The men at Redcliffe Area Youth Space changing lives STORY Pages 4-9
Dominika Lis dominika.photography
Editor
Kylie Knight
kylie.knight@thevinelab.com.au
Writers
Kylie Knight, Nick Crockford
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Lubica Urbanska, Nellie Nicholas, Sammy Liebke
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The Redcliffe Peninsula is a free monthly community news magazine for Redcliffe and surrounds.
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The Redcliffe Peninsula is published by The Vine Lab. The publisher and associated parties do not assume responsibility for, nor endorse or adopt the content of any advertisement or third-party information published in The Redcliffe Peninsula.
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a mission
Pages 34-42
Men on a mission to help youth
In the lead-up to International Men’s Day this month, we are shining a light on the men in our community making a difference. Our special news feature starts with the team at Redcliffe Area Youth Space.
As we sit on the stairs behind Redcliffe Area Youth Space, four of the organisation’s youth workers share their passion for helping young men, as they struggle to overcome trauma and disadvantage, to reach their potential.
Allen Ellis, Matt Yates, Ben Vanovic and Daniel Rickard say there’s a growing cohort of youth who have never had a positive male role model and, as a result, are disconnected, afraid and sometimes angry.
Through their work at Redcliffe Area Youth Space (RAYS), they're showing young men an alternative.
Allen Ellis
Allen started working at RAYS about 15 years ago and has since been involved in all the service’s programs including Work Skills, flexible education and ASHA mental health.
He has been part of the management team for about three years, looking at the services young people need and supporting staff in delivering them.
As Head of Curriculum for
people aged 12-16 years with "complex and severe psychosocial, financial, systemic, clinical barriers which negatively impact school engagement”.
“I think we have the most amazing young people, but ones who present with some pretty complex trauma and come from lived experiences that would really humble people, I think, if they actually spent some time to get to know them,” Allen says.
“We are privileged to work for them and with them. We’re not expecting them to be A+ students but what we are seeing is vulnerability and trust and an ability to be more motivated to engage in learning.”
Allen hopes the school will help young people have a better quality of life, develop life skills and attain a level of education appropriate for their age. He says the absence of positive male role models is having a significant impact on young men.
“They don’t have an older male in their life who can show them how to be respectful in relationships and how to
just want to be seen and to master new skills, so the team at RAYS teaches them the basics including how to change a car tyre and cook on a barbecue.
“I think our community’s changed, so there’s a real need for people to step into that space, especially safe men, who can show young boys how to do things differently, without judgement, with kindness,” he says.
“You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Matt Yates
Matt is the clinical lead who manages the Safe Space program, which is available to anyone in the community experiencing mental ill health.
He also manages the ASHA program, which works with young people aged 12-25 years old with severe and complex mental health and psychosocial difficulties.
Matt says young people seeking help are predominantly young women because there is still stigma about mental health among many young men.
“It’s really hard for young boys to talk about what’s going on for them emotionally. We’re used to expressions of anger or crime or behaviours that can be deemed
antisocial,” Matt says.
“For the young men we do work with it’s a lot about normalising their internal experiences. It’s really strong to get help and seek help.
“We’re hoping the numbers of young men accessing the program grow because there’s a lot of young men in our community, particularly, who are completely disengaged and disconnected. They have quite severe mental health struggles.”
Ben Vanovic
Ben has been involved in all of RAYS’ programs in the 18 years he’s been there and is now working with the ASHA program.
“I think modern society, in particular, has gotten very good
CELEBRATE
Allen Ellis
at not acknowledging just how disconnected people are and how easy it is for that to happen. We have technology and the means to look like we’re in touch and connected, but actually you’ll find people are more isolated,” Ben says.
“I believe a lot of the bridges that young people need to become adults are damaged or broken down. That’s something that worries me because that disconnection is happening earlier and the risks that young people are engaging in are happening earlier.”
Ben is a mental health outreach worker, engaging oneon-one with young people who have chronic and acute mental health issues.
“It’s usually around finding a way to reach those people, when the traditional mainstream services either haven’t been able
to or when they just don’t want to engage,” he says.
A different approach is needed for young men.
“They’re way less comfortable with the vulnerability of sadness and therefore they turn a lot of their sadness and grief into anger,” Ben says.
WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY?
The day, November 19, is a chance to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and men's issues by:
• Highlighting social issues that men and boys face
• Making a difference for men and boys in your community
• Celebrating men and boys in all their diversity
• Organising events to have fun in the process
To find out more, visit internationalmensday.info
“We tend to have to focus ... a lot more around the strengths that they have, the strengths we can build up and the goals they have because most young men who are unwell just want to succeed and they want to be able to connect.”
Daniel Rickard
Daniel works in the RRR program (Remand, Reduction, Response), which provides case management to young people who are either in the youth justice system or at risk of going into the youth justice system.
“I use positive relationships to influence better pro-social outcomes with our young people. Our range is anywhere from 10-17 years, sometimes it can also go beyond that,” Daniel explains.
His role is about reducing repeat offending and helping young people reach a point where they are no longer part of the youth justice system.
Daniel supports young people through the court process and he visits detention centres and prisons, but his work goes well beyond just youth justice.
“There’s been a lot of positive outcomes. In a few clients we’ve had there has been a complete reduction in offending behaviour. Some clients have gone from being homeless, six months ago, to having secure housing and job opportunities,” Dan says. He says it all starts with having a roof over their heads and positive change builds from there.
Allen wants the community to realise what they are seeing in the media may not translate to reality.
“It’s really based on fear and the work that Dan does is fearless. He is working with people who have the most complex backgrounds. We need more people backing that rather than tearing stuff down.”
Matt Yates
Daniel Rickard
Ben Vanovic
Peninsula property, perfected
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wellbeing.
The group, which started more than five years ago, is now the biggest in the world with almost 60 regular walkers on a Saturday morning and big numbers at its two weekday walks.
Spokesman Denis Brennan says while members have supported each other informally since the beginning, three are now better equipped to help those struggling with their mental health.
They recently completed a Mental Fitness for Leaders course.
“They (The Man Walk coordinators) were trying to get every Manbassador in Australia to do it but then I thought, we’ve got such a big group it would be lovely to have a couple of blokes (trained). I asked Simon Pitcher and Brian Jones and they both did the course. I thought I’d better do it myself,” Denis explains.
Simon says it was ‘basically First Aid for mental health’.
“Recognising when somebody’s struggling and having that first conversation with them to let them know that they’ve got an ear to listen and hopefully guide them to seek professional help if required,” he explains.
“Everybody struggles at different times and with different challenges in their lives and
sometimes for men being able to talk to other men... particularly when you’re walking along you find it easier to talk rather than sitting looking at one another.
Taking steps to bring blokes together
“For guys, it’s easier to be doing something and they can feel that someone is listening to them, they’re sharing their understanding, and it gets a weight off their chest. It helps.”
Walks are held three days per week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6.30am. They usually cover about 6km, but participants can walk distances they feel they can manage. The morning always finishes with coffee at the Jetty Lounge, a chat and a few laughs.
It’s about much more than walking, with mateship and looking out for each other at its core.
“We do get quite a few people who move here from interstate and there’s loneliness, people who leave their job, leave their sporting bodies and they sit at home isolated,” Denis says.
“I’ve had blokes come to me and thank me for The Man Walk because it has saved them,” Denis says.
Redcliffe’s is the biggest The Man Walk group in the world. There are others in Canada, England and Japan as well as 80 across Australia, where the concept originated.
TO FIND OUT MORE
search The Man Walk Redcliffe on Facebook.
‘We all need a tribe’
TO FIND OUT
Ryan Elson believes in the power of human connection to help people reach their potential but also feel as though they have a valued place in the world.
For him, creating opportunity through connection is logical and this philosophy is at the heart of Tribe Social Belonging –a charity he founded in 2018.
Back then, he was personally enduring a tough time which made him realise how much harder it would be if he didn’t have a tribe to support him.
The concept started with coffee mornings and beach barbecues and has since evolved, with Tribe Clubhouse opening about two years ago.
The venue is a place where people, of all abilities and from all backgrounds, can meet to play cards or games, sing karaoke, listen to music or comedy, enjoy arts and crafts, or grab a drink.
Ryan says the clubhouse is helping people, who would otherwise feel isolated, but has also given members of his team purpose and a place where they belong and can make a valuable contribution.
MORE about Tribe Social Belonging, or to volunteer for Tribe Drive, phone 0422 232 437 or email ryan@tribebelonging.com.au
To see the full list of Tribe Clubhouse activities scan the QR code
“We all need a tribe whatever that tribe is, whether it’s your netball club, your knitting club ... sporting teams are amazing for it, but a lot of people can’t do that. What we try to get is that feeling of belonging, purpose and inclusion,” he explains.
“In the early days it was just to get people together, and it was as much for me to try to heal, but what it’s become now is a wonderful place where people assist each other and give each other a hand and be there for each other.
“I’m a big believer in ... it takes a village to raise a kid and I firmly believe the community is important.
“These people who say someone should do something and then do nothing ... shame on them.”
Part of his mantra of doing
something has been the launch of Tribe Drive about 12 months ago.
It’s a free program which helps learner drivers attain driving hours needed to go for their licence, providing a car and supervising driver.
