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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.

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.”

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A post shared by Emma Watkins (@emmawatkinsofficial)

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.”

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

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

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

Photo Credit: DA A006661258

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.

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.

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.

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

Jewellery Store Worker Injured in Armed Robbery in Chermside

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

A jewellery store employee was taken to hospital after being struck in the head during an armed robbery at a business in Chermside.

Four Masked Offenders Storm Store

An armed robbery at a jewellery store on Gympie Road in Chermside occurred on the afternoon of 10 June, leaving a worker seriously injured. Police said four masked individuals entered the store around 5 p.m., armed with hammers and metal bars. During the incident, glass display cabinets were smashed and a large quantity of jewellery was taken from the premises.

Chermside jewellery robbery — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Staff Member Struck with Hammer

Authorities confirmed that one male employee was hit in the head with a hammer. Paramedics from the Queensland Ambulance Service were called to the scene at approximately 5:10 p.m. Paramedics treated the man for a significant head injury before transporting him in a stable condition to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. His condition was described as serious but stable at the time of transport.

Stolen Vehicle Used in Getaway

The group is believed to have fled the area in a grey Honda CR-V, which police suspect was taken from a Calamvale home on 8 June, days before the incident. Detectives are now tracing the vehicle’s history as part of ongoing investigations.

jewellery store robbery — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Police Establish Crime Scene

A crime scene was declared at the Chermside store following the 10 June robbery. Police are reviewing security camera footage and appealing for public assistance. Police have asked anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the Gympie Road vicinity during the relevant timeframe to come forward via PoliceLink.

Public Response Online

Social media users have shared a mix of responses, with some expressing concern about violent crime and others offering support to the injured staff member. Multiple comments have called for stronger deterrents and justice for those involved.

Published 11-June-2025

Grit, Growth, and Gumption: Live Scenes From Mahalia Robinson’s Playbook

Before she was helping investors grow their portfolios at LJ Hooker Aspley & Chermside, Mahalia Robinson was performing with Hugh Jackman in “The Boy From Oz.” That’s not a metaphor. She really did share the stage with the Wolverine himself.

It’s just one chapter in a life that’s seen Mahalia move from musical theatre and makeup artistry into property management, bringing with her a flair for people, performance, and purpose.

Now 30 years old, Mahalia serves as the New Business Manager for Investments and Growth at LJ Hooker Aspley & Chermside. Her path to real estate had not exactly been linear.

“I had someone telling me for years I’d be good at it,” she laughs. “When COVID hit, I was in a call centre job I couldn’t stand. I saw a receptionist role at a real estate agency, applied that morning, interviewed that afternoon, and three days later, I was in.”

It turned out to be a perfect fit. With a background in full-time dance, vocal lessons, and a natural ability to connect with people, Mahalia found that her performing arts skills translated seamlessly into the relationship-driven world of real estate.

Though her early real estate days were in Brisbane’s inner city, the pull of home eventually brought her back to the 4034 postcode, specifically Boondall, where she has lived since she was eight.

“I loved the inner city,” she says, “but I wanted to return to my roots. This is where I grew up.”

Those roots run deep. Her family were long-time foster carers, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Hers was a home full of diversity, compassion, and community—values that continue to shape her professional and personal life.

“We were really involved with the Department of Child Safety growing up,” Mahalia recalls. “Coming back into this area now, I want to reconnect with that side of the community again.”

That human-first approach is something that she believes is rare in the often task-driven world of property management. “You don’t often find a BDM who carves out time for community involvement,” she says. “But LJ Hooker has always been about relationships, and that’s what drew me to them.”

Outside of work, Mahalia still finds time for the arts, often attending or participating in community theatre, and maintaining her long-standing love of movement through Pilates. “Pilates connects me back to my dance days,” she explains. “But it’s also about wellbeing. If I’m not okay, I can’t give my best to others.”

Her passions extend beyond performance. A self-professed “avid shopper,” Mahalia also collects high-end perfumes and quality wines.

“I’ve got a bottle of Penfolds St Henri I’m saving for my wedding day,” she says. She’s partial to Pinot Noir and rosé, especially from boutique, family-run vineyards. In fact, she has added a visit to Stanthorpe’s wine region to her bucket list.

*Photo Credit: Creative Commons/ Helena Lopes*

Among her quieter causes is an issue close to her heart: menstrual product accessibility for homeless women. “We can’t always house everyone,” she says, “but at the very least, we can offer dignity. I’d love for people to know they can … pick up a pack. No questions asked.”

