Finalists for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program have been announced at Chermside, with the community encouraged to cast their vote.
Chermside Finalists Revealed
Westfield Chermside has confirmed three finalists for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program. The initiative highlights individuals and organisations contributing to community support and environmental sustainability.
The finalists are Jan Schutt of Stationery Aid, Madonna Holscher of St Vincent de Paul, and Michael Andreotti of Community Canteen. Voting for this year’s program opened on 19 August 2025.
Stationery Aid’s Focus on Education
Jan Schutt co-founded Stationery Aid with his wife Alison to collect and recycle used school stationery for disadvantaged children. The program has provided assistance to more than 2,700 students and diverted over 60 tonnes of materials from landfill. If successful, a grant will help equip 300 students with essential learning supplies for one year.
Daily Volunteer Work at St Vincent de Paul
Madonna Holscher volunteers daily to assist people experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, or ill health. She provides food, financial aid, and support services across her community. A grant would allow her to expand assistance for rent, food vouchers, utility bills, and school-related expenses.
Community Canteen Extending Support
Michael Andreotti leads Community Canteen, a not-for-profit delivering more than 1,100 meals every fortnight to people who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation. Drawing from his own lived experience of homelessness, he coordinates volunteers, kitchen facilities, and food supply. Funding would extend the group’s capacity to purchase fresh produce and staple foods for Brisbane residents in hardship.
Program Background
The Westfield Local Heroes program, now in its eighth year, recognises 126 finalists across Australia and New Zealand in 2025. Since its launch, it has awarded more than $8.6 million in grants to 865 community organisations. This year, Westfield will distribute up to $1.25 million in community grants across 42 centres.
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After months of overwhelming demand from Queensland fans online, Sydney’s legendary crispy chicken phenomenon Pappa Flock finally answered the call with its first-ever Sunshine State location in Chermside. The much-anticipated restaurant began service at Westfield Chermside this past Saturday, August 16th. Hundreds of eager locals formed massive queues, reminiscent of previous Pappa Flock launches in Sydney, where some fans waited up to seven hours. To celebrate its first Queensland location, the company offered a voucher for a free Flock Box to every person who was in line by midday. The popular meal deal, valued at $17.90, includes chicken tenders, seasoned chips, buttery toast, a signature sauce and a drink. The launch in Chermside marks a major milestone for the Australian-owned business and was the direct result of a long-running campaign from fans. According to Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Korbel, the company’s social media channels were flooded with messages from Queenslanders asking them to expand north. The company stated the wait is finally over, and they are excited to be in the Sunshine State. Pappa Flock’s success is built on a commitment to quality and freshness. Head Chef Eddie Cofie explained that the restaurant’s unique flavour comes from careful on-site preparation. Each free-range and halal-certified chicken tender is hand-breaded in-store with a unique spice blend to achieve its signature crunch. The dedication to fresh ingredients extends across the menu. The kitchen crew at each store squeezes over 2,500 lemons every day to make the iconic house-made lemonade. The menu also features a family recipe from Chef Cofie for the popular buttery toast. Beyond the famous Flock Boxes, the restaurant serves a full menu of handcrafted sandwiches and loaded wraps. The Chermside restaurant is the tenth location for the rapidly growing brand, which has nine other stores across Sydney. Following the successful weekend launch, Pappa Flock is already planning its next move in Queensland. A new restaurant is scheduled to begin trading in Mt Gravatt by the end of September, with more locations planned for 2025. Published Date 18-August-2025 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Police conducted metal detector searches at Chermside’s shopping precinct and bus interchange as part of a statewide crackdown targeting concealed weapons. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Queensland Police launched an intensive investigation following the brazen daylight attack. Last week, detectives executed search warrants at multiple homes and vehicles across Brisbane and Logan, uncovering items allegedly linked to the robbery. The arrests culminated on Tuesday when a 25-year-old Carseldine man and 22-year-old Goodna man were intercepted during a vehicle stop. Officers also located three additional suspects: a 25-year-old man from Goodna, a 29-year-old man from Inala, and a 20-year-old man from Loganlea. All five adult men have been charged with a series of serious offences, including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, entering premises with intent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and endangering a child by exposure. The 16-year-old boy faces similar charges along with additional drug and property offences. The accused appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, with police strongly opposing bail applications for the group. The matter will return to court next month. Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers emphasised the priority placed on apprehending the offenders, stating that detectives had been working around the clock to ensure community safety following the violent attack. The investigation remains active, with police still seeking a 21-year-old Mount Gravatt man who they believe may have been involved in the incident. The suspect is known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas. Detectives are also examining potential links between the Chermside robbery and an armed robbery at a Lutwyche jewellery store that occurred in May, as they work to determine whether the incidents are connected. The case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime targeting small businesses in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with the jewellery store owner continuing his recovery from the serious injuries sustained during the attack. Published 17-July-2025 Free health checks are now available in Chermside through Priceline Pharmacy, aiming to support early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Chermside residents can now access free health checks at Priceline Pharmacy inside Westfield Shopping Centre as part of a national effort to improve early detection of type 2 diabetes and associated conditions. The initiative is part of National Diabetes Week 2025, which runs from 13 to 19 July. This campaign highlights the need for early identification and intervention for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as better management for those already diagnosed. Australia currently records over 1.3 million people living with type 2 diabetes, with an additional 500,000 believed to be undiagnosed. An estimated 2 million more are at high risk of developing the condition. Priceline Chermside is one of more than 300 participating pharmacies nationally