Tag: Chermside

Wavell Heights Park Gets CCTV Camera Following Safety Concerns

Locals who frequent Studley Park in Wavell Heights will now be under the watch of a temporary CCTV safety camera after reports of illegal drug use, discarded syringes and antisocial behaviour prompted action from local representatives.

Read: Police Activity Intensifies Across Wavell Heights As Locals Report and Vehicle Break-Ins

The safety measure follows concerns raised by residents living near the park, particularly around the Pfingst Road area, where community members reported incidents that they said were affecting the safety and enjoyment of the local green space.

Reports From Residents Prompt Action

Northgate Ward Cr Adam Allan⁠ said his office had received reports of ongoing antisocial behaviour and illegal drug use at Studley Park.

Local MP Mick de Brenni has also recently raised concerns about community safety and vandalism in the wider area, calling for additional safety cameras and police resources.

vandalism in Studley Park
Photo Credit: MikedeBrenni/Facebook

In response, Brisbane City Council arranged for a temporary CCTV safety camera has been installed at the park and would be actively monitored to support community safety and assist investigations by the Queensland Police Service when required.

Studley Park Wavell Heights
Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook

The installation forms part of a broader response aimed at addressing concerns raised by residents who have continued reporting incidents in and around the park.

Sharps Disposal Bins Added Near Studley Park

Alongside the camera installation, Council is also introducing sharps disposal bins in the area.

The move comes after reports of discarded syringes being found in and around Studley Park. Residents who come across syringes are being encouraged to contact Council so they can be collected and disposed of safely.

Mr Allan said community members had played an important role by reporting issues and helping authorities understand the extent of the problem. He encouraged residents to continue reporting incidents of illegal drug use and antisocial behaviour through Policelink, noting that criminal matters remain the responsibility of the Queensland Police Service.

Read: Wavell Heights Home Tops Australia’s Most-Viewed Property List in Stunning Debut Week

For many residents who regularly use Studley Park, the new measures are intended to help improve safety and confidence in one of Wavell Heights’ local recreational spaces.

Published 12-June-2026

Wavell Heights Community Mourns Retired School Principal Killed in Hit-and-Run Tragedy

Photo Credit: Unsplash

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.

Read: Wavell Heights Queenslander One of the Key Filming Locations for Netflix’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’

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. 

Ian Colwell Wavell Heights hit and run in Chermside
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.

Read: Geebung’s Platypus Packaging Founder Leaves Legacy of Hard Work

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.

Published 25-March-2024