Chermside Archives - Chermside News

Long-Awaited Safety Upgrade Coming to Hamilton Road in Chermside

Traffic lights and new pedestrian crossings are coming to the Hamilton Road, Western Avenue and Staib Road intersection in Chermside, with concept design and investigation work underway following years of community advocacy for safer access to The Prince Charles Hospital.

The project is now in its design phase, with a preliminary design expected to be shared publicly in mid-2026 before the community is invited to meet the project team and discuss the proposal. Main construction is planned from 2027, following final design. The upgrade is jointly funded by the state and Brisbane City authorities.

A long-running push for safer access

The stretch of Hamilton Road outside The Prince Charles Hospital has been the subject of sustained community concern since at least 2009. By 2019, the community had been campaigning for 16 years to see the roads around the hospital upgraded after multiple serious incidents, and more than 722 of the 726 Prince Charles Hospital staff surveyed after a fatal crash said the intersection needed to be upgraded.

In November 2018, a serious crash at Hamilton Road and Staib Road involved a BMW sedan travelling at high speed colliding with a Nissan Micra leaving The Prince Charles Hospital, seriously injuring the Nissan’s driver.

That same month, nurse Solita Honorio died days after a traffic crash outside the hospital, prompting renewed community calls for traffic signals on Hamilton Road and bringing together an alliance of approximately 150 people from local churches, unions, hospital staff and executives concerned about road safety at the site.

The loss galvanised a community that had already been advocating for change for years and set in motion the sustained pressure that has ultimately led to this project.

The changes planned for the intersection

The approved design direction installs new traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at the three-way intersection of Hamilton Road, Western Avenue and Staib Road.

Traffic lights will improve visibility, manage traffic flow and reduce the risk of future crashes, while new crossing points will make the intersection safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.

Improving access to The Prince Charles Hospital has been a central priority throughout the design process, and following community feedback across multiple design iterations, this has now been formally incorporated into the design moving forward.

The Prince Charles Hospital is a 690-bed major teaching and tertiary referral hospital operated by Metro North Health, recognised as Australia’s leading cardiothoracic hospital, drawing staff, patients and visitors from across Queensland every day. The volume of movement generated by a facility of that scale makes the intersection’s upgrade not merely a local traffic matter but a regional health infrastructure one.

The next stage of the upgrade process

On-site testing and surveying will take place along Hamilton Road and nearby streets throughout 2026 to support the finalisation of the design. This testing includes checking the condition and structure of the road surface, locating utilities, and accurately surveying levels, boundaries and existing features.

Works may take place during the day or at night depending on the activity involved.

Residents and commuters travelling through the area during this period may notice temporary noise, dust and vibration, construction vehicles, traffic controllers and temporary footpath diversions. Hamilton Road will remain open throughout, and there will be no impact to local property access.

The preliminary design will be shared from mid-2026, at which point the community will be invited to meet the project team and provide feedback before final design and construction proceed from 2027.

To register for project updates, click here or contact the project team on 07 3178 5413 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or email cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Published 20-May-2026

Chermside Driver Injured During Alleged Brisbane Vehicle Theft Spree

Photo Credit: QPS/YouTube

A Chermside driver was taken to hospital after police alleged two vehicles were stolen and several others were targeted across Brisbane, with a 35-year-old Spring Hill man later arrested in Alderley.

Chermside Driver Injured During Alleged Vehicle Theft Incident

A 35-year-old Spring Hill man has been charged with 25 offences after police alleged two vehicles were stolen and several others were targeted across Brisbane on 13 May.

Police alleged the incident began about 8am at a Chelmer home, where a man threatened a woman with a knife before stealing a blue BMW coupe. The woman was not physically injured.

The BMW was later sighted at 1:45pm on Kittyhawk Drive in Chermside. Police alleged the driver then got out of the vehicle and stole a white Audi A1.

The Audi’s driver, a 67-year-old man, was injured during the incident and taken to hospital in a stable condition.

POLAIR Tracks Audi Through Chermside and Stafford

Police said the Audi was tracked by POLAIR as it travelled at speed through Chermside and Stafford.

During that period, police alleged the man attempted to steal at least five other vehicles at knifepoint.

The alleged sequence moved from Chelmer to Chermside and Stafford before ending in Alderley, where police arrested the man about 1:52 pm near the intersection of South Pine Road and Farrington Street.

At the time of the arrest, police alleged he was attempting to steal another vehicle.

