New high-density zones allowing apartment buildings are part of the plan for Chermside Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct. The precinct plan aims to concentrate these zones near established transport infrastructure and established retail and service areas like the Westfield shopping complex.
Chermside already features the Westfield shopping complex, multiple bus routes including the Eastern Busway, and extensive retail and dining options, making it positioned to accommodate additional residential density.
The precinct plan passed with broad support and will now proceed to Queensland authorities for approval before returning to Council for final details including specific rezoning areas and building height limits. Chermside was chosen because of the shopping centre’s location near a planned future Metro line, providing anticipated public transport connectivity for future residents.
Community Perspectives on High-Density Development
Brisbane residents have shared mixed views on the high-density zones proposal for Chermside. Some community members expressed strong support for building apartments near high-frequency public transport, arguing these are exactly the sort of locations that should accommodate denser housing.
Others suggested broader upzoning around all train stations and busway stations across Brisbane, rather than isolated precinct-by-precinct changes. Several residents called for comprehensive transport infrastructure to support high-density corridors, warning against creating pockets of apartments separated by areas with limited public transport options.
Some community feedback emphasized the need to bring back medium-density development options, suggesting that encouraging property owners to consolidate two to six lots at a time could create more housing diversity. The sentiment reflected interest in various density options rather than only high-rise apartments.
Urban Densification Near Shopping and Transport
The precinct plan forms part of Brisbane’s urban densification approach, intended to build taller apartments near public transport to reduce car dependency. Recent changes include reducing minimum block sizes to 120 square metres and cutting parking requirements for new buildings.
Other precinct plans under development include Stones Corner, Wynnum Central, Salisbury, Moorooka and Alderley. Each precinct focuses on areas with existing or planned public transport infrastructure and established commercial centers.
The Chermside high-density zones will complement the shopping centre’s role as a major retail and service hub for Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The precinct serves residents from Chermside, Chermside West, Aspley, Carseldine, Stafford and surrounding areas.
Following approval from Queensland authorities, final details will be determined including exactly which areas receive rezoning and maximum building heights permitted. The timeline for development following final approval will depend on developer interest and market conditions.
Now in its seventh year, the programme acknowledges and celebrates the tireless dedication of individuals and organisations working to enhance their communities and the environment.
Each Westfield centre will grant $20,000 to the finalist receiving the most votes, while the remaining finalists will each receive a $5,000 grant to further their impactful work. This year, Westfield is set to award $AUD1.25 million in community grants across Australia and New Zealand.
Benjamin Bjarnesen, founder of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, addresses critical service gaps within LGBTQ+ communities. The foundation’s education and resources reached over 7.3 million people last year, fostering safer support systems. With the grant, Ben aims to expand the foundation’s e-learning package.
Bianca Campling, Baby Bundle Coordinator at A Brave Life, assists vulnerable new mothers facing challenges like domestic violence and homelessness. By providing essential baby items to over 1,500 mothers annually, Bianca empowers them to care for their newborns. The grant would enable Bianca to expand the Baby Bundle programme, reaching over 3,500 mothers annually.
Jodi Traves, CEO of Bridgecare Ltd, leads a team offering compassionate support to those in need. Bridgecare aids homeless individuals, provides weekly food hampers, and assists with household tasks. The grant would allow Jodi to bolster Bridgecare’s capacity to purchase and store food, including fresh and frozen items from OzHarvest.
Centre Manager Pietta Lacey encourages customers to take a moment to vote and acknowledge the finalists’ exceptional contributions. She highlighted that every vote counts and can significantly impact the positive change these individuals and organisations drive in the community.
Voting is open until Monday, September 9th, and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, 15 October. Thanks to Scentre Group’s generous support, the Westfield Local Heroes programme is more than just recognition; it’s an investment in the future of our communities.
Westfield Chermside has announced the names of the six individuals nominated for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes. Now on its fourth year, the program provides a $10,000 grant to help these nominees pursue their advocacies and the community can help decide who shall receive the funding by casting their votes.
Under the Westfield Local Heroes program, 42 Westfield centres in Australia and New Zealand will name three local heroes or role models who have made significant and positive contributions to benefit the community. For this year, the finalists come from a broad range of sectors, including not-for-profit groups, registered community groups, sporting clubs, emergency services, and environmental advocates.
