A disgraced hockey coach with long-standing ties to the Brisbane sporting community has been found dead, days after being charged with multiple child sex offences.
Gregory Thomas Shirvington was listed as a life member of the Ascot Arana Hockey Club in Keperra and had previously coached at the Kedron Wavell Services Hockey Club in Chermside. He also served as a senior technical official with the Kedron Wavell Wolves club in Chermside.
Queensland Police confirmed emergency services attended following reports of a death last December 9. Police have said there were no suspicious circumstances and that a report will be prepared for the coroner, as is standard procedure.
Charges before the courts
Shirvington had recently been charged with several child sexual offence matters following a police investigation. The charges were before the courts at the time of his death.
No trial had commenced, and the allegations had not been tested in court.
Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the death.
Community impact
The news has caused shock across Brisbane’s hockey community, particularly among clubs and officials connected to junior sport.
Sporting organisations across Queensland have previously highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies, background checks and mandatory reporting obligations for those working with children.
Authorities have not indicated that any other individuals are under investigation in connection with the matter.
Support services
Police and health authorities have reiterated that support services are available for anyone affected by the case.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, help is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.
When Operation X-Ray Scutter took place at a Chermside shopping centre, police increased their presence across the busy retail precinct with a clear focus on community safety. The operation centred on proactive patrols designed to deter offending behaviour and reassure workers and shoppers in one of the suburb’s most frequented public spaces.
Led by North Brisbane District Police, the initiative formed part of broader efforts to address property crime and anti-social behaviour in retail environments, particularly areas that experience high daily foot traffic.
Police Activity in the Retail Precinct
As part of the operation, officers conducted targeted patrols through the shopping centre and surrounding areas. During these patrols, police arrested a 35-year-old man and charged him with 17 offences. The charges related to alleged property crime across multiple Brisbane suburbs and were laid following proactive police activity within the Chermside precinct.
The man was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court at a later date. Police have indicated the arrest demonstrates the role of visible and intelligence-led policing in identifying repeat offending patterns in busy commercial locations.
While enforcement outcomes were part of the operation, police messaging around Operation X-Ray Scutter has emphasised prevention and visibility. Officers engaged with people working in the precinct, reinforcing the importance of early reporting and community awareness in reducing crime.
Residents and workers in the area were able to see an increased police presence throughout the operation, particularly during peak shopping periods. Police have encouraged anyone with concerns about safety in the area to approach officers on patrol.
What It Means for Chermside Locals
Chermside’s shopping precinct is a central part of daily life for many locals, serving as both a workplace and a social hub. Operation X-Ray Scutter reflects ongoing efforts to maintain safety in these shared spaces through proactive policing rather than reactive responses.
Police have advised that similar patrols and engagement activities may continue in the area, with community cooperation playing a key role in keeping the precinct safe for everyone who works, shops or passes through Chermside.
A mother and daughter team from Chermside is fulfilling a long-held European dream by creating a sleek new community hub that promises to bridge morning coffee with evening drinks, transforming the local day-to-day rhythm.
The new cafe and wine bar, Coda, is scheduled to arrive in early December, just weeks before Christmas festivities begin. Located at the base of the Estilo on the Park apartment building on Kittyhawk Drive, Coda aims to provide the type of gathering place that its founders, Donna and Jordan, felt the northern Brisbane suburb needed.
For Donna, the idea of hosting and feeding people is a passion that existed long before her daughter Jordan was born. The pair envisioned a shared space with a European piazza feel, but set inside a stylish wine bar environment. They sought to create a venue that could become a seamless part of the local routine, starting with coffee in the morning and smoothly continuing into the afternoon and evening. This community focus guided their decisions for the entire venture.
Working with Dreampods Group, the duo designed the 40-seat venue to manage the transformation between day and night seamlessly. The aesthetic blends warm natural textures, using lime-washed walls, timber, and rich green tones, accented by marble surfaces and quiet brass detailing.
Jordan explained that the choice of wood and textures, including the curved rendering, helps to maintain a mood that is welcoming for breakfast yet still suitable for evening drinks. Donna added that with a slight adjustment to the lighting, the space successfully translates from a bright daytime cafe to a place perfect for after-work drinks or a date night, without feeling like a bar during the morning hours.
