Westfield Chermside Archives - Page 2 of 6

Westfield Chermside Lights Up with FROZEN Dome Experience

Families in Chermside are in for a dazzling treat this winter, with Westfield Chermside hosting Australia’s first-ever Disney FROZEN Lightshow inside its iconic dome.

A First For Australia

The Disney FROZEN Lightshow at Westfield Chermside brings theme park-style magic to Brisbane’s northside in an Australian-first. The dome will be transformed into an immersive space of snow, music and light, set to songs from the beloved film.

The show runs from 26 June to 6 July, with sessions each night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Entry is free and no bookings are needed. On opening night, families can enjoy extras like face painting, snow cones, and glitter hair styling. A themed photo station will also be available for memorable family snapshots.

Emma and Hayley Watkins, this year’s official “Friends of FROZEN,” will launch the show at 6:00 p.m.

Frozen Favourites Join The Fun

Emma Watkins said Brisbane families can expect an unforgettable experience when the Disney FROZEN Lightshow launches at Westfield Chermside.

“We’re delighted to be launching Disney’s FROZEN Lightshow at Westfield Chermside, and the opening night is set to be truly magical for Brisbane families,” she said. “It’s going to be a special night filled with lights, music and joy. We are particularly excited to be hosting an Auslan ‘Let It Go’ sign-a-long with an amazing Deaf performer, Lauren Patrick, and having the opportunity to share this experience with children that may use sign language. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening, and we’d love to see you all there.”

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A post shared by Emma Watkins (@emmawatkinsofficial)

Her sister Hayley Watkins said being chosen as Friends of FROZEN for 2025 was a meaningful moment for them both.

“Emma and I are honoured to be chosen as Friends of FROZEN and to join in launching Disney’s FROZEN Lightshow at Westfield Chermside on June 26,” she said. “It’s even more special that we get to celebrate iconic besties Anna and Elsa, and for me personally, alongside my own sister and best friend. We can’t wait to share this glittering music-filled night of magic together with all our Brisbane fans.”

Not Just A Lightshow

While Chermside hosts the main Lightshow, other Westfield centres around Australia will also join the FROZEN fun this winter. From 7 to 20 July, select locations will run sing-a-longs with characters like Elsa, Anna and Olaf. Families can take part in well-known songs including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Into the Unknown.”

Additionally, 35 Westfield destinations will run activity stations throughout July, offering school holiday crafts like face painting and plaster figure decorating. Still, Chermside is the only place with the full dome Lightshow, making it a standout for Brisbane families.

Something For Everyone

The event’s accessibility and free entry are set to draw a wide mix of families from across the community. With several session times each evening and no need to register, Westfield is keeping the experience flexible and easy for everyone to enjoy.

The Lightshow is exclusive to Westfield Chermside this year, making it the only place in Australia to see this winter production. For locals and visitors alike, it’s shaping up to be one of the standout highlights of the school holidays.

Published 17-June-2025
Update 24-June-2025

Chermside Tipped to Become Brisbane’s ‘Mini Parramatta’

Known mainly for its major shopping centre and hospital precinct, Chermside is now being reimagined as a thriving suburban business and lifestyle hub – a “mini Parramatta” for Brisbane’s north.

Read: Drainage Project Underway in Chermside to Cut Flood Risks

As Brisbane continues to grow faster than any other capital city in Australia, urban planners are turning their focus to suburbs like Chermside as key locations for long-term renewal. With more than 400,000 new residents expected to settle in the city by 2046, the spotlight is shifting away from the inner city towards areas that can support both population and employment growth.

A Suburban Centre with Serious Potential

mini Parramatta — Artist’s impression of vision for Chermside (Photo credit: suburbanfutures.com.au)

Chermside already plays an important role in Brisbane’s urban fabric, with a strong base of health services, retail, and public transport. It currently supports around 16,000 jobs, but according to urban renewal advocates, this could grow to 50,000 with thoughtful planning and infrastructure upgrades.

