Take it to the Streets Program to Reach Chermside Youth

A new youth program is set to make a difference in Chermside by meeting young people where they are, providing mentorship, engagement, and an opportunity to develop their skills through sport. Take it to the Streets, an initiative targeting at-risk youth, is expanding its reach across North Brisbane, and Chermside is the next location on its map.


Read: New Community Partnerships Target Youth Anti-Social Behaviour


The program aims to empower young people aged 13 to 18 by using 3×3 basketball as a tool for positive change. More than just a sport, basketball serves as a bridge—breaking down social barriers, boosting confidence, and fostering discipline. For those at risk of disengaging from education or engaging in anti-social behaviour, this initiative offers an alternative path towards personal and community growth.

Run by professional 3×3 basketball player Deola D’Brown, the program does more than teach technical skills—it provides consistent mentorship. Participants develop emotional regulation, community engagement, and mental wellbeing through structured activities and support networks. With over 130 young people already involved and an average of 22 attending each session, the impact is clear: youth engagement is rising, and lives are changing.

Chermside’s Turn to Shine

Photo credit: Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games

From 8 May to 26 June 2025, Chermside will host weekly sessions, ensuring that local youth have access to this free program without the need to travel far. By bringing the initiative directly into the community, organisers hope to reach those who might otherwise miss out on crucial guidance and support.

Youth Programs Unit Acting Inspector Lester Brooks emphasised the importance of such initiatives, highlighting how structured engagement significantly reduces the risk of young people reoffending or dropping out of school.

“Evidence shows that when disengaged or at-risk young people are engaged through programs and given the tools to change their behaviour, their risk of reoffending or leaving school reduces,” he said.

“This means not only a better future for our young people, but a safer community.”

Beyond immediate mentorship, Take it to the Streets could also provide young athletes with a pathway towards Brisbane 2032. The Olympic dream is closer than ever for some participants, with organisers already identifying outstanding talent among the program’s attendees.

“These young people could not only change their lives but become the local Olympians of our future,” D’Brown said.


Read: Chermside Man’s Story Sheds Light on Public Housing Challenges


Funded through the Queensland Government’s Youth Development Partnership Fund, Take it to the Streets is among 26 programs designed to create long-term, positive community change. By investing in early intervention and grassroots programs, Queensland is strengthening its future—one young person at a time.

For more details about the program or how to get involved, visit Queensland Government’s Youth Development Partnership Fund.

Published 7-February-2025

Sports Retailer rebel Opens New Concept Store in Chermside

At the new rebel sport concept store in Chermside, customers will be able to trial their kicks by shooting hoops and running on treadmills before finalising their purchases.



The new rebel concept store in Westfield Chermside, which opened on Thursday the 6th of May 2021, comes with a designated running zone and a small basketball court for customers to sample the gear before buying them, all while experts on hand ensure that people walk away with goods that fit them perfectly. 

Their front of house team is composed of passionate experts knowledgeable across numerous sports, equipped with the knowhow necessary for offering advice in running, football, basketball, and general training. The team brings insider knowledge and expertise to the table, and aims to help customers make the most suitable purchases for themselves in order to achieve their fitness goals. 

One of rebel’s priorities is helping smaller, more local brands such as Nimble and L’urv by selling their products at the store while simultaneously offering globally tried and tested products from major labels that Brisbane has become familiar with. Despite supporting local, rebel also offers products from the classics like Nike and adidas

Photo credit: Facebook/Westfield Chermside

Following the opening of their new branch in Chermside, this marks the fourth concept store the company has launched in Australia, with the first in Doncaster, VIC, the second in Parramatta, NSW, and the third in Miranda, NSW. 

rebel Chermside can be found at Gympie Rd, Chermside, open every day from 9:00 a.m. onwards with the exception of Sunday, in which the store opens at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit the rebel website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on deals, new stock, and other special announcements concerning the company and their sportswear.