Coda’s food and drink offerings are designed to shift along with the time of day. Morning service features invigorating brews from Veneziano Coffee Roasters, specifically their Elevate blend, alongside artisanal teas from The Steepery Tea Co. The kitchen will offer a concise but seasonal menu, featuring dine-in options and house-baked goods in the cabinet. Jordan noted that light meals such as tartines, and egg-based dishes like frittata and shakshuka, will be available.
As the day moves on, the menu transitions towards grazing and sharing. Home-cooked items, like cakes, will be available from the cabinet, and the shift toward evening includes Ploughman’s boards and charcuterie, leading into snacks, share plates, and a selection of larger plates.
The evening beverage selection is anchored by an impressive commitment to wine tasting. Coda will pour 36 wines by the glass, facilitated by high-tech Enomatic wine dispensers. Jordan noted that this system is a fun way for customers to explore different drops without the pressure of buying a whole bottle, as they can start with a 30-ml pour.
This ability allows Coda to feature both familiar favourites and high-end wines, giving locals the chance to try something fancy they may have always wanted without committing to a full purchase. Mediterranean-inspired barrel-aged cocktails, a signature spritz, and inventive non-alcoholic options round out the drinks list.
Chermside is set to welcome a fresh addition to its hospitality scene with the opening of Adina Chermside in February 2026. Positioned in Brisbane’s northern corridor, the hotel promises more than just a room—it will provide apartment‑style accommodation with sustainable features and modern amenities suited to both short and extended stays.
The 148‑key property, developed by TFE Hotels, is designed to cater to a range of guests including business travellers, families and leisure visitors. With a mix of studio rooms and apartment‑style suites, Adina Chermside aims to combine the convenience of hotel living with the flexibility of a home‑like environment.
This setup is expected to be particularly helpful for longer stays, including those linked to the nearby hospital precinct, as well as corporate guests seeking comfort and convenience.
Located close to Westfield Chermside, the property offers easy access to one of Brisbane’s largest shopping and entertainment hubs, while nearby major transport links support connectivity across the city. The opening forms part of Brisbane’s broader accommodation growth in the lead‑up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sustainability at the Core
Photo credit: Facebook/Adina Hotels
Designed by WMK Architecture, Adina Chermside incorporates a number of sustainable design practices. Features include high‑performance double glazing, sun‑shading, rain‑water harvesting and deep planting zones. These design elements aim to reduce energy usage and support environmental responsibility while delivering comfortable and contemporary accommodation.
Adina Chermside is tailored for today’s diverse travellers. Guests can expect the services of a full‑service hotel alongside the space and flexibility of apartment‑style accommodation, including in‑room kitchen and laundry facilities, gym access, and on‑site parking. Whether visiting for business, shopping, leisure or medical purposes, the hotel is positioned to meet a variety of needs.
Dining and Local Connection
Photo credit: Facebook/Adina Hotels
Guest dining is anchored by St Marks Road Co., a restaurant and café within the hotel. It will serve locally sourced dishes and provide a setting for casual meals, working lunches and more formal dinners. The inclusion of this dining venue reflects the growing importance of integrated food experiences in hospitality offerings.
Leading the property’s launch is Sue Rowe, the appointed General Manager for Adina Chermside Brisbane. She is responsible for overseeing the pre‑opening phase and the hotel’s full launch in February.
With its blend of sustainable design, apartment‑style accommodation and modern amenities, Adina Chermside Brisbane is positioned to become a noteworthy part of the northern suburbs hospitality landscape. It reflects the evolving nature of hotel‑style stays in Brisbane as the city continues to expand and diversify its accommodation options.
The Hamilton Road wildlife overpass in Chermside was constructed as part of a $50 million upgrade completed in early 2008. The project reconnected a 1.2-kilometre section of Hamilton Road through the Chermside Hills, aiming to reduce congestion on nearby Rode Road and improve east–west vehicle access through Chermside and McDowall.
As part of the development, approximately 140 grass trees were relocated to preserve existing vegetation. Wildlife-related features included an overpass bridge, an underpass at Little Cabbage Tree Creek, and nesting boxes for wallabies, possums and sugar gliders.
Ongoing Use and Wildlife Monitoring
More than a decade after opening, the overpass remains in use, particularly by wallabies. North Brisbane Catchments confirmed continued cooperation with BCC in deploying motion detection cameras to assess the species utilising the crossing and the frequency of their movements.