Chermside vehicle theft — Photo Credit: QPS/YouTube

Spring Hill Man Charged With 25 Offences

The man was charged with three counts each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and attempted unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.

He was also charged with two counts each of wilful damage, attempted armed robbery, breach of a domestic violence order, and attempted robbery with violence.

Further charges include one count each of robbery with violence, evade police, obstruct police, threats, and stealing.

Police bail was refused, and the man was due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 14 May.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact Policelink or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Published 18-May-2026

The Chermside Choir That Made History Is Now Heading to the Sydney Opera House

Less than a year after becoming the first state school to place first in the Advanced Secondary Choir category at the Queensland Youth Music Awards, achieving a gold standard, Craigslea State High School‘s Chamber Choir is preparing for its next milestone: performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Australian International Music Festival, with a chance to perform at other superb venues.

The choir, which operates from Craigslea State High School, is raising funds through a community raffle to cover travel and participation costs for its members. Every ticket sold goes directly toward the trip, giving local supporters a tangible way to be part of what shapes up to be the most significant performance the ensemble has taken on.

“We’re raising funds to help these dedicated students travel to Sydney in July 2026 for an unforgettable International Music Festival experience at the iconic Sydney Opera House,” the school said in announcing the fundraiser.

The Work Behind the Moment

The Chamber Choir’s place at the Australian International Music Festival is not simply a participation opportunity. Ensembles are accepted to perform at festival venues, including the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage, through an Expression of Interest process.

As an outstanding music education and performance event, Craigslea’s participation is consistent with everything the group has demonstrated since it was formed in 2021 under the direction of music teacher Jennifer Pedder, who established the school’s vocal program in 2014.

The choir’s defining moment came in 2025, when it competed at the Queensland Youth Music Awards in the advanced Auditioned Secondary Choir category against some of the state’s most established and well-resourced school programmes, many fielding ensembles of 80 or more singers.

Craigslea entered with 17 voices and walked out with a gold standard and first place, becoming the first state school in the competition’s history to have its name engraved on the Perpetual Trophy for that category.

Choir member Thomas described the moment the winner was announced.

“I didn’t know that I could lose my voice in just 20 seconds,” he said. “We all jumped up and screamed, we were so happy!”

One of the adjudicators was particularly taken with the choir’s performance of Madonna’s Like a Prayer, with one judge noted to have been clapping along during the piece and admitting she had not managed to take any notes, having been too absorbed in the performance.

“There weren’t many of us, but we still filled the space with sound,” Thomas said.

Mrs Pedder said the win reflected more than a year of committed early-morning rehearsals.

“Choir members must audition to be part of the group and commit to practising every Monday and Friday at 7.30am,” she said. “Singers must be able to sight-read music and carry a harmony part on their own.”

A Festival That Takes Young Musicians to the World Stage

The Australian International Music Festival, now in its 37th year and organised by World Projects South Pacific, draws over 1,000 participants each year from Australia and international ensembles from the United States, China, Europe, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.

Performances during the week-long festival take place across Sydney’s most iconic cultural venues, including the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Angel Place City Recital Hall, Sydney Town Hall, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, St Andrew’s Cathedral and Darling Harbour.

Participating ensembles are adjudicated by an international jury and awarded gold, silver or bronze plaques based on their concert performances. Alongside the competitive programme, the festival runs educational workshops with world-class clinicians at the Conservatorium, rehearsal exchanges with other ensembles, and cultural experiences across the city.

For 24 students from a state school in Chermside West, performing on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage alongside international ensembles is the kind of experience that does not come around twice.

Support the Choir Before They Go

The community raffle is open now. Tickets are available here, with online ticket sales available until 7pm of 16 May 2026. Prizes are drawn at 7:30pm in the same day and winners will be contacted via phone or email.

The Australian International Music Festival will run from 5-12 July 2026. For more information about the Craigslea State High School Signature Music Programme and the Chamber Choir, visit the school’s website or follow the school’s Facebook page.

Published 29-April-2026

The Timber Footbridge at Raven Street Reserve Is Back Open

CrTracyDavis/Facebook

The timber footbridge at Raven Street Reserve in Chermside West has reopened following major structural works, with residents and walkers now able to cross freely again after what has been a notable absence from one of Brisbane’s northside most popular bushland corridors.

A small section of the bridge remains temporarily fenced while minor finishing tasks are completed over the next week, but the main span is now accessible and the reserve is once again fully walkable from end to end.

