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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 your free community news magazine
To the Rescue
The Peninsula’s shrinking koala population is facing huge challenges threatening its survival, but a group of dedicated volunteers is doing everything it can to give the marsupial a fighting chance
In the lead-up to World Wildlife Day on March 3, we’re shining a light on the work they, and other wildlife advocates, are doing in our community while also exploring what we can do to help.
Last month, we joined koala rescuers and advocates Tash Barker and Therese Hollan as they returned a seven-year-old koala to its habitat at Kippa-Ring following a three-month stint at Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre.
It is believed the koala, known as Blinky to locals and Coolio to rescuers, had been bitten by a dog on the neck and shoulder and arm, which became infected.
He was returned to ‘his tree’ on the grounds of Holy Cross Church and Southern Cross Catholic College’s Kippa-Ring campus.
Therese says moments such as Blinky’s release are special.
“That’s what those involved in koala rescue live for. It overshadows the bad things. You’re never going to get over the losses, but this is what you live for,” she says.
The week of Blinky’s release was particularly tough for rescuers and carers such as Tash.
“We’re only three days into this week and there have been at least three koalas I know that had to be euthanized and another two are deceased,” she says.
“You do get to that point, sometimes, you’re like seriously I cannot handle any more of this. Then, something surprising will happen and then you get a new
She first met Coolio about three years ago and says he has a special place in her heart.
“I love Coolio. You’re not
supposed to have favourites but he’s definitely one of my favourites. One of the orphans was being released today but I said: ‘if I have to choose, I’m going to choose Coolio no matter how much time I’ve spent with the other one’,” she says.
Tash is a member of Pine Rivers Koala Care and wildcare rescue organisations. She has attained necessary licences and permits independently, seeking out training and conferences to gain skills since 2018.
“The main reason was that I would always come across wildlife that was sick, injured or orphaned and I would take it to the local vet and didn’t know what happened after that,” she explains.
“I’ve lived on the Peninsula my whole life and backed onto the golf course, so obviously grew up with koalas everywhere.”
Therese is a volunteer with Redcliffe Environmental Forum (REF) and is on the organisation’s committee.
“I guess my journey did start with REF. I joined their bush care group in 2017 and, from there, realised that we still do have koalas on the Peninsula,” she explains.
“My interest has been predominantly koalas. I was with Moreton Bay Koala Rescue
for a couple of years but, due to my work commitments, I’m not doing that anymore.
“It’s also quite sad. A lot of the koalas don’t come home, so it’s that realisation. You join because of a love for them but you have to be quite strong and resilient to hang in there.
“I also advocate for the Peninsula koalas, in particular, because I also grew up on the Peninsula.
“The railway corridor split their habitat, so now we’ve got fractured populations (12 on) this (northern) side of the rail corridor as well as a population of 50-odd on the southern side.”
Therese was part of a meeting with Moreton Bay City Council and the Department of Environment, Tourism and Science (DETSI) in August in a bid to create a management plan for the area, particularly Hercules Rd.
“With the population of 50 … it sounds like a good number but unless we look at the genetic diversity of what’s still remaining in there, it’s not guaranteed they’re going to be here into the future,” she explains.
“We’re trying to achieve a grant where we can get one of the universities on board to health-check them and have a look at the genetic diversity to see what needs to be done to
try to shore up that population moving forward because in a lot of senses, they’re land-locked.
“They’re existing in fractured pockets and they can’t always get from one surviving group to the other.”
Therese says there are about 12 koalas in the area that includes Silcock Reserve and the Redcliffe Golf Course at Clontarf.
“There are big concerns for that population because the numbers are quite low now and they are surrounded by roads, which unfortunately impact, as well as dogs,” she says.
Tash and Therese would love to see a more co-ordinated approach to koala preservation, involving volunteer organisations, the State Government and Council.
They also urge residents to do what they can to give the marsupials a fighting chance by taking notice of warning signs and driving slowly in those areas, keeping dogs in at night and joining a bush care group.
“You talk to a lot of average Australians and they’ve never seen a koala in the wild, so it’s certainly something special and something to treasure,” Therese says.
“ There are so many things against their survival. That’s why we view every koala as important.”
Kylie Knight
Peninsula property, perfected
Integrity | Consistency | Honesty
A familiar face with a wealth of industry knowledge and bold ideas for her new brand, Heather Murray offers a boutique, personal real estate experience.
Heather is an award-winning sales agent covering Margate, Redcliffe, Scarborough, Woody Point, Clontarf, Rothwell, Deception Bay, and Kippa-Ring and has a longstanding bond with the Redcliffe Peninsula and surrounds.
Unpretentious and with clear and transparent communication at the heart of her approach, Heather is your partner in property.
Throughout her extensive real estate career, Heather has established a solid network of repeat clientele and a robust reputation for her consistency and authentic client interactions.
Grounded, and with a mature grasp of the current real estate environment, she’s as inspirational and genuine as she is professional.
Heather is highly invested in understanding every client’s circumstances and is an unwavering advocate for the mental and financial well-being of those more mature.
In addition to her exclusive marketing benefits for seniors, Heather’s committed to providing clear, well-researched advice to ensure clients make well informed decisions are made.
She believes there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing her clients thrive after they’ve moved in to new surroundings or on to new beginnings and is dedicated to delivering a wholesome client experience from beginning to end.
Mission to save bay’s turtles
WhenSusie Bedford moved to the Redcliffe Peninsula in 2021, she brought with her decades of experience in rescuing turtles which was soon discovered and put to good use.
The former marine biologist and science teacher has worked with turtles for more than 20 years, primarily in Western Australia.
Before retiring and making the move east, she lived at Exmouth and helped co-found the Ningaloo Turtle program.
The program monitors three species of turtles – Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Green – primarily during the nesting season from beginning of November until the end of February.
She and the team were also involved in rescues.
Susie moved to the Peninsula to be close to family and it seems she was destined to help
turtles here as well.
“One day, down on Scotts Beach, there was a dead turtle and somebody had posted about it on one of the community pages, saying they thought it was still alive,” she recalls.
“I thought I would have a look … then I posted and said it was a female green (turtle) and it’s dead, I’m afraid.
“I think it was Mike Croft from Turtles of Moreton Bay who contacted me and said you obviously know about turtles.”
Soon after, Susie joined the group. Turtles of Moreton Bay has a Facebook page which aims to educate the public and is under the umbrella of Redcliffe Environmental Forum.
Trained volunteers are primarily involved in rescues because turtles do not generally nest in this area anymore, instead opting to lay their eggs further north.
“Generally, when there’s one
(to be rescued) around here on the Redcliffe Peninsula, we find out about it either contacted by Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) or from members of the public,” Susie says.
She has a turtle sling in her car, so she can respond when needed.
“I think we’ve done six in the past two months, which is too many,” Susie says.
“The sad thing is a lot of the turtles which wash up are the result of boat strikes.”
Susie says there was a turtle rescued from the beach near Redcliffe Jetty on January 17 following a boat strike which caused a wound which was 42cm long, 4cm wide and 5cm deep.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife officers assisted with the rescue and the turtle was taken to Sea World. Sadly, it had to be euthanized.
“With boat strikes, it’s very important that people try to keep a lookout for turtles on the surface, particularly during mating season (during summer),” she says.
Susie says boaties should ‘Go Slow for Those Below’. Propellor guards are useful in protecting turtles but won’t work if a vessel is travelling too fast.
Other threats posed by human behaviour include discarded plastic bags, other plastics and balloons, and fishing equipment including crab pots.
If you find a sick, injured or dead turtle, phone DETSI on 1300 130 372 or Wildlife Rescue Queensland on 0478 901 801
To learn more about turtles, follow Turtles of Moreton Bay on Facebook.
To become a volunteer, visit redenviroforum.org
Kylie Knight
PHOTO: Janine Martin
Carer relishes labour of love
Michelle Aquilina’s love of animals and desire to meet new people prompted her to become a Wildlife Rescue Queensland volunteer four years ago.
The Redcliffe resident has been involved in wildlife rescue, care and release during that time, particularly possums.
“I’ve had the ringtail creches. It starts with four-hourly feeds, so you’re feeding during the night and you become their ‘parent.’
Some of them are a bit more needy than others and they’ll cling to you. They will want to cling on your arm. It’s really sweet,” Michelle says.
“They all huddle together and I usually have about seven in a little pouch.”
Michelle says they transition to a basket and eat leaves and flowers as they grow, before shifting to a small and then larger aviary.
“Every day I go out collecting leaves and flowers, every afternoon after work. You get to know all the trees and the places to go,” she says.
Michelle says volunteers can choose from a range of roles
including hotline operators who answer calls and mobilise volunteers, animal rescue, animal transport, wildlife ambulance drivers, animal release and preparing release sites by building averies and boxes and more.
Volunteers receive full training and can specialise in a particular species of animal if they wish.
“On the Peninsula, there’s not many (Wildlife Rescue Queensland) carers, that I know of, so we definitely need more,” Michelle says.
“It’s not a lot of time (required) and you give as much as you can. It really does add value to your life and you’re adding value to the environment.”
As a teacher at Hercules Road State School, she has longer holidays than most people and will often take animals into care when she is on leave.
“By the time I’m back at work, their feeding schedule is long enough for me to fit it around work. Work has been generous sometimes in letting me take them in, so I can feed them maybe in the middle of the day,” she explains.
“It’s so nice when you get an animal that’s been in care or been to the zoo and you take it back and release it,” she says.
“I remember my very first release … this little old lady had a blue-tongue (lizard) in her house and it got injured. She had a name for him and everything … I took him back to her house and he happily lived there.
“That’s the rewarding part of it … seeing a possum that’s been injured going back up a tree.”
“The release is hard though. My first lot (of possums), letting those seven babies go and you’re entrusting them to nature, with all those lovely pythons. You feel they would be better with you, but it is about letting them go.
“Also, when you have an injured one and you’re releasing it to its home site … you can tell because they look around and they’re home. That’s nice to see.”
FIND OUT MORE
Kylie Knight
Group takes action to protect wildlife
Passionate volunteers from Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) Moreton Bay are taking action to protect and improve Moreton Bay Marine Park and its inhabitants.
Spokesmen Colin Scobie and Peter Row say the group, which is connected to the Rotary Club of Redcliffe Sunrise, will meet with elected representatives and council, and organise environmental forums, information stalls and events in the coming months.
“It’s leaving a legacy for the next generation. I’m doing it for my grandson because if we continue this journey, the way
we’re going, it’s not going to look good,” Colin says.
