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Scugnizzi Expands to Westfield Chermside with Pizza, Pasta and New Meals

Italian street food brand Scugnizzi has opened a new kiosk at Westfield Chermside, expanding its Brisbane footprint with pizza al taglio, pasta dishes, and value meal options.

Background and Expansion

Scugnizzi has extended its reach beyond the Brisbane CBD with a second outlet at Westfield Chermside, officially opening on 11 August 2025. The launch comes after strong demand from northside residents for a more convenient location. Founders Simone Presta and Carmine Guarino said the concept was created to be replicated, with ambitions for further expansion across Australia.

Menu and New Offerings

The kiosk continues to serve Scugnizzi’s signature items such as pizza al taglio by the slice, arancini, and tiramisu. An exclusive addition at Chermside is the pasta al forno range, featuring baked pasta dishes designed as comfort meals.

The menu also includes a selection of value meal options. Pasta meals, such as Napoli with focaccia and a drink, Carbonara with guanciale, and Truffle Funghi with mushroom ragu, range from $23.50 to $25.50. Options with seafood and meat, including Gamberi & Vodka, Lamb Ragu, and Genovese, are also available. Pizza meal deals feature favourites like Margherita, Porchetta with nduja, and Prosciutto, each paired with truffle chips and a drink.

For lighter choices, burrata bowls with mortadella, prosciutto or tomato and basil are on offer, alongside snacks such as arancini, truffle chips, and crumbed olives. Desserts include tiramisu, served with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone.

Community Reception

The opening has been well received, with customers praising the authenticity of Scugnizzi’s dishes and its connection to Italian street food culture. Regulars have highlighted pasta favourites such as Calamari & Pistachio, Carbonara, and Octopus Ragu, while others have pointed to the pizzas as some of the best in Brisbane. Support continues from fans of the brand’s founders since their 2024 appearance on My Kitchen Rules, with calls for future outlets in Sydney and Melbourne.

Looking Ahead

The Chermside location cements Scugnizzi’s position as a growing presence in Brisbane’s dining scene. With its accessible price point and expanded menu, the brand aims to bring its Italian street food model to more communities across the country.

Published 16-Aug-2025

Wesley Mission Queensland Team Wins National Honour for Volunteer Support

Photo Credit: Wesley Mission Queensland/Facebook

A small team with a big impact, Wesley Mission Queensland’s Volunteer Relations unit has been named best in the country for teamwork at this year’s Ageing Australia awards.

Supporting Thousands Across Queensland

Wesley Mission Queensland’s Volunteer Relations team has won the Team – Teamwork category at the 2025 Ageing Australia You Are ACE! Awards. Selected from over 500 national nominations, the team was recognised for its collaboration, clear communication, and positive impact on thousands of volunteers and those they support.

*Photo Credit: Wesley Mission Queensland/Facebook*

The awards were announced on 7 August during Aged Care Employee Day, which celebrates staff and volunteers in aged care, retirement living, and community services. This national recognition highlights the team’s vital role in supporting Wesley Mission Queensland’s volunteer network.

Recognised for Teamwork on a National Scale

The Team – Teamwork award is one of 15 categories in the You Are ACE! Awards, which honour excellence in the aged care sector. Wesley Mission Queensland stood out for how its small Volunteer Relations team manages a large, diverse network of more than 2,500 volunteers.

Judges praised the team’s effective collaboration and ability to keep volunteers connected to the organisation’s mission and values. Their work ensures volunteers have the support and resources needed to deliver consistent care across aged care, disability, mental health, and community programs.

More Than Just Volunteer Coordination

Beyond rostering and daily communication, the Volunteer Relations team works to foster a sense of belonging and purpose for volunteers. This includes training opportunities, recognition programs, and ongoing support that align with Wesley Mission Queensland’s values of compassion, justice, and integrity.

The team’s approach directly contributes to the quality of care provided, whether it’s companionship in aged care homes or practical assistance in community programs.