“I used to do some unemployment training, mostly for people with learning difficulties ... we were doing our best for these people and were trying, but they couldn’t get their licences because they’re low-socioeconomic, haven’t got any parents, they haven’t got anyone who drives and some idiot in bureaucracy says you’ve got to do 100 hours no matter what,” Ryan explains.
“That’s just not doable for a lot of people.”
Tribe Drive received help from Bendigo Bank and was able to buy an automatic 2005 Toyota Echo.
“It’s done so much good,” Ryan says.
Tribe Drive has just put its main driving volunteer through a course, so he is now a qualified instructor and can advise the other volunteers or learner drivers who need additional support.
“We’ve just bought another car
... that will be so we can continue to do our volunteer stuff, which is for free, but also we can get people who need a bit of assistance but haven’t got the finance,” Ryan says.
Tribe Drive will provide driving lessons for about $70-80, reducing financial barriers facing many wanting to learn how to drive.
Get Out of Town is another project Ryan is working on and hopes to launch in 2025.
“There’re so many kids in this area who have never been out of Redcliffe. I’m talking kids who are 25 years old. There’s a big world out there and there’s so many wonderful things to see,” he explains.
Ryan would love to take the organisation’s ‘mothership’ a Kia Carnival interstate or to parts of regional Queensland, connecting with farmers and sharing new experiences with young people.
“Everything we do is about opportunity through connection. I can’t help but think that if everyone did a little of that things would be a whole lot easier,” he says.
Sharing skills for life
Kylie Knight
Hampo’s Youth Foundation is giving young men the tools to successfully make the transition from high school to adult life, with inspiring mentors there to help them along the way.
The foundation was set up in memory of Liam Hampson, a promising rugby league player who died during an overseas holiday in October 2022.
The 24-year-old, who played for the Redcliffe Dolphins and was affectionately known as Hampo, was one subject away from completing a teaching degree when he died.
Hampo’s Youth Foundation was inspired by the impact he had on young people in his work as a teacher aid and outside school hours care team member.
The organisation provides grants for students in Years 11 and 12 to fund education fees and expenses, sport fees (including representative carnival fees and travel expenses), tutoring, sport equipment and transport expenses.
It also provides one-on-one mentoring to help young people develop life skills, build positive relationships and set goals.
In 2024, the foundation worked with two students – one from Redcliffe State High School and another from Keebra Park State High School.
Dolphins NRL player Tom Gilbert and the Redcliffe Dolphins’ Jarrett Bolland have been mentoring Redcliffe State High School student Kahn Turnbull.
“We knew from the moment we met him that he came from a really good family and he’s a really good kid,” Tom says.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Redcliffe State High School student Ayden Waters is joining the program for 2025. Kahn will remain connected to the foundation and be invited to be an ambassador and alumni.
footy, regular check-ins. We went out for brekky the other week,” Jarrett explains.
“I was good friends with Liam, we played footy together. After he passed, his family was brave enough to create the foundation and it was a no-brainer ... any chance to get involved.”
Two students from Keebra Park State High School will join fellow student Tomasi Vaitai, who has been mentored by AJ Brimson through the program this year and will continue in 2025.
He and Jarrett completed training to ensure they had the skills to be effective mentors and could guide Kahn as he prepared to make the transition from high school to adult life.
Tom says he stayed in close contact with Kahn around crucial times such as school holidays and end of term, when exams were coming up.
Jarrett, who is a teacher at Clontarf Beach State High School, says he taught Kahn while on student placement and had already developed a connection.
“We message a bit. I’ve watched him play some school
For Tom, the motivation is to play an active role in the community and make a difference in young people’s lives.
“It’s humbling because I was once in his shoes. I was once in Year 12 and transitioning out of school. It’s always a full-circle moment, when you give back to people younger or going through the same journeys that you’ve been on,” Tom says.
He and Jarrett are hoping their work with Kahn will give him the tools to make a smooth transition to life after school.
“I’d like to think it’s at least set him up with the confidence to navigate the first few steps outside of school. No one is ever going to nail it straight away but hopefully he’s got contacts in Tom and I that he can reach out and know that even though he’s out of school, we’re still his mates and we’re still happy to help him,” Jarrett says.
“I think, personally, it’s a nice way to keep Hampo alive. Everything that he stood for, his values and things that made him excited and happy ... he was going to be a teacher too. To be able to keep that part of his life and his spirit kicking along ... it’s quite a special feeling.”
Kahn, who will be working as a carpentry apprentice after he graduates, says being involved with Hampo’s Youth Foundation has given him more confidence as he starts the next chapter of his life.
“The foundation has helped me a lot through school and away from the books as well with all the mental health and physical health stuff they’ve done with me,” he says.
“I’m very appreciative of everything they’ve done for me.”
Whales thrill in Moreton Bay
It’s been a bumper whale watching season in Moreton Bay, with big increases in the number of whales – young and old.
Brisbane Whale Watching’s Kerry Lopez says about 45,000 humpback whales have travelled through the bay during this year’s northern and southern migration. She was expecting about 40,000.
Kerry says her vessel Eye Spy did not even have to leave Moreton Bay to find the whales.
“Ten minutes out (from Redcliffe) and you’re with a mother and calf. They’re nursing their babies in the bay and getting them strong enough to make their way to Antarctica,” she explains.
“It’s been even better than I expected. It’s been fabulous. There’s definitely been an increase in the population,” she says.
“They all looked really healthy, which is great. There were a couple we noticed had little bit of skin bacteria, but it was nothing of any concern. A lot had a lot of blubber on them.
“We’ve had 84 newborn calves this year. That’s a lot. That’s an increase on the increase of 1012 per cent (we were expecting).”
During the September school holidays Brisbane Whale Watching ran a competition for children to name calves they spotted, resulting in some creative suggestions.
One was named Bumper because it came in so close to the boat and another was named silver due to its silvery colour.
The Eye Spy crew has welcomed guests from across Australia and the world, and of all abilities, including a large group with vision impairments.
“We’ve been bringing a lot more international visitors to the region. They’re from everywhere
– Africa, UK, US, New Zealand, France, Spain, Germany and many other places,” Kerry says.
While whale watching is at the core of every cruise, guests have also had the chance to experience Moreton Bay at its best and enjoy an array of marine life.
There is a dugong they’ve seen every day off the northern end
of the Redcliffe Jetty, which has been named Dougie.
“Before we’ve even left Redcliffe, we’ve been doing commentary on dugongs,” she says.
The whale watching season finished on October 27, but Eye Spy will continue to be docked at the end of the Redcliffe Jetty and used for corporate functions and charter cruises.
Kylie Knight
Get set to GO!
Our garden organics (GO) bins are on their way
If your property is between 300m2 and 2,000m2, your lime green-lidded bin will arrive by November.
You can use your GO bin to dispose of garden organic waste like grass clippings, branches and leaves. Did you know garden waste like grass cuttings and leaves makes up 23% of what we throw away in our general waste bins? By using your GO bin, you’ll help divert 15,000 tonnes from landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Collection starts from 2 December, so please store your new bin safely and don’t use it until two weeks before then.
Find out more at moretonbay.qld.gov.au/GO
Hard work to begin for Dooley
Kerri-Anne Dooley says she has proven her determination, winning the seat of Redcliffe on her sixth attempt, a quality she believes will serve her community well as she steps into the role of LNP State Member for Redcliffe.
Ms Dooley won the seat, vacated by Labor’s Yvette D’Ath who has retired from politics, and defeated a field which included Labor’s Kass Hall.
Redcliffe was among the swathe of seats won by the LNP to secure a majority government in the Queensland Parliament, with David Crisafulli Queensland’s 41st Premier.
The 2024 State Election was the sixth time Ms Dooley had contested the seat of Redcliffe –once for Family First (2012) and five times for the LNP.
“To be an elected representative for a community I’ve been born into, and I’ve served my whole life, is one of the greatest privileges I think you can be given,” she says.
Ms Dooley says she has served the community in various capacities since she was 16 years old, when she was elected the first Deputy Youth Mayor of Redcliffe City Youth Council in 1986.
“I remember fighting for more bike paths in Redcliffe... I look at that now and think from humble beginnings I learnt how the political process works,” she says.
Ms Dooley says advocacy has been a big part of her nursing career, but it was the fight for funding of Queensland’s first children’s hospice, Hummingbird House, that taught her most about its value.
She said when disgraced former
State Member for Redcliffe Scott Driscoll was forced to resign in 2013, and by-election was called, she joined the LNP.
“I’ve continued to run to try to reduce that margin (between the LNP and ALP) and believed at some point, the tide would turn.”
Now, the job is hers, Ms Dooley says her top priorities for Redcliffe are addressing homelessness and youth crime.
She says these are two main issues residents raised with her and her team during doorknocking and phone polling.
Ms Dooley says she has advocated for something similar to The Backyard Project, which is run by Newcastle City Council and the New South Wales State Government.
“It’s a dedicated camping space for people who identify as being homeless to access. There’s an amenities block – shower, toilets, kitchenette, laundry – and there
YOU’RE INVITED
are service providers who come in Monday to Friday, security guards at night so women and children can feel safe and protected. That’s something I put forward on a wishlist for Redcliffe,” she explains.
“I’ve spoken to the Mayor twice about it. Obviously, it’s about finding the right location.
“The previous government has committed to social housing, they’ve committed to the homelessness hub at Portwood St but that will only be for services. It’s not accommodation. So, how do we find appropriate accommodation and the wraparound supports they need?”