The Hamilton Road overpass is one of many Wildlife Movement Solutions (WMS) implemented across Brisbane to allow animals safe passage where ecological corridors are interrupted by roads. These solutions include exclusion fencing, culvert underpasses, rope bridges, glider poles, and escape devices for koalas and kangaroos.
Chermside Hills is one of the city’s identified zones for WMS, with additional features placed near Milne Hill Reserve, Raven Street Park, and Hamilton Road Quarry Park.
Broader Comparisons and Design Insights
Though Hamilton Road was among the earlier overpass installations, Compton Road near Karawatha Forest has since become Brisbane’s most well-known WMS site. Completed in 2004, the Compton Road crossing includes a wide range of features such as rope ladders, glider poles, fauna culverts, and exclusion fencing. It has been recognised internationally and reportedly made up only around one per cent of the total project cost.
Internationally, The Netherlands has constructed 66 wildlife crossings, providing a reference point for urban biodiversity initiatives.
Some residents who engaged in recent community discussions described the Hamilton Road overpass as a well-considered element of the road upgrade. Local commentary has also credited former city official Campbell Newman for supporting the initiative during his term in office.
Others in the community highlighted the need for suitable fencing to better direct animals toward the crossing and called for similar infrastructure on regional roads, where wildlife-vehicle strikes remain a concern.
The Hamilton Road wildlife overpass in Chermside continues to contribute to local fauna safety and ecological connectivity. Ongoing monitoring and public discussion support its role as a reference point in urban biodiversity planning.
The ongoing expansion of The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside has been officially included in Queensland’s 2025–26 Budget, confirming continued support for one of Brisbane’s busiest health precincts.
The upgrade will deliver more than 93 new beds, a brand-new emergency department, expanded operating theatres, and improved paediatric services. Located at Rode Rd in Chermside, the hospital serves Brisbane’s growing northside population and is already a vital hub for specialist cardiac and respiratory care.
Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps
The expansion is part of a broader investment in public hospitals under the state’s Hospital Rescue Plan, aimed at easing pressure on emergency departments, improving wait times, and expanding treatment capacity across Queensland.
With a total investment of $18.5 billion, the Hospital Rescue Plan is set to deliver over 2,600 additional hospital beds across Queensland. The package includes the construction of three new hospitals, expansions at ten existing facilities, and an increase in health services for regional communities.
Alongside the Prince Charles Hospital upgrade, other major hospitals across Brisbane and the Redlands, including the Princess Alexandra, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospitals, will also receive new beds, facilities, and infrastructure upgrades.
Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps
Premier David Crisafulli described the 2025–26 Budget as laying the groundwork for what he called a fresh start for Brisbane and the Redlands. He indicated that the Budget aimed to tackle long-standing challenges across the state, including health, housing, cost of living, and youth crime, areas he said Queenslanders expected action on.
“We are delivering to restore safety where you live, health services when you need them, a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future.
The planned works at Prince Charles are expected to improve access to timely care for patients in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The hospital’s added capacity will help meet rising demand and provide more modern, fit-for-purpose healthcare spaces for both patients and staff.
We’ve combed Chermside, Chermside Centre, Chermside South, and Chermside North for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
lyka dominguez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I want to commend the staff/crew for their quick and precise service. It only took 3-5mins to wait for our food. Awesome guys!
Jennrady Chum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ didn’t wait long at all FOOD WAS SO GOOD and very friendly employees SUPER cheap as well. DID NOT WAIT and the food was still hot SUPER CRUNCHY TENDERS
Bella Strybos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ absolutely delicious food. Great service couldn’t recommend it enough- Very close comparison to raising canes. Sauce is slightly different but still amazing. Great vibe. Definitely recommend the lemonade.
aLLy B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Second time to visit. I have enjoyed both my visits to this place. We ordered the following Heidi’s Lychee and Alpine Aperol twist for drinks. Really enjoyed the cocktails 🍸. And also ordered Wings and The Bavarian schmankerl. Great share entree. The atmosphere was great, the place looks inviting. Love the staff wearing the cowbells on their hips. Adds to the theme. Great place for a date night.