In partnership with Redcliffe Environmental Forum and UniSC, they are holding free Eco Forums at the Deception Bay Environmental Hub, Joseph Cres.
During these events, a PHD researcher or aspirant presents information about a chosen topic. Last year, these included koalas, dolphins and kangaroos.
In the first six months of 2025, topics will include gliders, whales or turtles, sawfish, scalloped hammerhead sharks.
“The idea is we’re trying to build community awareness. With all our endeavours we endeavour to facilitate something, participate in something or run something,” Peter explains.
“We’re trying to get some exposure for marine and terrestrial animals, certainly ones which are threatened … there are various levels of threat.”
ESRAG will host its second Family Turtle Expo Day on May 3 at Scarborough’s Queens Beach North and a symposium at The Komo on May 4.
The four-hour event will follow a similar format to last year’s and aims to raise awareness of turtles, which have previously nested at Scarborough.
Speakers will include The Redcliffe Peninsula’s columnist Dr Dazza (Daryl McPhee) and representatives from Bribie Island Turtle Trackers. There will also be children’s activities.
Dr Col Limpus, who started
about Clean Up Australia Day, or to find an event near you visit cleanup.org.au
Repos Turtle
on the Bundaberg coast and is retiring, will be the keynote speaker at the full-day symposium.
Later this year, ESRAG is hoping to host an event to catch and remove Tilapia from Humpybong Creek.
Tilapia were introduced to Australia in the 1970s as ornamental fish, and are now a major threat to native biodiversity.
“The day will have all the elements of a family fun day with the added benefit of environmental improvement,” Peter says.
The group is also planning to run a dugong awareness day in November and will host a Clean Up Australia Day event on March 2.
Mon
Rookery
Kylie Knight
Good prognosis for hospital
Plans for Moreton Bay’s new $18 million wildlife hospital - which will plug a “concerning gap” in Queensland - are taking shape.
The State Government has confirmed an election pledge of $15 million for a “state-ofthe-art wildlife hospital and education hub … providing critical care for Queensland’s native animals”.
A Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) spokesperson says: “We
are committed to ongoing work with the City of Moreton Bay and Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation (MBWHF) to provide this funding”.
This includes “possible milestones and progressive funding arrangements”.
The funding follows Moreton Bay City Council’s decision to allocate a flat 1.6ha site for the hospital, close to Old Gympie Rd, Boundary Rd and the Bruce Highway.
Designs, by Andrew Webb of WD Architects, also show a facility for surgery, medical care,
rehabilitation and eventually community education and training.
The triage will be prioritised in stage one of constructionslated to be within two years – followed by a $1 million auditorium in stage two.
MBWHF says the hospital will be a “beacon of hope for our precious native fauna” providing “best medical care and rehabilitation”.
It would employ two full-time equivalent (FTE) veterinarians, six FTE veterinary nurses and three FTE administration/leaf cutters.
Thousands of Moreton Bay’s native animals currently face a journey of an hour (and sometimes two hours) to wildlife hospitals beyond this region.
These include Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA hospital at Wacol.
MBWHF says the number of wildlife patients needing care in South East Queensland has risen from 6000 to more than 27,000 a year at Wacol alone during the past decade.
Nick Crockford
One in three koalas admitted to South East Queensland’s wildlife hospital network come from the Moreton Bay region. About 7000 animals from the Moreton Bay region are admitted and treated every year – and that figure is rising.
IMAGE: Andrew Webb, WD Architects.
Progress on pavilion plan
The new Suttons Beach Pavilion has taken another significant step closer to reality.
Moreton Bay City Council has lodged a development application for the pavilion, with construction expected to start mid-2025.
“I'm also delighted to announce Council is providing $7.4 million to add to the $12.1 million approved through the SEQ Liveability Fund,”
Mayor Peter Flannery says.
“It’s going to be a striking building that befits its coastal location. I am impressed with how the designers have catered to the climate with a range of
comfortable shelters, shade, open spaces, wind and rain protection and ample airflow.
“We’ve been working closely with the architects to conduct thorough detailed sun and weather studies, ensuring a robust material selection and optimising the building for shade during summer, and natural light for winter.
“Through this process, we’ve refined parts of the building design by incorporating multiple shade awnings over the ground floor outdoor dining areas, extending the fringe overhang above the circular gathering space to increase the shaded seating areas.
“We’ve also looked to incorporate vertically stacked bricks and tiles, add more sweeping curves to the flat rooftop, and update the fringe to a golden champagne anodized aluminium material, giving the pavilion design a balance between strong lines and curved features.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie says the project reinforces Queensland's status as an investment destination.
“Along with boosting employment, economic development, and tourism in
the City of Moreton Bay, this revitalised site will breathe new life into one of South East Queensland’s most popular seaside precincts,” he says.
Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) says: “It’s a space the community can enjoy for generations to come. I’m pleased visitors will be able to continue to enjoy the 1998 rotunda which will be relocated along Suttons Beach foreshore.” The new Pavilion design will have indoor dining and outdoor dining, a Changing Places facility, rooftop space and public viewing deck. Final materials and colours are subject to detailed design.
Tuesday 4 March 2025 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Nick Crockford
Become a Moreton Daily Business Ambassador
The team at Moreton Daily and The Redcliffe Peninsula magazine is excited to launch the Moreton Daily Business Ambassador Network, a flagship initiative in partnership with Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival (MBFW).
The 12-month program invites local businesses to collaborate with us in supporting free, independent, high-quality journalism and lifestyle content for the Moreton Bay community.
The Moreton Daily Business Ambassador Network offers businesses the opportunity to align with trusted local media platforms while benefiting from exclusive marketing opportunities, visibility across multiple channels, and engagement with a highly engaged local audience.
Participating businesses will also enjoy recognition as ambassadors for one of the region’s biggest events - Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival.
Moreton Daily and The
Redcliffe Peninsula Partnerships Manager Lyndsay Lawler says it’s a unique and effective way for businesses to connect to the Moreton Bay community and potential customers.
“In a digital world, where visibility can be challenging, this program gives our ambassadors the edge they need to reach more customers online and via our strong community news magazine,” Lyndsay says.
“The Premium Business Listing our team will create for your business will improve your visibility in online searches, while the marketing benefits will deliver vital digital and social media assets and promotion.
“There are also enormous benefits in being connected to the Moreton Daily website, which attracts about 1.5 million page views per year and is the region’s most viewed and trusted local news online platform.
“Being part of The Redcliffe Peninsula magazine directory for 12 months will help you reach
our local audience in a different way, connecting with those who don’t rely on digital media and those who don’t even know they’re looking for you!
“Another huge benefit is being part of this year’s Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival, with VIP tickets, recognition as a festival ambassador, and promotional opportunities all part of the deal."
Join the Moreton Daily Business Ambassador Network for just $66 per month (inc GST).
Editor-in-Chief Kylie Knight says while the Moreton Daily Business Ambassador Network has clear benefits for businesses, it is also a way for them to support free, local, high-quality journalism.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital that local communities have access to free community news they can trust. Our team of experienced journalists is committed to delivering it online, via Moreton Daily, and in our printed magazine The Redcliffe Peninsula,” Kylie says.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
MORETON DAILY
• 300-word SEO-rich business directory listing with 10 images
• Two branded digital adverts locked to your listing (design included) in one category of your choice for 12 months
• Promotion via social media including welcome pack with digital and social media assets
THE REDCLIFFE PENINSULA
• Business listing included in our print directory for 12 months (includes design)
MORETON BAY FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL
• Recognition as a Festival Ambassador
• Two VIP tickets for Friday or Sunday sessions valued at $198
• Physical & digital Moreton Bay Food
+ Wine Festival promotion pack
• Opportunity to include a promotional offer in the festival show bag voucher book
If you are interested in becoming an ambassador and backing local, independent journalism, email Lyndsay advertising@moretondaily.com.au
Bid to review harbour master plan
Calls have started for a review and changes to the ‘final’ Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan.
They include retaining more of the area’s green space, especially on the northern arm and tackling hooning.
The master plan was unveiled just before last year’s State Government Election, after three years of planning and consultation.
However, new State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley is lobbying to reopen discussion about the 'final' proposals.
Scarborough Harbour Action Group (SHAG) has also revealed sections which it believes do not “fully meet all community expectations”.
“I have spoken to our new Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickleberg about the Scarborough Harbour Masterplan and presented him with a copy,”
Kerri-Anne Dooley says.
“I have emailed his office and requested a meeting to update him further and discuss potential options moving forward.”
Under the current master plan, areas of the northern arm are for “marine activities and tourism”, while a section fronting Bird O’Passage Pde would have “entertainment activities”.
The number of marine berths would be increased and additional parking space created using the grassed area along Oyster Point Esp.
But SHAG spokeswoman Jane Mellen says: “A lot of the feedback we’ve been getting, still indicates more green space is highly desired, particularly on the northern arm of the harbour.
“This will ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the walks, fishing, picnicking, and other free activities and it’ll assist to protect the native wildlife in the area.
“(Moreton Bay City) Council
has not yet released - as far as we know - the outcome of the ferry feasibility study, which will also have a significant impact on future use of the northern arm.
“While, it is not in the best interest of taxpayers’ money to completely restart the consultation process, there is still room for further consultation to create a third version that more accurately represents the views of most stakeholders.
“It’s also important to note
since the master plan’s release, there has been an ongoing issue of ‘hooning’ along the side of the harbour adjacent to Scarborough Marina, greatly disturbing many residents.
“There is concern that the final plan does not take this into account.
“Local stakeholders have started meeting to address this issue, but it is perhaps fair to say, not all stakeholders are being included in all meetings, at this stage.”
Council considers unit plan
Plans have been lodged for a 93-apartment building at Woody Point.
The development, with two car parking and seven residential levels, is proposed for 23-29 Alfred St, Woody Point.
It would have 49 two-bedroom apartments and 44 threebedroom apartments, each with a balcony, on the 3035sqm block.
There would be 148 parking spaces - 137 for residents, 11 visitors and one for people with a disability – as well as 93 resident
and three visitor bicycle spaces. Plans before Moreton Bay City Council include a rooftop terrace and pool, which would be a communal space for residents.
The application, posted on Council’s website, says the proposal is consistent with other developments in the immediate area.
There were some objections submitted during the development application’s public consultation period with traffic issues appearing to be the main concern.
Nick Crockford
BIG LINE-UP FOR
Tickets are on sale now for the Where We Belong Festival, with music lovers of all ages and abilities urged to come together to hear a big line-up of bands including Frenzal Rhomb.
