A routine patrol through Zillmere has led to a significant arrest after police say a man was found with an allegedly stolen vehicle parked on a quiet local street.
Police allege the incident unfolded mid-morning on Wednesday 17 December, when officers noticed a white Toyota Landcruiser stopped along Victory Street, with a man appearing to work on the vehicle. What began as a standard check quickly escalated into a series of serious allegations.
What police allege happened
According to police, officers from the Boondall Tactical Crime Squad were patrolling Zillmere at about 10.15am when the vehicle caught their attention. Checks on the registration plates attached to the Landcruiser allegedly showed they had been reported stolen earlier in the year from a Mazda CX-7 in Cleveland.
Police say further enquiries confirmed the vehicle identification number of the Landcruiser itself had also been reported stolen, allegedly taken from a Thornlands address on 8 December.
The man was arrested at the scene.
Further allegations uncovered
Following the arrest, police conducted a search and allege they located a clip-seal bag containing a crystalline substance believed to be methylamphetamine.
Investigators further allege the stolen registration plate had been used on a different vehicle involved in a fuel drive-off at Eagle Farm at around 4am on 17 January. Police say the arrested man was linked to that offence through CCTV footage.
Charges laid
The 39-year-old Mundoolun man has been charged with multiple offences, including unlawful possession of a motor vehicle with intent to deprive, possessing dangerous drugs, stealing, receiving tainted property, fraud involving dishonestly making off without payment, and driving a motor vehicle without a licence.
Police say he was remanded in custody and was due to reappear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday 19 December.
Police appeal for information
Police investigations are continuing and officers are asking anyone with information that could assist to come forward.
We’ve combed Albany Creek and Bridgeman Downs for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I came here last Sunday with the husband and kids to get a nice and delicious brunch and coffee. I was pleased with the immaculate service from the small blonde teen on the coffees. She hurried over to take my order while she was busy and served me with precision and patience as i ordered my meals! Would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a friendly atmosphere and lovely welcoming staff!! 10/10!!!
Jacqui Brown ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is our standard hang out place for our quarterly girls catch up. The staff are friendly, food is really good – taste and presentation, and it is an appealing venue with it’s ranch theme. Only thing is, it is so popular that it can get super noisy. But hey, that gives me confidence that it is a great café.
Daniel Campbell ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gosh. This place has a delightful selection of choices. I ordered the Bahn Mi Omelette with pork belly – wow. So tasty. Lovely fresh coleslaw salad topper and very caramelly pork belly. My sparkly 💖 lady had a cheesy potato and leek croquette, and she loved it. Also ordered a juice – fantastic a latte and an iced latte. The latte was near perfect Crema and consistent texture in they milk to the end.
Nickorlz Brameer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a pleasant surprise, the food was delicious, the server we had was lovely and suggested some delicious options. We had the mushroom tapas, the house dumplings as our entrees and tapas. The we’re both delicious, and got us excited about the mains. The pork belly was generous and perfectly cooked, with the vegetables and potatoes bringing a perfect balance to the pork. The risotto was very tasty and was a lovely blend of flavours. We will definitely be coming back.
Charwin Reque ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We recently celebrated a surprise 50th birthday at Portabella Restaurant, and it was absolutely perfect! The staff were exceptional—friendly and incredibly accommodating. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Thank you to the whole team at Portabella for helping make such a special occasion truly unforgettable!
Lee M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had the premium menu with 3 courses for lunch and it was absolutely divine from start to finish. My friend and I would have licked the plates if it was appropriate to do! Hats off to the chef/s as the meals were perfect. The service was excellent, attentive, friendly and welcoming. Very nice to see the owner in the mix of it all too. I can’t wait to come again soon. Thank you all.
Gus Gale ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hands down best coffee in Brisbane North, freshly made breakfast and food, loving the quality and again the coffee , we found our new food spot and must have coffee.
Darci Tan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Saw a new place was open so decided to try it out, so glad we did! Woman serving us was so friendly and lovely. We got coffees and some cake, all great quality!! Definitely recommend the Praline Caramel slice. Will have to come back and try the burgers and fish and chips soon!