Strengthening Community Impact

Winning this award highlights Wesley Mission Queensland’s volunteer support and the vital role volunteers play in community services.

For the organisation, it’s both recognition of the team’s commitment and a chance to inspire more people to get involved. With services across 60+ Queensland locations, the Volunteer Relations team helps create positive outcomes for people of all ages in the community.

Published 14-August-2025

Chermside’s Urban Expansion Continues with Davenport Street Build

Photo Credit: DA A006716730

A new residential development is planned for Chermside, adding dozens of new apartments to one of Brisbane’s busiest and fastest-changing suburbs.

Community Living in Focus

A development application lodged in July proposes a multi-storey residential building on Davenport Street, Chermside. The plans feature a modern design with private balconies, secure parking and landscaped areas.

The building will include several levels of apartments, each with contemporary layouts and private outdoor spaces. One-bedroom and two-bedroom units are planned, catering to individuals, couples and small families.

Ground-floor amenities and communal landscaping are also proposed. Located near major shops, medical centres and public transport, the development aims to support Chermside’s shift toward medium-density living.

Chermside’s Changing Landscape

Chermside is quickly transforming, with more apartment buildings replacing older homes to keep up with demand and limit urban sprawl. Just under 10 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, the suburb is becoming a hotspot for higher-density living.

Recent projects on streets like Wallace and Playfield are helping reshape the area into a busier, more walkable neighbourhood. As more residents move in, local cafés, health services and shops are stepping up to meet the growing needs of the community.

What’s Next for the Development

The proposal is now under assessment by Brisbane City Council. If approved, construction would likely begin after demolition of existing dwellings on the site. Timelines will depend on further design checks, public submissions and final approval stages.

Residents in the area can typically view submitted plans via the council’s planning portal and provide feedback. Developers often use this phase to make adjustments to height, setbacks, traffic flow and landscaping based on community and council input.

Balancing Growth With Liveability

As Chermside grows, new developments are being designed to balance convenience with liveability. The Davenport Street proposal must meet council standards for noise, access, open space and visual impact. It’s not just about adding more housing, it’s about fitting in with the character and needs of the local community.

If given the green light, the building will add to the wave of medium-density projects reshaping the suburb. Planners are aiming for smarter growth that works for both new and existing residents.

Updated 4-August-2025. Published 15-July-2025

Dexus Buys 25% Stake in Westfield Chermside for $683 Million

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 25 per cent stake in Westfield Chermside has been acquired by Dexus for $683 million, marking a major property investment in one of Brisbane’s key retail centres.

Background and Context

On 23 July 2025, Dexus confirmed the acquisition of a quarter interest in Westfield Chermside through its Dexus Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund. The purchase was made from Scentre Group, valuing the entire property at over $2.7 billion. Westfield Chermside, located 20 minutes north of Brisbane’s CBD, originally opened in 1957 as the Chermside Drive-In Shopping Centre. It was Australia’s first retail development of its kind and has since evolved into the country’s largest single-level shopping centre.

Transaction Details and Asset Profile

The $683 million acquisition was an off-market transaction reflecting Scentre Group’s book value as of 30 June 2025, with a capitalisation rate of 5 per cent. Westfield Chermside generated $1.35 billion in retail sales and recorded 17.6 million customer visits in the past calendar year. The centre includes major anchor tenants such as Myer, David Jones, Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Target, Apple, and an Event Cinemas complex, supported by approximately 476 specialty stores and a leisure and dining precinct.

Capital Strategy and Investment Direction

Scentre Group retains a 75 per cent interest in the asset and will continue to manage property, leasing, and development operations under the new ownership structure. The company has adopted joint ventures as a strategic method to secure capital for redevelopment plans, including housing projects around existing retail assets. Instead of diluting equity through public raisings during market downturns, it has relied on divestments and funding partnerships. Proceeds from the Chermside transaction will support these long-term objectives.