The event will be held at Redcliffe Area Youth Space on June 28 from 10am-10pm, showcasing 14 bands and offering festivalgoers the chance to enjoy live music, a beer garden, food trucks, market stalls and merchandise stands.
Australian punk legends Frenzal Rhomb will headline the festival which will also include bands Being Jane Lane, Bridge 2 Nowhere and Something Something Explosion.
The event is being created by Tribe Social Belonging and Redcliffe Area Youth Space to support the local music community and raise money for both organisations.
Tribe Social Belonging spokeswoman Breeza Daley says Tribe’s Redcliffe clubhouse regularly hosts live music and the concept for a festival came from a conversation with founder Ryan Elson.
“We were talking about those old-school festivals, where you just used to sit on a green and learn about new bands that you’d never heard before. We kinda miss those days,” Breeza says.
“We wanted to bring music to Redcliffe as well. I think it’s something that is lacking on the Peninsula.
“We have such great space and there’s such a demographic for it. People want to see bands without having to drive all the way into Fortitude Valley, the city, the Gold Coast or even Sandstone Point.
“We decided to do a festival where we could bring everyone together just for the love of music and to connect ...… also to create an affordable festival. We’ve been modelling it on the old-school Big Day Out days where you could buy a $40 ticket and see a whole heap of bands.
“We created the first one last year, which was super successful. The line-up was fantastic, the response was incredible.”
The accessible event will be free for children under 12 years of age, accompanied by an adult.
“Everyone should have an opportunity to come and enjoy music be able to relax and enjoy that festival vibe,” Breeza says.
She says last year’s event had a relaxed and positive vibe.
“It was just fun and to be able to see people there with their kids, and watching the bigger bands watching the smaller bands was amazing,” Breeza says.
“The vibe was just relaxed, people just having fun. It was great. It was really fantastic.”
Organisers are hoping to fill Redcliffe Area Youth Space’s amphitheatre area, which has a capacity of 3000 people. Last year’s event attracted about 1700 people.
“I really would love to see people support small festivals and take a chance on getting to know bands they don’t know on the line-up. Just get out there and discover new music because there’s some talented young bands out there that don’t have an opportunity to play,” Breeza says.
“We just want everyone to come along and have a really great experience and if we can help the local economy a bit by having people stay in hotels and eat at restaurants that’s great too.”
She is also keen to support the work Redcliffe Area Youth Space does in the community, supporting vulnerable young people and giving them training opportunities.
“The Youth Space does such important work …we always want to support them and it’s so nice for them to give us their venue to host the event,” Breeza says.
“Their trainees will be volunteering on the day and helping out with the show, so that gives them really good experience as well. It’s definitely good to put on a resume that you’ve worked at a festival.”
Australia Day honours for local legends
Community heroes from across the City of Moreton Bay were recognised in the 2025 Australia Day honours list. Meet some of the local legends making a difference in the place we call home.
Terry Bourke has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours, recognising her devotion to swimming and people with disability.
The Redcliffe resident has spent 27 years coaching Special Olympians, even doubling her voluntary commitment to four days a week when she retired.
Terry has coached with Down Syndrome Swimming Australia and coached and competed with Redcliffe Peninsula Masters for more than 20 years.
She is presently a Moreton North Special Olympics Club committee member and volunteer coach at Redcliffe City High Performance Centre.
Her citation says the OAM is “for service to swimming as a coach and to people with disability”.
Teresa (Terry) Bourke, Redcliffe
Daryl Scott’s remarkable service to Scouts and Rotary has been recognised in the Australia Day Honours.
The Samford Valley resident has been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to youth in leadership roles and to the community”.
The AM follows decades of voluntary work, by the former electrical engineer and human resource manager.
Daryl started as a wolf cub with Scouts Queensland in 1966. Nine years later he became an Assistant Cub Scout Leader and in 1978 a Cub Scout Leader. From 1987-1990 Daryl was Assistant District Commissioner, North Brisbane and then - as work took him north – Chairman,
District Executive at Port Curtis, from 1990-1994.
Returning to Samford in 2007, Daryl became Assistant Group Leader and from 2008-2016 Region Commissioner, Brisbane North.
He has been a member of the Branch Council and Branch Executive Committee since 2012, was Chief Commissioner 20162022 and is currently Immediate Past Chief Commissioner.
Daryl was also the Samford Show Society treasurer from 2002-2006.
"It was a wonderful surprise. I love coaching and what it does for swimmers and their families,” she says.
Terry was already involved with swimming when she moved
Keith Boulton’s love of history and “all things maritime” has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his “service to community, particularly through history preservation”.
Keith has been a voluntary historian at the Queensland Maritime Museum (QMM) since 2009 and became an Honorary Life Member in 2014.
He created the QMM Guides Notes system and is editor of the QMM Manifest and Murmours publications.
to Redcliffe in 1981. She was a nurse for 45 years, 30 with Queensland Health and 25 at Redcliffe Hospital.
After marrying and having two children, she joined a Masters swimming group, run by Ken Wood at Scarborough. Special Olympics swimmers were in a lane alongside.
Terry invited them to join her group and became more heavily involved with Special Olympians when a grandson was born with down syndrome. After attaining coaching qualifications, she coached at weekends and having retired from nursing, added weekday sessions.
Terry has been a committee member/volunteer/coach with Moreton North Special Olympics since 1999 and is currently Membership Officer.
She was Special Olympics Queensland Head Coach in 2022 and a coach with Down Syndrome Swimming Australia in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Keith started work as a mechanic with Hornibrooks.
From 1967-1970 he was involved with vessels at Heron Island and then on the Brisbane River with the sand and gravel industry.
The retired Health and Safety Quality Assurance Lead Auditor also spend 26 years overseas with Castrol and BP in Canada, England, Vietnam, Thailand and the South Pacific.
When Keith retired, he joined Queensland Maritime Museum and works there every Thursday, as well as spending hours at home on the publications.
“It’s all volunteers and I love doing it,” he says.
Keith has also written histories on the Boulton Genelogical Records 1700-2000, Castrol in Queensland, Morningside Rover Crew History 1920-2015 and scouting in Bulimba.
Daryl Scott, Samford Valley
Keith Boulton, Albany Creek
Amanda Young has received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) “for service to youth and to the community”.
She has been involved with Girl Guides throughout her life –starting at the age of five - and now works at state and national levels.
“I’m delighted. It’s fantastic to be recognised for voluntary work … and to help promote the Guides,” Amanda says.
She was a Youth Member from 1988-1993, Unit Leader for the Lawnton District and a Guides Marshall at Brisbane’s Anzac Day marches for five years.
She became Regional International Consultant for the Andrew Petrie Region from 2012-2015 and Contingent Leader in 2013, 2018 and 2023.
Amanda has been Queensland Guides State Program Coordinator since 2020 and chaired the Queen’s Guide Awards in 2021 and 2022.
In fact, her involvement with Guides, working on the Queen’s Award, led to her being invited to rewrite the award syllabus.
She is currently Assistant District Manager and Lone Guide Unit Leader, Lone Guides Queensland, as well as a member of the Platinum Flyers Lone Trefoil Guild.
Her work has previously been recognised by the State Commissioner’s Commendation Award, Girl Guides Queensland in 2022 and Asia Pacific Region leadership Award in 2023.
Wes Bleakley says he is “still shocked” at receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day Honours.
“It’s amazing to be recognised,” the CEO of ROPE (Redcliffe
Firefighter Mark Sellin has been saluted for 37 years of “distinguished service” helping to protect his rural community. He has received an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the Australia Day Honours for his dedication to the Ocean View Rural Fire Service.
John Rowan’s “remarkable skill and dedication” to the Queensland Corrective Service (QCS) at Woodford has been recognised in the Australia Day Honours.
the safety and security of the correctional facility”.
Opportunities for People’s Enhancement Association) says.
“I just get in, do my job and get paid for it," he says.
The official citation says his OAM is for “service to people
Mark joined the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) in 1988, working his way up through the ranks to first officer, which he held for 13 years.
The citation says the Dayboro resident “is a dedicated firefighter and values his role as a protector of his community.
It adds: “He has made a significant contribution to the safety and wellbeing of Ocean
For “distinguished service” during 36 years, Mr Rowan has received an Australian Corrections Medal (ACM).
He joined the QCS in December 1988 at Woodford Correctional Centre (WCC) and became a dog handler in January 1997.
As a member of the WCC Dog Squad, Mr Rowan excelled in emergency response, drug detection and high security prisoner escorts.
The citation says he has “consistently demonstrated remarkable skill, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring
with a disability”.
ROPE started 25 years ago and is presently based at Scarborough “providing support services for those living with intellectual disabilities”.
The Kippa-Ring resident, who has a background in training, was working at Acacia Ridge when the chance to work closer to home arrived.
Wes joined ROPE’s management committee in 2011. Two years later he became centre manager, in 2021 the CEO. Since then, he has written several ROPE programs.
‘My Future’ is for those aged 18-25 to help transition from school to independent living and work, focussing on communication, socialisation, community participation and inclusion, further education goals and volunteer work.
‘Skills 4 Life’ helps individuals
View”. Mark admitted it was “quite a surprise” to get the Australia Day Honour.
“We don’t do this for awards, but it is nice when you get something,” he said. “I love being part of the rural fire brigade.”
Mark started around 40 years ago at Ocean View, where his family had property, by “tagging along” with his father who was in the Bush Fire Brigade.
It adds, Mr Rowan played a “pivotal role” in drug detection using his passive alert detection dogs within the centre.
Thanks to his “exceptional ability to train his dogs in detection” and “thorough approach to searching visitors”, illegal substances have been detected.
It says Mr Rowan also showed “outstanding courage in the face of danger in a centre riot in 1997” and escorted high-security prisoners into the community.
“Beyond his specific duties, Mr Rowan embodies the core values of integrity, dedication, and excellence that are emblematic of QCS,” the citation says.
improve skills in everyday life, home and in some cases work, encouraging involvement in their community.
ROPE TV was also launched with monthly shows containing community stories, interviews, news and updates. Wes said it has “superseded all expectations”.
The organisation also has a café at Margate called Industry & Co - Coffee with a Purpose and a recycled clothing store, Industry & Co Collective, at Sutton St.
ROPE has management rights for coffee shop - Industry & Co Caffeine and Curiosities - at the former Tourist Information Centre in Pelican Park, Clontarf.
Wes has also been a member of the Redcliffe Uniting Church Community Service Hub Project Steering Committee for two years.