A reserve worth the visit

Raven Street Reserve sits tucked between Rode Road and Raven Street in Chermside West, and for a park this close to the suburban grid it carries a surprising amount of wildness. Downfall Creek winds through the lower reaches of the reserve, and the footbridge that has just been repaired sits across one of the creek crossings that connects the reserve’s internal trail network.

The broader reserve links into the Chermside Hills walking network, giving walkers access to the Giwadha Circuit Track, the Xanthorrhoea Track named for the grasstreets that line its ridges, and further routes toward Milne Hill and Chermside Hills Reserve.

Wildlife sightings in the area are reliably good: lace monitors, scrub turkeys, water dragons, and if you move quietly along the upper ridgeline sections, wallabies. The reserve also features a grassed oval with public toilets, picnic facilities and plenty of shaded trail under eucalypt canopy.

The Xanthorrhoea Track in particular draws walkers back repeatedly, especially in late winter and spring when the native understorey comes alive with yellow pultineas, golden banksias and purple patersonia lilies.

Getting there

Raven Street Reserve is accessed via Raven Street, Chermside West, off Rode Road. Bus route 353 stops on Hamilton Road near Trouts Road, providing access to the broader reserve network. Street parking is available on Raven Street and the surrounding streets.

The reserve is free to enter and open daily. For more information about Raven Street Reserve and its trail network, click here.

Published 29-April-2026

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

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. AU/Facebook

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

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

Valentine’s Day Visit To Chermside

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

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

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

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

Brisbane Screenings Across The City

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

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

*Photo Credit: Wuthering Heights Movie/Instagram*

Wider Promotional Tour

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

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

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

Published 18-Feb-2026

High-Density Zones Approved for Chermside Shopping Centre Precinct

New high-density zones allowing apartment buildings are part of the plan for Chermside Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct. The precinct plan aims to concentrate these zones near established transport infrastructure and established retail and service areas like the Westfield shopping complex.

Chermside already features the Westfield shopping complex, multiple bus routes including the Eastern Busway, and extensive retail and dining options, making it positioned to accommodate additional residential density.

The precinct plan passed with broad support and will now proceed to Queensland authorities for approval before returning to Council for final details including specific rezoning areas and building height limits. Chermside was chosen because of the shopping centre’s location near a planned future Metro line, providing anticipated public transport connectivity for future residents.

Community Perspectives on High-Density Development

Brisbane residents have shared mixed views on the high-density zones proposal for Chermside. Some community members expressed strong support for building apartments near high-frequency public transport, arguing these are exactly the sort of locations that should accommodate denser housing.

Others suggested broader upzoning around all train stations and busway stations across Brisbane, rather than isolated precinct-by-precinct changes. Several residents called for comprehensive transport infrastructure to support high-density corridors, warning against creating pockets of apartments separated by areas with limited public transport options.

Some community feedback emphasized the need to bring back medium-density development options, suggesting that encouraging property owners to consolidate two to six lots at a time could create more housing diversity. The sentiment reflected interest in various density options rather than only high-rise apartments.

Urban Densification Near Shopping and Transport

The precinct plan forms part of Brisbane’s urban densification approach, intended to build taller apartments near public transport to reduce car dependency. Recent changes include reducing minimum block sizes to 120 square metres and cutting parking requirements for new buildings.

Other precinct plans under development include Stones Corner, Wynnum Central, Salisbury, Moorooka and Alderley. Each precinct focuses on areas with existing or planned public transport infrastructure and established commercial centers.

The Chermside high-density zones will complement the shopping centre’s role as a major retail and service hub for Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The precinct serves residents from Chermside, Chermside West, Aspley, Carseldine, Stafford and surrounding areas.

Following approval from Queensland authorities, final details will be determined including exactly which areas receive rezoning and maximum building heights permitted. The timeline for development following final approval will depend on developer interest and market conditions.

Published 15-February-2026.

Chermside Hospital Expansion To Deliver New Beds And Emergency Facilities

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The expansion project at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside is progressing, with new emergency, inpatient and paediatric facilities planned to increase healthcare capacity across Brisbane’s north.

Project Scope And Design In Chermside

The Prince Charles Hospital expansion includes new and expanded adult and paediatric emergency departments, additional operating theatres and at least 93 new overnight beds, including paediatric beds.

The project is being delivered through staged construction and improved use of the hospital site and nearby facilities, allowing hospital services to continue operating while new infrastructure is developed.

Hospital Role And Service Demand

The Prince Charles Hospital is a tertiary-level cardiac hospital in Brisbane’s north, employing around 3,200 staff and providing care to more than 420,000 Queenslanders each year.