This bold vision was proposed by Suburban Futures, a not-for-profit focused on improving the liveability and productivity of Australia’s suburbs.

“Suburban Futures has identified Chermside as a significant suburban renewal opportunity with the potential to become a ‘mini Paramatta’ and home of thousands of new jobs for the region,” the organisation wrote in the SEQ Regional Plan.

The suburb’s unique advantages lie in its location and layout. It’s well-connected by major roads and public transport, while also bordered by natural green corridors like Marchant Park and Downfall Creek. These areas are being looked at not just as recreational spaces but as active transport links – safe, green corridors that could connect thousands of residents and workers to key employment and service centres.

Rethinking Suburban Living

Rather than expanding the city’s core, planners are advocating for the development of self-contained suburban hubs that blend housing, jobs, services and lifestyle. In Chermside, that means encouraging mixed-use developments that include apartments, office spaces, health services, cafés, and green public spaces – all within walking distance of each other.

This suburban renewal approach is also seen as a response to Brisbane’s broader housing needs. By focusing density around transport-rich areas like Chermside, the city can grow sustainably without encroaching on character suburbs or greenfield land on the fringe.

There’s already momentum. The Westfield shopping precinct, Prince Charles Hospital, and nearby council facilities give Chermside a solid platform for growth. With improved urban design, new residential developments, and enhancements to public space and transport infrastructure, Chermside could emerge as a modern example of how suburbs can evolve into dynamic urban centres.

Learning from Other Cities

Parramatta (Photo credit: Mehnaz Farah/Google Maps)

The comparison to Parramatta isn’t accidental. Sydney’s second CBD has become a benchmark for how investment in suburban centres can relieve pressure on inner cities while offering a better quality of life closer to home. Like Parramatta, Chermside has the transport links, health infrastructure and land capacity to support a broader transformation.

While plans are still evolving, urban designers and developers – including thought leaders from Suburban Futures – see this as a rare opportunity to shape a future-focused suburb – one that’s not only a place to live and work, but a place people are proud to call home.

Read: What the Hospital Rescue Plan Means for Prince Charles Hospital

Looking Ahead

Chermside’s future will rely on careful planning, smart investment and community engagement. But the ingredients are all there: strong transport, existing jobs, open space, and a growing population.

As Brisbane looks ahead to 2032 and beyond, Chermside may become the blueprint for suburban success – a vibrant, connected, and sustainable community leading the next chapter in the city’s growth story.

Published 27-May-2025

Brooki Bakehouse Arrives at Chermside: Is It Worth the Hype?

A photo snapped in the heart of Westfield Chermside has sparked online debate, showing Aussies eagerly queuing up for a taste of one of Brisbane’s most talked-about treats. The latest store of Brooki Bakehouse, a viral sensation in the baking world, has opened its doors—bringing its cult-favourite cookies to Brisbane’s north. But is it really worth the wait?

Read: Chermside Welcomes YOMG Burgers and Frozen Yoghurt to Queensland

The Debate

On Reddit, locals have mixed feelings about the phenomenon. Some question whether the cookies truly live up to the excitement.

“I think the hype far outweighs the quality of the cookies. They’re good, but is it really worth spending hours lining up for them?” one user wrote.

Others see the appeal beyond just the product. “These people have been following the founder’s journey for years on social media. It’s an emotional connection thing,” another said. “I haven’t tried them, but my sister begged us to take her there.”

Another commenter pointed out that waiting in line can be part of the fun: “I dunno about three-hour waits, but sometimes just going to a place and lining up for a bit is a fun little activity. You’re in line, chatting with friends, doing the whole thing.”

Supporters also appreciate the success of a homegrown business. “Good to see a Brisbane small business blossoming in this economic climate,” one Redditor noted.

From TikTok to Thriving Business

Brooki Bakehouse is the brainchild of Brooke Bellamy, who first launched the bakery in Fortitude Valley in 2022. But her journey started much earlier. Bellamy honed her baking skills through cooking classes in Paris and online tutorials before opening Charlie’s Dessert House in Launceston, Tasmania, in 2016. There, she built a reputation for macarons, cupcakes, and, of course, cookies.

