No, my suburb isn’t unsafe, so please stop saying it is. It’s actually charming

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When I purchased my first home in Zillmere at the end of last year, I was met with the same two comments – “where is that? I’ve never heard of it!” and “don’t worry, it will gentrify”, which was usually followed by a sympathetic look and a query about how I found the nightlife.

Let’s face it, many who know the area know it by its reputation, thanks largely to one big, heinous event that took place here. You might be further alarmed by the handmade sign adorning the local 7-Eleven which talks about high levels of theft, and how staff have a right to lock the doors to feel safe.

I don’t doubt they’ve had bad experiences. But on the whole, Zillmere is surprisingly quiet. You’ll hear chippies hard at work and birds chirping in the trees more than you’ll hear any neighbourhood disturbance.

Under a microscope, it really doesn’t look much different to my old stomping ground of Clayfield – and even the coffee is the same. My local here, Milk and Froth, has a Clayfield sister venue that stands proudly outside Harris Farm.

Each morning at the........

© Brisbane Times