A 40-year-old alleged arsonist has been extradited from New South Wales to Queensland to face charges related to a suspicious fire that destroyed several vehicles in Sherwood last weekend.
The fire occurred just after midday on Sunday, October 27, at an address on Sherwood Road. Police were called to the scene and determined the fire to be suspicious, launching an investigation.
Acacia Ridge detectives worked with the New South Wales Police Force, which resulted in the arrest of the 40-year-old man in Hornsby on October 30. The man appeared in Hornsby Local Court on October 31 and was remanded into custody for extradition back to Queensland.
The man is now in custody in Queensland and will appear before the courts to face the arson charges.
A dog in Sherwood has been ordered to be euthanised after it killed two pet cats and was reported for becoming increasingly aggressive towards the community.
The incidents date back to April, when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier killed Jessie Lafferty-Delaney’s cat in front of her young son. She described the attack as brutal, with the dog grabbing the cat by the throat and mauling it.
The attack left her and her family living in fear for their safety, particularly concerned about what could happen if the dog turned its aggression toward children in the neighbourhood.
Another Sherwood resident reported that the same dog had killed her cat months earlier. She recalled physically restraining the dog while waiting for the owner to arrive and collect it. These repeated attacks prompted widespread concern among locals about the dog’s behaviour and its potential danger to both pets and people in the area.
Council Action and Owner Violations
Brisbane declared the dog dangerous in May, which required the owner to take specific steps to secure the animal. The dog was supposed to be kept in an approved enclosure, and any time it was outside, it had to wear a council-issued collar and muzzle. Despite these measures, Sherwood residents reported multiple sightings of the dog wandering in public without a muzzle, in direct violation of the council’s regulations.
The dog’s owner had been fined five times for failing to comply with the requirements set by the council. Despite these penalties, the violations continued, raising further alarm among the community.
Photo Credit: Needpix
Decision to Euthanise
After continued concerns from residents and media inquiries, Council issued an order to have the dog euthanised, citing community safety as the priority. Cr Sarah Hutton confirmed the decision, explaining that the owner had not taken the necessary steps to secure the dog, and further action was needed to protect Sherwood residents from potential harm.
The dog’s increasing aggression and failure to be properly restrained led to fears that the next victim could be a person, particularly a child. This prompted the council’s decision to take decisive action, despite multiple chances given to the owner to rectify the situation.
As Sherwood Arboretum approaches its centenary, a new chapter unfolds with the opening of its nature-inspired playground. After weeks of anticipation and careful work, the reimagined play space is now ready to welcome young adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The newly designed playground is more than just swings and slides; it’s an immersive experience that brings the arboretum’s rich botanical heritage to life. Children can now:
Hop along whimsical mushroom steppers
Wander a winding boardwalk
Listen to the melodies of local birds on an interactive sound panel
Gaze up at the canopy from a net, spotting wildlife among the branches
Test their balance on a challenging log maze
Scale a spider-inspired climbing net
Each element has been carefully chosen to encourage exploration and foster a connection with the natural world that surrounds it.
Accessibility and Enrichment at the Core
Photo credit: BCC/Facebook
The playground’s redesign focused on creating an enriched and more accessible play environment. Improvements include replacement of existing decking, installation of new equipment and furniture, and addition of a second pathway to enhance accessibility
These upgrades ensure that children of all abilities can enjoy the wonders of outdoor play in this unique setting.
Brisbane partnered with two local businesses to bring this suburban oasis to life. The collaboration has resulted in a play space that reflects the character of the area and the values of its residents.
Sherwood Arboretum: A Century of Growth
Photo credit: BCC/Facebook
As the playground opens its gates, it marks the beginning of celebrations leading up to Sherwood Arboretum’s centenary in 2025. Established on World Forestry Day in 1925, the arboretum has flourished from a modest collection of native Australian trees into a diverse 15-hectare sanctuary.
Today, the arboretum boasts:
Approximately 1,100 trees
250 distinct species
Various botanical collections including riverine, dry rainforest, dry sclerophyll, and freshwater wetland areas
A grand avenue of 72 kauri pines, considered the crown jewel of the park
Looking to the Future
With the centenary on the horizon, the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum are preparing for a year filled with celebrations and activities. The new playground is just the beginning of a series of upgrades aimed at revitalising this beloved space.
As Sherwood Arboretum enters its second century, it does so with renewed vigour. The enhanced facilities and nature-inspired playground ensure that future generations will continue to find relaxation, discovery, and a deep appreciation for conservation within its leafy bounds.
Residents in the affluent Brisbane suburb of Chelmer, along with neighbouring suburbs like Graceville and Sherwood, have resorted to drastic measures to combat rising youth crime rates. They’ve employed the services of a private security guard and his highly-trained dogs, spending thousands of dollars weekly in their bid to protect their community.
