes epidemic. The program supports early detection and prevention, aligning with broader efforts to reduce the long-term burden of diabetes-related complications on individuals and the health system.

Published 15-July-2025

Local Driver Jailed for Five Years After Fatal Hit-and-Run

A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash in Chermside, before attempting to destroy evidence by setting his car on fire.



Joshua Alexander Scott appeared in Brisbane District Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and arson of a motor vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 5.15am on 21 March 2024 at the intersection of Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road, near the shopping centre.

The intersection of Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road where the incident occurred.
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The victim, 72-year-old Ian Victor Colwell, was on his regular early morning walk when Scott ran a red light and struck him whilst crossing the intersection. Mr Colwell was a well-known local resident who had lived in nearby Wavell Heights for more than 20 years and was recognised for his daily walks around the area.

Mr Colwell was a Vietnam-era veteran who served in Papua New Guinea during 1972-73 and worked as an educator, having taught in Papua New Guinea during his military service. He was described in court as an active and generous member of his community whose leadership and care could not easily be replaced.

The court heard that Scott briefly stopped his vehicle and made eye contact with a witness before speeding away, leaving Mr Colwell face down on the roadway with severe injuries including a bleeding and fractured skull. Despite emergency services rushing him to hospital, Mr Colwell suffered a fatal cardiac arrest whilst in the ambulance.

Cover-up Attempt

Following the collision, Scott embarked on an elaborate attempt to conceal his involvement. He drove to a friend’s residence where he admitted what had occurred and changed his clothing. Scott then contacted his partner, instructing her to delete CCTV footage showing him leaving their home that morning and to remove messages between them.

Scott subsequently drove to Wavell Heights where he poured accelerant through the vehicle and set it ablaze before proceeding to his workplace. Crown prosecutor Cameron Wilkins told the court that Scott had fabricated a story claiming the car had been stolen and attempted to establish an alibi with his employer.

Police arrested Scott at his workplace later that same morning. Initially, he provided false information to officers, but eventually confessed to the crime, telling investigators he had been “daydreaming” when the collision occurred.

Extensive Criminal History

The court was told Scott had an extensive criminal history, including 46 previous driving convictions. These comprised 29 speeding offences and multiple instances of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. At the time of the fatal crash, Scott was serving a suspended sentence for drug-related charges.

Mr Wilkins described Scott’s traffic history as “deplorable” and noted that he knew he had struck someone but chose to flee the scene regardless.

Family Impact

Mr Colwell’s nephew, Damian Colwell, delivered a victim impact statement on behalf of the family, describing the death as “sudden, senseless and violent” and stating it had left them “broken”. He expressed the family’s struggle to comprehend such indifference to human life within their community.

The family said their gatherings would forever feel incomplete and emphasised that Mr Colwell had been struck down without care or compassion, left alone in his final moments.

Sentencing

Judge John Allen KC acknowledged the family’s heartbreak and accepted that the offending had caused “enormous loss and harm”. Scott was sentenced to five years imprisonment with eligibility to apply for parole in November, taking into account time already served.

He has also been disqualified from driving, with restrictions on his ability to obtain a Queensland driver’s licence without special permission once released.

Scott provided a letter of apology to the court, and his parents, who attended the hearing to support him, also submitted a character reference.



The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of road safety, particularly during peak pedestrian hours in busy suburban areas like Chermside.

Published 11-July-2025

How a Chermside Dentist Ended Up in Australia’s National Pickleball League

Dr Michelle Chin, a dentist from Chermside Dental Care, never imagined that a casual decision to try a new sport would lead her to represent Australia on a national stage. But that’s exactly what happened when she picked up a paddle and fell in love with pickleball.


