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Next Distribution dates, Issue 118 is the 20th August - Bribie Island, Sandstone Point & Ningi. 21st August -23rd August delivered to Beachmere, Caboolture, Toorbul, Donnybrook and surrounding areas.
Delivered to homes and local businesses in the following areas:Bribie Island, Sandstone Point, Ningi, Godwin Beach, Beachmere (including Peel Road & Beachmere Road) Bribie Pines, Toorbul, Donnybrook, Meldale, Central Lakes, Caboolture and Elimbah. Copies can also be picked up from IGA and other local businesses in these districts.
Our youngest writer Chase was there to experience all of the excitement from the inaugural Enduro Quest - Bribie to Caloundra Dragon Boat Challenge. Sheree has provided a state budget wrap up and what it means to our local region regarding health, education and community services.
For years, women have had support networks to assist with understanding and coping when life throws you a curve ball. Sheree chatted with Stephen Hirst founder of Dads Community, a North Brisbane - based group offering men a safe space to connect with others experiencing similar life challenges.
Caboolture has a new cancer care centre, which will be delivering important oncology services to our region. They are currently taking consultation appointments, with treatments to start at the end of July.
Our sport section is growing, make sure you check out all the local team results. With the State of Origin just behind us, Chase has given us the low down on this highly anticipated annual event.
As usual, we cover a wide variety of local issues, while showcasing our local businesses. It is our local businesses who make this publication possible, so please support them.
Until next month.
Warm regards, Belinda
Truck Driver needed
MR or HR License Driver
MNM Transport is a family-owned transport company. We specialise in the baking, distillery &landscaping supplies, between the Tweed NSW and Gladstone areas. Being a smaller player in the transport industry,.
The person we will be looking for will be required for MR pickups and deliveries. Helping to load and unloading of trailers, with hand unloads approx. 60% of loads.
Work hours would vary, depending on in coming freight volumes but would be expected around 30 - 40hours per week, with overtime as needed.
Our depot is located at Capalaba.
MNM Transport run a well maintained, modern fleet of vehicles and are very committed to the safety and comfort of our drivers, whether on the road or in our warehouse.
We are looking for someone with the following skills: MR License, AUTO, HR License MANUAL would be a Bonus. Forklift experience with License.
Ability to maintain vehicle cleanliness. Sanitary agents will be supplied. Good work ethic. Excellent paperwork skills. Good time management is essential. The ability to think outside the square.
To apply for this job please send through a recent CV with all experience.
Kind Regards, MNM Transport Logistics
Contact on email: sales@mnmtransport.com.au
The views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the Editor or publishers of the newspaper.
“Please keep letters to a maximum of 200 words” all Letters to the Editor can be emailed to belinda@ islandandsurrounds.com.au
Bribie Bridge
The new LNP Member for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan, is claiming credit for the LNP state government for the release of the business case for the new Bribie Island Bridge after “years of Labor failures”.
How ironic, considering that the LNP criticised many aspects of Labor’s plan for the bridge, especially the cost and that the previous Member for Pumicestone Ali King worked tirelessly to get a new bridge.
The facts are:
1. Community consultations began as early as January 2023, which included surveys, interactive maps and information sessions.
2. The second round of consultations began in early 2024. There were over 4,000 responses to these consultations.
3. These consultations followed a long process of research to assess the safety, viability and cost of using or removing the old bridge.
4. Funding for the bridge was announced on July 2 2024 by the then Premier Steven Miles.
5. The business case was completed in December 2024.
6. The present work happening to widen the Caboolture to Bribie Island Road to four lanes is also the result of Ali King’s tireless efforts to improve roads in Pumicestone.
C Rutherford Bribie Island
Response from Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan
Thank you for the opportunity to respond. It’s important we deal in facts, not fiction, when it comes to infrastructure projects like the Bribie Island Bridge.
Yes, community consultation began under the former government as it should have. But let’s be clear: consultation is not delivery. Labor sat on the business case for months and failed to release it publicly because their heart was not in it. It was the newly elected LNP government that finally released the business case summary, giving residents the transparency they deserve.
The LNP has never opposed building a new bridge and it was actually the former
LNP member for Pumicestone Lisa France who secured the land for the second bridge during her term in government. What we have opposed is secrecy, cost blowouts and failure to deliver. The former government had 10 years to do it. They often spoke about the bridge but locals knew it was all talk. Since being elected, I have made it clear that this project is a priority. That includes transparency ensuring there is money in the budget to progress this major project and continuing to upgrade Bribie Island Road.
Queenslanders voted for change in October 2024 because they were tired of delays and excuses. The new LNP government and I are focused on delivering for Pumicestone. Ariana Doolan Member for Pumicestone.
Endurance and teamwork shine on the Passage
By Chase Christensen
Paddles pounded and spirits soared as the inaugural Enduro Quest – Bribie to Caloundra Dragon Boat Challenge made waves as one of the City of Moreton Bay’s biggest sporting highlights of the year so far, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pumicestone Passage. Beginning at Sylvan Beach across from Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) on Saturday June 14, the competitive race between local dragon boat clubs consisted of four teams made up of 63 determined paddlers competing for the win, whilst testing themselves with a monstrous physical and mental challenge. This gruelling race ended a gigantic 37 kilometres and four-and-ahalf hours away at the Caloundra Power Boat Club.
One of the four teams was the host club, Dragon Boat Pumicestone, comprising of paddlers aged between 22 and 77 years of age proving the sport is truly for everyone.
Dragon boating began in China and is now practised around the world for fun, fitness and racing. This team sport consists of up to 20 paddlers moving in sync as someone at the back steers, whilst the drummer keeps the beat in a long boat shaped like a dragon. After a fierce tussle in the last 10 kilometres of the race, the Maroochy Sea Serpents were victorious, followed by Dragon Boat Pumicestone in second place. However, the result was far from the main point of the event. More importantly, it marked the successful launch of the first-ever 37km Enduro Quest – Bribie to Caloundra. There are already plans for it to become a bucketlist annual event and there’s no reason it shouldn’t be, given how much of a success it was. It’s a great showpiece and benefits local marine rescue tremendously, with all profits donated to
marine organisations.
To draw further attention to the event, Councillor Brooke Savige and Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan were in attendance throwing major support behind the initiative, both in person and via social media.
Councillor Savige expressed her eagerness to find out who would take out the inaugural win, as the race began in what she described as the “beautiful Pumicestone Passage”.
Ms Doolan praised the event and emphasised the importance of local volunteers.
“I believe the inaugural Enduro Quest was a fantastic success!” she said. “Volunteers are the heart of our community and supporting them through events like Enduro Quest is a way of saying thank you and ensuring they can keep doing what they do best.” It's safe to say that with the support of two local political figures, the Enduro Quest will most certainly continue in the years to come. Next year is already shaping up as a must-watch event. To keep up-to-date on all upcoming events, key news and results, follow the Dragon Boating Pumicestone Facebook page. To contact the club, email dragonboatpumicestone@gmail.com.
Get in touch with our team.
CONTACT: belinda@islandandsurrounds.com.au or sms 0447 007 966
Bribie Bowels - Hot Spot
It is not considered very polite to talk about your bowels...but you should.
Australia has one of the world’s highest incidences of bowel cancer, killing more than 5000 Australians each year. You probably know of cases.
Bribie Island is recognised as one of the HOT SPOTS for bowel cancer in Australia, with above average rates of preventable deaths, in a country that is already high by world standards.
Hot spots of Bribie Island, Cairns, Gympie and Gatton have bowel cancer rates more than 12% higher than the national average. If you are aged over 50 you are already at risk of developing bowel cancer.
Back in 2007, Bribie Rotary started selling simple bowel cancer test kits for just a few dollars for people to do at home and submit for testing at Sullivan & Nicolaides on Bribie. This was very well-supported with thousands of Bribie residents tested and many lives saved.
Virtually everyone who bought a kit did the test and Rotary was able to demonstrate to the federal government the significant health and cost benefit of early detection.