Ms Dooley says the LNP has committed $2 million for Redcliffe Area Youth Space’s Edu Space program.
“That dovetails with the LNP’s commitment to gold-standard early intervention and trying to support those youth who are
known to Youth Justice or on detention orders ... they need education and to divert them out of a life of crime,” she says.
“I’ve been a big advocate for the services at Redcliffe Area Youth Space. Amy and the team do a mighty job. Being able to deliver that is a top priority.”
Ms Dooley will be at the Redcliffe Markets once a month for the next few months for those wanting to meet her.
She also has plans to run mobile offices, forums and morning tea events.
Each year the Great Northern Garden of Remembrance holds a special Christmas Memorial Service to remember and pay tribute to those loved ones who have passed on.
This is your chance to gather with others, hear heartfelt stories and reflect.
Arrival is from 6.00pm, for a 6:30pm start.
Entry is free and a light supper will be served afterwards.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, 11th December on 3888 6622 to confirm seating.
If you wish to share a photo of your loved one in our slideshow, please send them to info@gngor.com.au
Kylie Knight
The other two state electorates covering the Redcliffe Peninsula were retained by Labor.
At the time of our print deadline, The Electoral Commission of Queensland had not yet formally declared winners in the seats.
Outgoing Premier Steven Miles was re-elected as the State Member for Murrumba
Chris Whiting will return as the State Member for Bancroft
Pausing to remember
For Lieutenant Paddy Brennan, Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder the freedom we enjoy today came at a cost.
Observed every year at 11am on November 11, Remembrance Day marks the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918 after four years of continuous warfare.
“Remembrance Day holds a special meaning for me and all Australians because it symbolises the end of WWI – a war where thousands of brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom,” Paddy says.
“It is a day for us to pause and remember those who lost their lives on the battlefields, and those who were lucky enough to come home.
“We live in the greatest country in the world, but it didn’t happen by chance. Our Diggers in all wars have fought hard for us and the freedoms we enjoy today, and for that we must always be grateful.”
Paddy is one of thousands of Australians serving in the Australian Defence Force, having first enlisted in the Australian Army when he was 20 years old.
“I was involved with cadets from a young age and that gave me a sense of patriotism and dedication to my country,” Paddy explains.
“I was a soldier first and did two tours of East Timor and one of Afghanistan, as well as a couple of training trips to Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
“I made it to the rank of Corporal and, while in Afghanistan, I was in charge of eight soldiers.
“When I came home, my perspective changed and I no longer felt the Army was the right fit for me, so I discharged. After I left, I got married and had children, but I also went through some dark times adjusting back to civilian life.
“I realised I needed more purpose, which was my work, so I
decided to re-enlist as an officer.”
He is now serving in the 7th Combat Signal Regiment at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.
“It’s been almost five years since I re-enlisted, and I haven’t regretted it,” Paddy says.
“As an officer, I can mold the younger generation and help make the Army a better place for everyone.
“The cyber domain is the new battlefield, and I want to be in a position to enable commanders to make the right decisions.”
Paddy is also on the Board of Directors at the Redcliffe RSL Sub Branch.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
WHEN: Monday, November 11
TIME: The service will commence at 10.45am followed by one minute’s silence at 11am
The Redcliffe RSL Sub Branch will host its Remembrance Day service at ANZAC Place
ONE LEGENDARY POET
Join Redcliffe’s favourite Poet, Rupert McCall on a Luxury Expedition Cruise in 2025! Explore the best of New Zealand, including Fiordland in January and the remote, ancient wilderness of The Kimberley in August. Enjoy an all -inclusive Exploration with PONANT
2025 strategic partnership opportunities
The Redcliffe Peninsula is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Strategic Partnership opportunities, offering businesses an exclusive chance to align with a community-driven platform that brings free local news and information to the Redcliffe Peninsula and beyond. Businesses are encouraged to seize this opportunity to become a key partner, benefiting from heightened visibility and community engagement.
The Redcliffe Peninsula Partnerships Manager Lyndsay Lawler says: “Our Strategic Partners will play a crucial role in helping us continue to deliver free, high-quality community news that keeps locals informed and connected. We’re offering businesses the chance to be recognised as a partner that supports the local community, while gaining extensive marketing benefits in return”.
The Strategic Partnership, valued at $15,000 plus GST (with the option to pay monthly), includes a wide range of benefits, including $6000 in advertising credits that can be used across The Redcliffe Peninsula’s print and digital platforms, such as the Moreton Daily website. This partnership will provide unparalleled exposure for businesses across the Peninsula and broader Moreton Bay region.
“Our partners will enjoy a full suite of marketing advantages,” Lyndsay says. “From advertising credits to logo recognition in EDMs, on our annual
even social media mentions.
Additionally, Strategic Partners will receive a sponsorship package which includes VIP bungalow at the 2025 Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival, with $1000 worth of food and beverages, plus other benefits.”
Businesses will also receive exclusive access to The Redcliffe
team throughout the year, as well as a partner plaque presented at the 2025 Business Awards.
“The partnership offers incredible value, providing local businesses with an opportunity to elevate their brand and demonstrate their commitment to supporting local journalism and community events,” Lyndsay says.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on how to become a 2025 Strategic Partner, email Lyndsay Lawler at Lyndsay. lawler@thevinelab.com.au
DON'T MISS OUT Opportunities close early December
Green light for homemaker centre
Plans have been approved for a new homemaker centre on a high-profile 3.7ha site at Rothwell.
Moreton Bay City Councillors unanimously backed the development application (DA) by Norhart Developments for land at 463 Anzac Ave.
It will include a 8530sqm showroom, nine tenancies ranging from 238sqm to 1967sqm and a service station fronting on to Anzac Ave.
There will also be two food and drink outlets with drive-through
facilities, a 2500sqm storage warehouse and indoor sport and recreation use.
The 37,454sqm site has 122m frontages on both Anzac Ave and Buchanan St. The latter will have two access points.
A U-turn from Anzac Ave is included in the plans, as well as a future connection to the Leisel Jones Drive roundabout behind Bunnings.
Cr Sandra Ruck (Div 5) says the development “will positively contribute to local employment and enterprise in the region, providing a mix of services, trade and retailing activities with the
Bid for business precinct
Plans have been lodged for a new industry and business precinct at Deception Bay.
A proposal, for two lots totalling almost 89ha at 201209 Deception Bay Rd, has been submitted to Moreton Bay City Council.
The development application (DA) is seeking preliminary approval to develop about half the site as a mixed industry and business precinct, with new roads.
This would enable use of the existing cleared land, which is covered by environmental and
conservation zoning.
The current DA is for 21 industrial lots, ranging from 1326sqm to 5859sqm, as well as two smaller lots for a precinct sign and a possible food and drink outlet.
Subdivision of the block would be done in three stages and further DAs would have to be submitted for building work.
Access to and from the precinct would be through a “signalised intersection” –adding a fourth entry/exit to the current junction with Zammit St. Deception Bay Rd, from Lipscombe Rd past the Zammit St intersection and on to the
dominant showroom use.
“I know residents have raised concerns that there are already too many service stations in the area and there is no need for another one.
“But we can’t reject this DA on this basis. It is compliant with the town plan.”
The Rothwell Homemaker centre, which was first revealed in February, will have 365 car parking spaces. It will be built in two stages, with the homemaker tenancies, servo, food outlet and car parking first … followed by the warehouse.
Bruce Highway, is to be upgraded from two lanes to four lanes.
Transport and Main Roads website says planning has finished, but design work and construction depend on future funding.
While the entire site is approaching 89ha, the development would be near Deception Bay Road and the remainder would stay as an environmental reserve.
Nick Crockford
Nick Crockford
Spotlight on drug-driving
Jodie Powell
The rules around driving while taking medicinal cannabis, the dangers of driving while using certain types of prescription medication, and the penalties for driving under the influence of illicit drugs are the focus of a new campaign.
As part of the campaign, Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Unit expanded Police Drug Diversion Program senior project officer
Acting Senior-Sergeant Sarah Grayson is preparing a series of five videos that address drug driving types and offences.
The first reinforces the message: “Drug-driving is an offence and police will take a zero-tolerance approach”.
“We’ve worked with Queensland Health and State Road Policing to develop a number of strategies, which will link with different units and community groups,” Acting Sen-Sgt Grayson says.
“Transport and Main Roads completed a community survey which showed a need for education
around medicinal cannabis and not being able to drive.
“In Queensland, it’s illegal to drive with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, in your system - even if it’s prescribed.
“THC affects your reaction time, concentration, and judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents.”
Acting Sen-Sgt Grayson says the campaign is aimed at all age groups.
“The campaign is about keeping the community safer and it’s designed to educate all sectors of the community,” she says.
Acting Sen-Sgt Grayson says common medications can have side effects that make driving risky.
“Drugs, illicit or prescription, can affect driving ability,” she says.
“Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if your medication affects your driving, especially when combining with alcohol or other substances.
“They can cause hyperactivity, aggression, paranoia, fatigue, dizziness and fainting, as well as tremors and muscle weakness.”
Roadside drug testing uses a ‘lick test’ which can identify can-
nabis, cocaine, methamphetamines and MDMA. Drug tests are random and conducted any time, anywhere.
“If you do test positive, your licence will automatically be suspended for 24 hours. Then, if you’re charged you’ll be dealt with by the courts.
“If you’re losing your licence, you’re potentially losing your job.”
