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The Redcliffe Peninsula is a free monthly community news magazine for Redcliffe and surrounds.
Twelve thousand copies will be distributed each month to locations including shopping centres and local businesses, and online.
The Redcliffe Peninsula is published by The Vine Lab. The publisher and associated parties do not assume responsibility for, nor endorse or adopt the content of any advertisement or third-party information published in The Redcliffe Peninsula.
Reasonable care is taken in the preparation of the publication, however the Publisher and other associated parties do not accept any liability for any errors or omissions the publication may contain.
The Redcliffe Peninsula is your free community news magazine
On the front line
Firefighter blazes trail
WhenLou Galloway was at school, a career in the fire service was not promoted as an option for women.
She stumbled upon the idea while working in office administration and searching for a career path that would be challenging – physically and mentally.
“I could have done a trade or been a police officer, joined the Army … firefighting just popped into my sights and there was nothing else (I wanted to do) after that,” Lou recalls.
“At the time I’d just missed a recruitment drive and had to wait a few more years before I could apply but just went from there.”
She finally joined when she was 24 years old and has worked up the ranks during the past 23 years, completing further study to become a Senior Firefighter and stepping up as Acting Station Officer at various times.
Kylie Knight
Most of her career has been as a firefighter, but she has also had stints in the training department, working with the auxiliary firefighter development unit.
“I was in and out of being operational while having children. You become nonoperational when you become pregnant and potentially breastfeeding as well,” the mother of four explains. At those times, she did rostering and building inspection work with the service.
Throughout her career, she has been stationed at areas including Roma Street, Chermside, Sandgate, Petrie, Caboolture and Kippa-Ring.
Lou loves firefighting, the variety and challenges it offers every day.
“What I love about the job is the fact that it’s challenging, interesting, different every day, physical … plus I enjoy the shift work, rather than 9am-5pm or 8am-4pm,” she says.
“I think the challenge (has held my interest). I went from office work, and having barely touched a tool in my life, to knowing my way around road crash rescue equipment and firefighting equipment and tools in general.
“The organisation is supportive of all of that (learning), your fellow firefighters are supportive … your crew is there to help you out. It is very much a team environment. That’s another thing that I love about it.
“Everyone’s got each other’s backs and you solve problems as a group. Having a diverse team helps you to solve problems better as well.
“It is a family … very supportive. If something’s going wrong in your life, you can definitely fall back on your firefighter family to help you through.”
Reactive firefighter duties range from responding to fire alarms at shopping centres, road crash rescue, urban search and rescue, vertical rescue, confined space rescue, structural fires,
bush fires, hazardous materials incidents (spills), and ambulance assistance to animal rescues.
Proactive duties include training, equipment checking, community engagement and education.
“I enjoy helping people. It is a good feeling when you go to a situation that’s not very good and then you resolve that incident through team work,”
Lou says.
“Also, the camaraderie at the station and just station life in general. You don’t go to work and sit around miserable, waiting for your shift to end.
“I still love the job. I still get a buzz driving along under lights and siren … hearing the bells go. Even after all this time, it’s still exciting to go to a call of some kind.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we ask Lou if a woman in her life has inspired her.
“Obviously, my mum. My mother is a strong woman.
Her best friends, who I grew up alongside, are also strong women. I think that’s something that’s always stuck with me,” she says.
“Also, the women in this job are strong women and we’re likeminded women. The ones that I have come across, we’ve all got similar interests, we’ve got similar personalities.
“I would encourage any woman to consider this as a career. There’s still such a low percentage of women in this job and, after 20-odd years I’ve been in it, I wonder why women don’t consider it.
“It’s not that they’re not capable. It’s not that they can’t get physically fit enough … I just don’t know what the barrier is. Anything that I can do to get it out there that it’s a job for women, I will.
“It’s good that they’re (now) getting into the schools. I like doing fire education with the Year 1s and having the girls see this is a job for women as well.”
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Grounded, and with a mature grasp of the current real estate environment, she’s as inspirational and genuine as she is professional.
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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.
Kylie Knight
Volunteering had been part of Teresa Sanders’ routine for most of her life, so when she realised it had slipped off her radar in the hustle and bustle of life with young children she took action.
The mother of two children, aged four and eight years old, did some online research about the volunteering options on the Redcliffe Peninsula and discovered the State Emergency Service (SES).
She joined in May 2024 and became the Deputy Group Leader with Redcliffe SES Group in December.
While she didn’t know much about the SES before she enrolled, she has learnt quickly that it is the organisation for her.
“With the SES, the thing that’s really stuck out is it actually is teamwork. That’s what really appealed to me … it doesn’t matter how big or small the role, we’re all doing it together," Teresa says.
“I love the varying roles, the different things you can do. You can obviously go out to these things but if you cannot activate so often because of work commitments and life, you can do other roles to help out.
“There are things to do in administration, leadership roles, training… it’s pretty broad in that aspect.”
The former pastry chef, who is now studying Criminology and
Answering call to volunteer
Criminal Justice full-time with Griffith University, has been involved in callouts for storm damage, putting tarps on roofs, sandbagging, land searches for missing people and more.
Teresa says there is plenty of training for newcomers, but volunteers can also put skills they already have to use. They can also find an aspect of SES they enjoy and pursue that.
me that because my dad volunteered in the rural fire brigade, my mum always volunteered with Meals on Wheels, churches and things. It was just a normal part of what you put into your week,” she explains.
“It’s just like doing other things … like exercise,” she says.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, Teresa
she came to Australia when she was in her 20s after her parents passed away. The things that she’s done … even just doing that is a huge thing but in her mind, she probably thinks it’s just normal,” Teresa says.
“My husband’s very supportive of what I’m doing and what my goals are. We’re a team.
“I think I’ve learnt recently, especially in the last couple of years, that you can have it all just not at the same time.”
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Career centred on connection
ambulance service.”
Teresa Powell has seen great change during 35 years with Queensland Ambulance Service but says human connections, made on the job, have always been the most rewarding aspect.
The Redcliffe Station Officer in Charge says she has worked with a diverse group of outstanding people, many of whom have become life-long friends.
Teresa’s career started with Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) in December 1989.
“My interest in joining the ambulance service came about when undertaking observer shifts when training to be an Army Medic,” she recalls.
“It wasn’t until after leaving the Army and working briefly in the Fire Service as a Watch Room Attendant, that I actively pursued working in the
She has spent her entire career in Brisbane, starting at Chermside, then Spring Hill, followed by Sandgate.
“I was promoted to Officer in Charge at Chermside Station in 1997. I had a subsequent transfer to Northgate before taking up the OIC position at Redcliffe (in 2008),” she says.
“Secondments in roles at district, regional and state level have provided great learning opportunities and given me great insight into the organisation.”
In her role as Officer in Charge at Redcliffe, she is responsible for the management of the station.
“This includes staffing, vehicles, equipment and patient care supplies. I am also on the front line attending to patients in the community.
“No day is ever quite the same. In an instant, I can go from planning a roster projection to
responding on a case.”
Teresa says there are many aspects of her role she enjoys.
“Working with staff, helping them realise their goals and reach their potential. I also enjoy engaging with other agencies and community,” she says.
“Moreton Bay has a great sense of community, and it is a privilege to have the trust of others to serve it.”
Teresa says, after a long career, she has come to the realisation that she has resilience.
“I’ve been able to move through and grow from difficult times, absorbing experiences that have been both positive and challenging, helping shape the person that I have become,” she explains.
So, has there been a woman in her personal or professional life who has inspired her?
“There has been a number of women that have been
outstanding role models, however the women that have been awe inspiring to me are those that raised families, whilst working shiftwork, at a time when there were virtually nil flexible working options available to them,” she says.
“Regrettably many of my peers had to forgo their careers due to such limitations. Fortunately, today there is wonderful support for staff to have flexibility in their personal and working life.”
Teresa says the introduction of women into the Ambulance Service has been crucial to its success.
“Women continue to make advancement in all areas of the service. There are greater opportunities for women in management roles than there ever has been. There has been a gradual shift over the years in recognising that women make excellent managers."