offering five-minute, self-service health checks using in-store digital health stations. These checks provide instant results related to cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The service is designed to offer residents a simple and accessible way to monitor their health without the need for appointments or referrals. Recent modelling by Diabetes Australia indicates that all types of diabetes are now costing the Australian health system approximately $9.1 billion annually. The organisation has warned that if preventive action is not taken, up to 3.2 million Australians could be living with type 2 diabetes by 2050. Health experts stress that lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the risk. Up to 58 per cent of cases are considered preventable or able to be delayed through early intervention. In addition to health checks, people managing type 2 diabetes are being encouraged to take advantage of support services such as the six-month GroAus trial, which offers tools for diet, physical activity, sleep, and self-care. Digital health technology like continuous glucose monitors is also highlighted as a useful tool, although access remains limited for many due to affordability. The campaign has focused on increasing awareness and removing barriers to early diagnosis. Pharmacists and health workers in Chermside are now part of the broader effort to address rising case numbers and reduce strain on the healthcare system through proactive care. Free health checks at Priceline Chermside provide a practical step in responding to Australia’s growing type 2 diabetes epidemic. The program supports early detection and prevention, aligning with broader efforts to reduce the long-term burden of diabetes-related complications on individuals and the health system. Published 15-July-2025 A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash in Chermside, before attempting to destroy evidence by setting his car on fire. Joshua Alexander Scott appeared in Brisbane District Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and arson of a motor vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 5.15am on 21 March 2024 at the intersection of Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road, near the shopping centre. The victim, 72-year-old Ian Victor Colwell, was on his regular early morning walk when Scott ran a red light and struck him whilst crossing the intersection. Mr Colwell was a well-known local resident who had lived in nearby Wavell Heights for more than 20 years and was recognised for his daily walks around the area. Mr Colwell was a Vietnam-era veteran who served in Papua New Guinea during 1972-73 and worked as an educator, having taught in Papua New Guinea during his military service. He was described in court as an active and generous member of his community whose leadership and care could not easily be replaced. The court heard that Scott briefly stopped his vehicle and made eye contact with a witness before speeding away, leaving Mr Colwell face down on the roadway with severe injuries including a bleeding and fractured skull. Despite emergency services rushing him to hospital, Mr Colwell suffered a fatal cardiac arrest whilst in the ambulance. Following the collision, Scott embarked on an elaborate attempt to conceal his involvement. He drove to a friend’s residence where he admitted what had occurred and changed his clothing. Scott then contacted his partner, instructing her to delete CCTV footage showing him leaving their home that morning and to remove messages between them. Scott subsequently drove to Wavell Heights where he poured accelerant through the vehicle and set it ablaze before proceeding to his workplace. Crown prosecutor Cameron Wilkins told the court that Scott had fabricated a story claiming the car had been stolen and attempted to establish an alibi with his employer. Police arrested Scott at his workplace later that same morning. Initially, he provided false information to officers, but eventually confessed to the crime, telling investigators he had been “daydreaming” when the collision occurred. The court was told Scott had an extensive criminal history, including 46 previous driving convictions. These comprised 29 speeding offences and multiple instances of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. At the time of the fatal crash, Scott was serving a suspended sentence for drug-related charges. Mr Wilkins described Scott’s traffic history as “deplorable” and noted that he knew he had struck someone but chose to flee the scene regardless. Mr Colwell’s nephew, Damian Colwell, delivered a victim impact statement on behalf of the family, describing the death as “sudden, senseless and violent” and stating it had left them “broken”. He expressed the family’s struggle to comprehend such indifference to human life within their community. The family said their gatherings would forever feel incomplete and emphasised that Mr Colwell had been struck down without care or compassion, left alone in his final moments. Judge John Allen KC acknowledged the family’s heartbreak and accepted that the offending had caused “enormous loss and harm”. Scott was sentenced to five years imprisonment with eligibility to apply for parole in November, taking into account time already served. He has also been disqualified from driving, with restrictions on his ability to obtain a Queensland driver’s licence without special permission once released. Scott provided a letter of apology to the court, and his parents, who attended the hearing to support him, also submitted a character reference. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of road safety, particularly during peak pedestrian hours in busy suburban areas like Chermside. Published 11-July-2025What’s All the Hype? Pappa Flock Brings Its Viral Chicken to Chermside
A Community Welcome
More Than Just Chicken
Queensland Expansion Continues
Scugnizzi Expands to Westfield Chermside with Pizza, Pasta and New Meals
Background and Expansion
Menu and New Offerings
Community Reception
Looking Ahead
Dexus Buys 25% Stake in Westfield Chermside for $683 Million
Background and Context
Transaction Details and Asset Profile
Capital Strategy and Investment Direction
Dexus Investment and Fund Repositioning
Ongoing Collaboration Between Companies
Looking Ahead
Metal Detector Searches Conducted at Chermside Under Expanded Law
Statewide Law Now Permanent
Photo Credit: QPSChermside Scanning Activity and Results
Scanning Powers and Implementation
Photo Credit: QPSConcerns Around Effectiveness and Oversight
Looking Ahead in Chermside
From Chermside Showroom to State Recognition: Betty Byrne Henderson AM Honoured
Betty Byrne Henderson’s Legacy Remembered
From Office Girl to Industry Leader
Staying Strong Through Tough Times
A Life of Giving Back
Patient in Chermside Recovers Well After 3D-Guided Aortic Surgery
The Path to Recovery
A Ticking Time Bomb
A Blueprint for a Breakthrough
A High-Stakes Operation
Six Charged Over Chermside Jewellery Store Robbery
Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News
Photo Credit: myPolice Bayside
Free Diabetes Health Checks Available at Priceline Chermside
Health Initiative Reaches Chermside
Background and National Context
Check Process and Location Details
Economic and Health Impact
Tools and Support for Management
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
What’s Next
Local Driver Jailed for Five Years After Fatal Hit-and-Run
Photo Credit: Google MapsCover-up Attempt
Extensive Criminal History
Family Impact
Sentencing