Helping young homeless find their place
Knight
A renewed spirit of collaboration was a key outcome of the Chameleon House Youth Conference, which brought more than 170 people together to discuss the issues facing young people and the best ways to tackle them.
Chameleon House Manager Nicki Kemp says the event, held at Redcliffe Leagues Club on October 4 with funds from the Commonwealth Bank, examined trauma, the impact of domestic violence on young people, drug trends, youth justice and housing.
“Everyone is just feeling this community spirit at the moment and wanting to work together for the best outcomes for clients,” Nicki says.
“It was a good cross section of community, government and non-government agencies.
“Sharing information and collaboration was a key takeaway ... and that we’re all very passionate about the young people we’re working with and the community ... how can we connect with other agencies to do that better. We all have the same goal.
“Everyone’s ready for the collaboration. There’s so much talk about change and new initiatives ... people are listening. We need more housing, that’s undeniable, but there are some initiatives that are moving in the right direction.”
It has been a busy year for Chameleon House, with Nicki stepping into the manager role about 12 months ago and growing the team from six to 11.
Samara Stokes, who has worked at Chameleon House for about six years, has taken on the team leader position.
“With that, we have been able to really structure our program a lot more and our program with our young parenting families,” Nicki says.
Chameleon House provides accommodation support; case management and goal setting; living skills; education, employment and training support; while mentoring young people and developing skills in budgeting, cooking, health and more. The organisation also connects young people with the community.
It has a youth shelter at Kippa-Ring, and five houses for young families on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
The team is involved in outreach in the community at The Space, North Lakes, on a Thursday night and also with Moreton Bay City Council public liaison officers spending time with young people who have been sleeping rough.
Nicki says outreach is an opportunity to connect them with services and support.
Chameleon House is also part of the Queensland Homelessness Information Platform (QHIP), helping individuals who phone the hotline and need assistance with housing.
“We will do an assessment with them and best connect them to other support agencies anywhere in Queensland,” Nicki says.
“On average we’ve been getting anywhere around 98 calls a month.”
Chameleon House’s shelter at Kippa-Ring has been at full occupancy throughout the year, with the exception of a day or two.
Almost GO time for bins
Kerbside collection of Moreton Bay City Council’s new Garden Organics (GO) bins will start on December 2.
Delivery of the bins, which will enable residents to easily dispose of garden waste such as grass cuttings, leaves and branches, started in September.
Residents have been asked not to use the bins until the fortnight leading up to the service starting.
They will be collected fortnightly, alongside general waste bins, in the alternative week to recycling bins.
Council has been systematically delivering the bins to about 120,000 households on land from 3002000sqm.
Mayor Peter Flannery says the GO collection service will help divert 15,000 tonnes of material from landfill and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We know there’s a learning curve to using your GO bin. That’s why we’re encouraging all residents to visit City of Moreton Bay’s website to become familiar with what can and can’t go in them,” Mayor Flannery says.
“Everything you put in your GO bin will eventually become compost, so it's crucial to avoid contamination.”
TO FIND OUT MORE including what can and can’t be placed in the bin, visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Services/Waste-Recycling/ Collections/Garden-Organics
Kylie
Follow Chameleon Youth Housing on Facebook
The Chameleon Housing team at the conference
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Lasting link to Diggers
These days, Anzac Memorial Avenue is a major arterial road linking Redcliffe to Petrie but when it was first imagined, it aimed to serve as a link to the homegrown Diggers who gave their lives in WW1.
The idea for a memorial to honour local fallen soldiers was mooted shortly after the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.
The overwhelming consensus was that it needed to be something of grand magnitude that would benefit the community for years to come
In 1921, Royal Automobile Club of Queensland President TJ Rothwell put the proposal to his members and the Redcliffe Road was selected.
The project not only aimed to honour fallen Diggers, it was designed to create employment for returned soldiers and others struggling to find work.
A notice was published in the Daily Mail on July 1, 1922.
“The result will be at least one good road in the metropolitan area, and this will doubtless be the forerunner of many more,” it read.
Later that month, the same publication reported there had been a meeting in Redcliffe during which Mr Rothwell outlined the proposal. A committee was formed to get the ball rolling and seek support from Main Roads.
It was decided that the project would plant trees lining the route to honour individual fallen soldiers.
Reports in The Steering Wheel
publication in December 1922 said work on the road, with 25 returned soldiers, had started. By March 1923, 50 soldiers were toiling on the project.
In November 1923, the Brisbane Courier reported the road was slowly taking shape including the bridge over Hays Inlet, which was expected to open the following month. It said total expenditure had been
dotted along Anzac Avenue.
One of these is a model of the HMAS AE2, opened in 2014. It was the first submarine to penetrate the Dardanelles in Turkey during WWI. The vessel was scuttled a week after its Dardanelles heroics by its commanding officer after sustaining damage from an Ottoman torpedo boat.
Its sister submarine HMAS AE1 was lost patrolling New Guinea
more than £30,000.
On March 4, 1925, The Brisbane Telegraph printed an article about a ceremony to celebrate the planting of the first trees.
Anzac Memorial Avenue was officially opened on December 5, 1925, with Queensland Premier Mr W Forgan-Smith performing the honours.
The first tree planting ceremony in Redcliffe was held on July 7, 1926.
Less than two years later, TJ Rothwell died. A memorial recognising his contribution was erected in 1933 ‘in the triangle at the junction of the roads to Petrie, Redcliffe and Caboolture’.
This memorial, to the man who lobbied for the project, is among a number of war memorials now
waters in September 1914. The crew included 14 Australians and among them was Ernest Robert Blake, the youngest of six children to Mary Nichols and her second husband Edward Blake. Ernest was Queensland’s first Great War casualty.
Two of his brothers, Fredrick Alfred Herbert Blake and Walter Henry Blake enlisted after his death. They both died at Gallipoli.
The Blake brothers were honoured by trees numbered 1242, 1244 and 1246 donated by Jacob and Mary Uhlmann, and planted on Anzac Avenue. The young men were Mary’s half brothers.
About 1700 trees were planted along the 18km stretch of road, at a cost of just over £1 per tree.
CAPTION: Images courtesy of City of Moreton Bay, reference number PRLPC-P0001.
The Story of Anzac Memorial Avenue (2014 edition), History Redcliffe archives.
GROUP PHOTO: Glenis James, Ari, McKenna, Liza Newton, Summer, Billie, and Julie Smith.
HISTORIC PHOTOS: Mrs Eyleen Lee with children in 1970. The building in the 1980s.
LONG HISTORY OF community connection
For almost 60 years, Grace Lutheran Creche and Kindergarten has been a central part of the Redcliffe Peninsula community. It started humbly in November 1966, as a child-minding centre in a little cottage beside the church in McNaughton St, Redcliffe.
Its purpose was to provide a service to mothers while they shopped or worked. Pastor Joe Stolz had seen the need in the community and with the help of his wife, Lorraine, began the service with opening hours of 8.30am-5pm. Volunteers from the Lutheran church Ladies Guild provided the care for up to nine children at this time, for 20 cents per day.
By 1968, Mrs Stolz was Director and Mrs Eyleen Lee her assistant, with two nursing aids, six rostered assistants from the Ladies Guild and a kindergarten teacher who introduced an educational program.
Some children were even picked up in the morning and returned home bathed and changed in the afternoon. The women loved and cared for the children like their own.
The need for childcare grew and a new brick building, replacing the small cottage, was built (at a cost of $27,000) and opened in February 1970.
A meeting in October 1971 determined that all childcare workers should be paid. The contribution of the church volunteers during the first five years had greatly assisted financially, and by 1974, the debt on the building was cleared.
Further growth and development of the centre and its long-standing reputation for outstanding Christian care over nearly 60 years has ensured Grace C & K’s place in the hearts and history books of the Redcliffe Peninsula and the Lutheran Church.
Grace Lutheran College, to provide a continuous Christian education to children from six months to 18 years of age on the Peninsula.
Now all these years later, childcare on the Redcliffe Peninsula has changed considerably, with more than 17 centres providing care for babies and young children every day.
This, along with changing demographics and other considerations, has prompted the decision to close Grace C&K on December 18, 2024. The site will be sold.
A spokesperson says: “We are confident in the knowledge that Grace Creche and Kindergarten has been a blessing to the local community as thousands of children have experienced and heard the message of God’s love for them over all these years, and that God will continue to guide and bless the children, families and staff as they move to new centres and experiences.
“Glory be to God for His provision of people and resources to enable this crucial ministry to children and families over all these years.”
Service Leader Julie Smith has been at Grace C&K for seven years and says families and the community have made it special.
Multiple generations of the same family have attended, forging a strong connection with the Peninsula community.
Julie is grateful to the team of educators who have provided quality care during the centre’s history.
“It’s been an honour to work with them. They’ve been a great team ... the time and effort they’ve put into Grace ... it’s made Grace what it is,” she says.
It was the first of the educational ‘Grace Places’, helping to pave the way for the establishment of Grace Lutheran Primary School and ultimately
These long-time staff members have included Glenis James, who worked at Grace C&K for more than 35 years before retiring about two years ago, and Liza Newton who has worked there for about 22 years.
PARENTING POINTERS
This Perinatal Mental Health Week (November 17-23), parenting experts at the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are shining a light on giving babies the best start in life by improving the mental health and wellbeing of new parents and carers in the area.