Brendon Soo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I ordered the Bavarian Schmankerl for dinner and boy, what an eclectic protein feast I enjoyed! All the meats were delivered hot and fresh and my microbiome was thankful for the large portion of sauerkraut served. A must visit restaurant for your next BIG muscle building feed…
K Roche ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had such an amazing dinner here – good food, beer and the wait staff are amazing. We had schnitzel and wings, was really good. Naomi was super friendly and looked after us all night. Probably one of the best wait staff we’ve ever experienced. Will definitely come back.
Tina Jones ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a memorable birthday for my husband. The extra things that these guys did to make our dinner extra special were unreal. The fun interactions with our 4 year old, the sparklers on the churros, the sombrero hats made a lovely night amazing. All cocktails were superb. The mango habanero wings, chicken burrito bowl and bbq prawn tacos were delicious!! A extra special mention to Rinky who looked after us so well all night. He is an asset to your restaurant. Well done!
Aashish Official ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had an amazing time at El Camino Cantina Chermside! The food was absolutely delicious full of flavour, perfectly cooked, and served fresh. The tacos and nachos were especially good, and the margaritas hit the spot. The atmosphere was fun and lively, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Overall, such a great experience can’t wait to come back again soon!
lady duarte ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Angelica was very attentive and had a good attitude while serving our table. The food I tried had an excellent flavour but I can’t take spicy. It doesn’t take the good taste of the food though.
Tara Horner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a great find. Good craft beer range with plenty of options on tap, and some good low-alc options. Food was excellent! Poutine with squeaky cheese, brussels sprouts *amazing*. Acoustics aren’t great so it was pretty noisy despite only having a few groups mid week. That said, road noise wasn’t obvious despite the location and several ambulances flashing past! Staff are casual and kind. Kept the lights on and didn’t boot us out much later than necessary. Toilet is in the car park and smells like it belongs there.
Caitlin Blanch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The most wonderful place and staff. Food and cocktails were incredible. Games were awesome, atmosphere was incredible. My grandparents are hard to please but they were very impressed and asked if they could get the pizza takeaway for the future 🥲🥲 how cute. Thank you so much for the positive experience, will definitely be back soon.
Shannon Lamont ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very coeliac friendly, chef comes out and confirms your order and informs you of Their allergen practices. I ordered The Trio Pizza with a gluten free base and their Gluten free pork belly bites both were delicious! Will definitely be returning.
Kevin Bee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s a clean, bright and spacious place. The service from Frank is so amazing. Presentation is nice and the taste is fantastic as well. We will definitely come back.
Caitlin Coles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bento box and matcha icecream was so good! The service was above and beyond.
A $360-million expansion is underway at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, with upgrades planned for Acute Services, emergency care, the operating theatre and other facilities, plus adult and paediatric care. Once complete, the facility will become Queensland’s second-largest paediatric health service.
The expansion is progressing under Queensland’s statewide hospital infrastructure program, despite a $6 billion cost blowout affecting the overall scheme.
As part of a $2.3-billion investment in Metro North Health infrastructure, the $360-million upgrade being delivered at TPCH includes a new Acute Services Building, 94 new beds for adult and paediatric patients, expanded emergency departments for both groups, new paediatric outpatient and operating theatre facilities, and additional green spaces.
Once complete, the facility will become Queensland’s second-largest paediatric health service.
The Acute Services Building is expected to open in late 2027. Hutchinson Builders was appointed as the managing contractor in June 2023.
Additional Infrastructure at the Chermside Site
Alongside the clinical expansion, a nine-storey car park is under construction at the TPCH campus. Once complete, the new facility will add 1,500 spaces, increasing the total number of multi-storey parking spots on site to 2,000. The structure is being built next to the existing car park on Main Road and is designed to support future growth at the hospital.
The Chermside campus also recently opened the $14-million Nujum Jawa Crisis Stabilisation Unit, addressing the growing number of mental health crisis presentations. Opened in September 2024, the modular building facility offers 24/7 support in a culturally informed, home-like setting, developed in collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
With construction set to intensify through 2025 and the new Acute Services Building slated for completion in 2027, the Chermside community is expected to see sustained development activity at the TPCH site.