The health department then initiated a national program mailing out more than six million bowel cancer screening kits per year, every second year to Australians aged 49 to 74 years of age. If you are in this age range, you will have
received it... and hopefully done it! Sadly, unlike the Rotary low-cost kit, only four out of 10 people (40%) who receive a free government test kit in the mail will complete and submit it for testing. A very ineffective and costly government campaign failing to achieve the significant health and cost benefits demonstrated by Rotary. Research shows that if the actual testing rate could be lifted from 40% to even 60%, some 84,000 Australian lives will be saved in coming years. More people must do the test to achieve a huge health and cost benefit.
Bribie Island Rotary plan to raise bowel cancer awareness with test kits available on Bribie targeting people under 45 and those over 75 years, who no longer get a free government kit in the mail.
Bowel cancer is not just an old person’s disease as those under 50 years make up 12% of all bowel cancers and those over 75 make up 41% of all diagnoses. Early detection is your best protection and may just save your life. One in three bowel cancers shows there is a family history, so please start talking about your bum and bowels with your family.
Talk to a Rotarian about a test kit or come and see us at the Rotary Market in Brennan Park on the second Sunday of the month.
Barry Clark Rotary PHF
CCTV SURVEILLANCE
Computerised speaking camera’s.
Record historical data for 30 days or more.
Remote monitoring to smartphone or computer. All types of computer services.
Building a village for dads too
By Sheree Hoddinett
When life threw Stephen Hirst one of its toughest chapters, he didn’t retreat—he built something powerful. Out of personal struggle came Dads Community, a North Brisbane-based support network giving men what they have been missing for too long: connection, purpose and a safe space to be real.
While mums often have endless avenues of support—coffee catchups, mother’s groups, online forums—dads are usually left to tough it out in silence. Stephen wanted to see this dynamic shift.
“It’s a space that is very much needed,” Stephen explains about the concept of Dads Community. “I see the breakdown in society and I do feel there’s a lack of support for dads out there. I also feel the more support we give them; the healthier society becomes and we create healthier families.”
It was during the breakdown of his marriage and trying to navigate coparenting that Stephen realised he needed support. Wanting to be present for his kids spurred Stephen on to connect with others and it grew from there. Enter Dads Community - a safe, welcoming and supportive space where men from all walks of life could connect, share, learn and be reminded that they weren’t alone on their journey.
“This is a space for men to feel comfortable, for them to be able to open up and have a chat or at least listen to someone else going through a similar thing and know they aren’t alone,” Stephen said. “I realised early on you have to role model it and so I decided to jump on to a live chat in the private
Facebook group daily and also share my story, my challenges, what’s happening with my life and be completely vulnerable so others know it’s okay.” Dads Community isn’t just talk—it’s action. Regular events include:
• Barbecue meetups (dads and kids).
• Sports teams (dads only).
• Weekly Lake Eden running club (dads only).
• Fortnightly hikes and Lake Eden walks (families, partners, kids and others).
• Annual Christmas party (all families welcome).
• Gel blasting and 4WD days in the bush and beach (all families welcome).
• Men’s circles – real talk and real support for men to open up, listen and be heard.
Creating Dads Community and making a difference in the lives of others out there has given Stephen a focus and purpose.
“I didn't really realise I didn't have a purpose until my marriage separation happened,” Stephen said. “I felt very unfulfilled in the job I was doing and I was obviously seeking some sort of purpose, I didn’t know that I was going to get that purpose by creating the Dads Community. But watching the changes taking place and seeing them find themselves and be that better person, especially for their kids, is pretty special to see.”
The Dads Community isn’t just making a difference for fathers, it’s changing the lives of the women who surround them as well.
“We see so much support from wives, partners, mothers and even ex-partners, who tell us how grateful they are to see the men in their lives doing something for themselves and trying to be better,” Stephen said.
Stephen has built more than just a community, he has built a legacy—one that continues to grow stronger with every shared story, every new father welcomed and every life made better through connection.
If you want to know more about Dads Community, jump on the public Facebook page
www.facebook.com/
share/1Lqm6QDBcM/?mibextid=wwXIfr or email 1dadscommunity@gmail.com. There is also a private page for dads www.facebook.com/ share/g/1L4jPUwHiE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Soluna with light guard Honeycomb Blinds Woodlore shutter all Smart drapes
Stephen Hirst.
Stephen with his kids.
CHICKEN DISHES
1.ROASTCHICKEN Reg $9.95 | Lge $13.50
Tender roasted chicken served with gravy, roast chat potatoes, pumpkin and green beans.
3. CHICKENALA KING Reg $10.95| Lge $14.50
Delicious chicken pieces cooked in a white sauce with bacon served with chat potatoes, yellow & green beans.
14.SATAYCHICKEN Reg $9.95 | Lge $13.50
Tender chicken breast topped with a satay sauce and served with yellow and green beans and rice. (contains nuts)
15.SWEET &SOUR CHICKEN Reg $10.95 | Lge $14.50
Asian style sweet & sour chicken served with steamed rice & green beans
16. GREEN THAI CHICKEN CURRY Reg $10.95 | Lge $14.50
Tender chicken cooked in a green curry sauce served with steamed rice, green beans and capsicums.
17.CHICKENKORMA CURRY Reg $10.95 | Lge $14.50
Juicy tender chicken cooked in an Indian korma sauce topped with mango chutney, steamed rice and green beans.
20. BUTTER CHICKEN Reg $10.95 | Lge $14.50
Tender chicken cooked in a mild Indian spiced butter sauce served with steamed rice and green beans.
37.CHICKENPARMI Reg $11.95 | Lge $15.50
Crumbed chicken fillets, Napoli sauce, grated cheese & parmesan, served with chat potatoes & seasonalvegetables.
47.MANGO CHICKEN Reg $9.95 | Lge $13.50
Seasoned tender chicken with a mouth watering mango sauce, served with steamed aussie beans and chat potatoes.
49. CREAMY PESTOCHICKEN PASTA Reg $9.95| Lge $13.50 Penne Pasta with basil pesto cream sauce, chicken fillets, broccoli, baby spinach and topped with cheese. (contains nuts)
53.CHICKENCACCIATORE Reg $10.95| Lge $14.50
Tender chicken cooked with tomatoes, red wine, bacon & olives served with rice & green beans.
PORK DISHES
13. OLD ENGLISH SAUSAGES Reg $9.95 | Lge $13.50
Served with mash potato, rich gravy, carrots & peas.
12.ROAST PORK Reg $10.95 | Lge $14.50 Roasted pork with gravy, chat potatoes and roast pumpkin.
27.PASTACARBONARA Reg $9.95 | Lge $13.50
Spaghetti cooked in a bacon and mushroom cream sauce.
33. PICKLED PORK Reg $10.95| Lge $13.50
Pickled pork with creamy mustard sauce served with Colcannon mash & seasonal vegetables.
Fettuccine topped with smoked salmon, baby spinach in a creamy sauce served with broccoli.
46. BAKED FISH Reg $9.95 | Lge $13.50
Wild caught New Zealand Hoki with a cream sauce, served with sweet potato, peas & broccoli.
LAMBDISHES
10.
11. LAMB CASSEROLE Reg $12.50 | Lge $15.50 Tender
42. MONGOLIANLAMB
$12.50|
$15.50 Asian style Mongolian lamb cooked with steamed
VEGETARIAN/ VEGANDISHES
The Blues prove yet again, they just don’t get Origin
By Chase Christensen
It was a miraculous Origin night. It didn’t matter whether you were enjoying the game live in Sydney, the comfort of your own home or watching on the big screen at the Bribie RSL. If you bleed Maroon like the majority of readers, you would have been stoked with the outcome of Origin Game 3. It has become apparent once again that the Maroons understand Origin much more than the Blues, who just don’t seem to have a grasp on it like Queensland does.