Wes Bleakley, Kippa-Ring
Amanda Young, Brendale
John Rowan, Woodford
Mark Sellin, Dayboro
Council Australia Day Award winners
Three outstanding locals have been honoured for improving the lives of others, and contributing to their communities, during the City of Moreton Bay 2025 Australia Day Awards.
Ultra-marathon runner Robert Hopkinson was awarded Citizen of the Year and Emily Finn and Tracy Lech both won Mayor’s Community Spirit Awards.
Mayor Peter Flannery says there were many outstanding nominations, recognising the “remarkable work going on in our communities”.
“This award gives us the opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes of Moreton Bay.
“Every day, locals are out and about supporting each other and it’s amazing to see their dedication to bringing our diverse communities together.
“Through volunteering, raising money for charity and providing much-needed support, each of the winners have connected with residents and contributed to building City of Moreton Bay’s strong and vibrant communities.
“It’s a privilege to recognise Robert Hopkinson with the Citizen of the Year award, celebrating his dedication to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through his local run club. His commitment to inclusivity has created a
supportive and dependable environment for all members.
“Robert has raised over $230,000 for multiple charities, including a donation of $132,000 to Small Steps for Hannah.
“It was also a great honour to announce our two recipients of the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award - Emily Finn and Tracy Lech.
“Emily has been honoured for her tireless work around inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and her dedication to the sport of Boccia including at an international level.
“Tracy is to be applauded for establishing the Salt No Limits charity which has supported
“Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and our award winners.”
Tracy Lech
Mayor’s Community Spirit Award
Tracy Lech established Salt No Limits Inc more than 20 years ago in Redcliffe as a not-for-profit charity to support children and young people experiencing disadvantage. She has assisted thousands of school-aged children through various volunteerrun programs and weekly sports. She ensures all activities promote social inclusion, belonging, healthy choices, and wellbeing. Tracy provides opportunities that
some of these young people may not have access to in their everyday lives.
Salt Café is a hub that fosters connection and community, offering volunteer and training opportunities, activities and workshops. Profits from Salt go toward the funding of more youth programs. This contribution to the Peninsula proves that Tracy’s spirit and legacy is a pillar of strength in her community.
children and young people on the Peninsula experiencing disadvantage for more than 20 years.
“Both women are driven by a genuine desire to help those around them. Through years of devotion to improving the lives of City of Moreton Bay individuals, they embody the vibrant, strong and compassionate spirit of their communities.
“Recognising initiatives and generous people, like our award recipients, highlights the inspiration, dedication and selflessness that drives our City of Moreton Bay towards a healthier, more inclusive and better future.
Hopkinson Citizen of the Year
award
Community Spirit Award
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Robert
Mayor’s
Emily Finn
School charity marks milestone
Kylie Knight
WhenClontarf’s Sean Gordon started a charity empowering children to become philanthropists 25 years ago, he never dreamed it would raise $6.7 million dollars, engage hundreds of thousands of youngsters and help communities across the world and Australia.
SchoolAid, which marked the milestone anniversary late last year, aims to reduce youth anxiety, depression, and suicide by focusing on philanthropy, kindness, and gratitude.
The charity mobilises school students to raise money and do good in their communities in a bid to aid those affected by disasters and help children feel good about the future.
It all started two years after Sean, the then Bega Valley SES controller, was involved in the rescue mission at Thredbo following a devastating landslide that claimed 18 lives in 1997.
Sean says the experience and previous roles as a rescue volunteer, changed the way he viewed life’s ups and downs.
“It helped me enormously to get a sense of perspective about the scale of my issues in the
For more information, visit schoolaid.org.au
world,” he says.
The former school principal says a conversation with a Year 5 pupil, who thought humanity would be wiped out before he turned 25, forced him to act.
SchoolAid started with a trial in the Bega Valley involving 22 schools.
“We raised about $40,000 as a proof of concept for the Turkey earthquake (fundraising effort in 1999). I thought this is working, so then I took it to the national (principals’) conference (that year),” he says.
The principals realised they could have a greater impact as a collective.
“It really became a charity of the Australian Primary Principals’ Association because, if they didn’t say yes, there was no way of running it,” Sean explains.
“I started an appeal for East Timor that day and we raised $160,000 and built the first school in Dili.
“It gave them (pupils) some sense of ability to respond to stuff they see on the news.”
Since then, the organisation has raised money for communities affected by natural disasters and catastrophes in Australia and overseas.
SchoolAid built a school in Banda Aceh after the Boxing Day Tsunami, raised $970,000 following the Queensland floods in 2011 which was given to affected schools in the form of mini grants, and raised $865,000 after the Victorian bushfires in 2009.
Sean says children had been traumatised by what they saw during the fires, so some of the money raised was used to ease their distress.
“We worked with an agency down there and did a 12-month music program in those schools to help the kids process their grief,” he explains.
SchoolAid also raised more than $300,000 for those affected by the Beslan massacre in Russia, and, in partnership with World Vision, created an uplifting space for a traumatised community.
“We built this unbelievable park and amphitheatre for children to perform with fountains and swings. It’s called The Australian Peace Park or something like that,” he says.
SchoolAid has mobilised to respond to major catastrophes but also delivered small projects.
“We reckon about 65 per cent of every school in Australia has been involved (at some stage through fundraising activities),”
Sean says.
Other schools have been more engaged, forming action groups to champion causes put forward by students and using crowdfunding to raise money.
SchoolAid has a national awards program for outstanding young philanthropists, a national accreditation program for schools and a social action team kit so any school can organise philanthropy among its students.
Sean has plans to bring young entrepreneurship and philanthropy together to create ways to raise money for projects.
“We’ve done some good things. I just want us to scale (up). At my tender age, I really need it to fly on its own,” he says.
Sean is now looking for a probono young gun CEO, who can take the charity to the next level.
Peninsula schools have been involved in School Aid previously and Sean would love to engage with the local students again.
PARENTING POINTERS
Forparents and carers who dread the daily bedtime battle, you’re not alone!
It’s a common struggle to manage the nightly cries of “just one more story”, “I’m not tired!”, or “I’m thirsty”. But with the right strategies, bedtime can be smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
As a start, knowing the ageby-age sleep guidelines can help you experiment with a bedtime that gives them enough energy to grow, learn, and play. Every child is different, and finding the right bedtime takes a bit of trial and error.
As a guide:
• Toddlers generally need 11-14 hours of sleep (including naps)
• Preschoolers generally need 10 to 13 hours of sleep (including naps)
• Primary school-aged children generally need 9 to 11 hours of sleep
• High school-aged children general need 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Common bedtime problems can include endless stalling tactics, outright refusals, or latenight visits to your bed. This may be the result of a range of factors including being overstimulated, changing routines, or a temporary issue, like illness or stress. If not addressed early, a new pattern can form, and bedtime challenges can persist.
When a child won’t go to bed without arguing, or if they won’t
stay in their bed, they end up overtired. This may affect their overall health, behaviour, and learning ability.
The good news is, that children thrive when given boundaries and are more likely to go to bed without a fuss when they have a consistent, predictable bedtime routine. This could be a bath, story, and cuddle time - helping kids feel secure and signals their brains to wind down.
There are positive solutions to help your crying, tired child and avoid stress at bedtime. With a positive plan and the right skills and strategies, you can turn things around so the whole family gets a good night’s sleep -and everyone is happier and healthier!! Triple
Plan to cemeterytriplesize
Plans have been revealed to tackle the lack of burial space in Moreton Bay regionby tripling the size of its largest cemetery.
The Tallowwood Cemetery Masterplan is a “100 years and beyond” framework for the Deception Bay Rd cemetery to meet population growth.
Endorsed by Moreton Bay City Council in December, the plan includes adding 9.5ha of land previously cleared for farming, to the 5.25ha of existing cemetery.
It would add lawn burial areas, an “innovative range” of internment options and an operations base for staff.
“Shifting ideologies of death care require a rethink … with the need to diversify offerings onsite and reconsider grave tenure”, the masterplan says.
A 2021 Future Cemetery Survey, by DeathTech Research Team at University of Melbourne, found a “gentle shift” from burial towards cremation.
It also reported “growing
demand for natural amenity, including bushland burials and ashes scattering in nature”.
The masterplan says Tallowwood is best placed to meet growing demand in the City of Moreton Bay – now home to more than 500,000 people, which could hit 700,000 by 2041.
Tallowwood, with its size, would be the city’s main cemetery, with centralised operations and a network of 11 additional Council or trust-run sites.
Redcliffe is the second largest cemetery at 6.95ha but will reach capacity within five years. At 2.6ha, Samford is third largest, but on the City’s southern fringes.
The others are Caboolture 2ha, Woodford 1.95ha, Albany Creek 1.6ha, Lawnton 1.475ha, Mt Mee 1.375ha, Bribie 0.825ha, Dayboro 0.7ha, Upper Caboolture 0.45ha and Samsonvale 0.45ha.
The masterplan includes an “onsite customer services centre” which will create a “direct feedback loop between customer and operations”.
surrounded by mature woodland and the ecology of Freshwater National Park.
“There is great potential for enhancement of this natural asset to increase visitation and aid in the shifting of paradigms for memorialisation and death care over the next 100 years.”
The “unique bushland setting and surrounds” can be used to connect people with nature, encourage use and increase site visits, according to the masterplan.
Next steps include engaging with traditional custodians of the land, community, stakeholders and Arethusa College on the masterplan proposals.
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Nick Crockford
Brad Flynn
From the 1870s to the last excursion trip of the SS Koopa in 1953, a long line of steamships, ferries and other watercraft made the journey to Redcliffe bringing visitors and serving as a vital transport link for locals.
In the beginning, roads were little more than dirt tracks and Moreton Bay was the ‘highway’ of choice, bustling with boats loaded with goods and passengers.
The journey to Brisbane could take four hours by horse-drawn coach.
Demand was so great during holiday periods that companies were formed to buy and run ships especially for this route.
The first regular service to the Peninsula, then known as Humpybong, appears to have been established by William Pettigrew in 1867.
One of three vessels he built, the Tadorna Radjah, began a regular run from Caboolture to Brisbane, stopping at Pine River and Humpybong when needed. It did this until it was damaged in the Brisbane River floods in 1893.
The earliest advertised
Grand boats of the bay
‘excursion’ was in 1877 aboard steamship Fairy. One year later, excursion vessels included Arakoon, Balclutha, Boko, Francis Cadell, Heather Bell, Norseman, Sappho, Settler and Kate
In 1880, Peninsula residents held public meetings which resulted in the formation of the Redcliffe and Sandgate Steam Ferry Company Ltd in 1882. Its first locally manufactured and owned vessel was the Redcliffe, which was launched in 1883.