*Photo Credit: Facebook/Share the Dignity*

A rom-com enthusiast (with “Anyone But You” and “Crazy Rich Asians” topping her list), Mahalia also makes time for rewatching “The Office,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” or “Gilmore Girls.”

Amongst her varied interests, the real joy in her life comes from the friendships she’s built in adulthood.

“Most of my close friends came into my life after I turned 21,” she shares. “We chose each other based on values—how we communicate, how we show up. Your energy is so valuable as a human being. You need to use it well.”

And that’s exactly what Mahalia Robinson seems to do — whether it’s helping investors grow their portfolios, reconnecting with her community roots, or simply offering a safe space to someone in need. With heart, hustle, and a touch of theatrical sparkle, she’s turning every role she plays in her life into a starring one.

Published 10-June-2025

Legal Win Opens New Chapter for St Vincent’s Emergency Services

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside in Chermside has won a key legal battle that allows it to end a long-running contract with the private company that has operated its emergency department for more than 20 years.

Read: St Vincent’s Private Hospital to Open Advanced Radiation Centre in Chermside

The dispute centred on an agreement between the hospital and Impact Healthcare Pty Ltd, a company established by Dr Phillip Kay in the late 1990s to manage the emergency department’s staffing, administration, and billing. Although Dr Kay retired from clinical work in mid-2023, he continued to oversee the department through Impact.

Tensions emerged when Dr Kay sold a majority share in Impact to PEHA Holding, raising concerns within the hospital about the future of the agreement. With no fixed end date and limited termination clauses, the contract’s flexibility was called into question.

The hospital argued that the contract was never meant to be permanent and should include an implied right to end the arrangement with reasonable notice. Impact, on the other hand, maintained that the agreement was effectively indefinite unless very specific conditions were met.

In a ruling delivered by the Supreme Court of Queensland, the judge sided with the hospital. The court found that a contract of this nature, particularly one so reliant on the continued involvement of a specific individual, should not be considered binding indefinitely. It was determined that the hospital had the right to terminate the agreement, provided it gave reasonable notice.

This outcome provides St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside with the legal clarity needed to transition to a new emergency department provider. Hospital leadership said the emergency department remains an essential part of its services in Chermside and confirmed that it will continue delivering urgent care to the community.

Read: Aboriginal Artist’s Mural Transforms St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane’s Entrance

Although the court did not define the exact length of notice required, it reinforced the need for a fair and workable timeframe.

Dr Kay has indicated plans to appeal the decision. In the meantime, the ruling allows the hospital to move forward with long-term planning for its emergency services.

Published 5-June-2025

Urgent Call for Chermside Locals to Donate O-Type Blood

Chermside residents are being urged to donate blood this week, with the local donor centre needing 150 people with O-type blood to help rebuild dangerously low national supplies.

Why O-type Blood Is Critical

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued a national appeal for 9,500 O-type blood donations, with stock levels at their lowest since 2023. The Chermside Donor Centre urgently needs 150 donors to help meet local demand.

O-type blood is the most requested by hospitals, especially O negative, which can be used in emergencies when there’s no time to test a patient’s blood type. Although only 7 per cent of Australians have O negative, it makes up 16 per cent of blood ordered by hospitals.

O positive is also widely used in emergencies and is more common in the population. Lifeblood says cancellations and reschedules have surged, straining supply at a critical time for patient care.

Blood Shortages Hitting Queensland

Queensland needs 2,000 of the 9,500 O-type blood donations required nationwide this week. Lifeblood says Chermside, along with Brisbane City, Springwood and Strathpine, faces the most urgent demand in the Brisbane region. Chermside is one of the largest donor centres on the northside, supporting major hospitals across the city.

Nearly 10,000 blood products are distributed daily across Australia. Lifeblood warns that without more donors, hospitals could face delays in treating patients needing surgery, cancer care or emergency transfusions.

How To Help In Chermside

Donating blood takes about an hour, with the actual donation lasting around 10 minutes. Lifeblood urges healthy people over 18, especially first-time donors or those who haven’t donated recently, to book an appointment.

book now

Those unsure of their blood type can find out during their visit. Appointments can be made by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au, or using the DonateBlood app, with the Chermside Donor Centre open all week for blood and plasma donations.

Community Response Makes The Difference

Lifeblood says blood donations often fall during winter, even though the need stays the same. Chermside locals are being asked to help fill the shortfall of 150 donors this week.

Donating takes just one hour and can help hospital patients recover from serious illness or injury. Stuart Chesneau said it’s a simple way to give others more time with their loved ones and support the strength of the community.

