A 52-year-old man from Fortitude Valley has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of burglaries at a business in Geebung, where over half a million dollars worth of high-grade electronic copper wire was stolen.
According to the Queensland Police, the business premises on Bilsen Road were broken into repeatedly between May 12-16 and again between June 1-3. A large quantity of copper wiring was taken during these break-ins.
On the morning of June 3, police officers discovered a large amount of discarded electric cabling in two industrial bins near the crime scene. They also found a bag containing clothing and bolt cutters.
A week later, on June 10th, police spotted a man matching the description of the suspect near the area. The 52-year-old Fortitude Valley man was arrested on outstanding warrants.
He was taken into custody at the Brisbane City Watchhouse and charged with multiple offences including three counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, drug possession charges, breach of bail and fraud.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 1 for these charges related to the costly copper cable theft at the Geebung business.
The Dog Squad Unit of the Queensland Police Service successfully tracked and apprehended several suspects involved in multiple vehicle thefts from a business in Virginia and other places in North Brisbane.
At approximately 9:10 p.m. on Sunday, the 19th of May 2024, officers noticed a suspicious white Audi Q7, equipped with allegedly stolen number plates, while patrolling the Stafford area. After keeping the vehicle under surveillance, the police deployed a tyre deflation device to stop the car as it travelled onto Southern Cross Way.
Despite deflated tyres, the vehicle attempted to flee but eventually halted. The two male occupants attempted to escape on foot but were swiftly apprehended by the Dog Squad.
The stolen white Audi and three other vehicles—a black Mitsubishi ASX, a beige Toyota LC Military, and a white Toyota RAV4—had been reported stolen from a local business in Virginia between the 11th and 13th of May. The latter three vehicles have not yet been recovered.
A 30-year-old man from Baringa was arrested and has faced multiple charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possession of dangerous drugs. He is scheduled for a court appearance at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on the 19th of June.
Additionally, a 35-year-old man from Bellara was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and obstruction of police among other charges. He appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on the 20th of May.
In a related incident that same night, a grey Toyota Hilux was stolen from Gordon Street in Gordon Park and later found abandoned in Deagon.
The Dog Squad traced the suspect to a nearby yard where an 18-year-old man from Chermside was arrested. He faces charges including breaking and entering and unlawful use of a motor vehicle and appeared in court on the 22nd of May.
Photo Credit: QPS
The Queensland Police urge anyone with information about these incidents or the whereabouts of the missing vehicles to contact Policelink or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Your cooperation can help resolve these cases and prevent further criminal activities.
According to Queensland Police reports, the site on Bilsen Road was first struck between April 24th and April 26th, with thieves making off with an undisclosed amount of valuable copper wiring. The property was then hit again in the early morning hours of May 6th.
The thieves blend in the industrial sites wearing high-vis clothing, camouflaging with construction vehicles.
Copper wire theft is considered especially dangerous, as live wires can deliver lethal electric shocks. Cutting into electrical lines also creates fire hazards that put both perpetrators and legitimate workers at great risk.
In an effort to crack down on the thefts, police are urging any witnesses who notice suspicious activity around construction sites, power substations, or other potential targets to immediately report it by calling 131 444 or going online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
Among the diverse and talented field vying for the prestigious Houses Awards in the Alteration and Addition over 200m2 category is Owen Architecture’s remarkable Wavell Heights Mansion. This ingenious design takes the traditional Australian suburban brick home and translates it into a stunning modernist statement.
Located in the leafy Brisbane suburb of Wavell Heights, the two-story residence presents a crisp, white sculptural facade accented by brickwork. A series of broad arches frame windows and arched doorways, lending an air of understated grandeur.
The arched motif continues inside, where light-filled living areas open onto an elegant outdoor terrace and pool area surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.
What makes this project so compelling is how Owen Architecture has taken the familiar forms and materials of the conventional suburban house and reinterpreted them in an exquisitely composed, contemporary manner. Traditional architectural elements like arched windows, verandahs, and bricks are reimagined and synthesised into a cohesive, livable design of restraint and refinement.
By deftly straddling the line between fresh and familiar, Owen’s Wavell Heights Mansion project exemplifies how to revitalise an established residential archetype without resorting to imitation or excessive ornamentation. It represents suburban domestic architecture recalibrated for the 21st century through an intelligent, highly-considered design approach.
This daring yet grounded design holds a well-deserved place among the exemplary projects shortlisted for the Alteration and Addition over 200m2 award category. Owen Architecture’s ability to extract new meaning from the ordinary epitomises housing design at its most skilful and transformative.