Read: Brisbane Netball Clubhouse Revamp to Move Forward After Approval


Originally from Canada, Dr Chin was first introduced to the sport in 2017 after watching a game at a Toronto community centre. Captivated by its fast pace and accessible format, she joined a local club and was immediately hooked. When she moved to Brisbane in 2019, knowing no one in the city, pickleball once again became a lifeline—this time helping her build connections in a new country.

pickleball
Photo credit: Michelle Chin/Instagram

She reached out to Brisbane Pickleball and quickly became part of the community, training regularly and eventually competing at a professional level. At her peak, she was playing competitive matches twice a week and following a strict training regimen to build strength and agility.

Her dedication paid off. Within a few years, Dr Chin found herself on the courts of the National Pickleball League, representing Australia in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. She experienced firsthand how the game had evolved—from a recreational pastime into a fast-paced, skill-intensive sport requiring sharp reflexes and coordination.

pickleball
Photo credit: Michelle Chin/Instagram

However, the journey wasn’t without challenges. A repetitive strain injury in her wrist eventually forced her to slow down. These days, she plays more casually, enjoying matches with friends and family whenever she gets the chance.


Read: Craigslea High in Chermside Elevates Volleyball with New Multi-Million Dollar Volleyball Centre


What’s endured, though, is her love for the sport and the strong community around it. For Dr Chin, pickleball has always been more than a game—it’s been a way to connect, belong, and thrive. And as the sport continues to grow across Australia, stories like hers show how powerful that connection can be.

Published 3-July-2025

Westfield Chermside Lights Up with FROZEN Dome Experience

Families in Chermside are in for a dazzling treat this winter, with Westfield Chermside hosting Australia’s first-ever Disney FROZEN Lightshow inside its iconic dome.



A First For Australia

The Disney FROZEN Lightshow at Westfield Chermside brings theme park-style magic to Brisbane’s northside in an Australian-first. The dome will be transformed into an immersive space of snow, music and light, set to songs from the beloved film. 

Photo Credit: Westfield Chermside

The show runs from 26 June to 6 July, with sessions each night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Entry is free and no bookings are needed. On opening night, families can enjoy extras like face painting, snow cones, and glitter hair styling. A themed photo station will also be available for memorable family snapshots.

Emma and Hayley Watkins, this year’s official “Friends of FROZEN,” will launch the show at 6:00 p.m.

Frozen Favourites Join The Fun

Emma Watkins said Brisbane families can expect an unforgettable experience when the Disney FROZEN Lightshow launches at Westfield Chermside.

“We’re delighted to be launching Disney’s FROZEN Lightshow at Westfield Chermside, and the opening night is set to be truly magical for Brisbane families,” she said. “It’s going to be a special night filled with lights, music and joy. We are particularly excited to be hosting an Auslan ‘Let It Go’ sign-a-long with an amazing Deaf performer, Lauren Patrick, and having the opportunity to share this experience with children that may use sign language. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening, and we’d love to see you all there.”

Her sister Hayley Watkins said being chosen as Friends of FROZEN for 2025 was a meaningful moment for them both.

“Emma and I are honoured to be chosen as Friends of FROZEN and to join in launching Disney’s FROZEN Lightshow at Westfield Chermside on June 26,” she said. “It’s even more special that we get to celebrate iconic besties Anna and Elsa, and for me personally, alongside my own sister and best friend. We can’t wait to share this glittering music-filled night of magic together with all our Brisbane fans.”

Photo Credit: Supplied

Not Just A Lightshow

While Chermside hosts the main Lightshow, other Westfield centres around Australia will also join the FROZEN fun this winter. From 7 to 20 July, select locations will run sing-a-longs with characters like Elsa, Anna and Olaf. Families can take part in well-known songs including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Into the Unknown.” 

Additionally, 35 Westfield destinations will run activity stations throughout July, offering school holiday crafts like face painting and plaster figure decorating. Still, Chermside is the only place with the full dome Lightshow, making it a standout for Brisbane families.

Something For Everyone

The event’s accessibility and free entry are set to draw a wide mix of families from across the community. With several session times each evening and no need to register, Westfield is keeping the experience flexible and easy for everyone to enjoy.