Kylie Knight
Career framed by compassion
Kylie Knight
Redcliffe Hospital’s Dr Phillipa Khoo has seen at close quarters how women can make a significant contribution to their community, profession and families.
The Emergency Department consultant has had powerful role models in her mother, older sister and a mentor, who have shown her how to achieve her personal and professional goals with compassion and confidence.
Phillipa has a passion for trauma medicine and juggles her time between her hospital consultancy role and Queensland Ambulance Service’s High Acuity Response Unit (HARU).
“Clinically, on the floor, I help to run a (hospital) department, supervise junior staff and work in the resuscitation area when people are particularly unwell and help guide the junior staff,” she explains.
Phillipa also looks at processes and education, and how systems can be improved.
In her QAS role, she is a consulting doctor in the HARU clinical hub.
“It’s like a clinical triage service that sits with the call-takers in the State Operation Centre.” Phillipa says.
“We also sit side-by-side with the RSQ (Retrieval Services Queensland) Co-ordinators for the state as well. We help to manage the road-based resources for the state.
“I provide clinical assistance to the paramedics … and I still go on-road with the High Acuity Response Unit about once a month.
“I work two days a week here (at Redcliffe), one day there (at QAS) and have four days at home with the kids (aged 4, 8 and 10 years).”
Phillipa says pursuing a career in medicine seemed natural with her father a doctor, mother a nurse and sister a surgeon.
Born at Bribie Island, she moved to Melbourne to study at university because, at the
time, Queensland did not offer undergraduate medicine.
“I went down there at 18 years of age and stayed down there for 15 years. I came back up recently to be a bit closer to family,” she explains.
“Medical training is difficult. A lot of people do it differently to how I did it, but I had my children young. I started when I was a second or third-year-out doctor. I had to do all of my training, all of my exams with kids."
Phillipa says, looking back, she’s happy with the path she’s taken and the way she’s done it.
“A lot of the young female doctors here come to me and say how would you do it if you had your time again? Would you wait until you’ve finished training to have kids or would you have them again?
“That’s not an easy answer. So many times, you’re told put your career first or put your family first and it’s not a simple decision. It’s not simple either way.”
Phillipa loves her roles with Redcliffe Hospital and QAS and says providing excellent early care can have a big impact on patients.
“I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to be there to hopefully improve someone’s life at a point when they’re very vulnerable.
I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” she says.
When asked if there’s been a woman or women who have inspired her professionally and personally, Phillipa says there have been three standouts.
“Obviously, I have to shout out to my mum because she’s phenomenal. She’s a very compassionate, giving lady and she has gone out of her way over many years to make it possible for us (my sister and I) to do it,” she explains.
“She came from a small country town, didn’t finish high school, went over to India to work with Mother Theresa as an 18-year-old and finished her nursing degree to do that …incredible. When we
“When I was a registrar, as a training doctor, she took me under her wing and helped me through my exams. In my first week here, she set me up on her desk with her, opened me up to the portfolios I was doing, mentored me and guided me through that.
“I feel privileged that I’m in a position where I get to work in the front line … but (it’s important to) realise the village has brought me here.”
Kylie Knight
For Redcliffe Police Station
Senior Constable Jesslyn Dare, being able to help someone, at one of the worst times in their life, makes her job on the front line rewarding.
Jesslyn has been a police officer for six years, graduating from the North Queensland Police Academy at Townsville in 2020 and being posted to Yeppoon for two years, before transferring to Redcliffe.
“I always knew I wanted to be part of emergency services and when I left school, I initially started studying paramedicine at university,” she explains.
“I eventually decided this wasn’t for me and began talking with a cousin who was a police officer in the Gladstone dog squad. I decided I liked the sound of the job and thought it would be a rewarding career, and I applied.”
At Redcliffe Police Station, she works as a general duties officer.
“I am also a qualified firearm, taser and physical skills instructor as well as a field training officer. In my spare time I also assist dog squad with their training, as working in that unit is a career goal of mine,” she says.
“I enjoy that every day is different, and I never know what I’m going to walk into. I like the unpredictability of the job and having to think on my feet.
Making a difference on the front line
TO FIND OUT MORE
about the police service visit police.qld.gov.au
“I enjoy being able to help people and make a positive impact on their lives.”
Being a woman in a maledominated career has been one of the most challenging aspects of the job.
“I want my colleagues to walk into a job with me, having the same confidence they would as if they were working with a male,” Jesslyn says.
“I have worked very hard to build a good reputation and for my colleagues to have the same confidence in me that I have in them.
“Since becoming a police officer, I learnt I am capable of a lot more than I think. I enjoy the challenges of the job and it’s these challenges that make me a better officer.”
When asked if there has been a woman who has inspired her personally or professionally, Jesslyn says: “I am inspired by any person who sets goals and puts in the work to achieve these and pushes their limits to better themselves.
“Specifically, my mum has been a significant inspiration. She’s beaten breast cancer twice and she is the one who taught me all
my values and encouraged me to apply for (the) police (service). Jesslyn advises women considering a policing career to set goals and do whatever they can to achieve them.
“Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. To women of any age, who want a career where they make a difference, I highly recommend considering a career in policing.”
For more information about Ausbuild’s house and land packages, visit ausbuild.com.au
Ausbuild launches $27 million development
Ausbuild, Queensland’s largest privately owned developer and home builder, is deepening its commitment to Brisbane’s North with the launch of Formosa, a $27 million residential development at Murrumba Downs.
The project is the latest in Ausbuild’s ongoing investment in the region, addressing the growing demand for housing and lifestyle-oriented communities.
Formosa, Murrumba Downs will offer 32 new residential lots, ranging from 322-615sqm.
Designed to cater to families, first-time buyers, and those seeking an ideal North Brisbane lifestyle, this community will offer accessibility and convenience for its residents.
With civil works already underway, the first homes are expected to be finished by late 2025.
The Murrumba Downs development is strategically located on Twin Lakes Drive and Wellington Rd, providing residents with easy access to amenities such as Living Faith Lutheran Primary School, Murrumba Downs train station, childcare facilities, and North Lakes shopping centre.
A pedestrian link between Wellington Rd and Twin Lakes Drive has been incorporated into the development, allowing residents seamless access to nearby facilities.
Ausbuild’s Executive Manager of Development Keith Cairns says the Murrumba Downs project will have a positive impact on the region.
“We’re thrilled to bring this new community-focused development to Murrumba Downs. With its proximity to
essential amenities, this project is perfectly suited for the City of Moreton Bay’s growing area,” Keith says.
“The new development is infill housing, so new residents don’t have to wait for necessary services or infrastructure to be established.
“Public transport, schools, employment opportunities and shopping are just a stone's throw away. For those residents who need to travel interstate or overseas, the airport is about a 30-minute trip away.”
The Murrumba Downs development aligns with Ausbuild’s broader commitment to South East Queensland’s Regional Plan, contributing to the state’s housing targets.
Ausbuild has recently completed Grevillea in Bridgeman Downs, a $12 million boutique development
House & Land Now Selling
delivering 17 premium lots.
Ausbuild Joint Managing Director Matt Bell says: “Through our community developments in Murrumba Downs and Bridgeman Downs, Ausbuild is proud to assist the Government in reaching its housing goals.
“At Ausbuild, we don’t just build homes; we build communities. We’re excited to see the positive impact our developments will have in the City of Moreton Bay just north of the river, and in South East Queensland more broadly.”
Formosa (Murrumba Downs) and Grevillea (Bridgeman Downs) join Ausbuild’s portfolio of communities in South East Queensland including Somerset (Park Ridge), The Sanctuary (Warner), Prominence (Pallara), Tranquillity (Taigum), and Montrose (Morayfield).
Call made on pelican bars
No changes are planned for bird deterrents on streetlights across the Houghton Highway - despite the death of a pelican last month.
Motorists and many on social media were distressed, “traumatised” and angered after the pelican became caught and died hanging from a bridge light.
Demands for change included removing the bars and spikes which are intended to stop pelicans and other birds sitting on top of streetlights.
