Capalaba police have charged three party hosts following a large disturbance in Capalaba on 19 September.
Around 10.15pm, police responded to reports of a large disturbance on Wildflower Street.
Upon arrival, officers observed a significant number of people in the area and were met with a number of glass bottles being thrown in their direction. Additional police resources were deployed and officers subsequently gained entry to the residence.
As members of the group fled the scene, officers were alerted to a 16-year-old girl who had collapsed. She was transported to Redland Hospital for treatment and discharged the following morning.
A 43-year-old Birkdale man, who had arrived at the scene to pick up one of the attendees, suffered a suspected medical episode and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition where he remains.
A 17-year-old Thornlands boy was arrested at the scene and charged with one count each of serious assault police officer by spitting, commit public nuisance and obstruct police officer.
He is due to appear in the Cleveland Children’s Court on 16 October 2026.
Ongoing police investigations have since resulted in a 45-year-old Capalaba man, 41-year-old Capalaba woman, and a 16-year-old Capalaba boy, the alleged hosts of the gathering, being charged.
It is alleged the hosts did not take appropriate steps to ensure the gathering was a safe and orderly environment for attendees and neighbours.
It will be further alleged on police arrival the 16-year-old host did not comply with reasonable police instructions.
The 45-year-old man, 41-year-old woman have each been charge with one count each of organising an out-of-control event.
The pair are expected to appear before Cleveland Magistrates Court on 27 October.
The 16-year-old boy was charged with one count of contravene direction by police officer in relation to event. He was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Police investigations into the disturbance remain ongoing.
Anyone with information or vision that may assist is urged to contact police.
South Brisbane District Acting Superintendent Jon Kent says the responsibility of party hosts doesn’t end after the invitation is sent.
“We expect hosts to plan ahead, know your guests, manage numbers, supervise the party, know the warning signs and taken action early as a gathering becomes unsafe or gets out of control,” Acting Superintendent Kent said.
“Police are also reminding parents that if the party is for their child, this does not wipe the parent’s hands of responsibility. As the guardian, your responsibility is to ensure a safe and controlled environment for all attendees. Especially as other children may be in attendance.
“Ignorance is never an excuse when hosting an event.
“The responsibility for establishing a safe and controlled environment starts with hosts. If you aren’t confident you can manage it, then reconsider if the scale of event is one you should be organising.
“If factors outside of your control emerge, you have a responsibility to call for assistance rather than waiting for a situation to deteriorate.
“Being a considerate host isn’t just about looking after your guests; it’s also about being mindful of your neighbours and community. Minimise disruption and have communications in place with your guests to ensure they will not be trespassing on neighbour’s properties or littering along the streets.
“Don’t let a party end with police knocking at the door and needing to take enforcement action.”
A safe party starts with responsible planning and continues with active supervision throughout the event.
Key points for hosts to consider when preparing or holding a party include:
- Plan before the party – Know how many people you are inviting, who they are, and consider whether the chosen venue is appropriate.
- Control invitations – The QPS advises against open social media advertising of parties and encourages making an entry invitation-only requirement to reduce the risk of gate crashers.
- Have adequate supervision – Hosts should consider who the designated responsible adults or security for the event will be. Have an agreed contingency plan in place for what to do it something goes wrong. Designated responsible hosts and adults should not drink at the event to ensure they remain alert and can assist where needed.
- Manage alcohol responsibly – Have food and water available, consider how alcohol will be supplied and ensure alcohol isn’t provided to attendees under the age of 18 years old.
- Have a plan in place if a medical emergency occurs – have a first aid kit readily available and keep a phone on you if a medical emergency occurs and you need to contact triple zero.
- Manage noise levels and be considerate of your neighbours – Have a clear start and finish time for the party and ensure noise levels are not too loud. Provide your neighbours with a courtesy heads-up before the party occurs. Do not allow people to leave with open drinks or consume drinks on the street or footpath.
- Act early if something goes wrong – refuse entry to gate crashers and ask them to leave. If gate crashes to not comply, contact police or call 000 in an emergency.
- Comply with police directions – if police are required to attend and take control of a party, comply with all police directions.
For more information on how to host a safe party and register your party, visit Party Safe | QPS.