F B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My parents and I had a lovely meal here last night! From a burger and sandwich to fish and chips, everything was fresh, hot, and delicious! And a nice decaf coffee to take home rounded the meal off perfectly. The staff are absolutely lovely, very accomodating to any changes to the food, and are so quick! Looking forward to coming back again soon ☺️
Nawaz Khan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great cafe and amazing taste, plenty of verity of cakes, sweets and savoury items on the menu. Food feels and tastes fresh. Great customer service and friendly staff. Must try cafe
Yoshy “Yoshy” Yone ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a very lovely café. There are plenty of seats both inside and outside. The cakes seem to be especially popular. I had the chocolate cake, and it was amazing. The coffee is also of high quality.
Mandy Chiu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pet friendly, delicious food and coffee. Highly recommended 👍🏻
Deana Marie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m curious why someone would deliberately rate this cafe one star when that is a deceptive determination possibly from a competing cafe. They don’t have the talent of staff this cafe has. Customer service is always on point and the fact they get so busy is a pure reflection on the quality and kindness of the food and staff. Congratulations I’ll Baretto five star is not enough.
Igor Geyl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Been coming to Ilbaretto since it opened over 5yrs ago. Love the food. Owners bends over backwards to provide customers with what they want. Always a great bunch of people hanging out at the cafe with an established and welcoming community of “regulars”. Live music on every 2nd Sunday and great food with excellent customer service from wonderful staff make il baretto my preferred local coffee shop.
Kayla Jayde Wilson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shout out to il baretto! I’ve started becoming a regular here, and they’re all so lovely. It may be a little touch (writing my name), but it made my morning ❤️
A proposal to increase housing supply in Zillmere and other low-medium density areas forms part of a broader plan to enable more homes in well-serviced Brisbane suburbs.
Planning changes have been outlined to help address Brisbane’s rising housing demand, with Zillmere identified among the suburbs included in a review of low-medium density residential (LMR) areas. The review sits within a broader program responding to population growth and changing household structures.
Material supporting the city’s housing strategy states that about 210,800 additional homes will be needed by 2046 due to interstate and overseas migration, natural population increases and smaller household sizes. Single people and couples now account for more than half of all households, while a large share of dwellings still have three or more bedrooms.
LMR zones account for 14 per cent of Brisbane’s residential land and cover selected parts of suburbs including Zillmere, Morningside, St Lucia and Moorooka. Despite strong demand, development in these zones has slowed, with new homes falling from about 1,100 a year to 445 in 2023 as rising construction costs made smaller projects harder to deliver.
Under the “More Homes, Sooner” initiative, proposed updates aim to increase housing choice within LMR areas such as Zillmere. Allowable building heights would move to three storeys across these zones, with up to four storeys permitted on well-located sites close to frequent public transport or shopping areas.
Minimum lot sizes would be reduced from 260 square metres to 120 square metres, making it possible to build more townhouses, row houses, units and small apartment buildings. Subdivision rules would be adjusted so that eligible sites extend from within 200 metres to within 300 metres walking distance of a shopping centre.
The development assessment process would be simplified to speed up decisions. Parking requirements would also be revised to help reduce construction costs, bringing them more into line with nearby local areas while still remaining higher than previous city settings.
Explanatory Details and Potential Impacts
Taken together, these measures are expected to support the delivery of up to 6,000 additional homes by 2032. The focus is on providing more options for younger buyers seeking to enter the housing market and older residents looking to downsize into smaller dwellings.
Design provisions would remain in place to manage how new projects sit within existing streets. These provisions include setbacks from freestanding houses, maximum building footprints and requirements for space that can accommodate street trees.
Industry organisations have expressed support for changes that make small infill projects more commercially viable. They have highlighted that increased building heights, reduced minimum lot sizes and adjusted parking rates can ease feasibility pressures and open up more diverse housing options.
Community views referenced in the material include first-home seekers who have struggled to purchase a property and renters who have seen older people remain in larger homes because they cannot find suitable smaller alternatives nearby. For suburbs like Zillmere, additional smaller dwellings are presented as a way to address these issues.
