Chermside Archives - Page 4 of 18

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

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

Background and Context

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

Transaction Details and Asset Profile

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

Capital Strategy and Investment Direction

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

Property market — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Dexus Investment and Fund Repositioning

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

Ongoing Collaboration Between Companies

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

Looking Ahead

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

Updated August-2025. Published 30-July-2025

Metal Detector Searches Conducted at Chermside Under Expanded Law

Photo Credit: QPS

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

Statewide Law Now Permanent

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

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

Chermside Scanning Activity and Results

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

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

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

Scanning Powers and Implementation

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

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

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

Concerns Around Effectiveness and Oversight

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

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

Looking Ahead in Chermside

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

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

Published 26-July-2025

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

Photo Credit: Queensland Gives/Facebook

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

Betty Byrne Henderson’s Legacy Remembered

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

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

From Office Girl to Industry Leader

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

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

Staying Strong Through Tough Times

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

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

A Life of Giving Back

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

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

Published 25-July-2025

Patient in Chermside Recovers Well After 3D-Guided Aortic Surgery

Photo Credit: 3Dprint.com

A Queensland man is now recovering well in a Chermside hospital, with full movement in his arms and legs, after undergoing one of Australia’s most complex vascular operations where surgeons used a custom 3D-printed replica of his own artery to replace a life-threateningly swollen vessel.

The Path to Recovery

Nearly three weeks after the intensive procedure, the patient has been moved out of intensive care and has begun rehabilitation. Medical staff at The Prince Charles Hospital report that he has avoided any major complications, and his strong family support has been a positive factor during his recovery. While his progress is excellent, a second follow-up surgery is planned for later this year to replace the lower portion of his aorta, addressing all residual risk from his condition.

A Ticking Time Bomb

Before the surgery, the man, who is in his late fifties, was in a perilous state. His aorta, the body’s main artery, had swelled to approximately eight centimetres—about four times its normal size.

Vascular surgeon Dr Samantha Peden explained that the artery wall was stretched so thin that a fatal rupture was imminent. The situation was described as a “ticking time bomb.” This dangerous dilation continued despite a previous surgery in 2017, leading doctors to suspect an underlying connective tissue disorder.

A Blueprint for a Breakthrough

To prepare for the high-stakes procedure, the surgical team collaborated with engineers at the nearby Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI). The HBI team used the patient’s CT scans to create a life-sized, anatomically precise model of the damaged aorta.

The printing process took four days and used multiple materials to create a replica that mimicked the tactile feel of real tissue. This innovative model gave surgeons a hands-on understanding of the patient’s unique anatomy, allowing for meticulous planning that would not have been possible with standard 2D scans alone.

A High-Stakes Operation

The nine-hour surgery was a coordinated effort between vascular and cardiac specialists. To operate safely, they employed a technique called induced circulatory arrest, cooling the patient’s body and stopping his heart for a critical 20-minute window. Dr Peden noted that this method, while necessary, carried significant risks, including stroke or organ failure.

During this time, the surgical team removed the diseased section of the aorta and replaced it with a synthetic graft made of a flexible, waterproof fabric. This type of full aortic replacement is exceptionally complex and is performed only about six times a year at the hospital.

Published Date 22-July-2025

Six Charged Over Chermside Jewellery Store Robbery

Photo Credit: myPolice Bayside

Six people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been charged following a violent armed robbery at a Chermside jewellery store that left the owner requiring emergency brain surgery.

The shocking incident unfolded at a business on Gympie Road on 10 June, when masked offenders armed with hammers and metal bars burst into the store shortly after 5pm. The attack was witnessed by customers, including a child, who watched in horror as the group smashed glass display cabinets and made off with a substantial quantity of expensive jewellery.

The store owner suffered serious head injuries after allegedly being struck with a hammer during the robbery. He required emergency surgery to remove a haematoma on his brain and was treated at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

**Honda believed to have been stolen from an Alfred Circuit address at Calamvale on Sunday, June 8**
Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Queensland Police launched an intensive investigation following the brazen daylight attack. Last week, detectives executed search warrants at multiple homes and vehicles across Brisbane and Logan, uncovering items allegedly linked to the robbery.

The arrests culminated on Tuesday when a 25-year-old Carseldine man and 22-year-old Goodna man were intercepted during a vehicle stop. Officers also located three additional suspects: a 25-year-old man from Goodna, a 29-year-old man from Inala, and a 20-year-old man from Loganlea.

All five adult men have been charged with a series of serious offences, including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, entering premises with intent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and endangering a child by exposure. The 16-year-old boy faces similar charges along with additional drug and property offences.

The accused appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, with police strongly opposing bail applications for the group. The matter will return to court next month.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers emphasised the priority placed on apprehending the offenders, stating that detectives had been working around the clock to ensure community safety following the violent attack.

The investigation remains active, with police still seeking a 21-year-old Mount Gravatt man who they believe may have been involved in the incident. The suspect is known to frequent the Logan and Inala areas.

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

Detectives are also examining potential links between the Chermside robbery and an armed robbery at a Lutwyche jewellery store that occurred in May, as they work to determine whether the incidents are connected.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime targeting small businesses in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with the jewellery store owner continuing his recovery from the serious injuries sustained during the attack.

Published 17-July-2025

Free Diabetes Health Checks Available at Priceline Chermside

Photo Credit: Diabetes Australia/Facebook

Free health checks are now available in Chermside through Priceline Pharmacy, aiming to support early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Health Initiative Reaches Chermside

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.

Background and National Context

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.

Check Process and Location Details

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.

Economic and Health Impact

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.

Tools and Support for Management

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.

Community Response and Ongoing Efforts

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.

What’s Next

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

Local Driver Jailed for Five Years After Fatal Hit-and-Run

Photo Credit: Facebook / Joshua Alexander Scott

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 intersection of Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road where the incident occurred.**
Photo Credit: Google Maps

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.

Cover-up Attempt

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.

Extensive Criminal History

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.

Family Impact

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.

Sentencing

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-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