Her big break came in late 2021 when she moved to Brisbane with her now-husband, Justice. When her only employee fell ill with Covid-19 for three weeks, Bellamy turned to TikTok, filming herself working in the bakery. A “day in the life” video in her chef’s attire went viral, catapulting Brooki Bakehouse to social media fame.

Now, the bakery sells an astonishing 1,000 cookies daily in-store, with thousands more shipped to eager fans across the country. On top of that, Bellamy’s book has become a bestseller, solidifying her status as a baking influencer.

A Sweet Expansion

The latest Westfield Chermside store opened just in time for Valentine’s Day, allowing even more fans to get their hands on Brooki’s famous cookies. Alongside their bestsellers, the store offers weekly specials that keep customers coming back for more.

Read: Westfield Chermside Hosts Unprecedented Star Wars Fan Experiences

For those wanting to see what all the fuss is about, Brooki Bakehouse is located on Level 1 of Westfield Chermside, near Glassons. Whether you’re a loyal fan or a curious first-timer, the question remains: Is it worth the wait? That’s for your tastebuds to decide.

Published 19-February-2025

Brisbane’s Suburban Shift: Why Chermside is Poised to Thrive

With its established health precinct and strategic location, Chermside is seen as a strong candidate to evolve into a major employment and lifestyle hub, contributing to solutions for Brisbane’s housing and infrastructure challenges.

Read: New Health Care Facility Proposed for Chermside

According to Ross Elliott, Suburban Futures director and chair of the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Initiative, Chermside has the potential to become a regional powerhouse similar to Parramatta. He noted that the suburb, currently home to 16,000 jobs, primarily in health, could grow to support 50,000 jobs with the right urban planning and investment.

Photo credit: Zeglar “Zeg” Fergus/Google Maps

Mr Elliott highlighted the untapped potential of Chermside’s green spaces, such as the Downfall Creek corridor and the nearby Marchant Park. These areas, he said, could serve as active transport routes linking residential neighborhoods with employment hubs. He emphasized that urban renewal efforts must integrate job creation and social infrastructure alongside addressing housing needs.

The Vision for Chermside

Photo credit: The Prince Charles Hospital/Google Maps

Chermside’s transformation could build on its existing strengths, including The Prince Charles Hospital and Westfield Chermside, one of the country’s largest shopping centers. These institutions provide a foundation for further development, such as mixed-use precincts and high-density housing designed to support modern urban lifestyles.

Mr Elliott suggested that improved transport links, such as expanded busways and cycling corridors, could enhance the suburb’s connectivity, making it an even more attractive place to live and work. He also pointed to the importance of leveraging natural assets like Marchant Park and Downfall Creek to create a sustainable and vibrant urban environment.

A Suburban Strategy for Growth

Moorooka’s Magic Mile (Photo credit: Google Street View)

While Chermside leads the charge in Brisbane’s suburban renewal plans, other areas, including Moorooka and Mount Gravatt, are also being considered for transformation. For example, proposals for Moorooka’s Magic Mile include replacing car yards with bike paths and mixed-use developments, reflecting the city’s focus on sustainable, community-centric growth.

Mr Elliott underscored the importance of investing in suburban areas, pointing out that the vast majority of Brisbane residents live and work in these neighborhoods. He argued that for Brisbane to thrive, it must focus on where its population actually resides and operates.

Read: Hidden Family History Inspires Local to Create New Chermside Ancestry Group

As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, Chermside’s potential rise as a mini Parramatta could become a model for suburban renewal, helping the city grow as a balanced and inclusive metropolis.

Published 3-December-2024

Santa Arrives at Westfield Chermside to Start the Festive Season

Get ready! Santa is arriving at Westfield Chermside, bringing Christmas cheer and a calendar full of holiday activities, starting with a festive parade throughout the centre.