Comparison With Wider Planning Trends
The proposed approach for LMR zones is consistent with broader moves across Australia to increase housing density near transport and services. Recent planning updates in New South Wales and Victoria have expanded opportunities for multi-unit housing around public transport hubs, although each jurisdiction uses different zoning tools and height limits.
Residents can provide initial feedback on the proposed “More Homes, Sooner” changes through online channels, with formal consultation scheduled to begin in early 2026. The LMR review will guide how suburbs such as Zillmere accommodate more diverse housing close to existing transport, shops and services over the coming years.
Boondall families are being urged to stay vigilant over the upcoming school holidays, with Brisbane North police highlighting a spike in property-related offences and urging residents to watch out for vulnerable local schools and playgrounds.
As the end of the school term approaches, officers from the Brisbane North district have issued a reminder to the Boondall community and nearby suburbs about keeping an eye on schools, parks, and residential properties over the holidays. Police say opportunistic offenders often target unattended vehicles, unsecured houses and school grounds during this period of increased activity.
The message comes after recent reports across North Brisbane of vehicles being broken into and items stolen from properties where doors or windows were left unlocked. Police emphasised that most of these incidents could be prevented with simple precautions.
Simple Steps for Better Holiday Security
North Brisbane police are encouraging residents to take straightforward steps to protect themselves and the neighbourhood. These include locking vehicles and houses, removing valuables from sight, and ensuring garage and garden shed doors are secured.
Officers also suggest establishing an informal watch with neighbours and reporting suspicious behaviour to police immediately. They remind locals that even short periods of being away from home or the car can present opportunities for thieves.
Schools and Public Spaces in Focus
While the message is aimed at homes and vehicles, police specifically mention school grounds, playgrounds and recreation areas as locations that can attract unwanted attention when left unattended. As children finish the term and families head off on holidays or late afternoon outings, these spaces can become targets for vandalism or theft if not kept in view.
Parents and carers are asked to be mindful of where bicycles, scooters and sports equipment are stored during the holidays, and to teach young people to respect public and private property.
Community Can Help Prevent Crime
Police stress that local residents are the best eyes and ears in their own streets. Reporting odd activity to 000 if a crime is in progress, or to Policelink on 131 444 for non-urgent matters, can help police respond quickly and prevent further offences.
The seasonal message aligns with ongoing neighbourhood safety efforts and encourages Boondall and neighbouring communities to be proactive about holiday safety and property security.
A dramatic backyard chase through Zillmere, in which an alleged offender was found hiding in a toybox, was one of the notable incidents during Operation Xray Nightfury, a weeklong police crackdown that saw 155 people charged across North Brisbane.
The arrest, in which a 22-year-old alleged high-risk offender was found hiding in a toybox, took place during the first wave of the operation which is an intensive policing initiative targeting offences of concern across North Brisbane suburbs including Aspley, Zillmere, Virginia, Gaythorne and Bald Hills.
According to the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the operation ran between 17 and 23 November, with detectives, Tactical Crime officers and General Duties teams working together to target burglary, robbery, unlawful motor vehicle use, and assaults. In that seven-day period, officers charged 137 adults with 317 offences, and 18 juveniles with an additional 46 offences.
On 19 November, officers patrolling near Beams Road in Zillmere reportedly identified a wanted 22-year-old Bald Hills man. Police allege he attempted to flee through neighbouring yards before being found hiding in a toybox at a nearby address.
The man was charged with 46 offences, including three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of public nuisance, obstruct police, and single counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, trespass, enter premises and commit, contravene police direction, and interfere with fire apparatus. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 7 January 2026.
Nightfury’s first deployment was reinforced by the ongoing Operation Xray Grimlock, another initiative targeting late-night property crime and vehicle theft across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
Photo credit: QPS
Another notable incident on 17 November involved two teenagers arrested after alleged thefts from two businesses on Sandgate Road, Virginia. Police allege the pair stole multiple items and that one teenager threatened a worker with an axe. A 16-year-old McDowall boy and a 15-year-old Wavell Heights boy were each charged with two counts of stealing and one count of armed robbery in company. Both are due to appear in Brisbane Children’s Court on 13 January 2026.