The company bought the Pearl, which was capable of carrying 120 passengers, in the same year. It ran between Sandgate and Woody Point.
At the same time, the Arakoon was charted by James Campbell to operate from Sandgate to Woody Point.
The two vessels ran frequently on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but often broke down.
The Redcliffe and Sandgate
Steam Ferry Company Ltd went into liquidation in 1884 and the Redcliffe and Pearl were sold.
The Brisbane River and Moreton Bay Steamship Co. Ltd was reformed in 1884 amid calls for a more suitable and robust boat. The company put the Garnet into service.
By 1890, three tug companies were competing for the Redcliffe run – Gibbs Bright & Co, James Campbell and Sons, and Webster & Co.
In 1891, the Humpybong Steamship Co Ltd was formed. It went into liquidation but reformed to buy the Emerald
In 1903, tug companies joined forces to form the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co, competing with the Humpybong company.
In 1912, Beryl was built for Humpybong Steamship Co, and two years later Emerald made her last trip on the bay.
One of the most well-known
ships to service the Peninsula was the SS Koopa, which was built for Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co in 1911. She made her first trip to the Peninsula on Boxing Day that year, carrying more than 1000 passengers.
In 1942, she was requisitioned for war service but was reconditioned and returned to the Redcliffe run in 1947.
She operated in Moreton Bay until 1953, after she was sold to Moreton Bay Development Co Pty Ltd the previous year.
Many other vessels stopped at Redcliffe Peninsula jetties over the years, with strong competition for market share.
As the road network improved and other transport options became available, the industry declined and the era of steamship travel in Moreton Bay
KATE
EMERALD
LUCINDA
IMAGES: Courtesy of State Library of Queensland.
KOOPA
Buying Now
Mike and Nate Cornish will be travelling the North Brisbane area for 2 weeks only, starting Saturday, 15th February. We want to buy your unwanted items listed below. Please visit us at one of the venues shown below, for an ‘on the spot’ appraisal. See our full Brisbane schedule at www.heritageint.nz.
If you live outside the area, have too many items to bring in, or would like a home visit, phone Nate on 0426 820 646 NOW to arrange a time.
These events are often compared to the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ on TV, but without the long queues. Don’t miss this opportunity!
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and Half
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Redcliffe Leagues
(Dolphin Head Quarters) 9:00am – 1:00pm Cnr Klingner Rd & Ashmole Rd, Redcliffe WEDNESDAY 19TH FEB Home Visits 1:00pm – 6:00pm Phone 0426 820 646 For a Home Visit The Deception Bay Club (Function Room) 10:00am – 2:00pm 32 Bayview Terrace, Deception Bay FRIDAY 21ST FEB
Home Visits 2:00pm – 6:00pm Phone 0426 820 646 For a Home Visit
Norths Leagues & Services Club (Cyprus Room) 10:00am – 2:00pm 1347 Anzac Ave, Kallangur MONDAY 24TH FEB
Home Visits 2:00pm – 6:00pm Phone 0426 820 646 For a Home Visit
Gold & Silver Jewellery
All Worn or Broken Jewellery
All Modern, Vintage & Antique Jewellery, Rings, Chains, Bracelets, Earrings,
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Sovereigns, Nuggets, Bullion, $200 Aust. Coins, Commemora tive Coins, World Gold Coins, Holed or Worn, Gold Medals & Fobs Silver Coins Aust. – Crowns, Half Crowns, Florins, Shillings, Sixpences, Threepences, all coins from NZ, Great Britain, Fiji, South Africa,
All Jewellery, Rings, Diamond and other stones, Brooches, Pendants, Lockets, Bracelets & Bangles, Gold Cuff Links, Necklaces, All Broken or Worn Jewellery
Register now for
Registrations have opened this year’s Jetty 2 Jetty Half Marathon and Fun Run.
Entries have already started flowing in for the Kindred Half Marathon, Belles and Brides 10km, 10km wheelchair race, Planet Fitness 5km and Ausbuild 3km.
There is also a new addition, the Invitation-Only Marathon, launched this year for athletes wishing to tackle the classic 42km distance.
Jetty 2 Jetty, which has sold out in previous years, is on July 20 from 5.30-11am and will start at Clontarf’s Pelican Park.
Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism Acting CEO Luke Edwards says Jetty 2 Jetty has
a significant impact on the local community.
“The Jetty 2 Jetty weekend is a highlight of the Moreton Bay calendar, attracting thousands of participants and their supporters to the region,” he says.
“Each year, we see a fantastic uptake in overnight stays, with local businesses benefitting from the increased tourism. It’s a celebration of fitness, community and the stunning beauty of our region.”
With categories for all fitness levels and ages, Jetty 2 Jetty is for everyone from seasoned athletes to families looking for a fun day out.
Moreton Bay City Council
Plan for prime location
Plans have been lodged for a nine-storey residential development on a corner block near Redcliffe’s waterfront.
The application submitted to Moreton Bay City Council is for 67 apartments at the corner of Sutton and Dix streets.
There would be 40 twobedroom and 26 three-bedroom apartments with one fourbedroom penthouse on the 2168sqm block.
Three levels of basement parking would provide 153
parking spaces, with 17 for visitors. Each residence would also have a bicycle parking space and storage area.
Details, available on Council’s website, show the entry to the development’s lobby area and car parking would be off Dix St.
There would be 73m of frontage to Dix St and 48m to Sutton St at the site, which is minutes from Redcliffe CBD and Suttons Beach.
The development application says the block has been vacant since 2017, having previously been the site of a home.
Bay calendar.
“This is a fantastic and inclusive event which brings participants of all abilities and levels of fitness from across South-East Queensland and further afield to enjoy being active in Moreton Bay,” he says.
“The popularity of Jetty 2 Jetty
really demonstrates why the city has a reputation for being healthy, active, and vibrant.” Jetty 2 Jetty is presented by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism in partnership with Moreton Bay Road Runners, principal sponsor City of Moreton Bay and sponsors Kindred, Belles and Brides, Planet Fitness, Ausbuild and LVL Up Supps.
Mayor Peter Flannery says Jetty 2 Jetty is a big event on the Moreton
Nick Crockford
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property Feature
Majestic grand old lady
Regally perched on a 1219sqm block, this historic Queenslander named Coolamon has been a Peninsula landmark since it was relocated to its present location in 1959.
Previously the Charleville Police Station, this home is ripe for renovation to restore it to its former glory (plans are available), or a prime opportunity for astute investors and developers.
With favourable Next Generation
further opportunities to subdivide a portion of the block (STCA).
Buyers who appreciate the warmth and character of a home of this era, will embrace its unique features. These include a oneof-a-kind turret with panoramic 360 degree and ocean views across to Moreton Island, traditional VJ walls, 11ft ceilings, pressed tin ceiling in the living area, stunning hardwood floors, lead-light windows, wraparound bullnose veranda, oldword charm fireplace, private studio to enjoy hobbies, massive shed and more.
If you are looking for a big block to let children and pets play freely, with no neighbours nearby and room for all your toys (boats/caravan/work trailer/jet ski), this 1219 sqm block offers this and more.
Phone Jo Szulc on 0412 195 577 to arrange a private viewing.
Moreton Kids Festival returns
Peppa Pig and Paddington Bear will headline this year’s Moreton Kids Festival when it returns to Pine Rivers Park next month.
The event, billed as the ‘ultimate kids’ day out’ is on March 9 from 8am-3pm and will offer a jam-packed line-up of free activities, live entertainment, and interactive zones designed to captivate children of all ages.
The popular annual event will also include a Hot Wheels Team fun zone, free amusement rides, craft activities, children’s workshops, free face painting and Queensland’s largest travelling outdoor wildlife exhibit.
SUN, March 9 |8am-3pm|
Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine
For more information, visit moretonkidsfestival.com.au
Moreton Kids Festival is presented by Moreton Bay City Council and delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism.
Mayor Peter Flannery says the event is testament to “Council's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for families”.
“This year’s event promises to deliver endless joy, creativity, and adventure for kids of all ages."
Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) Acting CEO Luke Edwards says Moreton Kids Festival continues to be a highlight of the city’s events calendar, attracting thousands of locals and visitors each year.
“The Moreton Kids Festival has become the ultimate family experience, offering hours of entertainment and activities in a safe and vibrant environment,” he says.
“Families travel from across South-East Queensland to experience this special day, and it’s fantastic to see so many smiles and memories being made.”
Mayor Flannery adds: “This event not only delights children but also drives tourism and strengthens our local economy.
“It’s another shining example of why City of Moreton Bay is such a fantastic place to live, work and play.”
IN THE GARDEN Sondra Grainger with
Summer in Moreton Bay has so many positive attributes, but it also seems to bring us a frustrating amount of household pests!
Yes, there’s a plethora of pest control options available at the supermarket, but sometimes going back to basics and embracing my grandmother’s solutions are all you need.
Her garden was cleverly ‘companion planted’ right down to what was grown next to the chook house and outhouse! Here’s her top selection (it’s a fair list) and while most of us won’t have to space to have it all, there’s a few worth noting and adding to your space.
Plants with high levels of natural oils in their leaves, stems and flowers are the most potent for pest control. Rosemary, lavender, citronella, chrysanthemum, lemongrass and mint are used in many natural remedies and common garden varieties are easily accessible at the local nurseries. Yet again, lavender is that one versatile plant that deters moths, fleas, flies and mosquitos but also provides a delightful fragrance to humans making it ideal for an entry garden where it can be brushed past, around bin areas and chook houses.
Rats dislike the smell of peppermint and while a single plant won’t have them fleeing your property, using a peppermint spray or oil at entry points will have them backing away. They don’t enjoy the fragrance of onions, garlic or citronella either.
Cockroaches are repelled by the smell of chrysanthemums. This hardy plant produces the chemical pyrethrum which is why most insect pests steer clear of this plant in the garden.
Rosemary is toxic to them, catnip and mint deter them and they’re not a fan of basil, lavender, bay leaf, lemongrass or peppermint either.
Planting a selection of ‘insect repelling’ plants around chook runs and aviaries can help to create a natural insecticide minimizing the volume of problems to your feathered friends and their surroundsinclude lavender, marigolds, mint and nasturtiums.
Her list continues, but as my limit is one page… let’s summarise the rest!