About one in five women and one in 10 fathers, or non-birth partners, experience anxiety, depression, or both, during pregnancy and/or following birth.
Triple P’s largest-ever parenting survey found ongoing stress around cost-of-living and increased lack of sleep are adding to the challenges faced by new parents and carers. This can leave them feeling stressed, anxious,
or unhappy. It can also increase their likelihood of developing mental health concerns and negatively impact family life. While feelings of stress and tiredness are normal for new parents and carers, try to remember that seeking help if you are struggling is a key step towards positive changes.
To help expecting and new parents and caregivers adjust, Triple P has shared the following tips:
• It's normal to feel a mix of emotions, from joy to uncertainty, and sometimes even fear or sadness. Try to be gentle with yourself as you adjust to this new journey.
• It's okay to feel consumed by your baby's needs but remember to look after yourself, too. Rather than being selfish, it can make all the difference in feeling calmer and more positive, which also benefits your baby.
• Making eye contact, singing, cuddling, talking and reading to your baby can strengthen your bond and boost their learning, development and wellbeing.
• Every baby is unique. It can take time and patience to understand their cues and signals. You and your baby will learn and gradually figure it out together.
If you're a new parent or expecting a baby and you're feeling sad, anxious, or unhappy, know that asking for help is a sign of strength. Reach out to your doctor, health professional, or a support group like The Gidget Foundation or PANDA for guidance and help.
New and expecting parents can make a positive start with Triple P Online for Baby. This self-paced, online parenting program is free and available now at triplep-parenting.net.au
Supercharging sustainability
Studentsand teachers at Redcliffe Special School are leading the way in sustainability, earning an award for their efforts and also learning skills that will set them up for life.
The school won a Moreton Bay City Council Sustainability Champions Award earlier this year, recognising efforts to reduce waste, reuse items, and increase composting and recycling to limit the amount going to landfill.
Teacher Michael Turnbull says Redcliffe Special School’s sustainability journey started about four years ago, when it received a $400,000 grant to establish a sensory garden in a void between the school’s buildings and its boundary with Redcliffe State High School.
The grant was used to create accessible garden beds and other structures.
The Plant Shack at Deception Bay has since donated thousands of dollars in plants, enabling students and staff to create a garden that embraces
their sustainability goals but also provides a calm and cool space when needed.
In 2022, the school joined the Eco Marines environmental education program, which aims to inspire children to conserve freshwater, marine and landbased ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabits them.
“We’re the first special school as part of that program. They gave me the links to the Moreton Bay City Council educators in their waste minimisation team. Now, educators from both groups come out quite regularly to help teach the kids sustainable practices,” Michael says.
Since then, the school has supercharged sustainability efforts, slashing the amount disposed of in general waste bins by four tonnes in 2023.
“At the start, we were producing 13 wheelie bins of waste per week ... it was eight or nine full trucks per year .... 398 wheelie bins per year,” Michael says.
“In our interim audit (after about one year), we reduced that by three quarters.”
Every classroom has four bins to make it easier for students and staff to sort waste, and they conduct spot checks to ensure the correct material has been placed in each bin.
“The kids are taking on board what we’re teaching,” Michael says.
The school’s sustainable purchasing policy is reducing photocopying and preferencing products made with recycled content.
Redcliffe Special School has also introduced reusable cups and water bottles, Containers for Change recycling, a secondhand library drive, computer recycling program and recycling of used pens.
There are also worm farms and composting stations, with the output used in flower, vegetable and native plant gardens.
“I think it’s socially responsible. I think it’s what is expected these days. It’s not just a nicety anymore. I think it’s something the kids should know as part of their schooling and I try to provide that as best I can. It’s a skill they can take home,” Michael explains.
He believes students will be able to use the lessons learnt and skills developed throughout their lives to contribute to the community.
“We have a number of recycling programs that we run through ... we do the computer recycling where they recycle the desktop towers ... Endeavour also recycles desktop towers, so we have a direct work link from that to outside employment for some of our students,” Michael says.
There’s also the joy of being outside, enjoying nature and learning about gardening and plant growth.
“It’s an ongoing journey. It’s not the end,” Michael says.
“There’s always more for me to learn and the students to learn. By Year 12, they’re going to leave this place hopefully being good role models, being sustainable role models and being socially responsible. I think that’s what we want for everybody.”
Future plans include installing native bee hives and possum boxes to be placed in trees on the school grounds and establishing a bush tucker garden.
Kylie Knight
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Collection call for hampers
Volunteers expect they will need 600-700 food hampers for people in need on the Redcliffe Peninsula this Christmas, up from about 500 last year.
The Redcliffe Community Care Network 2024 Christmas Appeal has been launched combining the efforts of many community groups and services to help those doing it tough.
The Breakfast Club Redcliffe is part of the network and one of the organisations accepting donations of non-perishable food items, toys and Christmas items.
Spokeswoman Michelle Gilchrist says the hampers are not just a treat for people at Christmas, they aim to get people through the two-week period when many services and avenues for support close.
“The hampers include basic food items with a little bit of Christmas sprinkled on top,” she explains.
Michelle says the appeal is an easy way for the community to get involved and support people doing it tough. They can donate items on the wishlist, or money so volunteers can buy what is needed.
“It’s hard for people, at the moment, to pay the rent and buy food. It is going to be a very hard Christmas, but we want to make it a bit easier for as many people as we can in the area,” she says.
Volunteers are needed for six hamper packing days in November, with about 15 required each day. People wanting to help can register and nominate a time using Eventbrite.
People in need of a hamper can register via Eventbrite in mid-November and book a time to collect their hamper on December 16 and 17.
The hampers will only be available to people living on the Redcliffe Peninsula (postcodes 4019, 4020, 4021 and 4022). People not living on the Peninsula will be directed to other services.
For boys and girls – babies to teenagers. Must be dropped off at The Salvation Army Redcliffe LEGO (eight years +), DIY kits and craft kits, board games, puzzles games (eight years +), escape room board games, outdoor items (balls, scooters etc)
Deliver donations before December 11 to:
The Breakfast Club 34 Cornelius St, Clontarf, on Tue and Thu from 9am-1.30pm. Phone 0467 811 380.
The Salvation Army 64 Ashmole Rd, Kippa-Ring, on Tue and Fri from 9am-noon. Phone 3880 1111.
Redcliffe Uniting Church, 1 Richens St, Redcliffe, Mon to Fri from 9am-4pm. Phone 0417 706 304.
To find out more, follow Redcliffe Community Care Network on Facebook. The Redcliffe Community Care Network is made up of organisations including The Breakfast Club Redcliffe, Redcliffe Mums, Redcliffe Uniting Church, The Salvation Army, encircle, Band of Brothers QLD, Beef Bank, Emerge Church, Peace Community Church, Fringe Church, Queensland Police Service and Moreton Bay City Councillors Karl Winchester and Sandra Ruck.
Kylie Knight
Learning skills
Australia is blessed with beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes, and dams, making it crucial to teach children the importance of water safety.
Redcliffe War Memorial Swimming Pool is dedicated to nurturing Australia’s future generation.
Teaching children water familiarisation at a younger age not only has numerous benefits but can also set them on a path to achieve great success in competitive swimming as they commence swimming lessons.
Baby swimming, when approached in a nurturing, child-paced, and “baby-friendly” environment, offers boundless joy, selfconfidence, and personal development.
It leads to happy, healthy and well-adjusted children who enjoy their lessons immensely.
Belgravia Leisure QLD Aquatic Manager Cheryl McLennan emphasises the benefits of starting swimming lessons early. These include:
Increased comfort and confidence: Early exposure helps infants become comfortable and confident in the water, reducing the likelihood of fear as they grow older.
Enhanced motor skills: Swimming can improve co-ordination, balance, and overall motor skills, promoting physical development.
Safety skills: Learning basic water survival
skills at a young age can enhance safety, potentially preventing drowning accidents.
Parent-child bonding: Swimming lessons provide a unique opportunity for bonding between parents and their infants through shared activities and physical closeness.
Cognitive and social development: Engaging in structured swimming activities can stimulate cognitive and social development, encouraging interaction with teachers and other children.
Health benefits: Swimming promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and can improve appetite and sleep patterns in infants.
Fun and enjoyment: Early swimming lessons can introduce infants to a fun and enjoyable activity, fostering a positive relationship with water from a young age.
Starting your child in swimming lessons early will teach them to become safer in and around water and can also pave the way for remarkable achievements in their future.
By building a strong foundation in swimming, your child could excel in high-level competitions, possibly becoming a national champion.
These early experiences can ignite a lifelong passion for swimming and could also lead them to represent their country on the world stage.
At the Redcliffe War Memorial Pool, we’re thrilled to offer 8 weeks of FREE access to our Splish Splash program (Aqua Play)!
This program provides parents and caregivers with essential water safety education while preparing little ones (ages 3-6 months) for future swimming lessons.
For details contact Redcliffe War Memorial Pool Phone 5294 7800 or email: redcliffe@belgravialeisure.com.au
Champion returns
Former Olympic champion Kylie Palmer is back at Redcliffe aiming to build a “rocksolid” base for future generations
Kylie is Belgravia Leisure’s new Centre Manager at Redcliffe War Memorial Swimming Pool, in Sydney St. Her arrival turns the clock back almost 20 years to when she was a rising star of Australian swimming under coach Ken Wood.