On Saturday, 10 November, families can catch Santa’s parade at Westfield Chermside from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. He will be joined by Rudolph, Frosty, the Gingerbread Man, and other characters spreading festive joy.

Santa’s arrival will kick off a season of Christmas events and community-focused celebrations at Westfield locations across Queensland, including family photo sessions and other holiday experiences.

Westfield Chermside Santa Claus — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Santa Photography Sessions

Along with the parade, Westfield Chermside will offer various Santa photography options designed to make the season accessible and enjoyable for all families. Bookings are now open for traditional Santa photos and specialised sessions such as “Auslan Santa” and “Sensitive Santa.”

The Auslan Santa sessions allow children who communicate with Auslan to meet and share their Christmas wishes directly with a Santa fluent in Auslan, supported by an interpreter and additional helpers.

Sensitive Santa sessions are designed for children with sensory sensitivities and take place in a quieter environment before the stores open. Additionally, pet photography sessions are available for families who want festive photos with their pets.

Westfield Chermside Santa Clause — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Booking Details and Extended Hours

Families can reserve their Santa photo sessions online through the Westfield website to make sure they get all the benefits. Santa photography will be available at Westfield Chermside from 10 November until Christmas Eve, 24 December. Westfield will also offer extended trading hours, beginning on 14 December, to accommodate holiday shopping needs in the lead-up to Christmas.

BOOK SANTA PHOTO SESSION

Published 8-Nov-2024

Culinary Sensation RecipeTin Eats Coming to Westfield Chermside

Brisbane foodies, get ready for a treat! Internet cooking star Nagi Maehashi, better known as RecipeTin Eats, is set to make a special appearance at Westfield Chermside. This exclusive event is part of her national book tour celebrating the launch of her latest cookbook, “Tonight.”

Read: Knauf Supplies Key Materials for $355M Westfield Chermside Expansion

Maehashi, whose online recipes have garnered millions of followers worldwide, will be at Westfield Chermside near Big W at 10:00 a.m. on 2 November 2024. This free event offers a unique opportunity for local fans to meet the culinary sensation in person, discuss her new cookbook, and even get their copies signed.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be going on tour with Westfield!” Maehashi expressed. “Meeting my readers is one of my favourite parts of my work, and I’m so excited to discuss all things ‘Tonight’ in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra soon.”

The “Tonight” cookbook promises to deliver Maehashi’s signature style of accessible, flavour-packed recipes designed for busy weeknights. Fans can expect to find inspiration for quick, delicious meals that don’t compromise on taste or quality.

This event at Westfield Chermside is more than just a book signing; it’s a celebration of home cooking and the joy of sharing meals. Attendees will have the chance to chat with Maehashi about cooking tips, recipe inspiration, and the stories behind her culinary creations.

For those unable to make it to the Chermside event, Maehashi will also be appearing at Westfield Mt Gravatt on November 3 at 12:00 p.m. near QBD Books.

Don’t miss this chance to meet one of Australia’s most beloved food personalities and get inspired for your next home-cooked meal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of RecipeTin Eats, this event promises to be a treat for all food enthusiasts in Brisbane.

Read: Westfield Chermside to Host Disney Princess ‘Spark Magic’ Event

Remember, the event is free, but arrive early to secure your spot. Copies of “Tonight” will be available for purchase on-site, giving you the perfect opportunity to start your culinary journey with a personally signed cookbook from Nagi Maehashi herself.

Published 29-September-2024

Knauf Supplies Key Materials for $355M Westfield Chermside Expansion

Photo Credit: Knauf AU

Knauf, a leading construction materials company, played a crucial role in the $355 million expansion of Westfield Chermside, by supplying essential materials for the project’s ceilings and partitions.

The redevelopment completed in mid-2017, has expanded the shopping centre to become the largest in the Scentre Group’s portfolio. Located 10 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, the project added 33,000 square meters of retail space, including 95 new stores.

