Police are urging residents of unit complexes across Brisbane’s north, including Chermside, to be vigilant following a spate of car park thefts in the area.
Since October 21, there has been an uptick in stealing offences from secure basement carparks, particularly overnight between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Several complexes in suburbs including Kedron, Chermside, and Mitchelton have been targeted.
The offenders have stolen items such as tools, wallets, bicycles, and motorcycles. In one incident, a Nissan TIIDA was allegedly stolen from a Chermside complex.
Photo credit: mypolice.qld.gov.au
Police have released images of suspects wanted in connection with the car park theft. Anyone who recognises the individuals or notices suspicious behaviour around carparks is asked to contact Policelink.
To protect their property, police advise residents to properly lock cars, storage units, communal doors, and balcony doors. Storing fewer items in carpark lockups may also deter thefts.
Bicycle owners should store their bikes in locked storage when possible and think about detaching the wheel or seat when the bicycle is not in use.
Residents should also identify their building management’s role and have their phone number saved in case issues arise that require contacting them. It is vital that residents are familiar with evacuation routes and protocols in the event of emergencies.
Installing quality locks, securing bikes to fixed objects, and noting serial numbers can also help secure items. Anyone with further information should provide it via Policelink’s online form or by calling 131 444.
Theft in Chermside
Photo credit: Queensland Police Service
According to Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map, reported thefts in the Chermside area have declined slightly in the last six months compared to the previous six-month period.
Between 16 May and 15 November 2023, Chermside saw approximately 510 theft offences. In the preceding period from November 2022 to May 2023, Chermside dealt with 675 such incidents – a drop of around 25 percent. So whilst concerning, this current spree does not reflect an overall rising trend in local theft rates.
The development will deliver 92 new homes, including 46 social housing units and 46 affordable units near the site of the Prince Charles Hospital.
The project is a partnership between Brisbane Housing Company (BHC) and Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC).
Artist’s impression of proposed affordable and social housing (Photo credit: Queensland Government)
The Chermside units will be built with accessibility in mind, with silver or gold standard accessibility features. The social housing component will provide homes for people at risk of homelessness, women and children fleeing domestic violence, First Nations people, seniors and people with disabilities.
The project’s central location provides good access to public transport, medical facilities including the Prince Charles Hospital, and shopping centres like Westfield Chermside. It will house both people on the social housing waiting list in Chermside, as well as key workers employed locally in retail, healthcare and services.
LM Adrian Schrinner said incentives are now available from the city to fast-track housing construction through the Housing Supply Action Plan, as Brisbane grapples with population growth, labour shortages, and supply chain issues.
Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon said the Housing Investment Fund is going full steam ahead and that the 92 units join the 34 units already under construction nearby in Chermside.
The city’s Housing Supply Action Plan aims to incentivise the community and private sectors to accelerate housing construction to meet demand from Brisbane’s booming population, projected to increase by 457,000 to over 1.7 million by 2046. Reduced infrastructure charges are being offered by the council for eligible fast-tracked projects.
“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and this is adding to the pressure on our housing sector,” Cr Schrinner said last month when announcing the incentives.
The next stage of construction is expected to begin later this year after early works are completed, with residents moving in from mid-2025. The development will support 95 full-time equivalent construction jobs.
It’s a David vs Goliath story you couldn’t make up. But it’s true. “Dumb Money” launches on October 26 at Event Cinemas Chermside it’s fantastic.
The story hit the news headlines in 2021 when Wall Street was smashed by a group of short-sellers of the stock, Gamestop. They had joined together through the social media site, Reddit, to form a short squeeze3 that at the time felt like a seismic earthquake to the world stock markets.
Paul Dano plays a lead role as Keith Gill, one of the instigators of the Gamestop position. Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio and America Ferrera along with Seth Rogen deliver great character performances in the movie based on a book called “The Antisocial Network” by Ben Mezrich. (Mezrich also wrote the book that was adapted into the movie “The Social Network”)
The story focuses on a few of the Reddit protagonists and how their lives were impacted by the adventure that unfolded, with some good comedic elements.