Other favourites include –Lemongrass, Petunia, Thyme, Garlic, Nasturtiums, Chives, Geranium, Bay Leaves, Dill, Lemon Balm, Oregano, Wormwood, Citronella & Eucalyptus. Brushing past these fragrant plants helps release the oils, so plant them in places where they’ll be bumped into, run past and easily accessed to be of most benefit.
TOP TIPS: plant what suits your garden style and surroundings. The leaves of many plants can be dried and used indoors too.
Happy gardening!
What's ON
February 13
Sip n Paint
The team from Pinot and Picasso will host a Sip n Paint session at Redcliffe Leagues Club from 6.30pm. Tickets are $58 and include a beer, wine or soft drink on arrival. Visit redcliffeleagues.com. au/calendar/sip-n-paintfebruary-2025
February 14
Camping expo
Check out the latest caravans, camper trailers, marine and equipment, 4×4 accessories and more at Moreton Bay Expo 2025, Redcliffe Showgrounds on February 14, 15 and 16 from 8.30am-4pm.
Visit bayexpo.com.au
Tribute show
Relive the hits of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks during the Dreams tribute show from 7.30pm. The show features a group of world-class musicians and performers including Nikki Canale (Stevie), Wayne Daniels, Regotron Leayr, Krissy Linehan and Matt Skea.
Discover the historic art of lacemaking at Redcliffe Museum with members of the Queensland Lace Guild from 10.30am-1.30pm. Meet guild members while they demonstrate different styles of lacemaking or try this traditional craft yourself. Entry is free. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RM/Experience-Lacemaking
Art with purpose
Artspace’s acclaimed 52 ACTIONS exhibition will stop at Redcliffe Art Gallery, until February 15, as part of its national tour. It features work from 52 Australian artists and collectives from each state and territory, and is grounded in art as action. The exhibition is open now. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RAG/52-ACTIONS
Comedy show
Don’t miss stand-up comedian Akmal when he brings his Red Flags show to Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 8pm. Audiences are warned that laughter may induce unexpected side effects.
Created by and starring acclaimed showman Thomas Armstrong-Robley, Morning at the Musicals features world-class vocal performances from an allstar cast and live arrangements of classic melodies from the stage and screen. It is at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 11am.
Whitney tribute Emily Williams will pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston during the I’m Every Woman show at Redcliffe Leagues Club on February 21 from 7pm. The show is free for members and guests. Visit redcliffeleagues.com. au/calendar/whitneyhouston-tribute-show
February 22
Horizons exhibition
The Joe Furlonger: Horizons exhibition at Redcliffe Art Gallery until May 10, is an
opportunity to explore the work of the respected landscape painter. The exhibition features work from the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and Moreton Bay City Council collections. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RAG/Joe-Furlonger
Footy fever
Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium will host a double header in the final round of the NRL Pre-season Challenge on February 22, with the Broncos playing the Bulldogs at 4.30pm and the Dolphins taking on the Titans at 6.30pm. Visit dolphinsnrl.com.au
March 1
Exhibition opening
Historian Judith Nissen will present illustrated stories about Redcliffe at the official opening of the exhibition Shifting Shores: Redcliffe's Beautiful Beaches on March 1 from 10.30am-noon. Entry is free. The exhibition is on show until May 11.
F ebruary is a high rainfall month, and this influences our fishing opportunities.
Crabbing and prawning
It is a month for crabs and prawns.
The banana prawns are starting to fire up locally. Good catches for the cast netters have been coming from the Caboolture and Pine Rivers in particular. The banana prawns are moving out into Bramble and Deception Bays. The life cycle of the banana prawn is short, but they pack a lot of living and travel into their short lives. They complete their life cycle in about 12 months. It all starts in the mangroves and the muddy channels that drain into them. Without healthy mangroves, we would not have banana prawns. Banana prawns typically move into mangrove habitat at high tide from adjacent rivers or creeks. The mangroves provide them protection and food. Juvenile banana prawns eat a wide range of food including very small worms and shellfish as well as decaying mangrove leaves.
The juvenile banana prawns grow over winter, spring, and early summer and in response to rainfall and river flows, the prawns commence to move out of upstream mangrove areas in rivers and creeks and start to make their way into Moreton Bay. Rainfall is critical for the banana prawn life cycle and the timing and volume of rain not only influences this year’s crop but next year.
Mud crabs also respond positively to rainfall. When crabbing in the big tides, remember your pots need to be sufficiently heavy to ensure they are not washed away. All the creeks and rivers that drain into Bramble and Deception Bays, and Pumicestone Passage can
produce mud crabs this time of year. They will also be around the foreshores themselves. Blue swimmer crabs have also been active throughout Moreton Bay. The deeper water has been producing better quality crabs.
Estuary and land based Mixed bags can be the order of the day for those who are fishing the estuaries and land-based. Dusky flathead have been contributing to catches in the Pine and Caboolture Rivers and Hays Inlet. Live herring have been very effective for them off the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge and the fishing platform at Hays Inlet.
Dusky flathead are a great fish to chase on lures. For soft plastics, the size you should be looking for is between three to five inches. Tailor the retrieve to your lure of choice, but a good overall retrieve is a series of twitches and pauses.
For hard bodies, any diving lure that is deep enough to get close to the bottom can be effective. One of the most reliable approaches is to target the edges of channels on the runout tide at places where the water is channelling off the sand flats. This is where dusky flathead lay in wait for unsuspecting bait fish that are leaving the flats as the tide drops. Bream are active throughout our estuary systems and canals this time of year. While they take most baits, always have a variety on hand as the larger fish can change their preference from day to day. Strips of mullet or a well-presented fresh prawn are two reliable baits for them.
Barred and spotted javelin fish will be mixed in with bream catches, particularly if you are using prawns for bait.
For those who put in time and effort, mangrove jacks are active in canals, Scarborough Boat Harbour and deepwater
structure in the rivers. Live baits and hard body lures are the most reliable approaches for targeting them. This method will also produce estuary cod and trevally this time of year.
Beaches
If you are heading to Moreton Island, the northern beaches between Comboyuro Point and North Point will be best location. February is a great month for targeting chopper tailor late afternoon and evening along this stretch of beach. I prefer to fish around the high tide and the early part of the run-out tide for them. The humble pilchard on a set of four 4/0 gang hooks is a tried and tested method for catching them. Don’t get carried away with using heavy gear to target them. I prefer 12lb monofilament line on an Alvey for them with a 20lb monofilament trace. Sinker size will be dependent on the conditions. Good beach anglers always have sinker size at the front of their minds. Using yabbies, worms or pippies during the day along the northern beach should see you bring in swallowtail dart, sand whiting and tarwhine. The early part of the run-up tide is often the best time to fish in
Inshore reefs and bay waters
The shallow inshore reefs around the Peninsula will have grass sweetlip, morwong, snapper, Moses Perch, bream and estuary cod. As I have said many times, fishing light is always the key to catching these fish. The edges of the rocky outcrops along the Peninsula are the places you should be targeting.
this location. For whiting and tarwhine, many anglers make the mistake of casting out too far. The fish are often feeding right on the edge of the shore break. The western beach from Comboyuro Point to Cowan Cowan will have flathead during the day and sand whiting will be present on the western beach. While sand whiting can be numerous along this stretch of beach, they are often not as large as other locations.
Offshore and pelagics
This is often not the best time of the year weather-wise to fish offshore, but if you can safely venture out, expect a big mix of potential reef species. Pearl perch, teraglin, venus tuskfish, various cods and Moses perch will be the mainstays, but depending on where you are fishing offshore will be more tropical species including hussar and green jobfish. Wahoo have also been caught on the troll around Hutchinsons Shoal. Cobia and yellowtail kingfish will also be around offshore as well as in parts of Moreton Bay itself such as around the Bulwer Ledge and the shipping channel beacons. Good catches of spotted mackerel have occurred between Moreton and Bribie Islands, but exactly where depends on where the baitfish are concentrated on any given day. These fish visit Moreton Bay on their southern migration from their spawning location at Bowen and travel as far south as about Coffs Harbour. A good method to catch them is burleying with pilchard pieces and drifting with whole pilchards on 3 4/0 hooks and a short fine wire trace. School mackerel will also be caught using this method. Tight lines everyone this February.
Daryl McPhee is an associate professor of environmental science at Bond University
Holiday Capers
Families cooled off at Scarborough Beach during the summer school holidays, during breaks in wet weather.
Manuel-Lima 6. Sonny, Tash & Billy Ryan 7. Jaxon & Gwen
8. Tom, Sam, Micah, Levi, Samson & Judah 9. Hayley Blonde with Nix & Dax
10. Ray, Esther & Jenessa
PHOTOS DOMINIKA LIS
Discover your next favourite wine, beer or spirit while exploring the Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay region.
Mountain Wine Tours showcases South East Queensland’s best boutique breweries, distilleries and wineries.
Choice of three buses, catering to guests of all abilities with accessible options.
Pisces
FEB 20 - MAR 20
Early February brings opportunities to enjoy both your personal life and work. Communications will slowly improve too. Financial developments are best evaluated carefully; you must avoid impulsiveness. Get set to welcome the new towards the 28th; you may need to innovate though.
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
This will be an excellent month to move treasured projects forward. Consider how to dislodge stuck matters and by the end of February you could be ready to kickstart a fresh and exciting chapter. Think outside the square but be practical. This is a good month to improve your health.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
Your love life grows early in February as opportunities to meet someone lovely arise for singles, and couples will enjoy deepening your bond. Be prepared to invest in your health; you’ll appreciate the results. You’ll gain the chance to negotiate financial and work opportunities towards the 28th.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
Travel and socialising will appeal. Your love life, status and career could transform so be sure to put extra effort into these areas. Luckily, Jupiter will help you to improve your finances. Avoid impulsive decisions; find the enduring balance and value in your work and personal life instead.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
Your month’s success revolves around your communication, relationship and negotiation skills, as you could take a key commitment to a new level both in your personal life and professionally. You’ll also appreciate finding the time this month to boost your own health and wellbeing.