Based on 2023 data, the hospital services the largest catchment area in Metro North and operates the second busiest emergency department in Queensland. The catchment also has the largest child population in the region and is projected to grow by 0.97 per cent per year over the next 20 years.

Milestones And Current Planning

Two early milestones have already been completed on the hospital campus. Building 50, which houses allied health, nursing and medical administration functions, was completed in January 2025.

A new Gathering Garden was finalised in May 2025, providing additional shared space for patients, visitors and staff.

Clinical priorities and a staging plan are currently being developed, with an updated project timeline to be released once the plan is finalised.

Access And On-Site Improvements

A multi-storey car park was delivered in 2025 as part of site upgrades, supporting access for patients, carers, visitors and staff.

Chermside hospital expansion — *Photo Credit: Hospital Rescue Plan*

Funding Context And 2025–26 Progress

The Prince Charles Hospital expansion is listed in the 2025–26 Budget as part of a wider hospital infrastructure program for Brisbane and surrounding regions.

The budget listing outlines the project’s scope, including new emergency departments, additional beds and expanded paediatric and operating theatre facilities. This year’s funding supports continued planning, staging and site preparation activities outlined for the project.

What Happens Next In Chermside

The next phase will focus on confirming construction sequencing and site integration, ensuring hospital services continue operating while new clinical and support facilities are developed.

Published 20-Jan-2026

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

Photo Credit: Chani/Google Maps

Chermside patients have been supported by more than $78 million in community-funded hospital research and care over the past four decades — and now a new rehabilitation pathway at The Prince Charles Hospital is set to help people practise everyday movement skills safely before they return home.

A new rehabilitation pathway developed will be officially opened on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at the Chermside campus. The project is supported by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, which is using the launch to mark the start of its 40th anniversary year.

The pathway has been created to help patients working with allied health professionals practise mobility tasks that mirror day-to-day life, such as walking in different environments and building stability and confidence step by step. The aim is to support people recovering from illness or major treatment in regaining independence and functioning beyond the hospital setting.

The pathway helps bridge the gap between clinical therapy and the practical skills people need once they leave the ward. The opening will also include visual elements across the campus marking 40 years of Foundation impact, along with opportunities for interviews.

40 Years of Impact in Chermside and Queensland

The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation was established in 1986 and says it has funded more than 1,000 research grants and invested over $78 million into adult and paediatric healthcare across Queensland. The Foundation’s support has included medical research, equipment and patient care programs connected to The Prince Charles Hospital and, more recently, Caboolture Hospital, which serves one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.

The Foundation credits its supporters with helping fund research that has influenced clinical practice locally and globally, including work linked to advanced 3D cardiac imaging, investigations into alternatives to heart and lung transplantation, new approaches to heart and lung disease, and a silicosis screening trial using breath samples.

It also points to funding for practical, patient-centred care programs, including Queensland’s first Child Life Therapy program in a public hospital emergency department, comfort initiatives for patients across wards, and “Charlie’s Village”, a dementia-friendly hospital environment designed to support patients and families.

Local Faces and Stories Behind the Milestone

The anniversary year will feature 40 stories shared across 2026, focusing on patients, clinicians, researchers and community members connected to the Foundation’s work. The Foundation says the stories are designed to show how research and rehabilitation can change everyday outcomes for patients and families.

Photo Credit: The Common Good Au/Facebook

Among the people connected to the milestone is Chermside-based heart transplant recipient Rhys Hoole, who was the 500th person to receive a heart transplant at The Prince Charles Hospital and now serves as a community ambassador. Material provided by the Foundation describes him as an example of how medical research and improvements in care can help patients recover, return to daily life, and plan for the future.

Foundation Plans Events Throughout 2026

As part of the anniversary year, the Foundation will also hold the Jacaranda Gala on 16 May 2026, which it says will be its first major gala event in more than 15 years. The event theme is inspired by the jacaranda trees on The Prince Charles Hospital campus, which the Foundation links with long-term community connection and renewal.

The Foundation says more announcements will be released throughout the year as the milestone program continues.

For more information about the Foundation and its 40-year milestone, visit The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation: https://www.tpchfoundation.org.au/

For milestone updates and the anniversary campaign, visit: https://www.tg.org.au/40years

Published 19-Jan-2026

Chermside’s Record-Length Sushi Train Becomes A Fixture Of Local Dining Scene

Photo Credit: Sushi Jiro/Facebook

Chermside continues to host the longest sushi train in the Southern Hemisphere, with the 115-metre conveyor at Sushi Jiro inside Westfield Chermside now firmly established as a regular dining choice for the local community more than a year after opening.