The Lightshow is exclusive to Westfield Chermside this year, making it the only place in Australia to see this winter production. For locals and visitors alike, it’s shaping up to be one of the standout highlights of the school holidays.

Published 17-June-2025
Update 24-June-2025

Man’s E-Bike Stolen at Chermside Centre Sparks Police Appeal

A man’s e-bike was stolen from a public bike rack in Chermside, prompting Queensland Police to call on the local community for help in identifying a person of interest captured on CCTV.



Incident Details Released

The theft occurred on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, just after 10:30 a.m. The e-bike was locked and parked at a shopping centre in Chermside when it was reportedly taken. According to police, the owner left the bike securely fastened at the centre’s designated bike racks, only to return and discover it was gone.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / For Illustration Purpose Only

Authorities released a surveillance image showing a man they believe may be connected to the theft. The photo, taken from nearby CCTV footage, shows the individual in the area around the time of the incident.

Police Request Public’s Help

Queensland Police are asking Chermside locals and visitors to help identify a man linked to an e-bike theft. They say even one witness could make a difference. Officers highlight the need to stay alert in public spaces and report anything unusual near shared storage areas. 

Anyone with information about the suspect or the stolen bike is urged to contact police. Reports can be made through Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Safety and Awareness in Public Spaces

Police are reminding Brisbane northside residents to stay alert when securing valuables in public areas. While Chermside is usually safe, thefts of e-bikes and similar items are on the rise in urban suburbs. 

Officers urge locals to use strong locks, park in well-lit spots and register bikes where possible. These steps can help prevent theft and increase the chances of recovery.

Community Role in Crime Prevention

Police say even small tips can help and urge anyone who saw something or recognises the man in the image to come forward. Contact Policelink via police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.



To stay anonymous, report to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 17-June-2025

New Childcare Centre Proposed for Chermside to Meet Growing Demand

A new childcare centre with capacity for 90 children is set to transform two residential properties in Chermside after a development application was recently lodged for 33-35 Sparkes Street.



childcare centre
Photo Credit: DA A006661258

The proposed two-storey facility aims to address the community’s need for more childcare options in the rapidly developing area, signalling a shift in the local streetscape.

The centre plans to operate between 7 am and 7 pm, Monday to Friday. Designed by All Design and Drafting, the proposal involves demolishing both existing houses, their driveways, and associated structures to make way for the modern facility. The new building will stand at approximately 10.79 metres high and feature five playrooms along with two levels of outdoor play areas, totalling over 650 square metres. 

To accommodate families, 18 car parking spaces are included in the plans, with pedestrian access directly from Sparkes Street. Extensive landscaping and deep planting are also part of the design, aiming to integrate the centre respectfully into the surrounding residential area.

childcare centre
Photo Credit: DA A006661258

The location of the proposed childcare centre is strategically placed near The Prince Charles Hospital and public transport, which aligns with Brisbane’s Mixed Use Zone and the Chermside Centre Neighbourhood Plan. 

This development reflects Chermside’s ongoing evolution into a bustling hub with mixed land uses, moving beyond purely residential zones to incorporate essential community services and facilities. The area’s growth continues to necessitate new infrastructure to support its expanding population.



childcare centre
Photo Credit: DA A006661258

Mayes Design, the planners involved in the project, have stated that the proposed building setbacks are appropriate given the site’s context, the nature of the use, and surrounding properties. They also noted that the design strikes a suitable balance between the built form and outdoor play space, ensuring adequate access to sunlight, daylight, and breezes for the children. 

Furthermore, Mayes Design conveyed confidence that the proposed childcare centre would not significantly impact the amenity of adjoining residential properties or the overall character of the surrounding area. They consider the proposal well-suited for the site, anticipating a positive outcome for future users and the broader community.

Published Date 13-Jun-2025