North Australian Contracting (NAC), engaged by Scentre Group, used 25,000 square meters of Knauf’s 13 mm plasterboard and compounds throughout the redevelopment.

A notable feature of the Westfield Chermside expansion is the ceiling in the new upper floor using small segments of Knauf plasterboard, creating an illusion of a continuous curve through the use of glancing light.

The project faced logistical challenges, including maintaining normal operations for existing retailers during construction and managing large material deliveries. NAC reported that Knauf successfully met the high demand for materials throughout the project.

Meeting tight deadlines was critical, with the construction team working double shifts towards the end to ensure timely completion.

The expanded Westfield Chermside now features top Australian retailers such as David Jones, Myer, Harris Scarfe, Big W, Kmart, Target, Coles, Woolworths, and Apple. New additions include Brisbane’s first Sephora, along with H&M and Zara. The redevelopment also incorporates a new resort-style landscaped leisure and dining area with cafés and restaurants.

Published 17-September-2024

Westfield Chermside to Host Disney Princess ‘Spark Magic’ Event

As part of World Princess Week celebrations, Westfield and Disney are set to bring the “Spark Magic” event to Westfield Chermside, featuring storytelling sessions and interactive experiences with beloved Disney Princess characters.

Magical Meet and Greet

Starting the 14th of September, Westfield Chermside will transform into a fairy-tale hub where young fans and families can enjoy an up-close experience with Disney’s Cinderella. The event promises several days of enchantment, with scheduled appearances of Cinderella on the 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, and 19th of September.

This unique opportunity allows attendees to interact directly with one of Disney’s most iconic princesses, fostering a memorable connection between the characters and their admirers.

Community Engagement and Impact

The meet-and-greet sessions are designed to entertain and give back to the community. A booking fee of $5 per group is required, and all proceeds will go towards Make-A-Wish Australia.

This collaboration highlights Westfield’s commitment to community enrichment through exciting and meaningful events.

“We are thrilled to bring the magic of Disney Princesses to Chermside,” said Jacqui Waine, Westfield’s General Manager of Marketing and Community. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while supporting a fantastic cause.”

Event Details and Booking

Booking is essential for those wishing to meet Cinderella, ensuring an organized and enjoyable guest experience. Families interested in attending are encouraged to secure their spots early to avoid missing out on this special occasion.

Additional information on booking and event specifics can be found on Westfield Chermside’s official website.

Enhanced Magical Experience

To enhance the magical experience, Westfield Chermside has planned various activities around the Cinderella meet and greet. These include Disney Princess-inspired face painting, storytelling sessions, and craft activities such as wand-making and crown decorating.

Throughout the event, Westfield Chermside will also feature Spark Magic Stations, designed to enhance the enchanting atmosphere of the Disney Princess celebrations. These stations are crafted to provide a hands-on experience that allows children to engage creatively with the themes and characters they adore, making their visit to Westfield Chermside even more memorable and magical.

Dream Holiday Competition

In conjunction with the Disney Princess event, Westfield Chermside offers an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to win a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This prize includes a one-night exclusive experience in the Cinderella Castle Suite, a dream come true for any Disney fan.

The competition runs from the 12th of September until the 13th of October, with the winner announced on the 18th of October. This competition highlights the partnership between Westfield and Disney and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to delight and amaze the lucky winners.

This Disney Princess event is part of a larger series of activities at Westfield locations across Australia, celebrating the magic and inspiration of Disney characters. Following the success of similar events centered around Star Wars and Marvel characters earlier this year, Westfield continues to provide exclusive entertainment experiences that attract families from all over the region.

Published 27-Aug-2024

Westfield Chermside Hosts Unprecedented Star Wars Fan Experiences

Westfield and Disney have joined forces to transport Star Wars fans at Westfield Chermside into the heart of the galaxy with a series of immersive and interactive experiences, marking a stellar celebration of the iconic franchise in Australia and New Zealand.