In an outstanding career, Kylie represented Australia for almost a decade, winning Olympic, World and Commonwealth gold and receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
But now her focus is running the Redcliffe centre – with the only indoor heated 50m pool on the Peninsula - and helping “build on the foundations already here”.
“The goal is having a rock-solid Learn to Swim program and developing it,” says Kylie, who has no plans to become a coach.
“A program where children start to swim, learn to swim and hopefully in time progress into junior and senior squads.”
Being a mum has changed the way Kylie views Learn to Swim programs.
“Until I became a parent, I probably didn’t understand the importance of early years,” she says. “It’s just so important.
“My daughter and I often go to Redcliffe Lagoon and see kids with floaties. I prefer to get in the water with my daughter, so she doesn’t need floaties.
“It has really opened my eyes to the need for kids to know how to swim, especially living in this part of the world.”
Kylie is often asked why, as a gold medallist on the world’s biggest sporting stages, she has enrolled her daughter in swimming classes.
“Just because I know how to swim doesn’t mean I can teach my daughter,” she explains.
First 20 to enquire receive a free GOswim Bag
“I think (swimming) teachers undervalue themselves, the skills they have and the importance of what they are able to teach the next generation.
“It’s absolutely invaluable.”
Bringing music to life
Kylie Knight
Eli Ball sees music as a way to express himself and connect with people of all ages, so when he was asked to be the conductor of Redcliffe City Choir he jumped at the chance.
The 18-year-old has been in the role for about six months, after initially volunteering to fill in for a short period of time and then agreeing to stay on
don’t have to get stern with people who want to be there. It’s not like sometimes when you’re with a school choir ... they (Redcliffe City Choir) want to be there,” Eli explains.
“You have to put yourself in that mind space, understand how they work ... they might do things differently. It’s just making it work how they like to run rehearsals and how they like to do things.”
more about technique, about choral conducting because I’ve come from doing more music and band stuff. With choral conducting, there are nuances and little extra things you have to be cautious of to get different sounds,” he says.
So, what does he love about conducting Redcliffe City Choir?
“It’s how us as a community should express the music that’s on the page because, on the page, it’s almost just notes without a life to it. I like to be with them and move the notes off the page and just make music
“There is a misconception with conducting that you’re only there to keep everyone in time. Musicians and skilled singers can keep themselves in time. It’s more about feeling the music and expressing to the choir or an orchestra how one should interpret the music.”
Eli is studying a Bachelor of Composition at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music online and is guiding the next generation of musicians as a teacher locally.
“Music without a community aspect, doesn’t really have a point. The whole reason I do it is the community and to be with the community, and see the live reaction of an audience. That’s why I like working with youth and younger children to hopefully inspire them to follow their dreams.
“Music is a way of expressing yourself and I think, to me, it’s almost like communication and how it can connect so many different people and places. Music has always been kind of like what holds society together even if we don’t realise it,” he says.
“There are so many songs that are linked to events – we sing the national anthem, we sing happy birthday.”
REDCLIFFE CITY CHOIR PERFORMANCES
• DECEMBER 7 from 3.30pm. Carols at Freshwater at Freshwater Anglican Church, 43 Park Rd, Deception Bay.
• DECEMBER 7 Redcliffe Museum
• DECEMBER 14 from 2.30pm. Redcliffe CWA Hall.
To find out more, visit redcliffecitychoir.org.au
Iwith Sondra Grainger
f the summer heat drives you crazy, then perhaps you should consider resort style living and go troppo instead!
It’s well known that surrounding yourself with green life will reduce the temperature of your space considerably, so why not embrace our subtropical climate and chill!
Think BIG… big leaves, architectural plants, tall screens, large urns, statement sculptures, bold flowers… this is, after all, a style that needs to feel lush.
Colour
Consider your colours. A cooling palette of green and white is refreshing, classic and easy to work with. Palms, Heliconia, Strelitzia (bird of paradise) and Alocasia (elephant ears) give you height and fabulous foliage structure. Under plant with Philodendrons
TOP TIPS
• Buy tropical plants in spring/summer when they’re at their best
• Keep it simple by planting multiples of the same plant
• Layer with plants of various heights
• Create a focal point
of bromeliads will have you spoilt for choice. Many tropical flowering plants choose to show off in the warmer months with frangipani, bougainvillea, gingers, hibiscus, agapanthus and orchids all blooming once the temperatures rise.
Water
(Xanadu, Monstera, Birkin) ferns and bromeliads to act as groundcovers and create a tiered effect. Simple gravel paths eliminate the need for mowing. Add pavers or stepping stones throughout the path for bare foot wandering.
Of course, if a riot of colour is more your style, then go bold… no pastels here! Cordylines, Crotons, Fittonia and Coleus offer year-round foliage colour and the enormous varieties
Water is the essence of a tropical garden. A beautiful carved stone bowl, bird bath, fountain, rain chain or pond add to the ambiance and provide respite from the heat for birds and wildlife. If space is available, water plants are a wonderful addition with varieties that are flowering or edible. A misting system adds a magical rainforest feel creating pockets of moss and ferns. And don’t forget an outdoor shower - a practical luxury for refreshing after a beach day or working in the garden.
Decor
Finishing touches personalise your zone. A quiet corner with an outdoor chair or hammock for retreating or enjoying a cooling afternoon drink allows you to make the most of the space. A sculpture, urn or collection of potted plants can provide a focal point or be strategically positioned throughout the garden to add texture, colour and wonder. Up-lights under palms and trees turn the simple into the spectacular at night and create an oasis for outdoor dining. But most importantly, fill the space. A tropical garden is never sparse, it should feel generous, inviting and your little slice of paradise.
Happy gardening!
Save date the
November 12
LEGO club
Develop design thinking and engineering skills as you build and create with LEGO bricks. This activity is for children aged four-12 years and is on from 3.30-4.30pm at Redcliffe Library. No bookings required. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov. au/libraries/Events/LEGOEngineers-Club/Redcliffe
November 13
Karaoke fun
Wednesdays are so much fun at Tribe Social Belonging, with free karaoke from 10am-2pm. Sing your favourite song and cheer on others giving it their all.
Visit facebook.com/ Tribeclubhouse
November 16
Red Heart of Australia
Enjoy an exhibition of eight paintings created by Aboriginal artists from across central Australia until February 9 at Redcliffe Museum. Entry is free.
This exhibition showcases red objects from Moreton Bay City Council’s heritage collection and reveals the stories of why red was the chosen colour. Take a look at the display at Redcliffe Museum until February 9. Entry is free.
Australian comedian Lawrence Mooney is bringing his show Pigeonhole to Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 8pm.
Visit redcliffeentertainment centre.com.au/Events/ Lawrence-Mooney to buy tickets
November 19
Jade Hurley
Australasia’s king of country rock’n’roll, Jade Hurley, will be performing at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 11am. Visit redcliffeentertainment centre.com.au/Events/ JADE-HURLEY-The-CountryRocker-His-Piano to buy tickets
November 21
Writers’ Group
Meet with other aspiring and experienced writers to discuss ideas, share your writing and learn from one another. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of the month from 2-4pm at Redcliffe Library. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au /libraries/Events/WritersGroups/Redcliffe-3rdThursday
November 28
Blokes’ book club
The Redcliffe Blokes Book Club is a bunch of blokes who read and like to talk about books and share ideas at Redcliffe Library on the fourth Thursday of the month from 6-7pm. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au /libraries/Events/BlokesBook-Club
November 29
Tribute show
Celebrate the music of two of the biggest pop stars in this era during the Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift Tribute Show at Redcliffe Leagues Club from 7pm.
Entry is free for members and guests. Visit redcliffeleagues.com.au /calendar/dua-lipa-taylorswift-tribute-show/
December 8
Christmas carols
The Redcliffe Peninsula Christmas Carols event will be held at Rothwell’s Nathan Road Sports Complex from 4-8pm. Enjoy Santa’s Village and workshop, markets and food trucks, and entertainment for the whole family. Entry is free. Visit whatsonmoretonbay. com.au
Until December 6
Beyond the Horizon
Find interactive games and activities for the whole family to enjoy, watch video clips from the Australian Space Agency, and learn about astrological discoveries at Redcliffe Museum’s latest Imaginarium: Beyond the Horizon. Entry is free. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RM/Beyond-the-HorizonImaginarium
FISHING TIPS
While Moreton Bay is our fishing mecca, we should not forget that we share it with many other animals. One of those animals is the dugong and we are lucky enough to have a large population of them on our doorstep.
On November 24, the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) Moreton Bay is hosting the Family Dugong Awareness Day at Pelican Park, Clontarf. It promises to be a great educational day and fun for the kids, so come along.
Inshore Reefs and Bay Waters
Snapper continue to be present on the local inshore reefs with quite a few solid fish caught. Grass sweetlip are also around and will increase in abundance as the water continues to warm. Around Scarborough Reef is always a popular spot, and the key to success is to fish light and in close to the reef structure.
The reef ledges on the western side of Moreton Island will yield snapper, grass sweetlip, spangled emperor and black spotted tuskfish. It tends to be the specialist anglers who catch the latter, using very heavy gear and crabs for bait. One of the better baits for them is the smooth clawed crab commonly called a “sleepy crab”. These small crabs are abundant
around the intertidal rocks of the Peninsula and good results can be had by threading two or three of them onto a 2/0 or 3/0 hook.