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time, Virginia! The wildly popular Doggo Day Markets are making their pawsome return to VEND Marketplace in 2024. This pet-centric extravaganza is the ulti-mutt place for four-legged furry friends and their two-legged companions alike.
Back by popular demand, the Doggo Day Markets will once again take over the charming indoor-outdoor venue with a pack of pooch-oriented activities, vendors, and treats galore on Saturday, May 18.
The canine-themed festivities kick off at 9:00 a.m., allowing early birds to get first dibs on the incredible array of local dog businesses.
Photo credit: VEND Virginia/Facebook
Vendors will be popping up throughout the marketplace’s outdoor areas, hawking an irresistible selection of gourmet treats, stylish accessories, smart toys, and more must-have items for our beloved barkers. You’d be barking mad to miss out on stocking up for your pup!
Photo credit: VEND Virginia/Facebook
In addition to the open-air market, the day will feature a dressed-to-the-nines dog fashion show, giving dapper doggos a chance to strut their stuff on the runway. A panel of judges will award prizes in multiple categories, so start planning your pooch’s lewk now!
Photo credit: VEND Virginia/Facebook
When your dog needs a break from all that glamorous posing, swing by the day’s signature photo booth to capture some memorable mutt-shots. This is the perfect opportunity to update that outdated pup pic on your holiday cards.
Photo credit: VEND Virginia/Facebook
And no dog day would be complete without lapping up the chance for a good ol’ fashioned scrub-a-dub-dub! Stop by the on-site dog wash station to get your stinky pup freshened up and smelling like a million biscuits.
Photo credit: VEND Virginia/Facebook
The fun doesn’t stop there, though! The indoor VEND Marketplace will remain open throughout the event, allowing humans to browse the impressive vendor lineup selling clothing, art, home goods, and more while their furry friends sniff around the pet-friendly premises. When you’ve worked up an appetite from all that shopping and pup-watching, take a load off at the venue’s cafe, which features a spacious outdoor patio for you and your cuddle buddy to nosh together.
Best of all, entry to this awesome canine carnival is completely free, so you’ve got no excuses to skip out. Mark your calendars for May 18, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and get ready for a day celebrating all things doggo at the Doggo Day Markets in Virginia!
Visit VEND Virginia’s Facebook Events Page for more details.
Organised by the Enoggera District Stamp Club Inc, this event promises to be a haven for those fascinated by the world of philately.
The Northside Stamp Fair is set to take place on Sunday, 21 April 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm at the iconic Geebung RSL, conveniently located at the intersection of Cr Newman Road and Collings Street. This centrally located venue ensures easy access for visitors from various parts of the city.
Photo credit: Geebung RSL/Google Maps
For seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, the fair offers a diverse range of activities and opportunities. One of the main attractions is the sale by tender, which will feature a maximum of 200 lots, with a limit of seven lots per person. This allows collectors to bid on rare and coveted stamps, making it a thrilling experience for those seeking to expand their collections.
Savvy dealers will be on hand, peddling their most prized possessions. Get ready to dive into a marketplace brimming with treasures waiting to be unearthed. And for those with a keen eye for bargains, the fair’s Bargain Table promises to be a goldmine of steals and deals.
Photo credit: Lynda Parker/Google Maps
Need a break from the buying frenzy? No sweat! Club Circuit Books offer a curated selection for your browsing pleasure, whilst refreshments keep you fueled for the philatelic fun.
Here’s the kicker – this stamp extravaganza is totally FREE! No admission fee, and plenty of parking to boot. It’s a stamp enthusiast’s ultimate fantasy, happening right in the heart of Geebung.
Those interested may email delleron@optusnet.com.au to get all the deets on this unmissable event. Get ready to catch a serious case of stamp fever in Geebung!
The close-knit community of Wavell Heights is reeling from the loss of retired school principal Ian Colwell, 72, who tragically lost his life in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Chermside.
Described as a beloved figure within the neighbourhood, Mr Colwell’s untimely passing has left friends and neighbours devastated. A dedicated walker, he was struck and fatally injured while crossing Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road during his routine morning walk at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, 21 March 2024.
Having resided in Wavell Heights for over two decades, Mr Colwell was a familiar face known for his regular walks, undertaken thrice daily.
Community Remembers a Remarkable Man
Fondly remembered for his years of service as a teacher in Papua New Guinea during the Vietnam War, his impact extended far beyond the classroom.
His friend and former colleague, Terry Edwin Smith, reminisced about their time together, highlighting Mr Colwell’s quiet demeanour and profound knowledge. They served as instructors in military subjects and areas such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Mr Smith expressed disbelief at the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing.