Superbly directed by Craig Gillespie, “Dumb Money” gets an 83% review from the movie website Rotten Tomatoes.
This development comes after initial plans for a Slim’s Quality Burger Restaurant on the same site fell through, making way for a fresh entrant to the thriving fast-food scene.
Revised Development Plans and Features
The new proposal, DA A006354544, involves a 245-square-metre Guzman Y Gomez building positioned at the rear of the site, alongside a dedicated car park situated on the corner of Gympie Road and Wallace Street. Notably, the drive-through will boast 12 spaces and a waiting bay, while also offering outdoor dining and a loading bay, accompanied by a total of 19 car parking spaces.
Photo Credit: DA A006354544
The development includes an impressive 676 square metres of landscaped areas, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to providing a comfortable and appealing dining environment for patrons.
In order to facilitate this proposal, the project calls for the demolition of existing commercial buildings, hardstand areas, and a dwelling on the site.
Photo Credit: DA A006354544
Design and Consistency
Verve Building Design CO is the firm behind the design of the Guzman Y Gomez Restaurant, and the plan is oriented towards the rear of the site. The updated design includes a distinctive GYG facade branding, a layout consistent with the approved building on site, and a building footprint in alignment with the proposed restaurant’s requirements.
The building will have a maximum height of 7.2 meters and will feature a striking 12-meter-high illuminated pylon sign.
The initiation of this project is a part of Guzman Y Gomez’s ambitious scheme to launch nearly 20 new outlets and drive-thrus over the next 18 months in Queensland.
As the chain continues to grow, this new addition in Chermside promises to be a focal point for fast-food enthusiasts and locals alike, enhancing the suburb’s thriving culinary offerings.
Chermside will host a life-saving initiative, the Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot, with a primary focus on identifying infants aged 6-12 months at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Additionally, residents in Nundah, Bracken Ridge, and Ferny Hills will also have access to this essential early detection program.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that can have severe and even fatal immediate and long-term health implications. Alarming statistics show that this condition affects 1 in 300 children in Australia, and what’s particularly challenging is that 90 per cent of these cases have no family history of the condition.
Consequently, this potentially life-threatening illness can be incredibly hard to identify, especially in infants, where its symptoms can often be mistaken for minor childhood concerns. Consequently, children often aren’t diagnosed until they become severely ill, necessitating emergency care.
To address this critical issue, the Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot offers a simple and free method to detect infants at risk. This initiative is being funded by JDRF and is spearheaded by a dedicated team at the University of Sydney.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection is critical for ensuring better health outcomes for children who may be at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. This autoimmune condition is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting children and adolescents. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency.
Without insulin, the body cannot convert glucose from food into energy, leading to dangerous levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Early screening can identify very early signs of the condition before children start showing symptoms.
Dr. Gary Deed, a General Practitioner involved in the program’s development, highlights the significance of early detection.
“Type 1 Diabetes is a unique illness which doesn’t come from lifestyle choices. It may develop in very young people right through to older ages. The current problem is that early onset is often missed and children especially are presenting in severe medical crises called ketoacidosis, which can have both an immediate even fatal outcome but if the person can be managed there are longer term impacts of difficulty sustaining healthy outcomes compared to people who don’t have this alarming ketoacidosis presentation,” Dr Deed told Brisbane Suburbs Online News.
“This is why screening early, helps us support people at risk to be in touch with health professionals who can prevent serious outcomes mentioned and intervene where needed to offset the emotional and physical crises that are known to occur.
“My passion about knowing the real benefit this reseach project will bring from identifying at risk people/children and then the sheer effort in getting all the aspect of the trial aligned and in place, has required positive patience, but I know the benefits once rolled out will make a difference to families and children.”
A Vision for the Future
The Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot is a crucial step towards early detection and improved long-term health outcomes. The program has a broader vision of making early type 1 diabetes detection a routine part of childhood screening across Australia.