Tailor have been more common and widespread in Moreton Bay than usual for this time of year, so you should expect to catch a few while chasing other species. Mulloway of various sizes have also been turning up at many locations in the bay and the estuaries. They can be specifically targeted or caught while chasing other species. They are not very fussy eaters, but a large well-presented live bait such as a herring or yakka will often work when other baits do not. Big soft plastic lures can also do the trick.
In term of crustaceans, Deception Bay and Bramble Bay are popular spots for dropping some pots for blue swimmer crabs.
Pelagic Fish
Mac tuna and long tail tuna are around, chasing baitfish in the northern part of Moreton Bay. Early morning is the best time to chase them. It’s always a simple equation with these fish most days, find the bait and you will find the fish. Be prepared though to travel to find them. School mackerel, bonito and cobia have also been caught.
Estuary and Land Based
Both sand whiting and yellowfin (gold lined) whiting are around in November. Good catches have been for the taking on the beaches at Bribie Island, Burpengary Creek, Pine River and Hays Inlet. Bream will start to increase in number again and will start to have some better condition on them. If you are chasing them, the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge and the foreshores around Redcliffe should be productive. Both spotted and barred javelin fish should be expected on yabbies and worms in the estuaries. These two species locally seem to get more common each year. Dusky flathead will be active, in the warmer weather, with concentrations of larger fish around the surf bars. They are a great fish to target on lures with a variety of soft plastic
and hard-bodied lures being effective.
Trevally have also been popping up in the Pine and Caboolture rivers for those throwing small lures around.
Surf Beaches
If you are heading to Moreton Island this month, it is best to target your efforts along the semi-surf beaches between Combuyoro Point to North Point, the southern part of the island around Reeders Point, and the western beaches. Sand whiting should be your number one target species closely followed by dusky flathead. Look for dusky flathead during the day and sand whiting in the late afternoon and early evening. Tailor have also been about on the northern side of Moreton Island and you can target them there around the full moon.
Offshore
The reefs around Cape Moreton really are a mixing pot of species and this gives anglers a diversity of opportunity. Our usual offshore rocky reef fish have been in abundance including snapper, pearl perch, silver trevally, Venus tuskfish and teraglin. With the warmer weather, there will be a mix of more tropical offshore species such as hussar.
Daryl McPhee is an associate professor of environmental science at Bond University
Dr Dazza with
Dugongs in focus at event
Moreton Bay’s dugongs, commonly known as ‘sea cows’, will be in the spotlight during a family event at Clontarf on November 24.
The event, to be held at Pelican Park from 10am-2pm, is being organised by Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG).
ESRAG Oceania Chairman Colin Scobie says the event will be a chance to learn more about dugongs, which are an important part of the greater Brisbane landscape.
Colin says the large herd, which calls Moreton Bay home is the only one of its kind in the world so close to such a big city.
“It’s a great asset on our doorstep for people to learn about,” he says.
Colin says it is important people learn about how to preserve the marine mammal, which is threatened by boat strikes and sediment affecting water quality and killing the seagrass it feeds on.
The Family Awareness Dugong Day will feature presentations by marine expert Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, mangrove expert Jack Hill (plus a mangrove tour), indigenous contemporary dance performance by Aunty Sharron Gamiliaraay Wiradyuri and Sista gurl yiri Gamilaraay Wiradyuri, and a presentation by chef Chris Jordan on how to cook with native ingredients.
There will also be a barbecue and raffles.
THE SEBEL BRISBANE MARGATE BEACH
Movie in the park
Families gathered at Nathan Road Sports Complex on October 19 for Movie in the Park Rothwell, where they enjoyed entertainment, food and a screening of Kung Fu Panda 4
PHOTOS DOMINIKA LIS
Erin Williams Lucah Hendry
Staci and McKenzie Henderson
Thi Doan, Thi Ngo and Jaylah Black Bentley, Kylie, Dayle, Nevaeh, Archer and Ethan
Charlotte and Anthony Perks, Shania Hammer and Levi Perks Cindy Ford and Sean Minor
YOUR GUIDE TO NOVEMBER
with Patsy
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
Your adventurous nature will seek expression, making this an excellent month to devise ways to improve your daily routine including your health and productivity. You’ll enjoy varied and upbeat days early in November and Mars provides the opportunity to revive your fun quota and career.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
You’ll appreciate gaining traction in key areas, especially your love life (from the 4th) and at work. You’ll also gain the opportunity to bring more happiness into your daily life, so be sure to schedule in time for yourself, and for someone special; and set goals at work, as you could attain them now.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 19
Pluto brings you the chance to focus on areas of interest that took your attention early in the year. You'll gain the chance now to find the time, motivation and drive to concentrate on your aims, favourite activities, people and social circles, creating a sense of purpose, belonging and direction.
Pisces
FEB 20 - MAR 20
You will appreciate the opportunity to lean into activities that you adore early in the month. Be sure to schedule sports, travel and self-development for example. The second two weeks of the month will be ideal to gain ground at work and to schedule time spent with people you love.
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
Your sign’s ruler Mars enters the upbeat sign of Leo on the 4th, which will bring your focus to family, to your own creativity and to fun! It’s a great month to plan or take a holiday or longer trip. New work ventures will appeal, but you must be sure to plan carefully to avoid rash decisions.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
Your finances can improve but you must avoid overspending. The Scorpio new moon on the 1st and the full moon mid-month will refresh your work schedule and if you were born in October, your personal life too. Keep an eye on impulsiveness, especially towards the 3rd, 4th, 12th and 18th.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
This will be a busy, chatty month, with the chance to step into something new and exciting towards the 20th. Luckily, you’ll feel able to manage developments, especially from mid-month onwards. Ensure you maintain perspective in the first two weeks of November to avoid impulsiveness.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
November puts you in your element, as your sociable, upbeat side seeks expression. You’ll gain the chance to alter your usual work and health routine to suit you better and to gain time for your own interests and ventures. This is also an excellent month to revitalise your closest relationships.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
You’re likely to experience an earlier than usual festive season, and will appreciate the opportunity to kick up your heels and connect with like-minded people, friends and family. The full moon on the 16th will offer the chance to make new arrangements in your work or health schedules.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
Mars in your sign from the 4th and Mercury in Sagittarius will bring your adventurous, bold and courageous characteristic out and you’ll enjoy taking charge of matters that have dragged of late. But if you feel restless be sure to avoid rash behaviour and channel efforts into constructive goals.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
Take the initiative with collaborations as the stars will support your efforts. The full moon on the 16th will spotlight your need for security and stability at home or with family, and the best way forward with a domestic matter. Be sure to schedule in more ‘me’ time; you’ll be glad you did.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
Early November, an adventurous streak will take you into new territory, either via travel or in your personal life. Be practical as the month progresses and work out your best path forward within a personal or business arrangement. You’ll gain the chance to boost your finances and self-esteem.
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
1 What are the
2 Who s t arred as Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess from 1995 to 20 01?
the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. There may be more than one possible answer
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
3 3 9 1 4 1 5 9 3 2 1 8 7 8 4 9 5 7 2 6 6 7 4 4
Historic win just the beginning
Redcliffe
Hockey Club’s historic and emotional grand final victory has completed one journey – and started another.
A 3-0 victory over Easts, at the State Hockey Centre, gave in-form Redcliffe victory in its first Brisbane Women’s Premier League 1 Grand Final.
Alyssa Ferns (2) and Hannah Cullum-Sanders were on target for the regular season runnersup. Former Hockeyroo striker Cullum-Sanders was player of the final.
It was a triumph for Redcliffe’s determination – having been
tied fifth on the ladder in June – and focus on youth and junior development.
The grand final also came just four weeks after the passing of Club President and Women’s Premier League 3 coach
Cameron Howes, who had been with the club for 55 years.
Two weeks later his mother
Margaret Robb, a life member who had been part of Redcliffe Hockey Club for more than 75 years, also died.
Despite those blows, the Premier League 1 women, with 14 of the squad aged 25 and under, rallied for the finals and stretched their unbeaten
run to nine games. Hopes are now growing for next year and the continued progress of Redcliffe’s Premier League 2 and J2 Girls sides.
Steve Lancaster, who coached the women in Division 2, Division 1 and in the Grand Final, says: “There has been a fantastic reaction within the club.
“It’s a journey we’ve been on for about seven years, getting strength and talented players in the juniors.”
Redcliffe’s J2 Girls won their Premiership last season with 17 wins from 18 games and four Premier League 2 players made their Premier League 1 debuts.
“I think expectations are high for the next five years,” says Lancaster, who played more than 300 Division 1 games for Redcliffe, winning two Premierships.
“We’re really looking forward to setting new challenges for this group.”
In the semi-finals, Redcliffe beat third-placed Easts 4-0 and then minor premiers Commercial 3-2 to reach the grand final.
Redcliffe re-entered the Brisbane Women's Premier League 1 in 2018, having dropped out of the top grade at the end of the 2012 season.
Nick Crockford
PHOTOS Andrew Blanchard
Thrills at Supercross Championship
Big crowds packed Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium for an actionpacked weekend of Australian Supercross Championship action on October 12 and 13, witnessing ‘arguably one of the most thrilling nights of supercross racing in years’.
The venue, which was almost unrecognisable after being transformed for the competition, hosted the opening two rounds of the championship.
About 6000 tonnes of dirt was brought to the stadium from Bald Hills and crafted into a challenging track by the experienced team from Protraxx.