The Sydney decider was one of the most
built-up rugby league games in the last decade. The Blues had a chance to repeat history by winning back-to-back series, while Queensland were looking to steal the series after being 1–0 following the opening match on their home turf.
The major story leading up to the enthralling battle was the sad passing of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster’s father. After exiting camp on the Sunday of Origin week due to the shock news, just a couple of days later Munster moved straight back into preparation for the match—one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen a player do. To find the motivation to play after losing one of the closest people to his heart is remarkable. Led by Munster, the Maroons dominated the entire match—especially the first half, which they won 20 points to zero. The most outstanding statistic was their near-perfect set completions, which at one stage stood at 26/26. They ended the match with just two errors, which is minuscule compared to the Blues’ error count of 11. It was a game of ‘if you hold onto the ball, you win’. That’s how simple Queensland made the match. Off the bat, the Blues were under the pump. Queensland weren’t giving them any favours, as the Maroons were playing run-run-and-kick footy, which outlasted the Blues and eventually opened the floodgates. Former Blues player Braith Anasta described how he was already getting negative text
messages about how his state was performing straight after kick-off. Laurie Daley’s men just didn’t know how to adjust to the style and tempo of the game at all.
It was easy to tell why the Blues were so dominant in Game 1, but were the opposite in the first half of Game 2 and all of Game 3. In the first game, they were able to go around their opposition with their blistering outside backs and the unbelievable centres pairing of Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell. Following the series opener, Queensland
shut this game plan down as they gave the Blues’ attack less breathing room, which turned it into more of a ‘run up the guts of the defence’ type of game— one the Queensland forwards thrived in, with superstar players like Tom Dearden running off the back of it.
Queensland’s performance was a masterclass in what Origin is all about— passion, toughness and playing for each other. Once again, NSW looked lost under pressure, while the Maroons showed they simply get Origin in a way the Blues never have.
Single and Multiple Dental Implants
Single Dental Implants
A single implant can be inserted into the jawbone in approximately the same position as the missing tooth root. The implant post is left to heal, a process called Osseointegration which enables it to fully integrate with the surrounding jawbone so it creates a stable platform for the replacement tooth. While your implant heals, we will fit a temporary tooth so you need not worry about having a gap in your smile. Once the healing process is complete, we will attach your new tooth that will look and feel just like your own.
By Dr Sean Keren at Bongaree Dental
Multiple Dental Implants
We can place dental implants to restore multiple missing teeth. It is not necessary to replace every tooth with a dental implant; we can make quite large dental bridges that are supported with relatively few implants. After we have inserted your implants they will be left to heal before your new bridge is secured onto the implant posts. A temporary bridge can restore your smile during the healing period.
Letters To The Editor
Continued from page 2
Home ownership closer to becoming a reality
Thank you for the information about the Queensland budget. I was particularly interested in the abolition of stamp duty for first home buyers. We do need more homes, but a lot of older ones are not being used appropriately.
I’m sure there are many older residents like me who have spare bedrooms, who would be happy to downsize and free up housing for younger people, but are turned off by the cost. The abolition of stamp duty for retirees who would like to buy a smaller residence could substantially increase the number of houses available to young families.
The extra homes on the market would prevent some of the prices rising and therefore make the dream of home ownership closer to a reality.
H Beneke Banksia Beach
A contrary point of view
Referring to LTE in Issue 117 - The preferential voting system - I want this person to win
If, as that writer suggests, a voter should get two bites at the cherry, may I remind readers that even in a first-past-the-post system, voters already have that opportunity. A voter for any party would know that his/her party has the option to join any other party in a voting coalition. In fact, that already happens when any minority government is elected. That means that a preferential vote for Party A with a second vote for Party B achieves the same result.
I cannot see any justification for that system which is not already available in a first-past system.
P Ridgway Bribie Island
Caboolture River Road attracts attention in City budget
It won’t be long before a busy section of Caboolture River Road in Morayfield will start to see some long-awaited changes as work gets underway.
City of Moreton Bay’s 2025/26 budget has provided the financial foundations for construction to start on muchanticipated improvements on the stretch of road from Morayfield Road to Grant Road. The 1.2km project was announced in 2021 and identified as one of council’s priority road network projects.
Road works are expected to commence in late 2026. Some early activities scheduled for late 2025 include preparations related to the relocation of utility services. Services relocations are expected to commence in early 2026.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the improvements could not come soon enough for communities living on and around this major east-west connector.
“Caboolture River Road has seen a lot of change over the past few decades. It’s no surprise the surrounding area has flourished with more and more people calling it home, thanks to its housing options and lifestyle amenities,” he said.
“The one thing that hasn’t changed is the road itself – with its two lanes struggling to meet the daily needs of residents and businesses, especially during peak hour.
“Council’s record $1 billion budget included almost $400 million to invest in infrastructure to support the rapidly growing City of Moreton Bay. Council has allocated $75.7 million across three
years specifically for Caboolture River Road. This will deliver an improved four-lane solution for the people of Morayfield and is a crucial step in preparing for the future of our city.”
The project includes a significant commitment for funding from the Queensland Government in partnership with City of Moreton Bay and forms part of the SEQ City Deal. The upgrade will involve:
• Widening Caboolture River Road between Grant Road and Morayfield Road to provide two traffic lanes in each direction – four lanes in total.
• Installing additional traffic turning lanes at key intersections.
• Installing new traffic lights at the intersection of Amy and Kenneth Streets.
• Upgrading the existing traffic lights at Grant Road and Morayfield Road.
• Changing access at Ben Street and Lorebury Drive to left in/left out only.
• Installing new cycling and pedestrian paths on both sides of the road.
More information about works planned for Caboolture River Road is available at www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ caboolture-river-road
Living life to the fullest
Hat Mommas to celebrate the coronation of their new queen at a High Tea on June 20 at the Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club.
On her arrival, incoming Queen Kerry was presented with a bouquet of flowers by retiring Queen Joan, who founded the Bribie Island chapter more than 20 years ago. A guard of honour
was formed, followed by a procession with all of the royal regalia carried in by several ladies-in-waiting, entering the function room to ABBA’s Dancing Queen. A mock high priestess, played by Vanessa and her assistant Deb, presented Queen Kerry with her regalia, including a sceptre, robe and crown with much fun and frivolity.
Red Hat Mommas entertained their guests with a welcome song and were led by the local singing group Good Company. Celebration cake, raffles, table
prizes and communal singing added to the festive atmosphere and a heartfelt farewell was given to retiring Queen Joan.
The first Red Hat Chapter began in Australia 25 years ago after the international Red Hat Society was formed in the USA in 1997. Their focus is on
living life to the fullest, celebrating getting older and getting out there and having fun. The women, mainly aged over 50, dress in purple outfits and wear red hats for regular get-togethers and outings.
There are 120 Red Hat Chapters throughout Queensland. For more information, visit www.aussiehatting. com/queensland/
•
•
Red Hats were swapped for tiaras when 30 guests from 14 surrounding Red Hat chapters joined 20 Red
Empowering the next generation of women in STEM
By Sheree Hoddinett
Are you a future female scientist, engineer or even an inventor with an amazing idea?
The Zonta Club of Caboolture is now accepting applications for the 2026 Sandra Cooke STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Award—a $2500 boost for a woman in the City of Moreton Bay studying STEM and ready to change the world.
Whether you’re studying in-person or online, if you live in the City of Moreton Bay and are enrolled in a STEM program at an approved tertiary institution, you could be eligible. Open to women of all ages and nationalities, this award is more than just financial assistance—it’s fuel for your future.
The award is named in honour of Sandra Cooke, a passionate advocate for women’s education and also aligns with the broader mission of Zonta International’s Women in STEM Award, which aims to increase female representation in critical and historically male-dominated fields.
Sue Droughton, who has been a member of the Zonta Club of Caboolture now for 27 years, said the award was about so much more than just financial support— it’s about empowerment.