“Given that the goal of the pilot program is to make early type 1 diabetes detection available for every child in Australia and have it become part of routine childhood screening, where are we in terms of achieving that statewide (QLD) at the moment? What’s the critical path that needs to be taken and the barriers or challenges that you see? The goal of this Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot is to identify the best option for implementing screening for type 1 diabetes in children in Australia,” Dr Kirstine Bell from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkin Centre, who led the development of the program, said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“A number of screening models have been very successful internationally. So we’re learning from these as well as other national and statewide public health programs in Australia, and then using this Pilot to partner with local communities, like Brisbane North, to understand how this screening should run in our health system and in the Australian population.
“Ultimately, the vision is for this to be a national, government-funded screening program. To achieve that, the government will look at all the evidence from this Pilot and from around the world, to determine if and how best to run a type 1 diabetes screening program.”
Dr Bell also said that the program is set to close at the end of 2024, but children identified as having an increased risk will continue to be monitored for five years to catch any early markers of the autoimmune condition. Over the next two years, the program aims to work with the government to build a roadmap towards full implementation.
Bronwen Manger, a local resident whose child has undergone the screening, emphasizes the simplicity and importance of the process.
“The screening process is simple and hassle-free. I was happy to see that it was available, and I could take proactive action to see if my child was at risk of type 1 diabetes,” she shared.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Simplified Process for Parents
Parents have been given an easy and accessible way to participate in the screening program. They can register for a free test kit online at www.KidsDiabetesScreen.com.au, and the kit will be conveniently delivered to their homes. The screening process involves collecting a saliva sample from the child’s mouth, which can then be sent for analysis.
The majority of children will receive a low-risk result from early screening. However, for those identified as having an increased risk, regular follow-up testing will be recommended to monitor early signs of the condition. The Screening Pilot is not just about identifying at-risk children but also about providing education and support to their families.
Demolition is set to begin on Rode Rd near the Prince Charles Hospital, where 92 units of affordable housing will soon be built in Chermside. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with an expected 2025 completion.
The new development, funded through the $2 billion Housing Investment Fund, will include 46 new social housing units and 46 affordable units, providing much-needed housing for low-income earners and vulnerable community members.
MP Jimmy Sullivan, Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon, and BHC CEO Rebecca Oelkers at the site (Photo credit: Meaghan Scanlon MP/Facebook)
This is the fourth joint project between BHC and QIC under the state’s Housing Investment Fund (HIF), including another 34 units currently under construction in Chermside. A proposed 81-unit development in Woolloongabba also has an approved Ministerial Infrastructure Designation through the Housing Investment Fund.
To date, over $479 million in funding has been approved under the HIF, with another 71 project proposals shortlisted for the next stage of assessment. Since its inception, the HIF has supported over 1,600 new social and affordable homes.
Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon said the new units will provide housing options for at-risk groups like women fleeing domestic violence, seniors, people with disabilities, and Indigenous families. She said all units will be built with accessibility in mind, to silver or gold standards.
The development was welcomed by local MP Jimmy Sullivan, who said it will house people from the social housing register and lower-income workers employed nearby.
BHC CEO Rebecca Oelkers said the new units are a “crucial addition” to meet affordable housing needs. She commended the state government’s commitment to funding such projects across greater Brisbane.
The fashion giant is set to open two new retail havens in October 2023, adding to its growing portfolio of Australian outlets. The two upcoming stores,will be located in prime shopping destinations on Australia’s east coast.
One will be situated in Victoria’s esteemed Highpoint Shopping Centre, while the other will grace Queensland’s Westfield Chermside Mall. These locations have been carefully chosen to bring the timeless elegance and style of Polo Ralph Lauren closer to fashion enthusiasts in these regions.
Shoppers can anticipate a delightful array of fashion offerings. The stores will showcase the latest creations from the Polo Ralph Lauren Spring Summer 2023 collections, ensuring that patrons are always at the forefront of fashion trends.
Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to explore exclusive capsule collection pieces tailored for both men and women, adding an extra layer of excitement to their shopping experience.