Published 3-June-2025

Chermside Tipped to Become Brisbane’s ‘Mini Parramatta’

Known mainly for its major shopping centre and hospital precinct, Chermside is now being reimagined as a thriving suburban business and lifestyle hub – a “mini Parramatta” for Brisbane’s north.

Read: Drainage Project Underway in Chermside to Cut Flood Risks

As Brisbane continues to grow faster than any other capital city in Australia, urban planners are turning their focus to suburbs like Chermside as key locations for long-term renewal. With more than 400,000 new residents expected to settle in the city by 2046, the spotlight is shifting away from the inner city towards areas that can support both population and employment growth.

A Suburban Centre with Serious Potential

mini Parramatta — Artist’s impression of vision for Chermside (Photo credit: suburbanfutures.com.au)

Chermside already plays an important role in Brisbane’s urban fabric, with a strong base of health services, retail, and public transport. It currently supports around 16,000 jobs, but according to urban renewal advocates, this could grow to 50,000 with thoughtful planning and infrastructure upgrades.

This bold vision was proposed by Suburban Futures, a not-for-profit focused on improving the liveability and productivity of Australia’s suburbs.

“Suburban Futures has identified Chermside as a significant suburban renewal opportunity with the potential to become a ‘mini Paramatta’ and home of thousands of new jobs for the region,” the organisation wrote in the SEQ Regional Plan.

The suburb’s unique advantages lie in its location and layout. It’s well-connected by major roads and public transport, while also bordered by natural green corridors like Marchant Park and Downfall Creek. These areas are being looked at not just as recreational spaces but as active transport links – safe, green corridors that could connect thousands of residents and workers to key employment and service centres.

Rethinking Suburban Living

Rather than expanding the city’s core, planners are advocating for the development of self-contained suburban hubs that blend housing, jobs, services and lifestyle. In Chermside, that means encouraging mixed-use developments that include apartments, office spaces, health services, cafés, and green public spaces – all within walking distance of each other.

This suburban renewal approach is also seen as a response to Brisbane’s broader housing needs. By focusing density around transport-rich areas like Chermside, the city can grow sustainably without encroaching on character suburbs or greenfield land on the fringe.

There’s already momentum. The Westfield shopping precinct, Prince Charles Hospital, and nearby council facilities give Chermside a solid platform for growth. With improved urban design, new residential developments, and enhancements to public space and transport infrastructure, Chermside could emerge as a modern example of how suburbs can evolve into dynamic urban centres.

Learning from Other Cities

Parramatta (Photo credit: Mehnaz Farah/Google Maps)

The comparison to Parramatta isn’t accidental. Sydney’s second CBD has become a benchmark for how investment in suburban centres can relieve pressure on inner cities while offering a better quality of life closer to home. Like Parramatta, Chermside has the transport links, health infrastructure and land capacity to support a broader transformation.

While plans are still evolving, urban designers and developers – including thought leaders from Suburban Futures – see this as a rare opportunity to shape a future-focused suburb – one that’s not only a place to live and work, but a place people are proud to call home.

Read: What the Hospital Rescue Plan Means for Prince Charles Hospital

Looking Ahead

Chermside’s future will rely on careful planning, smart investment and community engagement. But the ingredients are all there: strong transport, existing jobs, open space, and a growing population.

As Brisbane looks ahead to 2032 and beyond, Chermside may become the blueprint for suburban success – a vibrant, connected, and sustainable community leading the next chapter in the city’s growth story.

Published 27-May-2025

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

Photo Credit: Craigslea State High School

Did you know that Craigslea State High School is now home to a multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art Volleyball Centre of Excellence? The Chermside West school has one of the longest running volleyball programs in QLD through its top-ranking Craigslea Volleyball Academy.

The state-of-the-art Volleyball Centre of Excellence, which officially opened in February 2025, replaces the school’s previous 50-year-old venue. This significant improvement was made possible by an $18-million investment from the State.

The opening ceremony saw Principal Mick Leigh, alongside The Honourable Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts, celebrate the new centre.

A Legacy of Excellence

*Photo Credit:* *Craigslea State High School*

The Craigslea Volleyball Academy (CVA), founded in 1988 by Randel Robertson, has a long-standing reputation as one of Australia’s top volleyball schools. A key annual event for the academy is the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup (AVSC), where athletes compete against the best schools nationally.

Craigslea has consistently been Queensland’s most successful school at this event, being the only Queensland school to attend all 36 cups and winning the overall ‘National Champion’ title in 1989. The CVA currently holds a state ranking of 1st and a national ranking of 2nd.