The restaurant has been operating since late 2024 and remains a steady draw for shoppers, families and workers moving through Westfield Chermside, reinforcing Chermside’s position as one of Brisbane’s busiest food and retail destinations.

A Community Drawcard In Chermside

Located within the heart of the shopping centre’s dining precinct, Sushi Jiro has settled into the daily rhythm of Chermside life. The sushi train runs continuously through the venue and seats about 171 diners, allowing the restaurant to cater to short visits as well as group meals.

Retail and hospitality coverage over the past year has noted the venue’s consistent foot traffic, supported by the surrounding mix of retail, entertainment and public transport access.

How The Sushi Train Supports Everyday Dining

The 115-metre sushi train circles the dining area, giving customers the option to select dishes as they pass rather than placing traditional table orders. This format has proven well suited to the high-traffic environment of Chermside, particularly during peak shopping hours. Reports describe the design as efficient without feeling rushed, helping the restaurant maintain steady service during busy periods while keeping the experience accessible for all ages.

Sushi Jiro’s Queensland Presence One Year On

Before entering Queensland, Sushi Jiro operated largely in Victoria. Industry sources state the Chermside venue formed a key part of the brand’s first interstate expansion, alongside a location at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast. More than a year later, the Chermside restaurant is regarded as an anchor site for the brand in Queensland, demonstrating how large-format sushi venues can succeed inside major shopping centres.

A Lasting Addition To Chermside’s Dining Mix

Observers say the restaurant’s size and layout have helped it become a reliable option rather than a short-term attraction. Its ability to handle large numbers of diners while remaining casual has aligned well with Chermside’s community needs.

As shopping centres continue to evolve as social hubs, the sushi train’s continued popularity highlights how experiential dining can become part of everyday local life.

Published 5-Jan-2026

Two Decades On: The Prince Charles Hospital Triple-Transplant Story That Defied the Odds

Photo Credit: Metro North Health

Did you know that 20 years ago, The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside became the site of a groundbreaking, complex triple-organ procedure that allowed a young lady, then only 24 years old, to go on and get married, become a mother and live a full life?

A Medical Milestone

transplant — *Photo Credit:* *Metro North Health*

In the winter of 2005, Lucinda Winnem underwent a massive operation at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside to replace her heart, lungs, and liver. At only 24 years old, she became the first Australian woman to survive this specific triple transplant.

She suffered from cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that had severely damaged her lungs and liver, leaving her struggling to breathe. Doctors decided to replace her heart as well because transplanting the three organs together as a single block is safer and technically easier than doing them individually.

Because Lucinda’s original heart was not affected by the disease, the medical team was able to use it to save another person. This procedure is called a domino transplant. Lucinda explained that it felt humbling to receive such a huge gift from a donor, and she found comfort in knowing her own healthy heart went to help a stranger who was just as desperate for a second chance as she was.

Support Through the Storm

Lucinda had a strong support system during her recovery, led by her partner Damon Simpson. The couple met at a Gold Coast shopping centre in 2003 and connected immediately. Early in their relationship, Lucinda warned Damon that she would need a major transplant, but he stayed by her side. Damon stated that he knew they were meant to be together from the moment they met.

Just 16 weeks after the 12-hour surgery, the couple married in a stone chapel at Mt Nathan.

Three of the specialists who managed her care—surgeon John Dunning and physicians Peter Hopkins and Keith McNeil—were among the guests. Lucinda said having the men who helped save her life present at her wedding made the day a celebration of life as well as marriage. Dr McNeil noted that seeing patients reach such happy milestones was an indescribable feeling for the medical team.

Creating a Family Against the Odds

For a long time, doctors told Lucinda and Damon that having children would be impossible. The couple even prepared to become foster parents because they believed they could not have a family of their own. However, about five years after her surgery, Lucinda spoke to Professor Peter Hopkins again about the possibility of pregnancy. This time, the medical team was more optimistic.

The process took careful planning. Lucinda had to switch her medications to ensure they were safe for a baby. Professor Hopkins said the transition was risky, but Lucinda followed her health plan strictly. After years of preparation, she gave birth to a son named Angus. Her doctors believe she is the only woman in the world with a heart-lung-liver transplant to successfully have a baby. Now living in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lucinda continues to maintain her health with a strict routine of exercise and medication, grateful for the normal life she fought so hard to secure.

Published Date 31-December-2025