Frustrated with what they perceive as a lacklustre response from the government and courts regarding youth crime, residents have initiated community efforts to enhance safety.
One local, a young father, spearheaded these actions after a disturbing incident involving juveniles allegedly armed with machetes breaking into a mother’s home in Sherwood. He expressed discontent with government inaction and emphasised the urgency of addressing the escalating problem.
Patrols and Surveillance
Under the guidance of ex-army reservist Dan Walker, Walker Security conducts patrols equipped with highly visible vehicles and trained protection dogs. Daily reports from these patrols keep residents informed of any suspicious activities.
Photo Credit: Walker Security/Facebook
The visible presence of security personnel and their vigilant monitoring have significantly deterred criminal activities, contributing to a notable decrease in reported offences, particularly in Chelmer, where property values are high.
When the locals took matters into their own hands in November 2023, the residents claimed that crime rates plummeted by as much as 80 per cent in their area.
Chelmer Crime Statistics Feb 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Based on the Queensland Police Services statistics, the number of offences like robbery, unlawful entry, and theft have decreased in the suburbs.
Chelmer Offences (Robbery, Unlawful Entry, Theft) – Aug 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Chelmer Offences (Robbery, Unlawful Entry, Theft) – Nov 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Police Response and Strategies for 2024
While community-led initiatives strive to mitigate immediate concerns, law enforcement agencies still grapple with long-term solutions.
Queensland’s Acting Assistant Commissioner for Youth Crime, Andrew Massingham, outlines police strategies for 2024, emphasising the need for swift action against violent youth offenders. With a focus on early intervention and prevention, police aim to address the root causes of youth crime while utilising technologies such as GPS trackers to monitor offenders.
Amidst these efforts, academic voices like Associate Professor Troy Allard from Griffith University, advocate for a systemic rethink in approaching youth justice.
Criticising the current emphasis on deterrence, Dr Allard suggests a shift towards prevention-focused interventions, highlighting the need for holistic support systems involving therapy and family supervision. Such initiatives, he argues, could yield more meaningful and sustainable outcomes in addressing youth crime.
Police Commissioner Steps Down
Amidst growing tensions within police ranks and criticisms over the handling of recent incidents, Police Commisioner Katarina Carroll announced her decision to step down during a meeting with Police Minister Mark Ryan at Brisbane Airport on 20 February 2024. Her resignation follows heightened speculation and comes in the wake of concerns over the state’s response to youth crime.
Despite Premier Steven Miles’ previous support, Carroll emphasised the need to “clear the air” and allow the Queensland Police Service to focus on addressing critical issues. As discussions swirl around her departure, attention turns to the future leadership of the force and the ongoing challenges in tackling youth offending.
Commissioner Carroll’s last day will be on 1 March 2024, months out from when her contract was due to finish. She was appointed to the role in 2019, becoming the first woman in the position after serving as commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.
The Sherwood Arboretum will once again host the annual Toad Bust, a key event in the Australian ecological calendar, aiming to tackle the growing problem of Cane Toads in the region.
This invasive species, the Rhinella marina, poses a serious threat to Australia’s native wildlife and ecosystems, making the Toad Bust not just an event, but a vital environmental mission.
The Sherwood Annual Toad Bust is scheduled for Saturday, 20 Jan 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 87 Jolimont St.
The Sherwood Arboretum, part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens collection, is a heritage-listed site officially opened on World Forestry Day in 1925. It spans 15 hectares and houses approximately 1100 trees from around 250 species, showcasing diverse botanical collections and a grand avenue of 72 kauri pines.
The Impact of Cane Toads
Cane Toads are known for devastatingly impacting Australian native wildlife, poisoning thousands of pets, and adversely affecting local agriculture. They have a lifespan of over 10 years in the wild, with a single female capable of producing up to 35,000 eggs per breeding cycle.
The Great Cane Toad Bust encourages community participation in tackling this environmental menace. People are urged to engage in toad busting, tadpole trapping, and humane euthanasia of the toads, contributing to the collective effort to control their population.
On the Ground: Toadbusters in Action
Simon Middap, a semi-retired IT engineer and enthusiastic “toadbuster” shares his experience of the overwhelming presence of Cane Toads on the Pacific Harbour golf estate in Queensland. He highlights the practical challenges they face, like the difficulty in finding a spot to place a golf ball due to the sheer number of toadlets.
Middap describes their catch-cry, “TTTT” (Terrorise toads every third Thursday), illustrating their consistent efforts in managing the toad population. This reflects the community’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Environmental and Scientific Perspectives
Due to recent weather patterns, Dr. Jodi Rowley, a frog biologist, emphasises the favourable breeding conditions for amphibians, including Cane Toads. She underscores the importance of local initiatives like toad busts in positively impacting local wildlife.