“It’s a big investment for our small club— but it’s worth every cent and one we’re incredibly proud to make,” Sue said. “An educated woman has choices. She has the freedom to build her life, make her
Moreton Bay Art Prize awarded to Blair Garland
Blair Garland has been named as the Moreton Bay Art Prize 2025 winner for her deeply personal and thought-provoking artwork titled Flesh and Blood (2025). Garland’s winning work explores themes of identity, memory and transformation through the lens of menopause. In Flesh and Blood, she repurposes bed linen, scarves, dresses and her own hair collected during her transition through menopause. These symbolic materials offer a visceral and tangible connection to Garland’s past and present self, examining ageing and womanhood with raw honesty and artistic sophistication.
Australia to London. She’s building bridges, quite literally and figuratively.
“This $2500 can go towards textbooks, a laptop or just give a student a bit of breathing room. It’s about giving her the power to choose her own future.”
Putting their supporting behind women pursuing careers in STEM, the Zonta Club of Caboolture hopes to create lasting change, not just for individuals, but for the wider community.
STEM journey are encouraged to apply. For this next round of the STEM award, the club will be giving $2500 to two successful applicants. Applications must include proof of enrolment in a STEM program at an accredited tertiary institution. The full eligibility criteria, application form and award details are available on the Zonta Caboolture website zontacaboolture.org.au/awards. html?#sandracookestemaward.
Garland said the work was part of a longterm exploration of her lived experience.
“Throughout the last five years I have been creating a series of artworks exploring my life as a menopausal woman, reflecting on 38 years of fertility coming to an end,” she said.
Mayor Peter Flannery said this year’s 42 shortlisted artists highlighted the scope of creative talent across the City of Moreton Bay.
“Our Moreton Bay Art Prize recognises the outstanding artistic abilities of our local community,” Mayor Flannery said. “We’re proud to support the artists that call City of Moreton Bay home by providing the opportunity to exhibit their work, connect with new audiences and take away $10,000 in prize money.”
Second place was awarded to Michelle Spencer for Where Did She Go? (2025) and Rachel South took out third place for Basilea (2024).
Blair Garland’s winning entry titled Flesh and Blood (2025).
The Zonta Club of Caboolture.
New cancer centre set to transform local care
By Sheree Hoddinett
Caboolture will soon be home to Cancer Care Moreton Bay - a new state-of-theart treatment centre set to enhance care and support for residents across the City of Moreton Bay.
Open for patient consultations from mid-July with treatments set to commence at the end of July, the purpose-built centre will deliver vital oncology services for the regionwithout the burden of having to travel to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.
Located within Caboolture’s growing medical precinct, the facility will offer integrated services including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, haematology and access to clinical trials—all from one convenient location. Patients will also benefit from an onsite oncology pharmacy and the support of a multidisciplinary team of experienced healthcare professionals.
Dr Megan Carroll, a radiation oncologist who will be based at the Caboolture centre full-time, said the new development addressed a significant gap in cancer services for the area.
“The people of Moreton Bay deserve a comprehensive cancer service close to home and I am delighted to be a part of the Cancer Care Associates team delivering this critical service,” she said. “We are removing barriers to high quality cancer care by ensuring timely access and affordability to improve
cancer treatment outcomes for our community.”
With cancer rates rising and an estimated 617 residents in the region requiring treatment each year, Cancer Care Moreton Bay is expected to make a profound difference for local patients - eliminating the need for stressful and
fatiguing travel for daily treatments. CEO of Cancer Care Associates Damien Williams said the centre was designed with patient convenience and outcomes in mind.
“Our focus is on patient convenience, quality, access and affordability. Our radiation oncology treatment service will ensure rapid access to high quality and affordable cancer care that is closer to home for patients,” Mr Williams said. The centre is also expected to generate local employment opportunities, with more than 15 staff across medical, nursing, pharmacy, radiation therapy, physics and allied health roles. Many team members have been recruited locally and previously travelled outside the region to work.
“This development will bring specialist medical services to the region and will be a great addition to Caboolture’s health precinct, allowing residents who require these services to continue to live and work close by, minimising unnecessary travel and fatigue,” Mr Williams said.
With a flexible billing model including access to bulk billing and scheduled fee arrangements, the centre also aims to ease financial stress for families during treatment.
Cancer Care Moreton Bay is the second Queensland centre to open under the Cancer Care Associates banner, following the recent launch of Cancer Care Noosa. The group’s ‘no wait for care’ policy ensures patients begin treatment without unnecessary delay. Cancer Care Moreton Bay is located at 128 McKean Street, Caboolture. Visit cancercare.com.au/clinics/cancer-caremoreton-bay, phone 07 5212 3000 or email admin@cancercaremoretonbay. com.au
Members of the Cancer Care Moreton Bay team Dr Megan Carroll (front left) and centre manager Luke Jenkinson. Middle row: radiation therapist Maddie, nurse manager Vicky and radiation oncologist Dr Debra Furniss. Back row: physicist Jacob and engineer Bolun.
Expo to create more awareness about brain injury
By Sheree Hoddinett
For many in the community living with a brain injury is a tough journey, one that can often feel like you’re fighting the battle alone.
Looking to take the stigma away and create more awareness, change and connection for individuals and families living with brain injury, three groups (The Brain Awareness Centre, Brain Injury Group and The Brain Injury Community) have come together to create and co-host the Brain Injury Awareness Expo in Caboolture on August 22.
Behind every statistic is a unique and extremely courageous individual. It’s their powerful stories of resilience that form the heartbeat of this year’s expo, which coincides with Brain Injury Awareness Week.
“It’s only when you start talking to people and they realise brain injury encompasses a lot more than just a bump to the head, it hits home how important spreading awareness is,” Jo from The Brain Awareness Centre said. “Our community needs to know that a brain injury can come from anywhere – such as vehicle accidents, concussion,
stroke, domestic violence or drug and alcohol abuse – to name a few.
“The key is understanding that every story is different and the impact of the injury is unique to that person. Conversations need to be had to increase that understanding.”
The Brain Awareness Centre holds regular meetings in Caboolture to support those impacted by brain injury.
For Emma from the Brain Injury Group, her journey started four years ago after experiencing a massive headache while at the gym.
“So I had what is called an AVM (arteriovenous malformation), basically tangled vessels in my brain that I was born with and the first time I knew about
it was after the experience at the gym,” Emma explained. “It was pretty dicey and they weren’t sure if I was going to make it, but here I am four years later.”
Emma, who works as a primary school teacher, also hosts workshops to help others with brain injury so they can reconnect with others in the community and get back to work or other aspects of their lives.
Ultimately, Jo and Emma would love to create a brain injury hub locally so the community has a central access point for services and support. The upcoming expo is one step to heading in that direction.
“We have never had an expo like this in our community,” Jo said. “We all have different abilities and stories to tell, so coming together to show what survivors can achieve is exciting.”
At the expo, you’ll have the chance to meet with expert service providers, connect with support groups, discover tools and strategies that can make a difference in the life of someone living with a brain injury. Survivors, from all walks of life, will showcase a variety of demonstrations using a range of
alternative therapies that will definitely inspire.
“Come along, speak with those living with a brain injury and gain a greater understanding of not only how we flourish, but how we thrive,” Jo said.
Angela from The Brain Injury Community offers peer support and social activities to alleviate loneliness and isolation after a brain injury.
For further information you can reach out to:
The Brain Awareness Centre –0493 838 171 (Jo)
Brain Injury Group –0479 124 938 (Emma)
The Brain Injury Community –0475 617 158 (Angela) Event details
Flourish & Thrive - Brain Injury Awareness Expo
Friday August 22, 9am – 1pm Apex Park, Centenary Lakes, Morayfield Road, Caboolture.