Organisers say the racing reached fever pitch on the second day, with Napa Parts
Fitting hockey tribute to Forte
T he annual sporting salute to Brett Forte was “another great day” at Redcliffe Hockey Club, according to his brother Chris.
“Can’t thank the committee and the volunteers enough,” Chris said on Facebook, after the Police team ran out winners this year.
“So awesome to have your support and we couldn’t have days like that without you all. Thanks also to the umpires, tech bench staff, the Redcliffe and police teams and of course the supporters of the event. Great stuff everyone.”
Honda Factory Racing’s Joey Savatgy (USA) claiming the SX1 overall victory over Empire Kawasaki’s Luke Clout and defending series champion Honda Racing’s Dean Wilson from Scotland.
In the first of two of the ‘Double Header’ format races, Clout initially led the field before Wilson made his move, but a mistake by the reigning champion in the opening laps saw him tip over in a corner, relinquishing the lead.
Clout regained control, while under pressure from Savatgy, the duo battling it out as Wilson re-entered the fight for the lead. It came down to the final lap, but it was Clout who prevailed ahead of Savatgy and Wilson.
CDR Yamaha Monster Energy duo Matt Moss and Jed Beaton completed the top five ahead of Aaron Tanti (Honda Racing), Hayden Mellross (KTM), Dylan Wills (GasGas Racing Team), Jack Mather (Raceline Husqvarna Tdub Racing), and Luke Zielinski (Yamaha).
The second final was a relatively uneventful encounter, with Clout initially leading before Savatgy made his move, going onto secure victory by 2.706s over Wilson, as Clout settled for third.
In the SX2 (250cc) category it was another Honda, steered by Shane McElrath (USA), making a clear statement and dominating with an emphatic 1-1 sweep.
McElrath bounced back after
a tough finish in the opening round to show his true potential in front of Boost Mobile Honda’s Noah Ferguson.
When the gates dropped for the first moto, it was an allHonda showcase. McElrath rocketed to the front early and was never challenged, crossing the finish line with authority to remind everyone of his worldclass talent.
Moto two kicked off with Alex Larwood jumping into an early lead, while Ferguson got tangled up in chaotic first-turn carnage. McElrath patiently chipped away, picking off riders one by one, until he seized the lead and charged to a commanding victory, capping off a flawless night for the American.
Players, police officers and Australian internationals turned out on October 5 to honour Senior Constable Forte, who grew up on the Peninsula and played juniors at Redcliffe. He was shot and killed on duty near Toowoomba in 2017.
Organised by Redcliffe’s old boys, the fixture also raised
funds through a raffle and from canteen sales for Queensland Police Legacy, which supports families of fallen officers.
This year the Police side included former Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles who won Olympic, World Cup, Champions League, Oceania Cup, World League and Commonwealth gold in a glittering
career, which also included playing professionally in Europe.
He followed Olympians Nikki Hudson (nee Mott, who won gold at Sydney 2000), Angie Lambert (also a gold medallist in Sydney) and Grant Smith (bronze medallist at the 1996 Games in Atalanta) who have also played in the annual fixture.
Check out our MEGA PHOTO GALLERY from the event here
Star backing for junior tournament
The Cameron Smith Junior Classic (CSJC) will tee-off on December 5-6, supported by one of the world’s major golf tours.
LIV Golf, the global league and Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC, which won this year’s LIV Team Championship, are backing the CSJC at Wantima Country Club in Brendale.
It is believed the Junior Classic will be the only Australian tournament, outside LIV Golf Adelaide, to be backed by LIV and Ripper GC.
With LIV and Ripper GC’s support, the eighth CSJC is also believed to have the biggest collection of prizes and giveaways for a junior event in this country.
Young golfers from across Queensland, including Redcliffe, are expected to compete.
“We put a proposal to Cameron and LIV,” says Ken McKay, coordinator of the Junior Classic with Shane Johnsson.
“Cam’s manager Ian took that proposal to London and presented it to him. Feedback was Cam was thrilled with what we were proposing.
“We asked for a couple of products and they have gone
above and beyond. Ian and Cam have been behind us from day dot.”
Smith grew up in Bray Park, learned to play golf at Wantima where he is still a member, and worked at Redcliffe RSL in his formative years.
Shane Johnsson says the LIV Golf and Ripper GC support is “huge for this event”.
“An added bonus is QUS, an insurance brokerage company, which came on board last year as a minor sponsor.
“This year they have stepped up and tripled their sponsorship,” he says.
The 2024 CSJC will again be a two-day 36-hole event with a maximum 152 entries and a one-day nine-hole event for 72 players. Both days are fully booked with places only available on the waiting list.
Cameron Smith is expected to be at the CSJC after playing the Queensland PGA (October 31-November 3), NSW Open (November 14-17), Australian PGA (November 21-24) and Australian Open (November 28-December 1).
Two years ago, he won the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews and Players’ Championship, dubbed the fifth Major, to reach second on the world rankings.
FIND OUT MORE
Full details of the CSJC are at facebook.com/groups/ cameronsmithjuniorclassic
Golden opportunity for water polo duo
Redcliffe water polo stars
Amelie Hoefel and Tian Markart have won national gold - and places in the national training program.
Markart and Hoefel were in their respective Under 17 Queensland teams which went through the national titles, on the Gold Coast, undefeated.
Hoefel and Markart, both 16, have since been named in Water Polo Australia’s 18 and Under National Age Group Program (NAGP) for 2025.
The Redcliffe State High School student adds those accolades to the bronze medal she received
at the World Championships. In the National Championships at Southport Aquatic Centre, the utility player, helped Queensland beat South
Australia 27-3, Tasmania 37-3, New Zealand 17-3, NSW 15-5, ACT 22-7, Victoria 20-6 and West Australia 16-3 in the group stage.
The semi-final saw Queensland
romp to a 27-2 victory over Victoria and NSW were despatched 12-5 in the final.
Kippa-Ring resident Markart starred in goal as Queensland beat South Australia 28-11, New Zealand 28-10, Tasmania 27-2, ACT 13-9, Victoria 24-11 and West Australia 22-4.
Queensland beat New Zealand 1-6 in the semi-final at Miami Aquatic Centre, before winning 14-13 in a thrilling final against NSW.
Markart, 16, a student at Mueller College, helped Australia finish 10th at the Under 17 World Championships in Argentina.
Nick Crockford
Nick Crockford
Leaving a strong foundation
Kylie Knight
In his last duty as outgoing Dolphins NRL Head Coach, Wayne Bennett spoke at a Moreton Bay business luncheon on October 28 which focused on the club’s impact on the broader region in its first two years.
Bennett delivered the keynote address, which was followed by a panel discussion including Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery, Dolphins Group CEO Tony Murphy, and new Dolphins NRL Assistant Coach Rory Kostjasyn.
The super coach said his experiences growing up on the Darling Downs, in a community of hard-working farmers, had shaped his approach to coaching and gave him an insight into how much the Dolphins would mean to the people of Moreton Bay.
“My number one priority as a coach is to make sure the players do the best they can. I believe that was born out of watching those men play (rugby league) as a little boy growing up because I always felt they did the best they could ... what it meant for the town and what it meant for the community,” Bennett said.
“I knew how much the Dolphins would mean to the community in Moreton Bay, Redcliffe ... because it becomes a way of life to us, it becomes a talking point, it becomes engagement with our families and with our friends.
“Nobody wants to talk about a team that doesn’t try, nobody wants to talk about a team that doesn’t give their best, nobody wants to talk about a team that’s in the papers and the headlines for all the wrong reasons.”
He said those were the pillars
of his coaching – to not let the fans, club or game down.
“If you commit to being the best you can, you’ll be absolutely amazed at what you’ll achieve,” Bennett said.
“I know, as a community, you’re proud of them (the Dolphins squad). I’m certainly proud of them. It gives us a lot of hope for the future,” Bennett said.
It’s a philosophy new Assistant Coach Rory Kostjasyn said had laid a strong foundation.
Kostjasyn, a former Ireland international player who also played for Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys, comes to Redcliffe from the Newcastle Knights where he has been part of the coaching department.
“Before I came here ... you could see the support and the excitement for the club, even from Newcastle. It didn’t matter where you were in Australia, you could feel the support and the traction that the club got over its first two seasons,” he said.
next chapter with Kristian Woolf as Head Coach.
Wayne’s done a terrific job, creating a team that ... if you’ve watched them play over the last two years ... with 10 minutes to go in the game, most of the time the Dolphins are in the fight and they have an opportunity to win the game,” Kostjasyn said.
finals footy soon.”
be player testing on November 7 before pre-season training started ahead of the 2025 season.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the Dolphins’ early success had put Moreton Bay on the map.
breeds success for many, many businesses in the City of Moreton Bay. To me, the Dolphins gave the City of Moreton Bay the ability to cheer for our own team that we feel very close to and also drives the economy,” he said.
Dolphins Group CEO Tony Murphy said the club had big plans, which would further benefit the local economy.
He would like to see Kayo Stadium become a ‘displacement stadium’ during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics for those sports displaced by the Games.
“We’d like to take it to about a 20,000-23,000-seat stadium. We’d love to build some accommodation. We know there’s a huge calling out for accommodation, especially in Moreton Bay City,” he said.
The first step is an excellence centre for the football department at a cost of $42 million.
ABOVE: The Dolphins' Tony Murphy and Rory Kostjasyn, and Mayor Peter Flannery.