Aquarius
with Patsy MEDIA
JAN 20 - FEB 19
This month brings the chance to revitalise both your personal life and finances. Aim to schedule more variety in your daily routine and be prepared to deepen some relationships and to distance yourself from others if needed. If an ex draws close, consider the true dynamics and practicalities.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
Embrace more adventure in all areas of your life, as this will enable you to boost your status and feel-good factor. Your love life could take you into new territory, especially early in the month and later in February. Consider new ways to share duties and potentially even space at home.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
The first week of February and towards the 22nd are two of the most romantic periods this year, so be sure to organise dates if you’re single, and couples to invest more time in your relationship. Be sure to aim for your work goals all month as the new moon on the 28th could bring good news.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
You’ll gain the chance to improve your work and health schedules now, so be proactive in both areas. You may even receive ideal news. You can boost your status and wellbeing in your personal life too, so take the initiative. Be careful with communications to avoid misunderstandings.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
Your projects can move ahead, and the full moon on the 13th will illuminate how best to do so. Be sure to prioritise the people closest to you. This is a romantic month, but you must avoid throwing caution to the wind. This is a good time to grow your bank balance, but you must avoid gambling.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
A significant chapter at work, at home or in your status (or in all three areas) will unfold, bringing the chance to invest your time and effort in something new. It’s a good month to re-think some financial arrangements if necessary. Singles could meet someone new early, late and mid-month.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
Travel, adventure, study and the chance to indulge more in your favourite activities will boost energy levels. You may experience a financial or ego boost early in February. Security and stability are important to you, so make these a priority and focus on good communication skills.
2 5 word s: G ood
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”. E I D I S L E B F
s: Excellent
word s: Ver y good
1 The Jacobin Club is as sociated with which his toric al revolution?
2 In which countr y is K rakatoa loc ated?
3 In what year did K rakatoa famously erupt?
4 Which politic al par t y has ruled Singapore since becoming independent in 1959 ?
5 Which t wo monarchs were placed on the British throne af ter the 1688 Glorious Revolution?
Complete 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. 4 6 8 9 6 2 1 3 7 5 2 5 3 4 1 8 9 8 9 3 2 7 7 9 5 3
elid,f
,ebeli belied, ,fbelie s,ebeli ,esideb ,ebid s,ebid bidi, bids, bi d, ,ebil ,ebis de s,e de ,el de s,el
New faces bolster Power
Peninsula Power are blending youth, potential and experience in their senior men’s and women’s squads for the new NPL and FQPL1 campaigns.
After finishing third last year, Power’s men have strengthened again ahead of the NPLQueensland’s top league - which kicks-off this month.
The women have a new coach in Dom Hudak and are rebuilding after dropping out of the topflight to the FQPL, which starts in mid-March.
Men’s coach Aaron Philp says: “We have brought players in to rejuvenate the squad and replaced some who have left.
“It will be a tough league again this year. Everyone has strengthened.”
Power won the race for striker Kai Flemington, 19, who took the FQPL1 Golden Boot last year with 23 goals for Easts.
“Kai is a very good player. We watched him from early last season,” Philp says, “he’s an exciting signing … so much potential and is keen to improve.”
Power has also re-signed
Solomon Weldemarian, a former Roar attacking midfielder, who spent last year at Brisbane City.
“He was outstanding for us in 2023,” Philp says, while Power’s Head of Football Ben Ryan added on Facebook, “we never wanted Solomon to leave”.
Ex-Roar defender Matt Mundy has also joined from Easts, after helping win promotion and the grand final.
Japanese forward Kenny Akamatsu returns after scoring nine goals in 14 games in 2024 before a hamstring injury.
Defender Michael McGowan will be captain, while midfielder Josah Hitchcock, forward Jheison Macuace and defenders Josh Phelps and Rhys Gray are also back.
Izaack Powell is on the senior books again as he continues his recovery from leukaemia.
Power start with the Kappa Pro Series against Sunshine Coast, Easts, Ipswich, Logan and Capalaba, before the NPL launches on February 22 at home to Brisbane Roar youth.
Power’s women have a new squad for their Kappa Pro Series ahead of the FQPL 1 campaign,
POWERNPL QUEENSLAND 2025
February 22: Power v Brisbane Roar, AJ Kelly Park, 6pm
March 1: Power v Sunshine Coast Wanderers, AJ Kelly Park, 6pm
March 8: Moreton City Excelsior v Power, Wolter Park, 7pm
March 22: Power v Easts, AJ Kelly Park, 7.30pm
March 29: Wynnum Wolves v Power, Carmichael Park, 6.15pm
April 5: Power v Gold Coast Knights, AJ Kelly Park, 6pm
April 12: Gold Coast Utd v Power, Coplicks Family Sports Park, 3pm
April 25: Power v St George Willawong, AJ Kelly Park, 5.30pm
May 3: Brisbane City v Power, Imperial Corp Stadium, 6pm
May 18: Power v Olympic, AJ Kelly Park, 4pm
May 24: Lions v Power, Luxury Paints Stadium, 7pm
May 31: Brisbane Roar v Power, Meakin Park, 3pm
June 6: Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Power, Ballinger Park, 7.30pm
June 14: Power v Moreton City Excelsior, AJ Kelly Park, 5pm
June 21: Easts v Power, Heath Park, 7pm
July 5: Power v Gold Coast Utd, AJ Kelly Park, 5pm
July 12: Gold Coast Knights v Power, Croatian Sports Centre, 5.15pm
July 20: Power v Wynnum Wolves, AJ Kelly Park, 4pm
August 2: Power v Lions, AJ Kelly Park, 5pm
August 10: Olympic v Power, Goodwin Park, 6pm
August 15: Power v Brisbane City, AJ Kelly Park, 7.30pm
August 23: St George Willawong v Power, St Georges Park, 6.15pm
which begins on March 15.
Former Power player Dom Hudak is looking to rebuild from the Academy right through to the senior side.
“First time I sat down with the club I knew it would be a challenge, but one I’m looking forward to,” he says. "We need to get basics right to play NPL.”
Key figures include Mel Limov who made the first team at 14 and captained Australia’s Schoolgirls before playing in the US.
She returned in 2011 playing for Newcastle before landing multiple Brisbane Premier League titles and helped Power’s Metro 1 team to premierships and grand finals.
Chelsea Martin will be alongside Limov having won Players’ Player, Player of the Year and Golden Boot awards in Power’s Metro team.
Captain Emma Stanbury and Emily Philips have re-signed and will be joined by Canadian Christina Woloszczuk who has played for US universities.
March 15: Grange v Power, Lanham Park, 7pm
March 22: Power v Logan Lightning, AJ Kelly Park, 5.15pm
March 29: Virginia v Power, Albert Bishop Park, 6pm
April 12: Capalaba v Power, John Fredericks Park, 7.15pm
April 25: Power v North Brisbane, AJ Kelly Park, 7.30pm
May 2: Olympic v Power, Goodwin Park, 8.30pm
May 9: Caboolture v Power, Moreton Bay Central, 8.15pm
May 24: Moreton City Excelsior v Power, Wolter Park, 6pm
May 31: Power v SWQ Thunder, AJ Kelly Park, 4pm
June 13: Power v Grange, AJ Kelly Park, 8.30pm
June 22: Logan Lightning v Power, Chris Green Park, 5pm
July 6: Power v Virginia, AJ Kelly Park, 4pm
July 11: Power v Capalaba, AJ Kelly Park, 8.30pm
July 20: North Brisbane v Power, Prentice Park, 5pm
August 2: Power v Olympic, AJ Kelly Park, 7.15pm
August 9: Power v Caboolture, AJ Kelly Park, 5pm
August 16: Power v Moreton City Excelsior, AJ Kelly Park, 6.15pm
August 24: SWQ Thunder v Power, Clive Berghofer Stadium, 3.15pm
Nick Crockford
PENINSULA
PENINSULA POWER WOMEN –FQPL1 2025
Power face Capalaba, North Brisbane and Southside in the Pro-Series before the FQPL1 starts at Grange on March 15
Fighting for world title rematch
Nick Crockford
Redcliffe-born Liam Wilson, who lives in Caboolture and trains at Lawnton, could be just one win from a third world title fight.
Wilson will step into the ring on March 1 at South Bank Piazza knowing victory over Youssef Dib could prise open the world title door again.
The 28-year-old is currently world ranked four by the WBO and must beat Dib – who he stopped in eight rounds last July – to keep or improve his place.
That may give Wilson, who trains with All Star Boxing Academy, a second shot at WBO super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete, who is back in the 59kg division.
If the dream becomes reality, Wilson would love the showdown to be in Australia at Redcliffe's Kayo Stadium, home of the Dolphins.
His promotor No Limit Boxing, shares the dream of making a world title fight on these shores, but says no discussions have been held with Kayo Stadium.
For now, the focus is helping Wilson prepare for Sydneybased Dib, who was in the world rankings but has now slipped out.
Wilson put Navarrete down in round four of their fight in February 2023, only for the Mexican to drop his mouthguard, get a 27-second count, rather than 10, and recover to win.
Last year, Wilson was stopped in round seven of an Interim WBO Super featherweight title fight against Oscar Valdez, who admitted afterwards he had been a “split second” from defeat.
Despite twice being denied a world crown, Wilson said on the Fox Sport website: “I’m absolutely itching to fight again.
“I was stunned he wanted the rematch, to be honest, because of the way I finished him last time.
“He brought the fight to me, but when it mattered most, I showed why I’m levels above.
“This time, I’ll make it even more decisive and prove there’s no question who’s the best.”
Dib countered: “I had him on the back foot. This time, I’m
coming stronger, smarter, and hungrier.
“I’m here to take back what should’ve been mine and show everyone I’m the better fighter.”
After the first “unforgettable” fight, No Limits Boxing CEO George Rose says: “This rematch has all the ingredients to surpass it.
“Liam deserves to have the hometown support behind him this time.”
PHOTOS: No Limit Boxing
HHow fast can Ham mer run?
amiso Tabuai-Fidow honestly doesn’t know how much faster he can run, but the Dolphins NRL star fullback reckons he hasn’t hit full tilt just yet.
In an ominous sign for opposing teams, Tabuai-Fidow’s determined to improve in all aspects of his game.
He spoke to the media after a recent tough preseason training session in stifling heat at Redcliffe.
“I think I had a good break, had my rest and I’m just coming back in and finding my feet again. I can see how tough they’ve been training and that brings my standards up as well.”
The session followed a threeday training camp for the team on the Sunshine Coast in midJanuary, designed to deliver intense sessions but also unite the team.
“It was a good camp. It was a footy-based camp and it was a tougher week than a normal week, but the boys all put their heads down and worked hard.
THE DOLPHINS’ FIRST OFFICIAL GAME OF THE 2025 SEASON
is on March 7 (7.05pm) at Suncorp Stadium against Wayne Bennett's South Sydney
We all got something out of it.
I think the big thing was trust,”
Tabuai-Fidow says.
The 23-year-old says he’s feeling good at this stage in the preseason.