The operation also extended to Gaythorne, where police executed a search warrant on 18 November in an effort to locate an outstanding high-risk offender. Officers allegedly discovered a shortened firearm and 13 rounds of ammunition concealed at a Lade Street property. A 25-year-old Gaythorne man was taken into custody the following day at Ferny Grove. He has since been charged with unlawful possession of a category H weapon and authority required to possess explosives, and is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 26 November.
Incidents reported during the first wave ranged from Zillmere to Virginia and Gaythorne, reflecting the geographic scope of Nightfury deployments. Acting Superintendent Jon Kent said the coordinated approach has been key to producing immediate results. “Having the ability to coordinate our specialised detectives with our general duties and tactical crime response has made us more active in tackling crime and preventing it proactively,” he said.
He added: “It’s encouraging to see that Nightfury has enabled us to detect and investigate a wide variety of offences, often yielding immediate results. This initiative will be ongoing in North Brisbane to help the community be safe and feel safe.”
QPS says Nightfury will continue in North Brisbane; further waves of enforcement can be expected in suburbs including Zillmere, Aspley, and Virginia.
Brisbane Entertainment Centre will host Oprah Winfrey later this year, giving Queensland audiences a rare chance to hear directly from one of the world’s most recognisable media figures in an intimate live conversation.
The Brisbane event is set for Monday, 8 December 2025, as part of Winfrey’s four-city Australian tour with an additional stop in Auckland, New Zealand.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The tour will visit Sydney on 4 December, Adelaide on 6 December, and Melbourne on 11 December. It will then continue to Auckland on 14 December.
What the Event Offers
The event, titled Oprah In Conversation: Presented by Lilly, will feature a moderated discussion. Winfrey will share her reflections on personal growth, resilience, and finding purpose.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The event is described as a chance for audiences to hear her share insights gained from decades of interviews, storytelling, and her own experiences. The format is not a stage production but a live conversation designed to encourage connection and reflection.
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets are sold only through Ticketek. Prices in Brisbane begin at about $134.50, while other cities start from $109. Premium seating and VIP packages are offered. These include priority entry, wellness kits, cocktail receptions, and in some cases a photo with Winfrey.
Venue operators caution against purchasing from resale sites and recommend only using official channels to secure seats.
Community Impact
Winfrey’s appearance is set to draw audiences from Brisbane and surrounding regions, echoing the strong interest that greeted her last visit to Australia more than a decade ago.
Local tourism and hospitality operators anticipate a lift in visitor activity as fans travel to attend. For many in Queensland, the December stop at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre represents a rare opportunity to engage with Winfrey’s message in person.
Police reported that two masked thieves forced their way into the Aspley Hypermarket at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, 29 November. The offenders shattered the centre’s main entrance before breaking open a display cabinet holding jewels, chains, rings and earrings. Officers said the pair took the items and left the scene, and investigators believe a third person acted as a getaway driver.
The incident was captured in footage shared online, which prompted a significant amount of public discussion. The images circulated widely and led to hundreds of comments from locals who reacted to the early-morning smash-and-grab.
The jewellery store forms part of a family-owned company established in 1978 by Giovanni and Maria Antonaglia. Over several decades, the owners travelled internationally to source high-quality items, including innovative jewellery designs and unique gifts, which they introduced to their Australian customers.
The company has since expanded, becoming the parent organisation of Crown Family Jewellers at Westfield Chermside. Their daughters now lead the operations, and the store features an in-house master jeweller who produces custom-made pieces. The family has also engaged in charitable initiatives, and in 2008 Giovanni received a Queen’s Orders of Australia Medal for his contributions.
Comments online reflected concern about the break-in and support for the affected business. Some people questioned the value of the items taken, noting speculation about whether the pieces were of high worth or lower-cost items. Others expressed frustration at theft-related incidents and sympathy for the store owners, especially given the family’s long presence in the jewellery industry.
Police are continuing to search for the two masked offenders and the suspected getaway driver linked to the Aspley incident. Inquiries into the jewellery heist remain ongoing.