The introduction of Cane Toads in 1935 by Queensland’s sugar cane growers marks a critical point in Australia’s environmental history. Their intention to control beetle species affecting sugar cane crops backfired, leading to the widespread invasion of toads across the country.
The Sherwood Annual Toad Bust is more than an event; it’s proof of the power of community involvement in environmental conservation. With initiatives like this, Australians demonstrate their resilience and commitment to protecting their unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Submitted by architecture firm Rothelowman, the plans envision four new buildings on a two-hectare site at 26 Egmont Street, adjacent to the existing Parklands at Sherwood complex.
The proposed development aims to make efficient use of the space by co-locating the four buildings on site whilst still providing green spaces and retail options.
Photo credit: Rothelowman
The dwellings themselves offer a mix of unit types, mostly one-bedroom units but also some three-bedroom options.
Specifics of the proposal include realigning internal roadways to improve site access, increasing bicycle parking to 54 spaces, enhancing communal amenities like public gathering areas, and ensuring private outdoor space for townhouse residents.
Photo credit: Rothelowman
The buildings are designed to take advantage of nearby public transit whilst also providing 325 on-site car parking spots.
The development application seeks to modify prior approvals for the site by extending into unused stages and tweaking prior building envelopes and dwelling mixes.
Photo credit: Rothelowman
According to planners, developers have taken this opportunity to re-evaluate the masterplan and update the development’s design to align with present-day market preferences and standards. The revisions aim to produce housing that caters to current demands and expectations.
If approved, it would represent a major extension of the Parklands complex, bringing hundreds of new modern housing options to a neighbourhood already seeing rapid growth and evolution.
The proposal is currently under review by Brisbane City Council. Construction timelines and sales details have not yet been publicly shared by the development team.
Residents in Sherwood and the nearby suburbs are encouraged to take advantage of two exciting fitness activities that have recently started in the area: a walking group and a dance workshop. These activities not only offer health benefits but also provide a platform for fostering community connections.
Walking Group Offers Heart-Healthy Benefits
A new walking group has emerged in Sherwood and it’s already attracting attention from locals eager to prioritise their health and well-being. The group meets every Friday at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre, located at 38 Thallon St.
Whether you’re a dog owner looking to give your furry friend some exercise or a parent with a pram, the walking group welcomes everyone.
Walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity like walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers. The benefits extend to improving bone density, balance, and coordination, which contribute to preventing injuries.
Scan the QR code to learn the details on how to join this weekly activity or phone Katrina at 0478 415 946.
Photo Credit: Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre
Dance Workshop Revives 80’s Spirit
In addition to the walking group, Sherwood’s community has had an exciting dance workshop that promises a trip down memory lane. The Common People Dance project offers free dance classes, where participants can learn and showcase their dance moves.
The workshops take place every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Sherwood Uniting Church Hall on Sherwood Rd and will run until the 7th of Sept 2023. On that night, a dance party will be underway from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre
With a blend of nostalgia and new moves, the workshop aims to bring together individuals from all walks of life. The activity is all about having fun, getting some exercise, and sharing a laugh with fellow attendees. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or someone just looking to have a good time, these workshops are open to all.
Residents interested in joining the dance workshops are encouraged to RSVP to sandiellen@benarrawa.org.au or phone the Benarrawa Community Development Association‘s mobile at 0411 596 002.
Whether you’re lacing up your sneakers for a brisk walk or brushing up on your dance skills, these fitness events have something to offer for everyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.
“Guerilla art” doesn’t always have to be street graffiti a la Banksy. This Sherwood artist, Ryan Forster, has brought street art to a quirky and different level with his metal bin chickens popping up all over town, sparking interest among passers-by and on social media.
The project began innocently enough when Mr Forster was making various metal animal sculptures and his barber playfully suggested trying a bin chicken, a colloquial term used in Australia for the ibis, due to their scavenging nature.
Forster placed an initial six pieces of these artistic creations around Brisbane as part of what he called the “Brisbane Bin Chicken Trail.” Two sculptures were placed in the Queen St Mall, one at Milton train station, and another one at an Oxley roundabout, the latter installed in a daring midnight operation.
A TikTok video showcasing the project went viral, attracting significant attention and numerous requests from businesses wanting their own official bin chicken sculptures. Forster added a humorous and unique design, with the ibis holding an XXXX can, that appealed to the public.
However, the art project faced setbacks as some individuals couldn’t resist pilfering these whimsical pieces of art. Apparently, some ibis enthusiasts decided to take matters into their own hands and stole the sculptures from a roundabout and the bustling Queen St Mall.