Queensland budget delivers for Pumicestone
Dear Pumicestone
Can you believe we're already halfway through 2025? The last couple of months have been an absolute whirlwind, packed with events and exciting milestones. From our fabulous Caboolture Show, the recent Abbey Medieval Festival and community gatherings right across the Pumicestone electorate, to two busy sitting weeks in Parliament - it's been non-stop. Most importantly, I was proud to play a part in delivering our first State Budget since the election of the Crisafulli Government in October. This budget marks a new chapter - one focused on restoring respect for your money and delivering meaningful projects and initiatives for Pumicestone and communities right across our great state of Queensland.
The recent State Budget lays the foundation for the fresh start we promised and delivers real solutions to the major crises left behind by the former Government.
This is a budget that tackles crime, cost-of-living pressures, and infrastructure shortfalls with decisive action. I want to reassure the people of Pumicestone that the commitments I made before the election are not just promises. They’re fully funded and will be implemented.
• A new Bribie Island Bridge finally bringing safer, more reliable
transport access to the island.
• Over $48.23 million for upgrades to Caboolture–Bribie Island Road.
• $476,000 for local school maintenance and minor works.
• $2M for Bribie Island Surf Club expansion, supporting our local sport and volunteer community.
• A new on-demand bus trial for Bribie Island to improve local connectivity.
• $100,000 to help U3A Bribie Island secure a permanent home.
• Footpath links completed along Bribie Island Road in Ningi to improve pedestrian safety.
• $4.7 million to complete redevelopment works at the Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre.
• A new PA system for Bribie District Little Athletics.
• $170,500 to resurface the Bribie Island Netball courts.
• $153,000 for lighting upgrades at Beachmere Rugby Club.
• $500,000 for Clayton Park Upgrade at Beachmere
• $300,000 for Moreton Bay Meals on Wheels
• $35M Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030
• A world class Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital
• Footpath upgrade linking Bribie Island Road and Beachmere Rd
• A long-overdue tuckshop upgrade at Banksia Beach State School.
• $920,000 to expand Bribie Island Strength and Movement Club. Outside of Pumicestone, we are proud to fund essential services and infrastructure that support Queenslanders in every community. The Budget focuses on making Queensland safer, delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, driving down cost of living pressures for families, providing more free healthcare and building generational infrastructure for our growing State.
Education
• 15 new schools planned to accommodate Queensland’s growing student population
• 60,000 children will receive free health checks at kindergarten through the new Healthy Kindy Kids program
• $100 Back to School Boost to help families with the cost of school essentials for primary school-aged children
• $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers to help keep kids active and engaged in sports.
Hospitals and Healthcare
• $18.5 billion Hospital Rescue Plan, including 3 new hospitals and 10 major upgrades across the state
• 4,500 more health workers to help heal Labor's Health Crisis
• More than 2,600 new hospital beds to meet increasing demand Public Safety
• 1,600 new police recruits, alongside stronger laws and early intervention programs to prevent youth crime
• $147.9 million for new frontline police equipment including tasers, body-worn cameras, radios and breath testing devices
Housing
• Boost to Buy - a nation leading shared equity scheme to help first home buyers enter the market
• Extension of the $30,000 First Homeowner Grant for new builds
• We've axed Stamp Duty for first home buyers purchasing new builds
• $208.9 million per year for specialist homelessness services - a historic 20% funding increase
• The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund will help build a place to call home for more Queenslanders, sooner Transport and Roads
• Permanent 50c fares on all public transport
• A $7.2 billion Bruce Highway upgrade, jointly funded with the Federal Government
• Early works underway on the Mooloolah River Interchange, a key Sunshine Coast project
This is a budget that delivers for our region and I’m proud to be your strong voice in the Parliament to make it happen. Watch this space for more announcements to come!
Ariana Doolan with finance minister David Janetzki
The Chameleon Effect
Albanese’s leadership under fire:
Opposition slams ineffectiveness and
As Australia grapples with global trade tensions, security challenges and domestic economic pressures, prime minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership is under intense scrutiny. Critics, including opposition leaders and commentators on platforms like X, have branded Albanese as “weak” and “incompetent” and a threat to free speech, arguing his policies and diplomatic missteps undermine Australia’s interests. While Albanese’s supporters point to his 2025 election landslide and diplomatic efforts, concrete evidence and vocal opposition critiques highlight perceived failures, raising questions about his effectiveness as prime minister.
Diplomatic missteps and strained U.S. relations
Albanese’s handling of Australia’s relationship with the United States has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from opposition figures. His failure to secure a face-to-face meeting with president Donald Trump, with a planned G7 summit meeting cancelled due to Trump’s early departure in June 2025, has been a focal point. Shadow attorney-general Julian Leeser has accused Albanese of not doing enough to strengthen ties with Washington, stating, “The prime minister’s reluctance to engage directly with Trump risks Australia’s position in AUKUS and tariff negotiations”. Former opposition leader Peter Dutton, before losing his seat in the 2025 election, warned that Albanese’s approach was “dangerously naive” especially given US demands for Australia to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP. Albanese’s response, emphasising that “national security is a matter for Australia, not Washington” was seen by Dutton as dismissive of the alliance’s importance.
Albanese’s July 5, 2025 speech at the John Curtin Research Centre, where he championed Australian independence within the US alliance, further fuelled opposition criticism. Liberal senator Sussan Ley, the current opposition leader, called the speech “a reckless signal that prioritises posturing over partnership” arguing it risks alienating the US at a critical time for the AUKUS submarine deal. The Daily Mail noted that the speech “raised eyebrows in the White House,” with Albanese stating Labor would pursue Australia’s interests “even where they differ from those of the US”. This, combined with ambassador Kevin Rudd’s past remarks calling Trump a “traitor to the West” has led opposition figures to question Albanese’s diplomatic judgment. Free speech policies: Opposition alleges censorship Albanese’s policies on free speech, particularly his government’s proposed misinformation laws, have been a lightning rod for opposition criticism. In 2023, the Albanese government introduced draft legislation aimed at combating misinformation, which opponents argued could stifle political debate. Dutton labelled the bill “a blatant attack on free speech”, warning it would allow the government to “silence dissenting voices under the guise of protecting democracy”. Liberal senator Hollie Hughes echoed this, claiming in 2024 that Albanese’s policies were “turning Australia into a nanny state, where only government approved narratives can survive”. Posts on X amplified these concerns, with users like @ PaulineHansonOz accusing Albanese of using censorship to “silence political speech” and targeting social media platforms for tolerating diverse opinions. The controversy intensified following a 2024 spat with Elon Musk over a court order to
free
speech policies
remove footage of a Sydney attack from X. Albanese called Musk an “arrogant billionaire” prompting accusations of hypocrisy from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson who stated, “Albanese claims to support free expression but attacks platforms that challenge his narrative”. A parody X post falsely attributed to Albanese, calling free speech a “dangerous tool” was debunked by Reuters, but it fuelled public and opposition perceptions of his stance. Senator Malcolm Roberts, quoted on X, warned that Albanese’s policies were transforming parliament into a “Politburo”, restricting opposition voices by limiting their ability to post speeches online. While Albanese has not explicitly endorsed such restrictions, his government’s push for social media regulations, including a 2024 pledge to ban users under 16 from creating accounts, has been criticised by Liberal MP Keith Wolahan as “overreach that undermines individual freedoms”.
Defence and security shortfalls
Albanese’s defence policies have also faced opposition fire. A recent audit revealed failures in the Royal Australian Navy’s readiness, with key warships HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide inadequately maintained. Albanese dismissed the findings as “absurd” but Ley seized on the issue, stating, “This government’s neglect of our defence capabilities is a national embarrassment”. Posts on X, such as one from @RyanWil62993886, claim Albanese cancelled orders for F-15 aircraft, minesweepers and other equipment, though these remain unverified. Dutton previously accused Albanese of “failing to address a 20,000 personnel shortage in the defence force” arguing it weakens Australia’s regional standing. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s warning of a “brittle and hollowed defence force” without increased funding has been cited by Ley as evidence of Albanese’s “inability to prioritise national security”.