But a spokesperson says Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is “unaware of any similar incidents” involving bird deterrents.
Deterrents stop bird excrement from overheating lights and reduces the likelihood of excrement falling onto motorists and creating a safety risk for road users.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads was saddened to hear of the incident involving a pelican on the Hornibrook bridge, Redcliffe,” the spokesperson says.
“The pelican was removed by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. We are not aware of the circumstances of the pelican’s cause of death.”
At the time, Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue echoed many on Facebook saying: “We need those wire and bars removed as the pelican’s tip was caught.
“Need to come up with another solution to look after pelicans and other wildlife to perch on or simply remove them. We tried to stop this from happening 10 years ago or more.
“We feel they should put a rolling post up so when the bird lands on it, it would roll, then wouldn’t grip on. It would also it would be safer.”
Julie-anne Kelly agreed, saying on the Twinnies post: “They'll (birds) soon learn that they cannot land nor stablise themselves on those posts”.
Glenda Kneen wrote: “We drove along the bridge while it was hanging, it was one of the most traumatic things I have ever seen. Just heartbreaking”.
CJ Hall said: “Who cares if a bird poops on your car, water washes it off.
“The lights behind look like they’re angled so birds won’t sit on them. Make all of the lights like that. Poor bird. What a horrible way to die.”
Vicki Butterworth recalled: “The same thing happened on Bribie Island Bridge and with public support the offending bird deterrents were removed.
“Get to it, folks. I saw this poor creature too and it really upset me.”
Have you met Parko?
Have you ever noticed that you tend to get much more done at work in the days leading up to a holiday than you usually do?
This is Parkinson's Law and it applies in every area of your business (and life). It states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion”.
In other words, the more time you give yourself to finish a task, the longer it will take.
What about at home?
Cleaning a house on a free weekend might take the whole day, but the same task could be completed in a couple of hours when hosting lastminute guests.
Another way to understand and take advantage of this principle is if you don't fill your time up with things that are most important to you, someone else will fill up your time with what is most important to them.
The best way to apply this is to set yourself shorter intentional timeframes, make it a game. If something normally takes you two hours to do, set a timer for 1.5 hours and get after it!
I teach my clients to do sprints. Set a 1-2-hour timer, remove all distractions, have a very clear list of high priority tasks to complete, then go for it.
TO FIND OUT how to mange your time visit businessmentored.com
Brad Flynn
with
Nick Crockford
Funding boost for local projects
SEQCSP competitive round.
F our Redcliffe projects have received a funding boost, with $2.75 million from the South-East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP).
Hornibrook Esplanade Cycleway Stage 2a, at Clontarf, has been given $1.3 million of the $1.8 million cost from the
In allocative funding, Langdon Park Sports Field lighting renewal in Margate gets $650,000, the same for Margate Beach Park’s amenities upgrade and $350,000 for Redcliffe Wayfinding signage.
It is all part of a record $13.6 million - $4.3m from the competitive round and $9.3m allocative funding - from the
SEQCSP for 13 projects in the City of Moreton Bay.
“The Hornibrook Esplanade Cycleway Stage 2a is a fantastic win for Clontarf, creating a safer, more accessible space for cyclists and pedestrians,” Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) says.
“The upgrades to Langdon Park lighting, Margate Beach Park amenities, and new
Redcliffe Wayfinding Signage are all about enhancing liveability.”
Mayor Peter Flannery says to secure nearly 20 per cent of this competitive funding pool is an outstanding result for the City of Moreton Bay.
“These projects will deliver real benefits for families, businesses, and visitors, making our city an even better place to live, work, and play,” he says.
Nick Crockford
Village Motors welcomes Geely to the family
One of China’s biggest automotive manufacturers
Geely is now in Australia, offering families an all-electric medium SUV with range, power and next-level driver comforts.
The Geely EX5 has arrived at Village Motors, heralding the company’s foray into the Aussie market.
Geely was founded by Eric Li (Li Shufu) in China in 1986 and entered the automotive industry in 1997 as China’s first privatelyowned auto manufacturer. Its first vehicle rolled off the assembly line in 1998.
By the end of October 2020, Geely Auto had become the first Chinese auto brand to sell more than 10 million units globally. By the end of April 2022, Geely Auto’s cumulative global sales had exceeded 12 million.
The company owns and manages iconic auto brands including Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, ZEEKR, Lynk & Co, London Electric Vehicle Company, Farizon and more.
Village Motors’ Geely Sales Manager Josh Brearley is excited about the brand’s arrival, saying while it is new to Australia
it’s known and respected internationally.
“One of the brand’s standouts is the fact that it is one of China’s largest automotive makers. They’ve obviously got trust in the marketplace,” Josh says.
“Like most brands now, there is a massive consensus to push towards new energy. Certainly Geely, abroad and now in
Australia, are pushing towards being market leaders in that field.”
The EX5, powered by a robust 160kW motor, delivers an impressive blend of safety and comfort, while ensuring peace of mind on every journey.
“It comes in two variants, has a maximum range of 430km and will charge from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in 20 minutes,” Josh explains.
The EX5 delivers in terms of power and performance, with 320 newton meters of torque and the ability to go from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
“It’s quick for a medium-sized SUV,” he says.
The vehicle also provides a high level of comfort expected by car buyers.
“It’s definitely marketed more
screen, and then the uniqueness of massage chairs for the front occupants, and heating and cooling seats,” Josh explains.
“I really like the sleekness of the design, the fact that it offers a large interior space for families, and certainly from a comfort perspective as well it ticks all the boxes.”
Pre-orders opened last month and the first vehicles are due to arrive at Village Motors’ North Lakes dealership during the first week in March. The brand will be officially launched in Australia on March 11.
Footy fans had a sneak peek at the EX5 at Kayo Stadium on February 22, when it was there for the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge double-header.
Camping ban on public land
M
oreton Bay City Council has voted to change Local Law Guidelines and ban camping on public land.
It follows growing concerns over safety and public health by residents and for Council staff tackling the growing issue of homeless camping.
Council CEO Scott Waters said the Persons Experiencing Homeless Camping Framework will be repealed from Wednesday, March 12.
This will bring the City’s Camping on Public Land regulations into line with other South-East Queensland Councils.
The PEH (Persons Experiencing Homelessness) Framework gave council discretion to ‘manage’ camping on public land by people experiencing homelessness.
Mr Waters said it allowed people experiencing homelessness to camp on public land for indefinite periods - if they complied with various responsibilities.
These included not impeding reasonable access by the public and Council officers, working towards a housing outcome, no illegal behaviour and keeping the area clean, safe and tidy.
However, with issues growing over homeless camping in public
parks, this is now seen to be impacting Council’s ability to regulate Local Laws.
There have been reports of drug use, dangerous weapons and aggression from those camping in public parks, as well as littering, public toileting, vermin and used syringes.
Some people experiencing homelessness are reported to be choosing to camp in public spaces over accepting crisis accommodation and “other reasonable offers of assistance”.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Council was “trying to be compassionate” when the Framework was introduced.
“We were trying to do the right thing,” he added.
“Over a period of time we saw that opportunity, for people who were rough sleeping, was being abused and exploited by people looking for free camping.
“Our responsibility is to our ratepayers. We’ve seen the impact these people, who are illegally camping and sleeping rough, are having on our community.”
Action has been taken at parks such as Gayundah Arboretum, at Woody Point, which has been cleared and fenced while it is restored at a cost of $110,000.
“We have heard some people have shopping lists when accommodation is offered to
them, locations, air conditioners, number of bedrooms,” Mayor Flannery said.
“(This) change will give clarity over what the community has asked us to do.
“I know it will impact some people out there and I am calling on the State Government, Department of Housing, Department of Health and Police to perform their role.”
Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway said: “It’s sad and shocking people feel compelled to live like this, rough sleeping … which often comes with drug and alcohol issues and mental health issues.
“Their health and safety is as much at play here as is the health and safety of our community
and our Council staff. All of that is being compromised if we do nothing.
