An Australian mother has warned fellow parents after claiming her children found a butcher’s knife hidden inside a play structure at a popular Gold Coast play center.
Tiani Palmer described the moment her family’s celebration turned into a nightmare.
“On the 6th of July 2025, we celebrated my daughter’s 4th birthday at Bella’s Wonderland in Southport. What was supposed to be a magical day quickly turned into something deeply disturbing and dangerous,” she wrote on Facebook.
According to Palmer, her six-year-old son and two other boys of the same age were playing in the main playground area when they stumbled upon the large knife hidden inside the equipment.
“While playing in the main playground area, my 6-year-old son and two other 6-year-old boys found a large butcher’s knife hidden down the side of the mats inside the play structure. A KNIFE. In a children’s playground.”
Palmer said she immediately handed the weapon to staff, who she claimed reacted with indifference.
“I was in shock and incredibly concerned, not just for my own children but for every family that walks through those doors,” he said.
Palmer said she attempted to contact the play center’s management but was repeatedly stonewalled.
“The next day, I called the center multiple times, asking to speak with the manager. I was told she was ‘sick’ and would call me back when she could. I never heard from her. I even followed up with an email. Still nothing.
“For the price you pay to host a birthday party at these types of places, you would think your child would be safe and it’s a safe environment. My daughter’s birthday could have ended in absolute tragedy.”
“I’m beyond disappointed and honestly disgusted by how this situation was handled.”
She has reported the incident to Queensland Police.
However, a Queensland Police Service spokesperson told the Gold Coast Bulletin the center also lodged an online report to police.
They have so far been unable to determine how the knife got there.
“Officers spoke with management and staff, however it remains unknown who placed the knife at the location or when it was placed there,” the spokesperson said.
“CCTV footage did not assist with identifying any offender. At this time, there are no further avenues of investigation.”
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