Economic and domestic policy woes
On the domestic front, opposition leaders have slammed Albanese’s economic management. Ley has criticised his handling of the cost-of-living crisis, pointing to the 2025 budget’s return to a $42.1 billion deficit after two surplus years as evidence of “fiscal irresponsibility”. The Sydney Morning Herald reported Albanese’s decision to slash opposition MPs staffing as “vindictive” with Liberal MP Angus Taylor calling it “a petty move to stifle scrutiny”. Albanese’s “Future Made in Australia” agenda aimed at boosting growth has been criticised by the Coalition for introducing more than 5000 new regulations since 2022, which Ley argues “chokes business innovation”. Dutton, during the 2025 campaign, accused Albanese of failing to deliver on promises of lower energy costs and affordable housing, stating, “Australians are worse off under Labor’s mismanagement”.
Social issues and opposition backlash Albanese’s response to social issues, particularly rising antisemitism, has been another point of contention. After an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, he condemned antisemitism, but opposition figures like Jacinta Nampijinpa Price criticised his earlier responses to antisemitic incidents as “weak and reactive”. Price, during the 2025 campaign, accused Albanese of “failing to lead on cultural unity” particularly after his government’s sanctions on Israeli ministers over Gaza aid issues, which she called “a betrayal of our ally Israel”. The Spectator Australia echoed this, arguing Albanese lacks “moral clarity” on the Israel-Hamas conflict, contrasting his approach with Dutton’s “unapologetic stance”.
China Relations: Opposition sees weakness
Albanese’s frequent engagements with China, including a planned visit around July 15, 2025, to discuss trade and the Darwin Port sale, have drawn opposition fire. Ley has warned that Albanese’s focus on Beijing “sends the wrong signal” amid US tariff pressures and AUKUS uncertainties, stating, “The prime minister’s cozying up to Xi Jinping risks Australia’s strategic alignment”. Posts on X, like one from @Matt Camenzuli, label Albanese’s cabinet as “useless” and warn of a “pro-China tilt” that could “annihilate” Australia’s global standing. While Albanese’s stabilisation of China ties has been praised by some, opposition leaders argue it compromises Australia’s leverage with the US.
A Counterpoint: Albanese’s achievements
Despite the criticism, Albanese’s supporters highlight his 2025 election victory, securing 86 seats in a “win for the ages” as treasurer Jim Chalmers described it. His policies, including a $10,000 cash boost for apprentices and a “help-to-buy” housing scheme have resonated with voters. His efforts to stabilise Australia-China relations and reconcile with France post-submarine deal have been diplomatic wins. However, opposition leaders like Ley and Hanson maintain that these achievements mask deeper failures, with Ley stating, “Albanese’s election win was more about Dutton’s missteps than Labor’s merits”.
Conclusion: A polarising leader Albanese’s leadership faces a barrage of criticism from opposition leaders who paint him as ineffective, overly regulatory and a threat to free speech. Ley’s accusations of diplomatic weakness, Dutton’s critiques of defence and economic mismanagement and Hanson’s claims of censorship highlight a perception of a prime minister struggling to balance domestic and global challenges. While Albanese’s election success and policy wins offer a counter-narrative, the opposition’s vocal attacks, amplified by public sentiment on social platforms, suggest his leadership is faltering at a critical time. As Australia navigates US tariffs and regional security issues, Albanese must address these criticisms head-on to prove his detractors wrong.
Happy days!
Chameleon
What the state budget will deliver locally
By Sheree Hoddinett
It’s been labelled as a budget to deliver for all of Queensland and laying the foundation for a fresh start.
Health, education, community services and infrastructure are just some of the bigger winners to come out of the LNP’s 2025-26 budget.
Handed down in late June, the budget was designed with a focus on making Queensland safer, delivering more homes for Queenslanders, easing some pressure on the cost of living for families, providing more free healthcare and building generational infrastructure for a growing state.
So what can we expect to see on a local level?
• A new Bribie Island bridge to provide better transport for Bribie Island residents and visitors to the Island.
• More than $48.23 million to upgrades for Caboolture - Bribie Island Road.
• $2 million for an expansion to the Bribie Island Surf Club to provide a new function space and commercial kitchen.
• An on-demand bus service trial for Bribie Island to connect residents with important local services.
• A Pumicestone Road to Beerburrum Road active transport path to make our roads and active transport safer.
• $100,000 to help University of the 3rd Age (U3A) Bribie Island secure a new home.
• Completing the missing footpaths along Bribie Island Road, Ningi.
• $500,000 to upgrade the playground at Clayton Park, Beachmere.
• $476,000 for maintenance and minor works across schools in our local area.
• A new PA system for the Bribie District Little Athletics Club to improve local sport facilities.
• $170,500 to resurface the netball courts at the Bribie Island Netball Club.
• $153,000 as part of lighting upgrades at the Beachmere Sports Club Complex.
• A much-needed upgrade to the tuckshop at Banksia Beach State School.
• A footpath from Bribie Island Road to Beachmere Road to ease congestion and create safer active transport.
Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the budget delivered for the City of Moreton Bay.
“We’re delivering a new Bribie Island Bridge as part of our plan for Queensland’s future and implementing urgent solutions to address the breakthrough on Bribie Island, as well as supporting local initiatives such as $920,000 for the Bribie Island Movement and Strength Club and $4.7 million for the redevelopment of Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre,” Ms Doolan said. City of Moreton Bay families will also benefit from the state government’s $100 Back to School Boost and the $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers program providing financial assistance to families for educational and sporting expenses. These initiatives are designed to alleviate cost-ofliving pressures and promote youth participation in sports.
The Crisafulli Government will also deliver $367.7 million to redevelop the Caboolture Hospital to support an additional 130 beds and refurbishment of critical clinical support services, as well as a further $15 million to build a dedicated paediatric outpatients’ area at the hospital.
To continue to turn the tide on crime, the Crisafulli Government is also extending the operations of the POLAIR on the Sunshine Coast with expansion to include City of Moreton Bay and $347.7 million is going towards the Making Queensland Safer laws roll out in a bid to restore safety to all areas with strong laws and consequences for actions. On top of this, $560 million will be invested in early intervention and rehabilitation programs to prevent and break the cycle of repeat youth crime.
As part of preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, City of Moreton Bay will benefit from the construction of a new indoor sports centre. This facility is expected to host events during the Games and serve as a lasting legacy for community sports and recreation.
Good news for those looking to buy a home for the first time. The $165 million Boost to Buy Scheme will help reduce the deposit gap and abolishing stamp duty on new homes for first-time buyers will make it a little easier to open the door on home ownership.
To find out more about the budget and take a closer look at what’s happening across our community, visit budget.qld.gov.au
52 Tradewinds Drive, Banksia Beach
Discover Coastal Luxury
Nestled in one of Bribie Island's most prestigious waterfront enclaves, 52 Tradewinds Drive presents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring homeowners to own a slice of paradise. This exquisite canal residence boasts four spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms and a two-car garage, complete with a stunning pool and a convenient pontoon for all your boating needs.
Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of water against your own 20-metre canal frontage, offering approximately 600 metres of navigable waterways directly to the tranquil Pumicestone Passage. This low-set home, rendered with a stylish tiled roof, is designed to embrace the serene, coastal lifestyle that awaits you at every turn.
Why You'll Love It:
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a spacious and open plan living area showcasing breathtaking water views. The thoughtfully designed kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a breakfast bar, ample bench space, an electric stove and a large walk-in pantry, all while offering stunning vistas of the canal. Open the stacker doors from the master bedroom and living spaces to seamlessly transition into the outdoor area, where you can relax under the covered patio, entertain guests or take a leisurely stroll down the paved walkway to your private pontoon. The property features a selection of
generously sized with built-in or walk-in robes and easy access to a welldesigned main bathroom.
Families will appreciate the close proximity to local amenities, with scenic parklands, healthcare, shopping, day care centres and Banksia Beach State School all within walking distance. Enjoy a morning swim at the nearby Solander Esplanade or unwind with friends at the
local bowls club, all while experiencing the idyllic lifestyle that Bribie Island has to offer.