“It’s divided our community and it’s not acceptable for us to sit here and witness this without action. Council is not funded and resourced to supply housing. It is the responsibly of the State.”
Cr Karl Winchester (Div 6) said he had heard from “schools, community groups, outdoor fitness groups, residents wanting to exercise in public parks and not being able to do so”.
“In some circumstances the framework may actually be making situations worse and making it harder for each respective agency to do their job appropriately.”
Nick Crockford
RNew officers bolster ranks at Redcliffe
general duties as first response officers.
edcliffe Police Station has welcomed three new officers to its ranks, with two more on the way this month.
The Redcliffe Peninsula met First Year Constables Michael Belesky, Joshua Magee and Matt Genero on their first day on the job last month.
Acting Inspector Jason Hoggs was there to welcome them and thank them for choosing a career in the Queensland Police Service, which he said would be rewarding and challenging.
These were sentiments echoed by State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley who presented each with a tote bag filled with items to help them feel at home on the Peninsula.
Acting Redcliffe Police Station Officer in Charge and Acting Senior Sergeant Siva Chetty says they will be performing
“This will require them to respond to all jobs provided via police communications for calls for service. Some of these jobs include traffic complaints, disturbances, domestic violence incidents and the like,” he explains.
Acting Sen-Sgt Chetty says they have completed a tough eight months of Academy training.
“They will now be supervised for the next 12 months, including eight weeks of monitoring where they will spend 100 per cent of their time at work with their individual Field Training Officers (FTO),” he explains.
“During this year, they will have a number of competencies which they have to complete prior to completing their First Year Constable Program and being recognised as fully fledged Police Constables.”
Concerns over waterfront plan Redcliffe
Residents challenging a proposed seven-storey development in Redcliffe have taken their fight to the Council chamber.
Ian Flint, spokesperson for the body corporate committee at Waves Redcliffe, has expressed “deep concerns” over plans for the adjoining block.
The application on Council’s website for 25 Marine Pde shows five apartments – one on each floor – with a roof terrace on top and one level of parking below. However, using the Community Comment platform, Mr Flint told a full Council meeting the development raised “significant issues for our community”.
“Redcliffe Peninsula is already
experiencing high-density residential growth with multiple high-rise developments either existing, under construction or recently approved,” he said.
“Given this, we question the necessity and suitability of another high-rise on a block of limited size and dimension, especially in such close proximity to surrounding properties.”
Mr Flint said, according to Council’s planning policy an appropriate development for this location” is a two-three storey building.
“A seven-storey development clearly contradicts this policy, raises concerns about planning consistency and transparency,” he told the meeting.
Classifying the development
The officers have varied life and work experience to draw on as they embark on a career in policing.
Michael Belesky worked at Policelink for seven years, progressing to Acting Team Leader. This role spanned multiple major incidents, but the majority of his time was managing the centre and staff.
Joshua Magee has a Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science and worked at a small company which coached childcare kids’ soccer for almost eight years.
Matt Genero managed a tyre shop in Brisbane, where he was employed for more than eight years. He has a Cert II in vehicle mechanics and a Cert IV in marketing and communications.
Acting Sen-Sgt Chetty is pleased to welcome the trio to Redcliffe Police Station
“The addition of these members will increase the number of police officers in
the station and assists with frontline policing and ultimately provide more support for our community,” he says.
“These officers bring with them life experience and skills, which we will harness, and we will support and help them to further their career in the QPS.
“These additional officers will help my team a lot. It will in time, when these officers are fully fledged, ease the workload on the frontline officers.
“This increase in our resources will help me to engage in more proactive policing strategies and to provide more safety for Redcliffe and the surrounding communities.”
Acting Sen-Sgt Chetty says his team is working hard to protect the community.
“I am always accessible to the community and ready to listen on how we can help better keep them safe. Together, with the community support, we can continue to keep Redcliffe and surrounding communities safe.”
Report suspicious criminal activity anonymously via Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersqld.com.au
Phone Police Link on 131 444 for police assistance and 000 in an emergency.
code assessable not impact assessable, also “deprived affected residents and stakeholders of the opportunity to be formally notified of the application or to submit objections”.
“The absence of community consultation undermines confidence in the process and prevents those directly impacted having a say in the decisions which will affect their homes and quality of life,” Mr Flint said.
Concerns were also raised about waste collection bins
from the new development, which front on to a pedestrian crossing, being put in front of Waves.
Community Comment sessions allow residents/ ratepayers in the City of Moreton Bay five minutes to address a General Meeting. Topics must relate to Council business, speakers must apply to Council’s CEO and then submit the full address at least three days before the meeting. Councillors do not respond to the presentation during the meeting.
Kylie Knight
Nick Crockford
Final chapter for street library?
Nick Crockford
The battle to save a new street library in Clontarf appears to have been lost – for now.
Melissa Forbes had to take down the Maine Road Book Nook street library a month after opening.
Despite its support and popularity, a complaint was made to Moreton Bay City Council which has made recommendations.
They include running the street library from private land, not outside Melissa’s fence by the Beedham Street bus stop.
In its original location, she would need to apply for Alternation of Public Land Local Law and, if submitted, show she has Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20 million.
“It’s a shame because it had a wonderful start,” Melissa said, “it was great to feel the support from so many people.
“We’ll take it down and my husband and I will see what we can do. I feel it will be back, but in what form….? Watch this space!”
Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) is a big fan of street libraries but said: “Clearly for the resident public liability insurance is onerous and cost prohibitive.
“Melissa has made such a generous and neighbourly gesture by installing a street library at her own cost.
“I think street libraries are a great asset to our community and have many benefits.
“They build community connection, spur on reading among adults and kids alike, not to mention being colourful and creative additions to our streetscape.
“I want to encourage more street libraries and am looking at what changes we can make to better support them in future.
“A basic first step is making a factsheet to take some of the guess work out of installation.”
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PHOTOS: Redcliffe City Council in 1964 and Keitha Drake in 1965. Images courtesy of City of Moreton Bay.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we take a look at the remarkable life of Redcliffe’s first female alderman, Keitha Drake.
She devoted her life to the service of others from the moment she stepped onto our shore in 1950.
Keitha Mary Cousley Scurr was born in 1907 at Ekibin in Brisbane and was educated at Junction Park State School and Brisbane State High School.
She served on the local council from February 1952 to 1966, during a period of change which saw it move from the Town of Redcliffe (1921) to the City of Redcliffe (1959).
Other aldermen of Mrs Drake’s era were Messrs Webb, Frost,
Peni n s u l a ' s Past
First alderman’s lifetime of service
Hill, Sampson and Richardson.
The council had just six aldermen in those days and the pay was two pounds per meeting – about five pounds per month.
Keitha died at Brisbane General Hospital on February 12, 1966, and was at that time chairman of the Council’s Building and Health Committee and the Council’s representative on the Redcliffe Hospitals Board and the Redcliffe Municipal Library Committee.
She had been president of the then Queensland Spastic League (now Cerebral Palsy League) on the Peninsula for the previous 12 years and was instrumental in founding the Redcliffe committee.
Keitha was formerly chairman of the Humpybong Welfare
Committee and was Secretary of the Red Cross Society for 10 years. She was a member of the Redcliffe A H and I Society (Redcliffe Show), Redcliffe Peninsula Horticultural and Orchid Society, Redcliffe Music and Arts Society, Fellowship of Australian Writers, Esperanto Group, Senior Citizens’ Club, Clontarf QCWA, Redcliffe Hockey Club and was keenly interested in the City of Redcliffe Girls’ Marching Association.
She was also president of the Redcliffe-Sandgate District Cricket Club, patron of the Redcliffe Youth Club and chaperoned the junior hockey players when they played in Brisbane each Saturday.
If that wasn’t enough, she was
also on committees for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Home Help Service and a member of Redcliffe Forum Club, the Queensland Women’s Electoral League and Business and Professional Women’s Association.
Keitha was the first president of Redcliffe State High School’s Ladies’ Auxiliary.