Statewide Comparisons and Broader Implications
Queensland’s Capacity Expansion Program (CEP), introduced first in 2022, aims to deliver 2,200 additional hospital beds across the state by 2028. The program includes three new hospitals in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Coomera, a new Queensland Cancer Centre, and 11 hospital expansions, including the project in Chermside. Originally announced under a $9.78 billion plan, the estimated cost has since risen to $16 billion.
Despite the budget escalation, the State has confirmed it will continue with the projects. Health Minister Tim Nicholls reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the program, which includes the Chermside hospital expansion.
The TPCH expansion is one of 15 major projects under the CEP, which includes hospital developments and upgrades in Townsville, Ipswich, Logan, Cairns, Mackay, and Hervey Bay, among others. While several projects have faced delays and funding gaps, Nicholls indicated that an independent review was underway to determine funding reallocations and ensure project completion.
The Prince Charles Hospital expansion is delivering 94 of the planned 2,200 beds, making it a key component in the government’s plan to address healthcare demand in growing urban areas like Chermside.
While funding shortfalls remain across the broader program, the city officials have confirmed its intention to continue delivering the expansion projects to meet rising healthcare demand statewide.
A 35-year-old West End man is behind bars facing 17 criminal charges following his arrest during heightened police patrols at Chermside shopping centre earlier this month.
The arrest forms part of Operation X-Ray Scutter, an ongoing coordinated policing initiative targeting crime prevention in and around Chermside’s retail precincts. Queensland Police allege the man committed various property crimes across multiple Brisbane suburbs between late June and early August.
The charges span a wide range of offences, from motor vehicle theft and breaking and entering to fraud and assault. Police arrested the man on 10 September during proactive patrols and he was subsequently remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 8 October.
The suburbs allegedly affected by the man’s activities include Spring Hill, Highgate Hill, Camira, Bellbird Park, Ipswich and New Farm, highlighting the widespread nature of the alleged offending.
Community Safety Focus
Operation X-Ray Scutter represents a collaborative approach to crime prevention, bringing together North Brisbane District Police, Griffith University, Workforce Resilience and other community partners. The operation launched in September with the specific aim of improving safety perceptions around Chermside shopping centres through strategic deployment of police resources.
As part of the initiative, officers from the Crime Prevention Unit have been conducting door-to-door visits in residential areas, including Playfield Street, distributing safety information to residents of multi-storey buildings and apartment complexes.
The community engagement aspect of the operation emphasises practical crime prevention measures that residents can implement themselves. Police are advising residents about the importance of securing communal building access, maintaining quality door and window locks, and ensuring balcony doors remain locked even when at home.
For residents with vehicles, police recommend removing all valuables from cars, securing registration plates with anti-theft screws, and ensuring garage doors close completely after each use. Bicycle owners are encouraged to photograph their bikes including serial numbers and store them in secure areas where possible.
Ongoing Presence
Chermside residents can expect to see continued police presence throughout the area as Operation X-Ray Scutter progresses. Officers are actively encouraging community members to approach them with concerns or simply to have a conversation about local safety issues.
The operation’s community-focused approach reflects a broader shift towards collaborative crime prevention, where police work alongside residents, educational institutions and other organisations to address safety concerns proactively rather than simply responding to incidents after they occur.
Anyone with information relevant to ongoing investigations can contact Policelink through their online reporting system at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.
Fifty-two community organisations across north Brisbane are about to receive a significant boost, with a total of $200,000 in grants set to be awarded by the Kedron-Wavell Services Club in Chermside.
The funding comes from Kedron-Wavell’s annual Community Grants program, which is designed to support the groups doing essential work in the local area. After a competitive application period, the chosen recipients will receive individual grants of up to $10,000. These funds will support a wide variety of local causes, including animal welfare, disability support, multicultural programs, environmental projects, and local sports clubs.
The program aims to strengthen connections within the community and support the organisations that make Brisbane’s northside a more inclusive place to live. The club’s leadership has stated that this initiative is a core part of its commitment to giving back to the community it serves.
The application window for the 2025 grants ran from May 1 until July 31, drawing interest from a broad range of not-for-profit groups. Now, the successful applicants are set to be formally recognised.
A special presentation will be held to celebrate the grant recipients on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Kittyhawk Room at the club’s 21 Kittyhawk Drive location. The organisations will be joined by local representatives as well as the Kedron-Wavell board and senior leadership team for the announcement.