Property Highlights:
• 20m canal frontage with a 100m+ canal width
• Fully fenced pool area with storage room
• Rumpus room with access to the pool
• Ducted air conditioning throughout
• Expansive outdoor patio with lighting and power
• Water tank and various amenities within walking distance
With its expansive spaces, the serene atmosphere and the vibrant lifestyle that comes with living by the water, this property is perfect for those seeking a permanent sea change, a weekend escape or a lifestyle upgrade.
Don’t miss your chance to embrace the true essence of island living at 52 Tradewinds Drive, where adventure meets serenity. Contact Troy Kelly today to arrange a viewing and see for yourself the exceptional potential this home offers for you and your family.
Contact: Troy Kelly 0466 976 946
Bribie Island
The gardening mole
Garden advice from the depths of the earth
Year-round vegetable gardening:
Maximising your harvest in Southeast Queensland’s subtropical climate
Southeast Queensland’s subtropical climate is a gardener’s dream, offering the chance to grow fresh vegetables year-round. With warm, humid summers, mild winters and a long growing season, this region is ideal for bountiful harvests - if you know how to work with its unique conditions. From choosing the right crops to managing soil, water, pests and sustainability, here’s how to make your veggie patch thrive in Southeast Queensland.
A seasonal planting guide for success
Southeast Queensland’s climate allows for continuous vegetable cultivation, but timing is key to avoid heat stress or cold snaps.
• In summer (December - February), focus on heat-tolerant crops like beans, zucchini, cucumbers, eggplants and sweet potatoes, which thrive in temperatures above 25°C.
• For autumn (March - May), try tomatoes, capsicums and leafy greens like rocket, which handle the cooling weather well.
• Winter (June - August) is perfect for cool season crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas and spinach, as daytime temperatures hover around 20–25°C.
• Spring (September - November) is ideal for a wide range, including lettuce, kale, beetroot and radishes. To get the timing spot-on, refer to local resources like the Brisbane Planting Calendar from Salisbury Grange (available online), which tailors planting schedules to Southeast Queensland’s microclimates. For example, coastal areas like the Gold Coast may plant slightly earlier than inland areas like Ipswich due to milder coastal temperatures.
Soil and Water: Building a strong foundation
Healthy soil is the backbone of any productive vegetable garden. Southeast Queensland’s soils vary from sandy loams in coastal areas to heavy clay in inland regions. Test your soil’s pH (aim for 6 - 7) using a simple kit from a local nursery. Enrich it with organic compost, aged manure or worm castings. Regular additions of organic matter improve drainage in clay soils and water retention in sandy ones. Water management is critical in this region’s variable rainfall, which can swing from summer downpours to dry spells. Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to roots, reducing waste. Mulching with straw, sugarcane or lucerne hay is a must - it
keeps soil cool, retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Apply a 5-10cm layer around plants, keeping it away from stems to prevent rot. For small gardens, consider raised beds or wicking beds, which are water-efficient and suit the region’s climate, as recommended by local gardening expert Claire Bickle.
Tackling pests and diseases naturally
Southeast Queensland’s warm, humid conditions can attract pests like Queensland fruit fly, whiteflies and aphids, as well as diseases like powdery mildew. Integrated pest management (IPM) is the way to go. For fruit flies, use exclusion bags on crops like tomatoes or traps baited with eco-lure, available at local garden centres. Companion planting - marigolds to deter nematodes or basil to repel whiteflies -adds a natural defence layer. For mildew, a 1:10 milk-to-water spray applied weekly can work wonders, as shared by organic gardeners in the region.
Avoid chemical pesticides like blue snail pellets, which have been linked to poisoning native wildlife, such as the regent bowerbird in Mount Tamborine. Instead, use beer traps for snails or hand-pick pests at dusk. Regular crop rotation also prevents soil-borne diseases and keeps your garden resilient.
Sustainable gardening for a greener future
Sustainability is at the heart of modern gardening in Southeast Queensland, where protecting local ecosystems is a priority. Composting kitchen scraps and garden waste reduces landfill use and provides nutrient-rich soil amendments. Avoid planting invasive species like white ginger (Hedychium coronarium), which is banned in Queensland due to
its ability to choke waterways. Check the Queensland government’s biosecurity list to ensure your garden stays ecofriendly.
Consider native or heirloom vegetables to diversify your patch. Native Plants Queensland offers resources on edible natives like warrigal greens, which tolerate heat and poor soils. Joining local gardening groups, such as the Brisbane Organic Growers or permaculture networks, connects you with like-minded gardeners and events like the Queensland Garden Expo in Nambour, listed in the Queensland Gardening Events Diary.
Local tips and community connection
Southeast Queensland is home to a vibrant gardening community. Follow local experts like Mark Valencia of Self Sufficient Me, a Queensland-based
YouTuber who shares practical tips for subtropical veggie gardening. Visit community gardens in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast to swap seeds and knowledge or attend workshops by horticulturists like Claire Bickle, who emphasis low-cost, sustainable practices.
For inspiration, start small with a few easy crops like cherry tomatoes or perpetual spinach and scale up as you gain confidence. Experiment with vertical gardening or container planting if space is tight - perfect for urban dwellers in apartments or small yards. Most importantly, keep a garden journal to track what works in your microclimate, whether you’re on the sunny Sunshine Coast or cooler
Growing your own food, year-round
With a bit of planning, Southeast Queensland’s subtropical climate can yield a thriving vegetable garden all year. By choosing the right crops, nurturing your soil, conserving water, managing pests naturally and embracing sustainable practices, you will enjoy fresh, homegrown produce while supporting the region’s unique environment. So grab a trowel, check your planting calendar and start growing—your next meal could come straight from your backyard.
For more tips, explore resources like Self Sufficient Me (selfsufficientme.com) or join Native Plants Queensland (npq.org. au) to connect with local growers.
Happy gardening! Mole
selfsufficientme.com
Island Fishing
By Danny & Michelle
Great fishing all around
SKIRMISH POINT
Tailor and dart are being landed, especially on the early morning incoming tide. Use pilchards or whitebait for the best results.
PACIFIC HARBOUR CANALS
Excellent bream fishing in the canals— peeled prawns and shrimp are working well. Sweetlip and grunter are also being caught, mainly on squid and soft plastics.
GLORIOUS WINTER
Winter is one of the best times of year to fish in the Bribie area. Crisp mornings and light westerlies are delivering calm, glassed-out conditions across the passage.
caught on garfish fillets and soft plastics. Sweetlip have also been showing up around the deeper drop-offs—prawns and squid doing well.
SANDSTONE POINT
Winter whiting and flathead are biting on live yabbies. Schools of tailor are being caught around Cooks Rocks, especially around dawn and dusk.
BANKSIA BEACH
Tailor are moving through from the boat ramp to Ripples—pilchards and metal slugs are working well. Plenty of bream and flathead around the Avon wreck, with soft plastics and peeled prawns proving effective.
BRIBIE BRIDGE
Jewfish (mulloway) are being caught at night on live yellowtail pike or soft vibes under the bridge pylons. Good numbers of big bream are also hanging around the structure.
There are heaps of blue swimmer crabs throughout the passage—make sure you drop your pots!
Flathead are still going strong throughout the system. Hard-bodied diving lures, soft plastics and Arashi swimmers are landing great fish in the creeks, creek mouths and across the flats.
Tailor are more active after dark—most
Weather permitting, offshore fishing is firing with reports of:
• snapper
• sweetlip
• tuskfish
• cobia
• bonito
• school mackerel
Finn with a nice bream
A good sized flathead out of the loch caught by Finn.
Corey and a good mulloway on soft plastics.
Duke with a solid snapper off Woorim
So close you could hiss it: Snakes held in the dying moments
By Chase Christensen
The Caboolture Snakes were just moments away from breaking their season-long drought but were forced to settle for a 26–26 draw against Maroochydore in a thrilling contest on Old Boys’ Day.
