Safe Pl8 Event Aims to Curb Plate Thefts in Virginia

The North Brisbane District Police are partnering with Bunnings Virginia and the Wavell Heights Neighbourhood Watch to host a Safe Pl8 event to combat vehicle crime on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North


The event, titled “Turning the Screws on Crime,” will provide community members with the opportunity to have anti-theft screws fitted to their vehicle’s number plates free of charge. These specialised screws are designed to deter thieves and prevent number plates from being stolen.

The event will take place at the Bunnings Virginia location, located at 1836 Sandgate Road, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Police officers will be on-site to perform the screw fittings and answer any questions community members may have.

For those unable to attend the event, an online form is available to order the anti-theft screws for their vehicles. Residents can access the form through the provided link.

“Vehicle-related crimes, such as number plate theft, can have a significant impact on the community,” said a spokesperson from the North Brisbane District Police. “By partnering with Bunnings and the local Neighbourhood Watch, we aim to empower residents to take proactive steps in protecting their property and deterring criminal activity.”



The police have also encouraged community members to report any suspicious activity or information related to vehicle crimes. Residents can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the North Brisbane District Police, Bunnings, and the Wavell Heights Neighbourhood Watch to enhance public safety and strengthen community engagement in Virginia.

Published 27-August-2024

Float Away Stress at Virginia’s New Merse Wellness Spa

The wellness trend continues its expansion in North Brisbane with the recent opening of Merse Wellness Spa in Virginia. 


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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.


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Published 3-February-2024 

VEND Marketplace in Sandgate Road Stages One-Day Greenhouse Plant Sale

Plants transcend trends and offer heaps of benefits as a decorative item, an illness deterrent and mood enhancer, among other things. Here’s your chance to spruce up your garden or literally add life to your home. VEND Marketplace in Sandgate Road is staging a massive one-day Greenhouse Plant Sale on Saturday, the 25th of Jan 2020.

VEND Marketplace, the shared retail site for hundreds of small enterprises, opened its Greenhouse section in 2019. This paradise for plant lovers has a huge range of greenery, pots and other gardening stuff to make your green thumb tingle. For the forthcoming Greenhouse Plant Sale, many of these plants will be priced for $12 or less.

Photo Credit: VEND Marketplace/Facebook


Doors to VEND Marketplace will open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and if you’re feeling a bit hungry whilst plant shopping, there’s a cafe nearby to grab some food, coffee, wine or beer. 

For some added excitement, there will be hidden jungle animal images around the Greenhouse. If you spot one, you could actually take home a plant for FREE!  

The Greenhouse Plant Sale is a dog-friendly event so feel free to have your puppers and doggos tag along!