Modern Facilities for Future Champions

The newly opened Volleyball and Community Sports Centre enhances the success of the Volleyball Academy. It features two competition-standard indoor courts and two Olympic-size beach courts. These modern facilities offer improved spectator seating and a mezzanine viewing area.

*Photo Credit:* *Craigslea State High School/ Instagram*

Students say the new centre allows players to execute the game properly, addressing previous limitations such as low roofs and lack of space behind the service line. Fixed cameras in the venue will allow for game analysis, helping players work on technique and reach a higher level.

Principal Mick Leigh stated that the school now has an Olympic-standard stadium suitable for a champion school, acknowledging that the school has one of the longest-running volleyball programs in the nation.

Craig Marshall, National High-Performance Manager for Volleyball Australia, noted that the facility will boost participation in the sport, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games, and enable higher-level tactical and technical development for athletes.

Developing Athletes and Individuals

*Photo Credit:* *Craigslea State High School*

The CVA program extends beyond just volleyball skills, focusing on personal development. Preparing for the AVSC provides students with opportunities to develop essential personal, interpersonal, and life skills through teamwork. The program teaches students to handle both the excitement of success and the disappointment of defeat, creating lasting memories and friendships.

The academy provides athletes with opportunities to play both beach and indoor volleyball at state and national levels. It maintains strong connections with community partners, including Norths Volleyball Club, Volleyball Queensland, Queensland Pirates, Volleyball Australia, and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Emerging Talent Program.

Program Structure and Achievements

Students wishing to join the CVA program must complete an online application detailing their sporting experience and participate in a trial afternoon. The program currently has around 230 players, supported by 15 teaching staff and over 20 alumni coaches. All CVA curriculum staff are qualified as Level 3 ‘Elite Coach’. Students in the program are expected to maintain high achievement and suitable behaviour across all subjects and attend extra-curricular sessions and tournaments.

CVA has a proud history of success, having been the Queensland Champion School every year from 2008 to 2023. Its alumni include three past students who represented Australia in the 2000 Olympics, one at the 2014 Youth Olympics, and two who became international beach volleyball coaches. Over 60 students have achieved national selection, and more than 200 have represented the state.

The academy has also secured eight National Schools Open Honours Division titles, including a rare three-peat for the Open Girls in 2012, 2013, and 2014, along with six National Schools Junior Honours Division titles. Many alumni continue their association with the school, returning as coaches and support staff.

Published Date 26-May-2025

Drainage Project Underway in Chermside to Cut Flood Risks

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Chermside locals are seeing major changes on Hamilton Road, where crews are digging deep to install new underground stormwater pipes aimed at reducing flood risks in the neighbourhood.

Ongoing Works Through September

Drainage upgrades are in progress along Hamilton Road between Gympie Road and Farnell Street, with part of Kelso Street also included. Brisbane City Council is replacing old systems with larger pipes, manhole chambers and roadside gullies to improve stormwater flow, with work continuing until September, weather permitting.

*Photo Credit: Councillor Danita Parry/Instagram*

According to information from both the Council’s infrastructure updates and the local ward office, the goal is to strengthen Chermside’s flood resilience by upgrading ageing infrastructure that no longer meets demand during extreme weather.

Night Shifts and Traffic Changes

Construction is mostly taking place during evening hours, from Sunday to Wednesday between 7:00 pm and 4:00 am, with some daytime work scheduled on Saturdays when required. This timing is meant to reduce disruptions to traffic flow along the busy road.

To maintain traffic flow during construction, some on-street parking has been temporarily converted into travel lanes. Driveway access remains open, though minor delays may occur under traffic control. Council says it is working to limit noise before 11:00 pm, but residents can still expect dust, machinery and traffic changes in the coming months.

What This Means for the Community

The project has been described as a significant improvement for Chermside. It addresses a long-standing drainage issue by increasing the capacity of the underground stormwater system to manage future rainfall events more effectively.

Councillor Danita Parry said the works may be disruptive but will help reduce localised flooding in the area. She thanked residents for their patience and encouraged them to reach out with any questions or concerns during the project.

Help and More Information

While the works may cause short-term disruption, they are expected to deliver long-term benefits by reducing the risk of flooding in Chermside.

Residents are encouraged to contact the project team on 3178 5413 or Council’s 24/7 line on 3403 8888 for updates or assistance. Local enquiries can also be directed to the ward office on 3407 0707.

Published 26-May-2025