Her son Henry told History Redcliffe his mother’s behindthe-scenes charity work meant there was a continuous stream of people coming to their home. She always left the back door unlocked with an invitation on the kitchen table for visitors to make a cup of tea while waiting
Event thanks supporters of local news
The 19 businesses who have made the commitment to be The Redcliffe Peninsula’s 2025 Strategic Partners were celebrated during an event at Tempest restaurant, Scarborough, on February 20.
The event was a chance for the businesses to enjoy networking, understand the value of their support and to meet celebrity chef Miguel Maestre who revealed what he has planned for this year’s Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival.
Belinda Boyce who is Director Marketing and Partnerships for The Vine Lab, which publishes Moreton Daily and The Redcliffe Peninsula, said the organisation believed in the power of community.
“We believe in good and ethical journalism, in celebrating community success, and in sharing the stories that bring people together,” she said.
Belinda also explained how community news platforms are also an economic driver.
“The data show us we need to encourage more local spending, while also catering to the large visitor market,” she said.
“Redcliffe is home to 4401 businesses, generating $1.56 billion in sales, yet, only $329.6 million of that spending comes from local residents. The rest is from outside the area.
“Meanwhile, locals are
spending $881.4 million elsewhere in Moreton Bay and $702.1 million online.
“That’s why we are hereto connect locals with local businesses, to ensure your brand is seen, and to drive real, tangible economic growth in our community.”
Moreton Daily and The Redcliffe Peninsula Editor in Chief Kylie Knight explained why community journalism is so vital.
“I think it’s more important than ever with so much misinformation and disinformation online,
particularly on social media. Readers need local news they can trust, that has been verified and that is objective,” she said.
“An increasing number of readers are discovering we can deliver what they need in print and online.
“But community news is not just about hard news. It’s about people. We have the opportunity to shine a light on the people making a difference in our community – there are so many.”
Kylie said community journalists also had a duty to give the community a voice on
the issues that matter to them, in the hope that action will follow from those in a position to make a positive change.
“We are now the go-to source for community news in the City of Moreton Bay and on the Peninsula since the launch of The Redcliffe Peninsula magazine and website,” she said.
“Best of all, and thanks to our supporters, it’s free for our community to read. That ensures it is accessible to everyone, which is vital in times of crisis when people need news they can use.”
New twist on French
French-inspired Sidonié Patisserie & Boulangerie continues to draw inspiration from classic European delicacies and its waterfront location, as new owners look to enhance the customer experience.
The popular venue at Newport Marketplace is now under the umbrella of a Moreton Bay-based hospitality group, which also owns Tempest Restaurant at Scarborough and Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival. It added Sidonié to its portfolio on February 10.
Ethan Schilling says the group is made up of locals who are excited to take Sidonié Patisserie & Boulangerie to a whole new level, with the help of the café’s existing experienced team.
“We saw this as an opportunity to grow what is already a fantastic business. It’s something that will complement our other businesses too,” Ethan explains.
“The team is fantastic. They’re so experienced. We’re fortunate enough to have some really skilled people on the team whose talents we want to maximise.
“We’re best known currently for our breakfasts and our goal is to be the go-to for breakfast and pastries. We want to build on the selection of pastries on offer … that, for us, is important.
“Our pastries are homemade and there’s an expectation that they are a quality pastry rather than something you can buy anywhere.
“We also do high teas, beautiful breakfasts and lunches.”
For those keen to enjoy a sophisticated morning or afternoon treat, or special occasion, Sidonié Patisserie & Boulangerie offers a high tea experience with a difference.
There’s the choice of a Champagne High Tea, where diners can sip Moët & Chandon in style while enjoying iconic sweets and a delightful savoury spread.
Sidonié’s signature High Tea is a delectable spread of its most popular sweets and mouth-watering savoury items, served with specialty coffee and tea.
The new owners have extended opening hours and are now operating from 6am2.30pm Monday to Sunday.
“We’ve got some big plans, which is exciting. We’re hoping, around mid-April, we will be open for night-time service, offering small dinner meals, drinks and cocktails,” Ethan says.
“We are looking forward to working with other fantastic businesses at Newport Marketplace who all opened at the same time and work well together.”
Sidonié Patisserie & Boulangerie is the new pick-up location for The Redcliffe Peninsula magazine each month at Newport Marketplace.
“We’re a Strategic Partner with The Redcliffe Peninsula, so we have a magazine stand in the café enabling our customers to grab a copy with their morning coffee,” Ethan says.
“We live and work in our community and feel strongly about the community. We want to see everybody grow and we want to be a part of that journey.
“If you haven’t been to Sidonié for a while, please come back and check us out. We’d love to see everybody, whether that’s people who have been here before or those who are new to the area. Come down and say hello. Our staff are so friendly.”
The team will be wearing Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival shirts and aprons in the coming months to promote the event, which the cafe is sponsoring.
10 Lakeview Promenade Newport Marketplace
OPEN 6am-2.30pm Mon-Sun
3472 6500
Bigger and more delicious in 2025
With an expanded event space, a star-studded line-up of chefs and producers, and a wide array of new experiences, the 2025 Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival is poised to be the best yet.
The event, in its seventh year, will return from August 2224 to the Woody Point foreshore in a celebration of food, wine, and community.
Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival CEO Shane Newcombe says festival favourite Miguel Maestre will be back as a headline chef for 2025.
“Not only will he be showcasing his skills through cooking demonstrations, he will also host exclusive dining experiences and meet-and-greet events for those who want a more up close and personal encounter,” Shane says.
“Miguel is just the first of many talented chefs, producers, and foodies set to be announced in
this year's incredible line-up.”
After two sold-out days last year, festival organisers have made some big changes to enhance the patron experience.
Shane says the event site has been expanded to cover 1km in length, providing space for more premium festival tents and structures.
“Based on careful consideration of feedback, particularly from Peninsula locals, the festival will feature 200 per cent more shade structures and twice as many food outlets in various formats, including producers offering samples, food trucks, pop-up restaurants, cafes, and more,” he explains.
“With five stages of live entertainment and a staggering 1500 per cent increase in masterclasses and add-on experiences, festival-goers will have the opportunity to curate their own unforgettable experience.”
The festival is grateful to the support of its incredible Festival Partners including City of Moreton Bay, Tourism & Events Queensland, Ausbuild, Aspley Mazda, Traders in Purple, Event Rentals, PiperHeidsieck and Splice Marketing, as well as Media Partners including ABC Brisbane, The Weekend Edition, B105 and Moreton Daily.
For the first time, the festival is introducing a Concierge team to assist groups of eight people or more, whether they be corporate or social, in booking bespoke itineraries, private space hire, or full weekend staycation packages.
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Friday 22 - Sunday 24 August 2025 Apex Park, Woody
PARENTING POINTERS
Many parents and carers dream of the day when their child willingly helps around the house without complaining. In reality, getting kids to do chores can be a challenge. With some simple strategies, parents and carers can encourage children to cooperate with household tasks while also teaching them valuable life skills like responsibility, perseverance, and problemsolving. Plus, pitching in fosters empathy and gives kids a sense of accomplishment.
Tips for encouraging kids to do chores
• Plan ahead and have realistic expectations. Before chatting
with your child, decide what tasks are needed, and what your child could do independently, or with a little help. Be realistic about what they’re able to do and keep in mind that it may take some time for them to learn how to do the job.
• Involve the whole family. Instead of giving instructions in the moment, try discussing expectations when everyone is calm and rested - If you ask a grumpy, tired (or hungry!) child to help with household chores, they're likely to say no. Let kids help decide which tasks they’d like to do and frame chores as “contributions” to the home rather than “work” to make them feel like part of the family effort.
• Start small. Breaking tasks into smaller steps makes them less overwhelming. Try gradually introducing more complex tasks as your child grows. This may look like this: toddlers can put toys away, preschoolers can match socks, school-age kids can fold laundry, and teens can cook a meal or wash the car.
• Notice and praise. Praise your child’s efforts and reward progress with simple yet effective things such as stickers or a fun family activity. This encourages kids to keep contributing and builds their self-esteem.