“The body’s sweet. I’m ready to go again and just excited for what’s to come in the next couple of weeks,” he says.
“I think the standards have gone up a level. I think we all needed that coming off last year where we sort of fell off, but the way Woolfie and Rory and Fieny are pushing the boys … they’ve all put their hands up and are willing to work hard for each other.”
Tabuai-Fidow says preseason training has focused on making the squad mentally and physically fitter.
For him, the focus is on making the fullback position his own.
“(There’s) no guarantee. I don’t mind centre, but fullback is my main position. I think we’ve got to work hard and earn it. That’s what I’m willing to do in this preseason, to work for the position and hopefully make it my primary position for the whole year.”
Renowned for his electrifying attack, Tabuai-Fidow sees defence as the area he can most improve.
“Just helping the D line and helping the boys out as well. I think that goes a long way when I do help the line out. It tips juice into our line and into myself being confident that I can lead the boys around to the right spots,” he says.
The Redcliffe Peninsula asked the speedster, who is nipping at the heels of some of the fastest players in the NRL, if he can get any faster?
“I think I can if I do sprint training … you’ve sort of got to train for that. I’m getting better at that,” he says.
Tabuai-Fidow has previously
said he only runs as fast as he needs to. He confirmed he doesn’t actually know how fast he can run at top speed.
“If I do find an open space, or I’ve got a clear space in front of me, I don’t go too fast. I don’t want to pull anything. If I can get to the try line with the speed I’m going at, I think that’s good,” he says.
During the 2024 season, Tabuai-Fidow was the third fastest player in the NRL behind Jason Saab (37.7 km/h) and Jaylan De Groot (37.2 km/h).
Tabuai-Fidow clocked 36.8km/h, according to data collected by Telstra Tracker.
The Dolphins have their first trial game against the Capras in Gladstone on February 8 (6pm). They play the Cowboys in Cairns on February 14 (7pm) as part of the NRL’s Pre-season Challenge. Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium is expected to be packed when it hosts a double-header in the final round of the Challenge on February 22. The Broncos play the Bulldogs at 4.30pm and the Dolphins take on the Titans at 6.30pm.
Kylie Knight
Meet the Dolphins
The countdown to the start of the 2025 NRL season is on and there are few new faces in the Dolphins’ extended squad. Here’s your chance to meet the team.
Centre | Age: 24
Height: 183cm | Weight: 92kg
Born in Sydney and made his NRL debut for the Bulldogs in 2020. Signed a threeyear deal with the Dolphins, starting in 2024, and has played 23 games for the club.
Winger | Age: 21 Height: 194cm | Weight: 97kg
Born in Figtree, NSW, playing for the Shellharbour Stingrays as a junior. He made his debut for the Dolphins NRL team in April 2023. He was the club’s Rookie of the Year in 2024.
Second row | Age: 33
Height: 183cm | Weight: 105kg
Born in Auckland, New Zealand. Debuted for the Melbourne Storm in 2013 and had been a one-club NRL player before joining the Dolphins. Two-time premiership-winning player and international player for New Zealand.
Five-eighth | Age: 23
Height: 180cm | Weight: 92kg
Played his junior rugby league for the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys. He signed with the Central Queensland Capras in 2023 and completed preseason training with the Dolphins NRL squad. He made his NRL debut in round one of the season.
Prop | Age: 24
Height: 185cm | Weight: 100kg
Born in Brisbane. Debuted for North Queensland Cowboys in 2020. Made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in 2022. Suffered a seasonending injury during the series in 2023 and another season-ending injury early in 2024. Is expected to be fit for 2025 season.
Hooker | Age: 23
Halfback/hooker/fullback
| Age: 30 | Height: 174cm
Weight: 82kg
Winger | Age: 28
Height: 177cm | Weight: 83kg
Born in Lismore. Debuted for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in 2021, impressing the Dolphins with his efforts in the Hostplus Cup. Has played under-18s for Queensland and for the Queensland Universities team. Made his NRL debut for the Dolphins in June 2023.
Halfback | Age: 26
Height: 179cm | Weight: 86kg
Height: 180cm | Weight: 95kg
Born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Debuted for Broncos in 2017, where he played until he joined Titans in 2022. Cleaned up at the Dolphins 2023 Awards Night, winning Player of the Year, Players’ Player, Most Consistent and Best Back.
Born in Palmerston North, New Zealand, but lived in Brisbane from the age of 12. Debuted for Brisbane Broncos in 2015 and has also played for the Warriors and Rabbitohs. Has represented New Zealand and played in the Maori All Stars team.
Born in St George, NSW. Debuted for Sydney Roosters in 2018. He has also played for the Broncos, Warriors and Panthers.
Halfback | Age: 20
Height: 181cm | Weight: 91kg
Born in Wellington, New Zealand. He was playing in Penrith Panthers’ under-19s team in NSW Rugby League’s SG Ball competition when he was signed by the Dolphins. He will be at the club until at least the end of the 2028 season. Made his NRL debut in round one of the 2023 season.
Lock | Age: 23
Height: 178cm | Weight: 87kg
Impressed the Dolphins with performances for Wynnum Manly in Queensland Cup. Joined the Dolphins partway through 2023. Has signed until end of the 2027. Won Player of the Year, Players’ Player and Best Forward.
Second row | Age: 32
Height: 189cm | Weight: 109kg
Born in Auckland, New Zealand. Debuted with Melbourne Storm in 2015. Had been a one-club NRL player until he became the Dolphins’ first signing, on a three-year deal. Two-time premiership winner and Queensland and Australia player.
Prop | Age: 28
Height: 195cm | Weight: 121kg
Played 183 games for Newcastle Knights, after making his NRL debut with the club in 2016. Signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins from 2025. Has represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Fiji at Test level.
Lock | Age: 27
Height: 180cm | Weight: 95kg
Born in Moss Vale, NSW. Debuted for Parramatta Eels in 2018. Played lock for the NSW under-20s State of Origin team in 2017, the same year he played for the Junior Kangaroos. He also represented his country as an Australian Schoolboy.
KODI NIKORIMA
SEAN O’SULLIVAN
MAX PLATH
DANIEL SAIFITI
RAY STONE
TOM GILBERT
HARRISON GRAHAM
JAMAYNE ISAAKO
ISAIYA KATOA
FELISE KAUFUSI
JAKE AVERILLO
JACK BOSTOCK
KENNY BROMWICH
KURT DONOGHOE
NRL team for 2025
Centre | Age: 25
Height: 190cm | Weight: 106kg
Born in Burnley, Lancashire, England. Has lived in Brisbane since 2017 and made his debut for the Broncos in 2019. Has played for England in the World Cup and signed a threeyear deal with the Dolphins, starting in 2024. Was named Best Back for the club in 2024.
Centre | Age: 23
Height: 186cm | Weight: 98kg
Made his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2020 and had a breakout year for the club in 2024. Signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins starting from 2025. Has represented NSW under-18s and played for the Australian Schoolboys team.
Second row | Age: 21
Height: 187cm | Weight: 98kg
Born in Gosford, NSW, and played junior football with Northern Lakes Warriors before being signed by the Newcastle Knights. Made his NRL debut for the Knights in August 2022. Signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins in October 2023.
Second row | Age: 21
Height: 190cm | Weight: 105kg
Played Mal Meninga Cup for Ipswich Jets before moving to Townsville to play for the Blackhawks in the Hostplus Cup. Made his NRL debut for the Cowboys in 2023. Signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins from 2025.
Prop | Age: 25
Height: 190cm | Weight: 110kg
Played for the Tully Tigers before joining the Broncos as a teenager. Made his NRL debut in 2019. The Australian and Maroons forward signed a four-year deal with the Dolphins, in 2024. Recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in round five (2024).
Prop | Age: 28
Height: 197cm | Weight: 112kg
Born in Brisbane and played for the Redcliffe Dolphins as a junior from 10 years of age to under-20s. Was part of the Melbourne Storm National Youth Competition team and made his debut for the Dragons in 2019. Joined the Dolphins in mid-2023.
HAMISO TABUAI-FIDOW
Fullback | Age: 23
Height: 186cm | Weight: 89kg
Born in Cairns. Debuted for North Queensland Cowboys in 2020 and is one of the fastest players in the NRL. He has represented Australia, Queensland and can play in the centre or on the wing. Has signed with the club until the end of the 2027 season.
Second row | Age: 26
Height: 190cm | Weight: 106kg
Born in Auckland, New Zealand. Debuted for North Queensland Cowboys in 2020 after spending time in the Wests Tigers’ and Bulldogs’ NRL systems. He has played 41 NRL games for the Dolphins.
Lock | Age: 21
Height: 179cm | Weight: 93kg
Penrith Panthers’ premiership-winning under19s captain, who played alongside fellow Dolphins’ signing Isaiya Katoa. He graduated to the Panthers’ Jersey Flegg under-21 team before making the move to Redcliffe. Made his NRL debut in March, 2023.
Fullback | Age: 27
Height: 170cm | Weight: 78kg
Standout player for the Redcliffe Dolphins since 2018 made his NRL debut for the Dolphins in 2023. Continues to play for both sides, winning Peter Leis Player of the Year Medal and Tony Obst Players’ Player awards at Redcliffe’s awards night. Recovering from an ACL injury.
Hooker | Age: 29
Height: 186cm | Weight: 83kg
Born in Whakatane, New Zealand. Debuted for Wests Tigers in 2017 and has also played for the Bulldogs, where he was the club’s Player of the Year in 2022. Represented New Zealand at the World Cup in 2022. Has signed with the Dolphins until the end of 2028.
Winger | Age: 22
Height: 188cm | Weight: 98kg
Made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers in 2022 and has signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins from 2025. Has represented Tonga at Test level and NSW under 16s and under 18s as well as the Junior Wallabies during a stint in rugby union.
Prop | Age: 35
Height: 194cm | Weight: 104kg
Born in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Debuted for Canberra Raiders in 2012 and has also played for the Storm and Rabbitohs (Grand Finalist). Won Most Consistent at the Dolphins 2024 awards night.
Second row | Age: 19
Height: 181cm | Weight: 95kg
Made his Hostplus Cup debut with the Redcliffe Dolphins in mid-2023 after playing in the Hastings Deering Colts competition. He has since played 14 games for the club at Cup level, scoring six tries and making 229 tackles.
Prop | Age: 19
Height: 189cm | Weight: 107kg
Redcliffe Dolphins junior signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins in March 2023 to be elevated to the NRL Development List. He is part of the NRL squad for the 2025 season.
