In a series of alarming events on March 21, 2025, suspicious packages prompted immediate evacuations at a Bunnings hardware store in Brisbane and an office located in North Geelong. The first incident unfolded shortly after noon when police were alerted to the presence of a potential bomb at the Bunnings store on Sandgate Road in Virginia.
Authorities reported that the suspicious item was located inside the store around 12:30 PM. As a precautionary measure, local police established a 100-meter exclusion zone around the area and initiated an evacuation of the business. A spokesperson for Queensland Police stated, "Specialist officers are en route to assess the item." Meanwhile, patrons who were shopping in the store were temporarily displaced as police worked to ensure safety in the vicinity.
This incident in Brisbane mirrored a similar situation occurring just hours earlier in North Geelong. At approximately 9:40 AM that same day, Victoria Police were called to a Mackey Street office after two female protesters deposited a suspicious package in the reception area. Eyewitnesses described the women as being gloved and visibly recording their actions. According to a report by the Daily Mail Australia, "Police claim the two women were chanting and recording when they dropped the package off at about 9:40 AM on Friday."
As the response in North Geelong unfolded, a bomb squad robot was deployed to assess the package, remaining at the scene well into the afternoon. Fortunately, the package was ultimately found to contain no dangerous materials, and the scene was subsequently declared safe. A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed, "The package was found 'not to contain any dangerous materials and the scene was subsequently declared safe.'" This reassurance allowed the evacuated office employees to return to their workplaces as normal operations resumed.
In reaction to these events, authorities emphasized the importance of a swift and appropriate response to potential threats. With two incidents occurring in such close succession, concerns about safety in public spaces have risen. Many individuals expressed apprehension about the situation; however, law enforcement agencies assured the community that they are doing all they can to prevent any harm.
The precise motivations behind these incidents remain unclear, sparking speculation and concern among locals about the intentions of the protesters involved in the North Geelong incident. While investigations continue, police have stated that they will remain vigilant in monitoring similar occurrences in order to ensure public safety.
In the meantime, the Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police both attended to assess the situation in Brisbane. As of now, no suspected connections between the two separate incidents have been confirmed, but investigators are exploring all angles. There are still many unanswered questions as the community seeks clarity on the nature of these threats.
As the dust settles from this chaotic day, both Bunnings and the AMDA Foundation—the organization involved in the North Geelong incident—are ready to return to business as usual, reassured by the prompt action of the police and their teams. However, the events of March 21 will undoubtedly leave a lingering sense of caution in the air, reminding everyone of the unpredictable nature of public safety.
Authorities are urging citizens to report any suspicious activities or packages they may encounter in their daily lives and remain vigilant as community safety certainly relies on collective awareness.