A funding allocation for Queensland Scouts and Girl Guides will deliver accessibility improvements for the Aspley Scout Den as part of broader upgrades supporting multiple facilities across several communities.
On 20 November 2025, more than $1.7 million was directed toward improvements for 10 local groups linked to Scouts and Girl Guides. This includes six Scout groups, three Girl Guides units and one Scout camp.
Aspley forms part of the program through planned accessibility works for its Scout Den, identified alongside other facility upgrades across Queensland.
Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook
Upgrades Planned Across Multiple Locations
The program includes a refurbishment of the kitchen at the Mount Gravatt Girl Guides Hall and facility upgrades for Girl Guides units in Moggill and the Kenmore District.
Additional works cover improvements to Scout halls in Helensvale and Dayboro, as well as refurbishments for Scouts in Moggill, Karana and Kenmore. New machinery will also be delivered to Seeonee Park Scout Camp in Rockhampton to support its ongoing activities.
The Aspley Scout Den will receive accessibility-focused improvements aimed at ensuring the facility remains functional, safe and suitable for continued community use.
Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook
Supporting Local Activities And Youth Participation
Scouts and Girl Guides provide structured programs that encourage outdoor engagement, skill development and community involvement. Facilities such as the Aspley Scout Den support regular activities throughout the year, including meetings, camps, skills-based learning and outdoor programs.
The improvements are expected to assist current participants while helping encourage future involvement among young people across the region.
Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook
Community Benefits And Next Steps
Communities linked to each upgraded site are expected to benefit from more accessible and better-maintained spaces. These improvements aim to support long-term usage, ensure safe participation environments and sustain ongoing programs.
Once completed, the works across Aspley and the other identified locations will help these groups continue offering activities and experiences for young members.
Fingerprint Property, led by 25-year-old Ben De Luca, has been launched as the group’s new residential arm. He returned to Queensland in April after gaining experience with Melbourne-based Riverlee. The new brand forms part of the broader $250 million Carseldine Village project, which continues to progress under the De Luca family’s development and construction organisation established in 1994.
Fingerprint Property’s debut project, Plaza Place, reached $10 million in sales during its first week on the market. The development is being delivered by Deluca Corporation, which continues its long-running presence in South East Queensland.
Photo Credit: Fingerprint Property
Plaza Place Details and Features
Plaza Place is a $65 million apartment development designed by Architectus, offering 70 two-bedroom apartments ranging from 85 sqm to 100 sqm, with prices starting from $779,000. The design includes shaded balconies, natural ventilation, generous layouts and a rooftop communal area. A landscaped plaza forms the entry, linking the building with the surrounding precinct.
Sustainability features include water and energy efficiency initiatives, an EV-ready basement and a 6-Leaf EnviroDevelopment certification.
Setting Within Carseldine Village
The apartments sit beside The Village, a $45 million retail, health and lifestyle precinct within Carseldine Village. The centre includes an IGA, Jetts Fitness, TH7 Body Labs, Aquatic Achievers Swim School and a range of dining and allied health tenancies.
The wider neighbourhood includes sporting fields, courts, open lawns, playgrounds, walking paths and bushland connected to Cabbage Tree Creek. The Carseldine Markets continue to operate every Saturday, drawing regular attendance.
Photo Credit: Fingerprint Property
Design and Delivery Teams
Architectus has led the architectural and interior design of Plaza Place, creating a building shaped around its natural setting and subtropical climate. Urbis delivered the landscape design across the plaza and communal outdoor areas.
Deluca Corporation is overseeing construction and delivery. Economic Development Queensland shaped the Carseldine Village master plan, integrating housing, retail, sport and bushland within the precinct.
Photo Credit: Fingerprint Property
Community Positioning in Carseldine
Plaza Place aims to provide residents with apartment living connected to services, open spaces and community amenities. Its location beside retail, recreation and nature areas supports a walkable and active lifestyle within the Carseldine Village environment.
With Plaza Place now introduced, Fingerprint Property begins its residential portfolio in Carseldine, supported by the development experience of the De Luca family and the continuing evolution of Carseldine Village.