It was a performance full of heart and grit from the Snakes, who came into the match as underdogs against the thirdplaced Swans. Earlier in the season, Maroochydore had comfortably beaten Caboolture 34–8, but this time around the Snakes weren’t going down without a fight.
The home ground was buzzing with energy before kick-off thanks to a strong crowd that had rolled in for the club’s annual Old Boys’ Day, which also featured a Masters match earlier in the afternoon. That energy translated onto the field, where the Snakes produced one of their best showings of the year. The game was try-for-try from start to finish. The Snakes actually won the try count, crossing five times to Maroochydore’s four, but it was the goal-kicking that proved costly in the end. Maroochydore’s Jai Smoothy nailed all four of his conversions and slotted a two-point penalty goal just before halftime, which turned out to be the difference. The Snakes missed two of their conversions and that proved the deciding factor in what could have been their first win of the season.
Still the effort was a far cry from the week before when Caboolture were thrashed 56–16 by Beerwah at home. The turnaround in energy and execution was clear from the opening whistle.
Led by a determined forward pack and some sharp work from their halves the Snakes looked dangerous every time they had the ball. Their defence also stood up under pressure, with desperate tackles and scramble defence keeping Maroochydore from pulling away.
It was the closest Caboolture has come to a win since their narrow six-point loss to Nambour in June. But unlike that game, where they were chasing for most of the contest, this time they went toe-to-toe with one of the competition’s top sides and held their own.
Coach and players looked understandably disappointed not to come away with the win, but there were plenty of positives to take out of the performance. The effort, commitment and belief were all there—and the fans, many of whom have stuck by the team through a tough year, had something to cheer about at last.
The Snakes are still searching for their first win, but Saturday’s draw showed they’re not far off. It wasn’t the result they wanted; however it was a big step in the right direction.
With a handful of games left in the regular season, the Snakes will be hoping to build on this momentum and finish the year strong. If they can bring the same energy and intent to their remaining matches, that breakthrough victory may finally be just around the corner.
For now, the Snakes can hold their heads high. They proved they can match it with the best—and on a day celebrating the club’s history, they reminded everyone that there’s still plenty of fight left in them yet!
DIV 3 WINNER Jan Jennings 70, 2nd Nadia Aylott 75, 3rd Penny Brittain. BEST GROSS Penny Brittain 106. NTP Hole 16 2nd shot Stina Barnulf.
Results for Bribie Island Women’s Golf Social Darts
Results for the Caboolture Social Darts Club. Potluck doubles played every Monday night at 21 Hayes Street, Caboolture. Visitors welcome. Names by 7.15pm.
Runners Up: Conner/Sid, Jai/Matthew, Tom/Corey, Chris H/Dennis, Mark B/ Colin, Smokey/Luke, Robert/Matthew, Luke/Smokie
The High pegs: Dale 92,68,58, Sherrie 30,38,94, Jai 40, Josh 65,40, Sid 46,60, Shayne 43, Smokey 54,40,78, Mick 40, Tom 40, Conner 54, Mark 54,50, Davo
49, Chris H 50, Dennis 65, Cecil 56,48 Best throws: Mark B 5x140,2x121,123, 3x100,134,135,121,156, Chantelle 95, Dale 130,2x140, Smokey 140,100,132,126, Sherrie 89,2x94,95,86,90,2x98,9x100,96, 120,91,81,2x85, Shayne 140,118,2x114, Jai 2x100,125, Sid 122,2x100,114,2x112,140, Beau 113,123,100, Chance 140, Conner 100,174, 140,119, Josh 130,4x140, 3x100,120,121, Matthew 180, Mick 100,114, Tom 2x140,120,135 2x100, Zena2x92,93,83, Chris H 132,142, Davo 2x120,4x140,155,124,12x100,125, Cecil 137,109, Dwayne 106, John B 133,112, Robert 140,2x100
Best nights player: Matthew 180, Josh with 4 over 100. Colin 120,100,125 Mark B 156,140,121,101 Juniors: Michael 97
Most improved: Sherrie with 17 scores over 90
For further information phone or message Cecil 0411 698 807 or Ian 0400 475 007.
Seven sailors completed all 12 races in somewhat shifty winds, sunny with cool temperatures made for interesting racing.
The breeze was estimated at two to 15kts from the SW. This necessitated a course change, heading for the red buoy westward rather than the yellow to the east.
Wally (sail 92) won the day with a score of 23. Unfortunately, his handicap goes up to 40. Gary came second (sail 21) with 25 and Ken in third (sail 14) with a score of 27.
June 12
BRCY was pleased to welcome two very good sailors visiting from Brisbane, Will (sail 73) from Wynnum Manly and Nick (sail
18) from North Brisbane. No one warned us that they are both 'top guns' with radio-controlled yachts and they practically scooped the podium positions, with Will taking the bacon home with the best score (28).
Seven BRCY sailors on the course this afternoon. A full card of 12 races were completed. The weather was cold and quite breezy from the SW.
Although not consistent in speed, it nevertheless presented generally quite good sailing conditions for our club sailors and our welcome visitors. Some floating debris was experienced, causing at least two sailors to pull out of the race.
Wayne (Sail 98) took out the honours, a score of 30. Greg (sail 23) coming second scoring 32 and Ken third with a score of 41.
June 19
Seven BRCY members sailed today. Very strong SW winds on arrival, estimated at 15kts, but this moderated after 1400 hours to a gentler, fickle breeze from the SE and several other compass points! Bright sunshine, although a cool temperature of 21C made for an interesting and enjoyable day.
Wally won the day with a score of 20 (sail 92), with Kevin second on 30 points (sail 69) and third on 35 points was Gary (sail 21).
June 26
An interesting day at the canal for sailing. The wind was a brisk 20kts or so from the
Rugby success for St Columban’s
St Columban’s College has reaffirmed its high-performing rugby status, claiming the 2025 First XV Rugby Premiership in The Associated Schools (TAS) competition - marking their third straight win.
The highlight of the final round was St Columban’s First XV team defeating St Paul’s 36-5 in a thrilling final match of the season.
The undefeated season saw the team finish with six wins from six matches, racking up an impressive 266 points across the season.
This result reinforces St Columban’s position as a powerhouse in TAS Rugby, with the season’s success driven by a strong mix of emerging talented and seasoned leadership.
Ten St Columban’s players were named in the Courier Mail’s Rugby Team of the Season - a testament to the calibre of skill, discipline and teamwork shown throughout the trimester.
TAS is comprised of eight prestigious co-educational schools in Brisbane and surrounding areas and is a rigorous sporting competition known for producing elite-level alumni who go on to compete at national and international levels.
SW up on the bank, but quite directionless and of a variable speed on the water. Partly sunny but a cold wind.
We welcomed Jane a sailor new to the hobby, hoping to see her again soon.
Nine BRCY sailors present, completing all 12 races on the card which allowed the two lowest scores to be dropped. Kevin (sail 69) topped the leaderboard with a score of 19. Next was Wayne (sail 98) with a score of 26 and Greg (sail 23) completed the podium position with a score of 33.
For more information, phone Ken on 0432 151 143, email bribieradiocontrolledyachts@ gmail.com or follow the Bribie Radio Controlled Yachts Facebook page. Anyone can join and post. Please keep posts to anything involving radio-controlled yachting, buying, selling and tips.
We sail on Thursday and Sunday afternoons at 1pm, Harmony Park on Melia Street, Bongaree, turn at the McDonalds roundabout. Sunday is an open event, any class of boat. The afternoon is used to test boats, discuss tuning tips etc. Thursday is for DF65’s only and races are conducted in accordance with accepted sailing rules. Scores are recorded and handicaps calculated. All visitors and prospective sailors are welcome. This is a very inexpensive hobby, but if you are interested, we have a loan yacht that can be used.