It’s important to give kids the opportunity to help when they’re ready, show them how, and allow them the space and time to try. There will be mess, splashes, dust, and dishes stacked in a not-soideal way! Participation is what really matters, not perfection.
For more proven strategies to raise capable, cooperative kids, check out Triple P’s free online parenting programs at triplep-parenting.net.au
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Your guide to local education pathways
Key factors in choosing a school
Choosing the school that’s right for your child can feel overwhelming for some parents with many factors to consider.
We spoke to Peninsula mum Sami Fisher about what she’s looking for in primary education for her daughter Indie and what she is considering now that secondary school is on the horizon.
“Community is a big thing. I think being with good, likeminded parents and teachers … just having that good little community around her that she can grow up with was really important for me,” Sami explains.
Indie is in Year 4 at a local primary school and is enjoying making friends, learning and playtime.
“I like maths, HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences), science, English, art, music, physical education and LOTE (Languages Other Than English),” Indie says.
The eight-year-old is learning
to play the violin through the school’s instrumental music program this year.
“She’s very creative, so I do love that the school has lots of different little programs she can do outside of the normal curriculum,” Sami explains.
Receiving advice from family and friends helped her decide on Indie’s school, but she says visiting the school and seeing it for herself was equally important.
“I think you get a feel (for a school) if you go in for an interview and see the school and people, you get a vibe and energy,” Sami says.
“We did it at our school. We felt really happy walking in.”
She believes she made the right decision.
“It’s a big school and I like that there’s a lot of different kids that she’s going to interact with and play with and get to know … I think that’s really good for her,” Sami says.
“I’ve been really lucky at Indie’s
A SNAPSHOT: SCHOOLING IN MORETON BAY
2,045 sq km
With a population of about 500,000 and a land area of more than 2,045 square kilometres, the City of Moreton Bay is one of the largest and fastest growing council areas in Australia.
During the next 20 years, an additional 200,000 people are expected to call Moreton Bay home 45% 200,000
About 45 per cent of households in the city now have children
According to data collected in the 2021 Census, 77,294 children living here attend school. These are a mix of state and private schools at primary and secondary level, with plenty of quality close-to-home options for families.
The city also offers a bounty of childcare and kindergarten services, TAFE campuses, a university, and centres which support student learning.
There really isn’t a need to travel too far from home to find a quality education that suits the needs and aspirations of parents, guardians and children.
SOURCES: Moreton Bay City Council, Australian Bureau of Statistics
school … she’s had amazing teachers … that nurturing student-teacher connection and fostering that creativity and confidence in her.
“Her teachers all really want to be there and they are passionate about giving students a really good education.”
It won’t be too long before they have to think about the next stage in Indie’s education - secondary school – but Sami says the considerations will be very similar.
“I think again network and community will be a big one. I am considering where her cousins have gone and will be going,” she says.
Indie will have an interview at a prospective school this term.
“I’m taking into consideration what she is into to make a final call because high schools all specialise in different areas,” Sami says
Does a school’s NAPLAN performance factor in her
decision-making?
“No. I just want her to be happy at a school. She’s a good student, so I know she’s going to excel no matter where she goes,” Sami says.
Key to achieving that happiness is ensuring there is a balance between busy school life and downtime.
One afternoon a week, Indie does a children’s fitness class for kids aged 5-12 years at Active Sisters and another day she does trampolining, but throughout the week she also enjoys walking the family dog, cooking and learning to sew.
“We have some commitments and things in the afternoons, but we really look forward to some quiet days where they can approach the afternoon slowly,” Sami says.
Sami says the Peninsula is a great place to raise children, offering opportunities for an active and relaxed lifestyle.
Kylie Knight
Top tips for protecting young teeth
The key to ensuring your children have healthy teeth is educating yourself about sugary foods to avoid as a family, good dental hygiene and regular checks by a dentist.
Platypus Dental owner Dr Terry Pu says often parents need more education about tooth decay and how to prevent it.
“A lot of people think it’s DNA related, which it isn’t. It’s more because the parents have a diet with a lot of sugar and they will feed the same food to their children. They don’t understand the impact of what they’re doing,” Terry says.
“When you consume sugary foods and drinks, bacteria in your mouth convert the sugar into acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth.
“Over time, this acid erosion can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health problems.”
Terry says children's teeth are
more susceptible to decay than adult teeth.
“This is because their enamel is thinner and less mineralised. Frequent exposure to sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay, especially in young children,” he explains.
Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, juice, and sports drinks, are particularly harmful to teeth.
“These drinks are often acidic and can erode tooth enamel quickly. Additionally, sipping sugary drinks throughout the day can constantly expose teeth to sugar, increasing the risk of decay,” he says.
Making dental hygiene fun is also vital to establishing good habits.
“When they brush their teeth, make sure they do it together … make it a fun, family activity. By doing that, the kids realise it’s something that is quite important. Don’t make it a chore. That’s important,” Terry says.
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Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks, such as fruit,
your child to brush their teeth toothpaste and floss once a day
Schedule regular dental check-
sucking on pacifiers or bottles
your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria.
Tailoring programs to students’ goals
Clontarf Beach State High School is supporting students to forge career pathways, no matter what their area of interest or future goals might be.
The Redcliffe Peninsula spoke to six students with differing education and career goals about how the school is helping them achieve those aspirations.
Principal Cath Pfingst says the students perfectly illustrate what is on offer at Clontarf Beach State High School.
“I think regardless of what the students are doing, whether they’re doing a signature program, an excellence program or pursuing a VET course … all these students are creating opportunities for themselves by choosing pathways that provide them experience and relevant curriculum to where they want to end up in the future,” she explains.
“Through our care program, our Summit academic excellence program, and our school sports
excellence programs, we have the opportunities where these kids are getting extra time and extra tuition around specific areas of their own interest.
“Because they’re doing stuff that they like and it is relevant and contextualized, they do engage really well with these programs and they have the opportunities particularly in the VET and certificate courses to pursue traineeships which are also great for them to get a head start into their future careers.
Making the difference
“One hundred per cent of our students leave with a qualification at the end of Year 12 and that qualification is tailormade for them and tiered to their area of interest and expertise.
“They might finish with a Certificate III in Hospitality or they might finish with a Certificate II in Engineering or they might have a full year behind them in a traineeship that takes them to electrical or plumbing or a trade of their choice.
“For those students who are looking to go on to university, we have 100 per cent of kids who are applying for university being successful in getting an offer first time around.”
Year 11 student Elisha Chand is part of the Academic Extension Program and is, this year, focusing on Biology, Chemistry and Mathematical Methods. She is also working towards a Certificate III in Health Services.
“I really want to go to the
University of Queensland (UQ). It’s my number one goal. I want to go and study either biomedicine or something to do with molecular biology. That’s a great passion of mine.
“The school does offer a lot of opportunities in regards to life after school and even things to do while we’re still studying. With my university pathway, I could do part of a university course while I’m still studying and I can even do one at UQ or UniSC.
“The Certificate III in Health Services will give me a step up in the medical field.”
Year 12 student Taj Morris is working towards a Certificate III in Health and Fitness and a Certificate in Electrotechnology at TAFE, which he hopes to complete by the end of the year.
“That will open up a lot of pathways for me because I want to be an electrician,” Taj says.
He says it will set him up well for an apprenticeship and being able to incorporate a day at TAFE into his school timetable each week is a big help.
Fellow Year 12 student Laitham Robinson is involved in the school’s Dance and Aquatics Programs.
“I think I started Dance in grade 7 just as a subject. I joined the dance troop only last year and I love it. It’s so much fun. We go to eisteddfods and competitions,” Laitham explains.
He is equally passionate about the Aquatics Program, which has already given him the chance to observe and record coral and fish off Moreton Island, go fishing and learn about aquaponics.
“I am very interested in animals. I have been from a young age. I think I want to do something along the lines of marine biology or working with marine life … help rehabilitate, relocate,” Laitham says.
He is grateful for the way Clontarf Beach State High School has supported him since Year 7 and feels well-prepared for and confident about the future
“I think it’s been amazing. They really are passionate. They push kids to try their best. They offer so much as well … there’s such a broad range … from fishing to
dancing … I do all of it,” he says.