The voting period, which started on 10 Aug 2021, will close on Monday, 30 Aug 2021. Here are the nominees for Westfield Chermside:
Why She’s Nominated: “Eileen is a Westfield Local Hero because whilst battling cancer, she still found the strength and courage to help parents of preterm babies. She helped those who had lost hope or were just simply overcome by the financial stress of NICU. Eileen was there right by their side.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Veteran volunteer Eileen Mary Jane Cooke is the driving force behind support for Queensland parents of premature babies. Eileen has been volunteering with the Preterm Infants Parents Association (PIPA) for over 20 years and has helped many parents in that time. It is her way of giving back for the support she received from PIPA when she needed it. Eileen was a Westfield Local Hero finalist in 2019 and 2020 and appreciates being nominated for a third time.
Primary suburbs: Arana Hills, Geebung, Brisbane metro North
Local Westfield: Chermside
Why She’s Nominated: “Amy is a Westfield Local Hero because she has the strength to face her own trauma every day and use her experience to raise the profile of birth-related trauma to create a community of support and she works to prevent others having the same experience.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Amy is an effective advocate for bringing consumers, clinicians, and researchers together to support women, birthing people, and families affected by birth-related trauma. In 2016, Amy founded the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA), is a charity focused on the recognition and understanding of birth-related trauma. Her vision is for safer births, better healing.
Why She’s Nominated: Jodie is a Westfield Local Hero because, in the darkest moments of life, she brings warmth, happiness, and light to people in our community who need it most.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Jodie Frisch is on a mission to ensure families fleeing domestic violence have everything they need to rebuild their lives. As Homes Manager at RizeUp Australia, Jodie works tirelessly to furnish new accommodation, provide clothing for children, and source critical items at a moment’s notice. She is known for being strong, loyal, and kind.
Why He’s Nominated: “Garry is a Westfield Local Hero because he has impacted the lives of thousands of people directly through his service. He is a role model who inspires many others. The 4017 area wouldn’t be what it is today without the selfless contribution Garry has made for more than a decade at SANDBAG.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Garry Hunt is a hard-working community worker dedicated to providing practical support to people in need. The volunteer turned staff member at Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group (SANDBAG), Garry has supported thousands of people facing poverty, homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, and discrimination. Garry always treats people equally and is known for his inclusive, welcoming, and respectful nature.
Why He’s Nominated: “Sammy is a Westfield Local Hero because he noticed there was a need for a program for young people within the local community. Through The Boss Boxing, Sammy has been able to engage through physical activity, which is making a big difference and changing lives.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Former boxing champion Sammy Leone is a proud Aboriginal man who has supported the Zillmere community for more than a decade, using his sport to transform the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Sammy is passionate about using the skills developed in boxing to keep people away from substance abuse and crime. A few years ago, he founded The Boss Boxing, where he is head coach.
Why He’s Nominated: “Len is a Westfield Local Hero because he has been through so many of his own challenges but still wants to give back to those in need. He knows that a kind word spoken at the right time can truly change someone’s life.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Len McCandless is an empathetic community worker who uses his own experience of living on the street to help homeless people or those living with a disability. He is the team leader at Rosie’s – Friends on the Street Brisbane North Branch, where he is known for his big heart – always greeting patrons with a smile, a cup of tea, and a chat.
“Now in its fourth year, the Westfield Local Heroes Program has been an instrument for change and support for deserving organisations,” Westfield Carindale Centre Manager, Matt Powis, said. “It’s with great pleasure that we announce our six 2021 finalists and call upon the local community to vote and help us determine our three Westfield Local Heroes grant recipients.”
Since 2018, Scentre Group’s Westfield Local Heroes program has invested in over 489 community organisations. The contribution represents the ongoing support to connect and enrich the local communities in which Westfield Living Centres operate.
Grants provided to the winners total $1.2 million. The winners will be announced on 21 Oct 2021.
Billini boutiques feature sleek and modern designs befitting of its place in the fashion industry, sporting elegant and chic marble flooring and furniture lined with gold-and-rose-colored accents. Billini also offers a variety of trendy and feminine footwear to their customers, selling lavish yet affordable products ranging from sandals, to heels, to boots.
Photo credit: Facebook/Westfield Chermside
Accessories that sport Billini’s signature luxe look such as bags, headwear, jewelry, and sunglasses are also available for purchase at each boutique. Like their footwear, the designs of Billini accessories draw inspiration from fashion capitals all across the world.
Photo credit: Facebook/Westfield Chermside
Billini Chermside can be found in the Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre at Gymple Rd, whereas Billini Broadbeach can be found at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre at Hooker Blvd. Both centres open at 9:00AM every day from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the centres open at 10:00AM.