This move follows Ralph Lauren’s recent success in Australia, with the launch of its flagship store on Sydney’s bustling Pitt Street earlier this year. The brand also made its mark with the introduction of Polo Ralph Lauren stores within the luxurious confines of Chadstone Shopping Centre and a standalone store in Sydney’s iconic The Rocks.
With a current presence in 94 physical stores, including concessions within Myer and David Jones, Ralph Lauren continues to make its mark in the Australian fashion landscape. The addition of the Highpoint Shopping Centre and Westfield Chermside locations is poised to further cement the brand’s reputation as a leading purveyor of timeless fashion.
For further information and updates, visit the Polo Ralph Lauren store opening soon at Chermside, located on Level 1, near David Jones. Ample parking options are available, including the Lime Car Park or valet service down the Banfield Street ramp.
Join the excitement of a turtally awesome gelato range with Gelatissimo’s latest collaboration in celebration of the release of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” hitting theatres this September 2023.
Gelatissimo is introducing an array of flavour sensations to mark this occasion, featuring five fantastic flavours: Mutant Madness, Donatello’s Dragonfruit and Lychee, Leonardo’s Lolly Wonderland, Raphael’s Raspberry, and Michelangelo’s Mango.
Photo Credit: Supplied/Matt King/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience with their limited-edition Mutant Madness Gelato, launched on 7 Sept 2023.
A mouthwatering adventure promises as you indulge in the “radioactive” sour green apple gelato, adorned with irresistibly awesome sprinkles. It’s sure to be a hit among both the green ninja heroes and their human companions.
Each turtle has carefully chosen their favourite gelato flavour to help unleash their turtle powers. Get ready to go turtally wild for Raphael’s Raspberry or embrace the powers of Michelangelo’s Mango. Donatello has wisdom…and Dragonfruit and Lychee Sorbet! Or step into Leonardo’s Lolly Wonderland, where sweetness meets ninja skills… All served up in limited edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cups and cone holders (whilst stocks last).
Photo Credit: Supplied/ Matt King/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are loved by all generations. We are extremely excited at Gelatissimo to be partnering with such an enduring, iconic and loved brand. Personally, I can’t wait to go wild with Raphael’s Raspberry, one of my favourites too!” says Brad Richter, GM Marketing & Product Development Gelatissimo.
To celebrate the campaign, Gelatissimo hosted a FREE scoop event at their Darling Quarter (NSW) store, giving out over 1,000 scoops in only three hours!
Photo Credit: Supplied/Matt King/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Donatello did not take his cravings lightly with fans selling out Donatello’s Dragonfruit and Lychee in record time, followed closely by Michelangelo’s Mango! With long lines and excited families who had the chance to snap a shell-fie with Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo while enjoying their free scoops of their limited edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem flavours, fun was had by all.
Want another reason to shout Cowabunga!? Straight from the turtle lair, Gelatissimo are giving you the chance to pocket a staggering $5,000 cold hard cash*. To enter, simply head to the link below, embrace your inner hero and let the turtles guide you to that sweet $5k. Enter Here.
Feeling that turtle power? Consumers can head into any Gelatissimo store Australia wide dressed as your favourite Ninja Turtle to score yourself a free scoop of any of their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem flavours until 5 Oct 2023. Available via the Gelatissimo Club Gelato app only.
Did you know that the Packer Leather tannery in Narangba has its roots as a wool scouring and fellmongering business in Chermside in the late 19th century?
The Packer family has been in the tanning business since 1891, surviving recessions and near collapse, and continuing to thrive eves as other tanneries have shut down.
In 1891, Joseph Packer started a wool scouring and fellmongering business in Chermside. The tannery was just a small side business at the time. For decades Packer processed wool and sheepskins at its Chermside factory.
Tough Times and Adapting to Survive
In the mid-1960s, the wool scouring business fell on hard times as cheaper options became available overseas. The Packers had to shut down that side of the business. Then the patriarch passed away, leaving Lindsay and Graham Packer to take over the family business in their early 20s.
By the 1970s, suburbia was encroaching on the large Chermside property. The Packers fought to get approval to rebuild the tannery in Narangba. Although they faced a backlash, they eventually won a court case and opened the new factory in 1972.