“It gives me such a big span of opportunities … opening me up for the big world.”
Junior school students Delores Iakopo, Year 9; Xavier Forsyth, Year 8; and Indiana Williams, Year 8, are part of the Academic Extension Program.
The program deepens their knowledge of key subjects and challenges them to take their learning to the next level.
Delores says support from the school and the knowledge she has gained through the extension program enabled her to successfully apply for a Harding Miller scholarship, which starts this year.
“It helps me to learn how the world works and to build my future. They also give extra tutoring and materials I need to learn,” she says.
Xavier says: “At this moment, I don’t really have an area of interest. I do enjoy Maths though because I think it’s interesting because it’s used in daily life. It’s used all the time.
“I’m thinking of doing a trade. I’m considering being an electrician.
“The school is helping me learn. It’s also helping me get good social skills.”
Indiana is particularly enjoying English and Science and the opportunity to extend her knowledge in both subjects.
“The school support is great. There’s always someone to talk to, someone to help you if you’ve got issues and always someone to let you know everything’s OK,” she says.
TO FIND OUT MORE
Visit clontarfbeachshs.eq.edu.au or phone (07) 3480 4777
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Elisha Chand, Laitham Robinson, Delores Iakopo, Taj Morris, Indiana Williams and Xavier Forsyth
Building the foundation for lifelong learning
The journey of preparing a child for the adventure of starting Prep marks a significant milestone for both parents and children alike.
It's a time filled with anticipation, excitement and perhaps a touch of nervousness as families embark on this new chapter together.
At The Lakes College, we recognise the pivotal role of these early years in shaping a child's educational path, and our Prep program is meticulously designed to lay a robust foundation for lifelong learning. A vibrant learning environment Step into our Prep classrooms, and you'll discover a vibrant atmosphere teeming with opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Embracing the renowned Walker Learning approach, our play and project-based pedagogy empower children to actively engage in their learning journey. Through hands-on activities and imaginative projects, we ignite curiosity, nurture creativity, foster collaboration, enhance communication skills and cultivate critical thinking abilities. It's not just about what children learn; it's about how they learn, setting the stage for
TO FIND OUT MORE
Visit the website thelakescollege.com.au
enduring academic success.
Preparing for Prep: a shared responsibility
Parents and carers play a crucial role in preparing children for their transition to Prep. While it's natural to feel a mix of emotions during this time, there are several ways you can help your child feel confident and ready for their first day of school:
• Pre-School preparation: Spend time with your child practicing essential skills like recognising and writing their first name, listening to stories and mastering basic self-care tasks such as dressing and using the toilet independently.
• Prior to beginning school: Familiarise your child with school routines by practicing packing a bag, using a lunchbox and discussing basic school expectations and routines. Establish consistent family routines to support the transition to school life.
• Beginning school: As the big day approaches, ensure your child is familiar with their class details and teacher. Pack a nutritious morning tea, lunch
and a fruit snack as well as water for the day and arrive early to help your child settle into the classroom routine. Be positive and enthusiastic about this new adventure, emphasising the excitement of learning and making new friends. Don’t ‘sneak’ away. Always tell your child when you are leaving and that you will be back at the end of the day when all the other parents and carers return.
Preparing for Prep at The
Lakes College is more than just starting school; it's about building a strong foundation for future success. With our supportive environment and collaborative approach between educators, parents, carers and children, we ensure every child begins their educational journey with confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm. Together, we lay the groundwork for a future where learning knows no bounds. Because at The Lakes College, future readiness starts right here.
Captains leading the way
Redcliffe State High School’s 2025 School Captains plan to use their roles to further develop as leaders, promote school spirit and foster community involvement.
The Redcliffe Peninsula sat down with Lucy Mather, Amelie Angus, Lucas Crosert and Asha Glen to talk about how they plan to make a difference and what makes a good leader.
Redcliffe State High School Student Executive Co-ordinator Rachel Lowe says each student has demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for the school community and increasing connections with the wider community.
“They have shown high levels of initiative and lead the student body through example, involving students in house spirit and upholding the culture and values of Redcliffe State High School. They are excellent role models, showing maturity and a positive attitude that inspires others," Ms Lowe says.
“We were very impressed by each of them at the interviews. They each talked about how they wanted to help make the school a better place, commenting on the culture and increasing school spirit.
“They were not in it for themselves, they were schoolfocused. They came with real ideas, and had already been leading in this space - being involved in Interact, or helping out at events, being an active
member of the school community.
“They were confident and clear in the direction they felt school needed to go, which matched our direction.”
Ms Lowe says taking on leadership positions at school helps students develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, decisionmaking, and accountability.
“It teaches teamwork, time management, and conflict resolution, while boosting selfconfidence and leadership qualities. Students also gain a sense of purpose and contribute positively to their school community. These experiences prepare them for future success.”
MEET THE LEADERS
Lucy Mather, 17
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? In Year 9, a teacher nominated me for a junior leadership position – junior prefect. That first foray into leadership, started me on the journey to School Captain. I joined the Interact Club where I went from a member to treasurer with (fellow captain) Lucas Grosert for a little while, then secretary and last year I was president.
How will you be a good leader? Show up. Just be here every day with the best attitude you can have … trying to take every opportunity that you can at the school.
How will the role help you develop? It’s already helped me with my public speaking. I currently
work in customer service, so being able to talk to people is a little bit important … just developing people skills and the ability to also work well with others.
What are your plans for the future? I want to go to university and study pharmacy and eventually, once that’s done, go into the Air Force as a pharmacist.
What makes a good leader? I think mainly just the willingness to not only step into that leadership role but also sacrifice things like your personal time. Just being willing to try everything and to do things to make sure people are having a better experience.
Amelie Angus, 17
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? I actually didn’t even consider leadership until Year 11. I realised a lot of people in our grade wanted things done but they didn’t have the means or didn’t know how to have a voice in our school. I wanted to take the opportunity to step up. How will you be a good leader? I really wanted to make our school a community where everybody had a say, where everybody had a voice.
How will the role help you develop? School Captain is more than just a role. It shows people that you’re a person that they can talk to if they’ve got an issue. It tells people that you have the means to step up. I think it shows a lot of initiative, not only having opinions of what you want done but then actually doing them.
What are your plans for the future? I want to go to university to study engineering.
What makes a good leader? I think the ability to listen to people is definitely the most important thing … not only listening to people but hearing them and really putting what they’re thinking into motion.
Lucas Grosert, 16
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? I wasn’t a ‘good kid’ in primary school and Year 7. I was getting pretty average grades. I wasn’t doing anything outside of school. One day, I sort of just said to myself … is this the person I want to be? It wasn’t, so I just started acting like the person I did want
to be and I found myself here. I’ve practically put my hand up for anything I can … I’ve been a part of Interact, I’ve been a part of cadets for three and a half years, I’ve been a part of the junior leadership team, I was a junior vice-captain and even before that I just would help out with anything I could do … anything at school, anything outside of school.
How will you be a good leader?
I have some ideas of my own but I think the main point is to listen to what the students want because this is everyone’s school – students and even parents. We need to listen to all parties and find what’s best for everyone.
How will the role help you develop? My goal is to become a politician in the future. I feel like this is my
preparation for that. At my age you can’t really be a politician, but you can be a school captain and that’s basically a politician in the school world.
What are your plans for the future? I want to go into the military. I want to become an officer and just improve my leadership skills to a level that Australia deserves before I go into politics. I want to figure out if that is the career for me.
What makes a good leader? Listening. Treat people you meet with the same respect you want and give them that respect until they lose it.
Asha Glen, 16
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? Two years ago, my older sister was school captain and on the night of her celebration dinner I was asked if I would follow in her footsteps and I said, “absolutely not”. She would come home and tell me about all the people that she met and all the stuff she did and I thought, OK that’s kind of cool. So, I applied for it.
How will you be a good leader? I think it’s important to be able to connect with other students, so they do feel comfortable.