This collaborative campaign introduces “A Star Wars Experience,” created exclusively for Westfield, alongside large-scale May the Fourth fan celebrations, aiming to connect fans with the beloved saga in the most authentic ways possible.

A Portal to the Galaxy

Running from 15 April to 9 May 2024, “A Star Wars Experience” at Westfield Chermside offers an immersive tour of the planet Batuu, as seen at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, California.

This exclusive event invites fans to explore a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge, further deepening their connection to the Star Wars universe.

Additionally, thanks to a partnership between Westfield, Disney, and Flight Centre, visitors can enter a competition to win one of 10 family vacations to the amusement park in California.

Westfield Chermside Star Wars Experience — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Competition Details

Westfield Members can enter to win 1 of 10 family holidays to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort in California thanks to Westfield, Disney and Flight Centre.

Entries open 28 March to 24 April inclusive, with winners announced on 4 May 2024.

Competition Conditions apply, see www.westfield.com.au/terms-and-conditions.  NSW/ACT/WA/QLD/SA & VIC res 16+ only.

Must be a Westfield member with access to the Westfield App. Ends: 29 April, 2024. Max 1 entry permitted p/person p/day p/centre (max 5 entries per day). Draw: 3 Amy Cl Wyong NSW 2259 at 12pm (noon) AEST on 2/5/24. Winners’ names published in the App on 4/5/24.

Spark Stations and More

To combat school holiday boredom, Westfield Chermside and other centres have introduced “Spark Stations,” featuring Star Wars-inspired activities to entertain families and fans, ensuring the Force is strong with visitors of all ages:

Balloon bending to create iconic characters, spaceships and lightsabers
Arts and crafts activities
Face painting of iconic Star Wars characters
And more surprise and delight moments

A Universe of Excitement

Jacqui Waine, Westfield’s General Manager of Marketing and Community, and Tim Everett, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Products at The Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand, expressed their thrill at bringing such a rich tapestry of Star Wars experiences to fans.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing a slice of the Star Wars universe to Westfield destinations with ‘Spark Excitement,’” Ms Waine said. “Through our unique collaboration with Disney, we’re proud to offer experiences for fans and customers of all ages to celebrate the Star Wars universe. It’s going to be a fantastic couple of months, and we know our customers are going to love it.”

“We are so thrilled to continue our collaboration with Westfield, sparking excitement, adventure and bringing the Disney magic to their customers and our fans throughout 2024,” Mr Everett said.

This collaboration is just the beginning. Plans to “Spark Joy in the Everyday at Westfield” throughout 2024 are underway, also celebrating Marvel (“Spark Adventure”) and Disney Princess (“Spark Magic”) franchises.

Published 11-April-2024

Five-Year Prison Sentence for Chermside Lego Store Manager Following Theft and Arson

The former store manager of a Lego store in Chermside has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing $60,000 in cash and merchandise, and causing $70,000 in fire damage to conceal the theft.

In 2020, the store manager of a Westfield Chermside Lego outlet misappropriated 40 boxes of Lego and nearly $60,000 from the store to support a gambling addiction. The theft led to an elaborate cover-up attempt, where the manager set fire to the shopping centre’s stockroom, significantly damaging stock from Lego and neighbouring stores, Specsavers and Macpac.

Upon discovering the theft and subsequent arson, an investigation quickly focused on the manager. The escalation of the case resulted in the manager’s attempt to evade consequences by committing further thefts in Longreach while on bail. These actions led to an additional $10,000 stolen from a new employer.

Presented before the Brisbane District Court on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, the Chermside Lego store manager pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated fraud, endangering property by fire, and stealing by a clerk or servant.

The court handed down a sentence of five years for aggravated fraud, with concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentences for the other charges, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crimes and the breach of trust involved.

The prosecution and defence addressed the court on the impact of the manager’s actions and her personal circumstances, including mental health issues tied to her gambling addiction.

The Chief Judge emphasised the sentence’s role in punishment, deterrence, protection of the community, and the offender’s rehabilitation.

Published 3-April-2024