Just as the new factory opened, the fledgling kangaroo leather business was threatened. In 1972, the Whitlam government banned kangaroo exports, stalling growth until the ban was lifted in 1976.
In the 1980s, the Packers increased their kangaroo leather exports. It was during this time that Adidas recognised the benefits of kangaroo leather for sports footwear and started using it for their football boots. This opened up the market, and Packer continued to develop new niche markets for the unique leather.
But a high Australian dollar and the global financial crisis nearly sank the business in 2008. The company was forced to pivot, developing new domestic products and becoming less reliant on exports.
Having survived recessions and near collapse, Packer Leather still operates the Narangba tannery today. It supplies leather to major sporting goods brands and luxury car companies. The company remains family-owned, with Lindsay Packer at the helm at the age of 70.
Although most tanneries closed in the 1970s, the business has remained true to its principles. Through tenacity and innovation, Packer Leather continues to thrive after more than a century.
Residents near Beneke’s Bush beside Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside are disappointed and concerned, as what is understood to be protected bushland was bulldozed to make way for a new car park.
In late July 2023, heavy machinery descended upon the site, known as Beneke’s Bush. Trees were cut down to pave an access road to facilitate the car park construction.
The destruction included the removal of several large Norfolk Island pines and other trees, much to the dismay of the community.
Beneke’s Bush is supposedly safeguarded under a 99-year conservation agreement involving MP Terry Sullivan, the father of local Stafford Labor MP Jimmy Sullivan. The agreement, however, was voluntary, which meant that there were no enforceable penalties in place to prevent its violation.
“The south-western boundary of the Prince Charles Hospital has an area called Beneke’s Bush. It is part of the only original bushland in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. For the past four years, Cr Terry Hampson—a very dedicated environmentalist—and I worked with Neighbours of Huxtable Park, Men of Trees and other local groups to retain Beneke’s Bush for future generations,” MP Sullivan said in a 1999 statement.
“Because of the redevelopment of the cardiac facilities at Prince Charles Hospital, it was not possible for the department or Ministers to give a final answer until they knew what shape the hospital development would take. With the final plan having been settled on in recent times, it then came down to the hard work of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s to work out exactly what would happen.
“I am pleased to have been at the ceremony at which the Health Minister, Wendy Edmond, and Councillor Terry Hampson signed a voluntary conservation agreement which will protect that property for the next 99 years. I thank the Minister who is beside me, Rod Welford, for the efforts of his department and the contribution and support that they gave to bring about the VCA. I believe that it has been a win/win all round.
“The Neighbours of Huxtable Park have indicated that they would be prepared to do work in that part of the area which will not be needed for medical or hospital services. It will provide not only a buffer for the heavy traffic on Webster and Rode Roads but also a beautiful outlook for patients who are recovering from cardiac medical services. I thank all of those people involved and believe that those four years of hard work have ended in an excellent result.”
Marchant Ward Councillor Fiona Hammond said the destruction of Beneke’s Bush was “environmental vandalism.” Residents are appalled that such an important and protected natural space was sacrificed for a temporary construction access route.
“Some of the trees in this area were more than 100 years old. Our community deserved much better than this appalling effort,” Ms Hammond said in a video. “While I understand the need for more car parking at the hospital to relieve pressure on local streets, there are many alternative locations that should have been explored that did not impact our bushland.”
Despite claims from Metro North Health that proper consultation was carried out, a hospital employee contradicted these assertions, revealing that many locals and staff had not received adequate notifications through flyers, emails, or other means. Some learned about the clearing only when the bulldozers arrived on site.
Photo Credit: Metro North Health
Metro North Health Executive Director Kate Copeland defended the decision, emphasizing the necessity for additional parking facilities due to the growing demand at Prince Charles Hospital. A 1500-space multistorey car park will be constructed on the site, which is expected for completion in 2024.
However, the construction process will not be without ecological considerations. Metro North committed to revegetating some of the cleared areas and restoring greenery once construction is complete.