Property market — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Dexus Investment and Fund Repositioning

Dexus, having recently exited a separate stake in Sydney’s Macquarie Centre, directed funds from that sale into this Brisbane deal. The company also increased its commitment to the Dexus Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund by $170 million, bringing its total investment in the fund to $300 million. The Chermside acquisition is positioned as a strategic win for the fund, following earlier legal and operational setbacks.

Ongoing Collaboration Between Companies

This transaction continues a history of collaboration between Dexus and Scentre Group. Previous joint ventures include residential approvals in Perth and the exchange of retail assets in Adelaide, such as Westfield Tea Tree Plaza and Westfield West Lakes.

Looking Ahead

The Westfield Chermside joint venture strengthens Dexus’s retail portfolio and advances Scentre Group’s capital management plans without altering control of day-to-day operations. Both parties intend to pursue further strategic collaborations while maintaining their respective roles in asset performance and redevelopment.

Updated August-2025. Published 30-July-2025

Tingalpa Man Faces Multiple Charges After Geebung Business Break-In

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A 41-year-old man from Tingalpa is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a Geebung business and stealing copper wiring in the early hours of 22 July.

Police were called to a Bilsen Road business around 4.15am following reports of an intruder allegedly cutting copper wiring from the premises. Officers responding to the incident later intercepted a silver Subaru Forrester travelling on the same street.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly discovered multiple spools of copper wiring in various lengths and sizes, along with bolt cutters, drug paraphernalia, and personal documents belonging to someone else. The investigation revealed that the registration plates on the intercepted vehicle had allegedly been stolen from a nearby vehicle dealership, and the driver was unlicensed.

The incident reflects a broader trend across Queensland, where copper theft has become a growing community concern, impacting energy, communication and transport networks, as well as local schools, sporting clubs and other properties. Police in Townsville have reported that more than 1,000 kilograms of copper has been stolen from local businesses since the start of 2025, highlighting the scale of the issue facing communities across the state.

The accused has been charged with seven offences: entering premises and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, possessing equipment intended for use in break and enter activities, possessing drug utensils, driving without a licence, stealing, and using a vehicle with false number plates attached.

He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 28 August.

The case underscores the serious nature of copper theft, which causes unnecessary costs and disruption to utility providers, businesses, residents, and community organisations. Local authorities have been working to address the issue, with detectives running Operation Victor Surface targeting copper theft across North Brisbane and the Moreton Bay area.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information about this incident can contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or phone 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The reference number for this case is QP2501280553.

Published 28-July-2025

Metal Detector Searches Conducted at Chermside Under Expanded Law

Photo Credit: QPS

Police conducted metal detector searches at Chermside’s shopping precinct and bus interchange as part of a statewide crackdown targeting concealed weapons.

Statewide Law Now Permanent

Jack’s Law, named after a fatal stabbing in 2019, was introduced to allow police to use handheld metal detectors in designated areas. Initially limited to Safe Night Precincts and selected public spaces, the law was trialled across Queensland beginning in May 2021 and expanded over time.

In June 2024, Queensland passed the Making Jack’s Law Permanent Act 2025, amending the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000. From 18 July 2025, police gained the permanent authority to scan anyone in any public area without prior authorisation, widening the reach of these operations beyond previous limits.

Chermside Scanning Activity and Results

Between January and March 2025, Queensland Police conducted scanning operations at various high-traffic locations across the state. At Chermside Shopping Centre and its nearby bus interchange, police scanned 86 individuals.

Four weapons were located at the Chermside Shopping Centre, resulting in five persons being charged and eight total charges laid. The offences included breaches of the Weapons Act, Drugs Misuse Act, and other statutory provisions. The group scanned included 61 adults and 25 juveniles, with the majority being male.

Chermside recorded one of the highest numbers of weapons detections among Brisbane shopping centres, equal to the total found at Grand Central Shopping Centre in Toowoomba during the same period.