David Innes, a neighbour, portrayed Mr Colwell as a well-regarded community member, noting that he was universally respected. He emphasised that his positive influence was widespread and that no one would speak ill of him.
Allegations and Arrest
Joshua Alexander Scott, a 35-year-old forklift driver from Joyner, stands accused in this tragic event. According to court documents, Scott allegedly confessed to police that he felt the impact and observed Mr Colwell’s body falling in his rear-view mirror, indicating he knew the pedestrian was injured.
Mr Scott is alleged to have struck the victim without braking after running a red light, resulting in Mr Colwell’s demise shortly after in hospital. Shockingly, Mr Scott purportedly continued his journey, driving to a friend’s house where he disclosed his involvement in the incident.
Photo Credit: QPS
He then contacted his partner, instructing her to erase CCTV footage of him departing in the car and delete their messages, as he planned to dispose of his phone. Subsequently, Mr Scott purportedly travelled to Wavell Heights, where he poured flammable liquid on the driver’s seat of the vehicle and set it ablaze within an hour of the collision.
Authorities assert that Mr Scott showed a “callous disregard” for the consequences of his actions, with the arson posing a significant threat to nearby residences. Following the fire, Mr Scott allegedly returned to his friend’s house before being driven to his workplace in Geebung. He was later apprehended by law enforcement officers at his workplace around 10 am.
During a police interview, Mr Scott purportedly claimed that the traffic light was green, and he did not see the victim. However, he allegedly failed to provide a reasonable explanation for fleeing the scene or disposing of evidence.
Mr Scott’s court appearance has been adjourned to 15 April 2024, where he is expected to appear via video link. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing death, leaving the scene of an incident without obtaining help, and arson of a motor vehicle.
The driver of the ute miraculously escaped the incident without a scratch.
The usually quiet residential Stadcor Street is now cordoned off for investigation. Law enforcement is on the case piecing together the events that led to this incident.
The spa, complete with magnesium float pools, infra-red saunas and more, caters to those looking for relaxation and recovery after intense workouts.
Merse is housed next to the massive Fitness Cartel Virginia gym and comes from Fitness Cartel founders Nathan James, Grace Donnelly, and TJ Groot.
Photo credit: Merse Virginia/Facebook
James said Merse is the first location in what he hopes will become a major national wellness spa chain. They have a wide range of services, from body contouring and massage to cold plunge and compression therapy.
With an extensive background in the fitness industry, James noticed an emerging trend toward combining exercise with recovery sessions. As lifestyles become more hectic, he hopes people will recognise the importance of holistic wellbeing.
Photo credit: Merse Virginia/Facebook
The owner of the newly opened wellness spa believes it’s not just about the gym anymore, but about finding a space that provides relaxation, recovery and recharging.
“We understand that the demands of modern life often leave us in need of relaxation, recovery, and rejuvenation. This understanding is at the core of our mission,” owners stated in their website.
The luxuriously fitted out spa features traditional and infrared saunas, magnesium float therapy, contrast therapy with cold plunge pools, and compression therapy with Normatec boots. Professional massage therapists are on staff, and there is even an automatic spray tan booth.
Merse, which only opened in late January 2024, operates 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends on Sandgate Rd.
After the recent torrential rains that brought Queensland to a standstill, a ray of hope has emerged as Shaw Road in Wavell Heights has cleared and opened.
The current weather forecast brings much relief, especially for commuters and residents around Shaw Road near the football fields and Widdop Street. Earlier submerged underwater, the area is now accessible, with Kedron Brook’s water levels receding significantly below the bridge.
Photo Credit: Glenn Barron/Facebook
However, locals have noted some residual concerns, such as intermittent digital radio signal disruptions in the vicinity of Shaw Road parks, a minor but notable consequence of the recent weather turmoil.
Previously, the heavy downpours had resulted in over 130 road closures across the state, with areas north of Brisbane, including the Lockyer Valley, severely affected. The deluge, amounting to 300mm overnight, led to an emergency state alert in these regions.
The aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was particularly harsh, leaving over 115,000 homes and businesses without power and causing widespread devastation in northern Queensland. However, dedicated efforts by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, along with other local authorities, have facilitated a rapid response to these unprecedented weather conditions.
Residents in the affected areas, including North Brisbane, were on high alert due to rising water levels and potential flooding. Evacuation centres and emergency plans were activated to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to check Queensland Traffic, especially when there are reported incidents of flash flooding.
