A beloved Annerley business faces a major clean-up after a driver in a white Holden ute lost control and smashed into the Annerley Aquarium, destroying a structural pole and bringing the building’s front awning crashing down before speeding away from the scene.
The shocking incident was captured on camera at 5:50 p.m. on Saturday. The footage shows the vehicle drifting across the front of the Ipswich Road store before colliding with the pole, which shattered on impact. The Holden, sustaining only a dent, was then seen driving off along Old Cleveland Road.
Sandra “Sandy” Ponting, who has co-owned the local aquarium with her husband Peter since 1983, said the damage will require a significant repair effort. “They’ll have to pull down the awning structurally rather than prop it up,” Ms Ponting explained. “It will be a building site, I guess.”
In a stroke of luck, the store was empty at the time of the crash, and the vehicle narrowly avoided the main display window, home to a 20-year-old Gourami fish valued at $1500.
Showing true community spirit, the Annerley Aquarium team opened for business on Sunday, directing loyal customers to use the back entrance while the front of the shop is assessed.
Police are now appealing to the public for help. They urge any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of a white Holden ute in the area around the time of the crash to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Published Date 06-July-2025
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