“I made metal bin chickens and installed them around Brisbane as public art but unfortunately they kept getting stolen!” Mr Forster said.
“People loved them and they went viral all the time so I knew I needed a way to make them more permanent. I came up with the Bin Chicken Trail where businesses, homeowners and communities would buy a ‘Binny’ and I would attach it securely on their premises.
“It helps to bring eyes to their business and feet in their door. But moreover it’s a bit of fun, gives people a laugh and supports wildlife conservation charities.”
Nonetheless, not all hope is lost for the bin chicken aficionados.
A law firm from Caboolture, Murray Torcetti lawyers, has taken a stance against the pilferers by commissioning their rooftop version of the bin chicken, which fittingly clutches the scales of justice.
James Torcetti, a partner at the law firm, said that they decided to get a bin chicken for their rooftop because they “love a laugh.” It’s also quite symbolic because bin chickens are known underdogs that deserve to be fought for.
Meanwhile, the artist remains undeterred by the thefts and has plans to create eight more bin chicken sculptures around Brisbane. He has a particular interest in suburbs like Darras and Oxley, where appreciation for this style of art runs high.
A Sherwood resident, who was in an induced coma for three months, has lived to tell the tale about his health issues and is warning others about the dangers of mould exposure.
Terence Clay, 33, claimed that he had unfortunately lived in a mould-infested home for two years, frequently experiencing respiratory issues.
Fearing a heart attack one day, Mr Clay was taken to the hospital where doctors determined he had to undergo an emergency tracheostomy after he passed out. Three months later, he woke up from an induced coma at the hospital and learned that he suffered from necrotising pancreatitis.
Doctors told the Sherwood resident that his pancreas “melted away” because of the toxins that were discovered to be from mould in his house.
Although his medical abstract did not directly link his necrotising pancreatitis to the mould in his unit, a Sunshine Coast doctor specialising in mould illness said there have been animal studies confirming that toxins from moulds can lead to severe health issues.
“There are some animal studies showing that various mycotoxins (toxins from mould species) can cause severe damage to the pancreas, as has happened in this case, but no more certain evidence showing a link between pancreatitis and mould exposure,” Dr Sandeep Gupta said. “However I would certainly not rule out the possibility.”
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Worksafe Queensland also underscores that mould issues may lead to fungal infection and cause systemic reactions that can be life-threatening.
Moulds develop as a result of humidity issues brought on by poor ventilation and waterproofing in rental properties. It can re-occur especially when a leaking roof or a wall cavity remains unfixed.
Mr Clay first raised the mould issues with his landlord in August 2021 but there were no immediate actions to resolve it other than to paint over the walls. As a result, Mr Clay has discussed going the legal route to sue his landlord for his long-term health issues.
Sherwoodhomeownersare taking the opportunity to develop their properties or spruce up their homes, especially now that the summer season is just around the corner. These are the recent development applications in progress or are already approved.
The proposed development is for reconfiguring a lot into three lots. The applicant originally proposed to demolish the existing dwelling house on-site but has filed proposed changes, to rearrange the approved lot layout and facilitate the retention of the house.
Subject site (Photo credit: Google Street View)
The tennis court and the swimming pool will be removed whilst the dwelling house will remain in place. The reconfiguration of the existing layout avoids the demolition of the existing house on-site, which is a five-bedroom house built in 1985. The property has a land size of 3490 sqm whilst the house has a floor size of 385 sqm.
Dwelling House Extension
Photo credit: Google Street View
Location: 114 Plumer St, Sherwood
The applicant has filed for development permit for an unenclosed carport extension to the existing dwelling house, which has a total area of 647 sqm.
“As the proposal is for an unenclosed carport extension to the existing dwelling house, it is considered that the development has a high degree of flood immunity and meets the applicable performance outcome of the code,” the planning document reads.
Carry Out Building Work
Location: 11 Skew St, Sherwood
Photo credit: Google Street View
A private building certification company has received an approval to build over or near a stormwater pipe. According to Queensland’s development code, an approval should be given first for those who are planning to work near or above pipes.
Extension of Pre-1946 Dwelling
Location: 51 Dudley St, Sherwood
Photo credit: Google Street View
The applicant is requesting some changes to approved plans for partial demolition and extensions of a Pre-1946 dwelling house, with the minor change application seeking to change the approved material for the garage door.
Based on planning documents, the applicant requests to demolish the roof, western verandah railing and lower portions of the ground floor wall, to facilitate the proposed extensions for a verandah and double garage.
The site contains a pre-1946 detached Dwelling House which is understood to have been used for residential purposes since the time of its initial subdivision. The building is identified as having historic extensions that have built on the original fabric of the dwelling.