Scanning Powers and Implementation

Under the permanent law, officers may now stop and scan members of the public with a handheld detector in any location deemed necessary, including transport hubs, retail areas, and entertainment venues. Searches can also be authorised for up to 12 hours in areas not previously defined as relevant places.

Individuals scanned may be required to produce any object that sets off the detector and to comply with further scanning or confiscation procedures.

metal detector scans — Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: QPS

Concerns Around Effectiveness and Oversight

While police describe the law as a preventative tool, some legal and academic figures have raised concerns. From over 12,400 scans between January and March 2025, fewer than 3 per cent resulted in weapons charges. Critics argue that resources are being spent in areas where low detection rates suggest minimal risk.

Community groups and experts have also pointed to the potential for discriminatory practices in how scans are conducted, especially in areas with higher youth or homeless populations. These concerns remain under observation as the law continues to be enforced.

Looking Ahead in Chermside

The application of Jack’s Law in Chermside is part of ongoing enforcement at high-traffic locations across Queensland. With the law now permanent, similar scanning operations are expected to continue, particularly in areas where previous offences have occurred.

Chermside remains a focus point due to its high foot traffic and transport interchange activity, with law enforcement maintaining a visible presence in the area.

Published 26-July-2025

From Chermside Showroom to State Recognition: Betty Byrne Henderson AM Honoured

Photo Credit: Queensland Gives/Facebook

A small Ford dealership in Chermside became the starting point of one of Queensland’s most remarkable business journeys, led by a woman who defied expectations and transformed both her industry and her community.

Betty Byrne Henderson’s Legacy Remembered

Betty Byrne Henderson AM, who passed away at 93 earlier this year, was posthumously honoured in the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame on 24 July. She was recognised for breaking ground in the male-dominated automotive industry and for her lasting contributions to community health.

Her journey began in the 1970s in Chermside, where her husband had established Byrne Ford. After his sudden death in 1977, she took over the business, despite the rarity of women in such roles at the time. Under her leadership, the dealership grew from 35 to over 140 staff, driven by her values of teamwork, respect, and accountability.

From Office Girl to Industry Leader

Ms Byrne Henderson’s flair for business emerged young, at just 15, she left school and landed a job as an office girl, where she once stepped in and sold an AGA cooker while the salesmen were out, impressing her boss.

That unexpected sale ignited a lasting passion for enterprise. Years later, when she took charge of Byrne Ford, she brought fresh ideas rather than simply keeping the business afloat. She introduced performance incentives and championed a workplace culture built on trust and positivity. Her children say she had a sharp eye for talent and a natural ability to lead with fairness and respect.

Staying Strong Through Tough Times

Through challenges like the 1974 Brisbane floods, when cars floated down the streets and stock was written off, Ms Byrne Henderson showed resilience. Her staff rallied to help, and so did she. Her family recalls this as one of the few moments when the pressure overwhelmed her, but it didn’t stop her.

Offers to buy the dealership came and went, but she stood firm, committed to continuing what her family had built in Chermside. She became a respected figure not just in business circles but across the wider community.

A Life of Giving Back

Outside of business, Ms Byrne Henderson poured her energy into helping others. She was especially passionate about women’s health and was instrumental in bringing mobile breast screening units, travelling mammograms, to remote and Indigenous communities throughout Queensland.

Her work earned her multiple honours, including being named a Queensland Great and receiving the title of Queenslander of the Year. But for her children and many who worked with her, her greatest strength was her quiet persistence, generosity, and dedication to people.

Published 25-July-2025

Jazz Sessions Hits A Milestone With 10th Anniversary Celebration

Photo Credit: Facebook / The Jazz Sessions

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.

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.

get your tickets here!

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

Photo Credit: 3Dprint.com

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

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

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

Photo Credit: myPolice Bayside

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 appealing for information into the whereabouts of a 21-year-old man from Mount Gravatt, known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas.**
Photo Credit: myPolice Bayside

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