How will the role help you develop? I’m currently in the process of becoming a general service officer in the Australian Army. It looks good, but I also do get the experience … to not only be able to talk to people but also connect with people.
What makes a good leader? I think it’s really good to be able to make connections with people, so they feel more comfortable coming and telling you things. I think kindness is really big as well.
TO FIND OUT MORE
Visit the website
redcliffeshs.eq.edu.au
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lucas Grosert, Lucy Mather, Amelie Angus and Asha Glen.
Pathways to student success
Former Australian Trade College North Brisbane student Lara Everingham is on her way to achieving her dream career in nursing, without an ATAR.
Lara, 17, secured early entry into the University of the Sunshine Coast’s (UniSC) Bachelor of Nursing program after completing Year 12 at Australian Trade College North Brisbane (ATCNB), which is part of the IntoWork Group.
The senior secondary school at Scarborough integrates the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) curriculum with trade training and apprenticeship services.
Struggling at a traditional high school, Lara initially faced scepticism from her parents about attending a trade school, but she was determined to explore an alternative educational pathway.
“I was having a lot of troubles with normal school. It was just a lot of pressure, and I wanted to focus on what I really wanted to
TO FIND OUT MORE
do without having to do subjects that wouldn't benefit me in the future,” Lara explains.
In Year 11 at ATCNB, Lara completed the Certificate III in Individual Support with Mater Education, gaining invaluable hands-on work experience.
“This was a game-changer. It wasn't just theory; I got to work in a real workplace environment, which prepared me well for my future career,” she says.
This experience prompted Lara to join the UniSC Head Start program in Year 12 while balancing part-time work at BallyCara Aged Care and completing Year 12 Maths, English and Certificate III Business subjects.
"It was incredibly busy, but I was motivated. I felt like I was getting a head start on everyone else,
and I was determined to prove the doubters wrong,” she says. Her hard work paid off when she received an early entry offer for the Bachelor of Nursing program at UniSC.
Lara encourages other students to consider alternative pathways.
“The learning environment is less stressful on mental health and offers flexibility,” she says. ATAR, while important for some pathways, is not the only measure of educational success.
ATCNB Principal Brett Kavanagh says a balanced approach to education is needed, which acknowledges alternative pathways provide students with real-world experience.
“As the next generation of workers returns to the classroom, it's crucial to promote skills development. Australia needs skilled workers to build homes, care for our population, and modernise our infrastructure,” he explains.
Academics
Performing
Arts Sport
Japanese Camps
At Grace Lutheran Primary School and Early Learning Centre, we provide a nurturing, co-educational environment from ELC to Year 6, offering abundant opportunities that engage children; equipping them for the future and fostering a lifelong passion for learning.
To discover what makes the Grace Community so special, call 3283 0011 to book your school tour today.
Unlocking pupils’ potential
Kip McGrath Scarborough offers tailored programs to help pupils unlock their learning potential, so they are happier and more confident at school.
Owners Genevieve Gray and Rowan Steinkamp took over the centre in January 2021 but say Kip McGrath Scarborough
has been helping students with English and maths since 2012.
“We have a wonderful team of qualified teachers at Scarborough. Our teachers are passionate about creating learning environments that are effective, and enjoyable,” Genevieve says.
The team understands true academic success goes beyond grades - it’s about boosting selfesteem and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Their mission is to ensure every student experiences success through positive and engaging learning experiences.
By building strong relationships, crafting personalised programs, and instilling confidence, they create an environment where your child can thrive.
“The initial difference that most parents report is that their children are more confident, and happier going to school,” Rowan says.
“There are the quantifiable improvements in reading ability, spelling, comprehension, and maths skills.
“Our key difference is one-onone teacher support utilising a small group setting that ensures individual attention.
“We blend written and digital activities based on student needs. We only employ qualified teachers.
"A lot of parents appreciate that we are a brick-and-mortar setting for face-to-face help.”
Globally, Kip McGrath has helped millions of students
“Our free 40 to 60-minute assessments identify a child’s strengths as well as any learning gaps. If we can help, it also enables us to start them at the correct level,” Genevieve says.
“Our curriculum has been developed over decades. It’s designed for learning success and is tailored to target a student’s learning gaps, learning style and goals.”
Kip McGrath Scarborough is a proud annual sponsor of the Redcliffe Show Schools Pavilion.
To mark 50 years of empowering young minds, Kip McGrath is offering a free term of its Reading Program for seven-year-olds in Queensland. The program, which runs for one term, is designed to build foundational reading skills.
“We wanted to celebrate in a way that reflects our values,” CEO Storm McGrath says. "By supporting young learners, we’re investing in the future of our communities."
MORE visit the website kipmcgrath.com.au/scarborough during the past 50 years.
Learning and care come together
Choosing the right kindergarten for your child is one of the first formal schooling decisions you’ll make as a parent. You want a place that nurtures your child’s curiosity, fosters their imagination, supports their selfhelp skills and confidence and sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. At Sesame Lane Redcliffe Kindergarten Hub we combine these priorities in a truly unique environment tailored to the needs of children in the year before they start school.
A one-of-a-kind kindergarten experience
We are proud to be the only Government-Approved Kindergarten Program on the Redcliffe Peninsula with a standalone Kindergarten Hub and the convenience of long day care hours. This means your child can benefit from a dedicated kindergarten curriculum designed to prepare them for school while allowing you the flexibility you need to balance work, family or both.
where each child is given the chance to thrive in a warm, welcoming environment.
More than a classroom –it’s a world of discovery
We go beyond traditional teaching methods by creating hands-on experiences that excite and engage young minds. Whether it’s cooking in our children’s kitchen, exploring in the sensory room, or digging in the community garden, every activity is designed to spark joy while fostering important skills.
We place a special focus on the power of play, incorporating activities such as water play that promote teamwork and creativity. Your child will also enjoy weekly Rhythm Rhyme & Sign incursions, where they’ll learn through music, movement, Auslan and our exclusive Japanese Language Program, broadening their communication skills in fun and interactive ways.
Delicious meals, healthy minds
are dedicated to becoming an integral part of your family’s life, offering open doors and open hearts to parents and children alike. Spend any amount of time at Sesame Lane Redcliffe, and you’ll feel the warmth and care that define our approach.
From the laughter shared in the playrooms to the value placed on every moment of learning, we champion every milestone your child reaches. Here, we celebrate their individuality, nurture their happiness, and support their growth every step of the way.
Visit Sesame Lane – come in for a tour, stay for a play
Your child deserves a kindergarten that values them as much as you do — a place where they can feel seen, heard, and inspired every day. At Sesame Lane Redcliffe Kindergarten Hub, we do more than teach your child; we help them blossom.
Our custom-designed environment is truly one of a kind. Located separately from the long day care buildings, the Kindergarten Hub is purposebuilt to cater to your child’s developmental needs. From state-of-the-art resources to programs carefully crafted by bachelor-qualified teachers following the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (or QKLG), the Hub is a place
We believe nutrition plays a vital role in children’s development. That’s why our inclusive care programs provide nutritious meals and snacks to help fuel your child’s active body and growing brain. You can rest assured knowing that each bite is as enriching as their day at Sesame Lane. During the last term of Kindergarten, children will complete our ‘Lunch Box Learning Program’ where we provide them with their lunch packed into a lunch box each day, to support their learning on how to open cling wrap, packets and peel fruit.
A community where everyone feels welcome
Sesame Lane isn’t just a place of learning—it’s a community. We
Curious to see what makes us special? Visit us today and experience the difference for yourself. Your family’s next adventure starts here, in a place where everyone feels at home.
property Feature
Executive seaside living
This stunning level four, east-facing apartment offers an unparalleled blend of sophistication and comfort, set against the backdrop of breathtaking water views that stretch out to Moreton Bay and beyond.
Designed with high attention to detail, this residence epitomises premium beachside living, inviting you to move right in and enjoy the lifestyle you've always dreamed of.
This apartment in the Mirada building sets the standard for seaside living and is more than just a home; it's a lifestyle.
Key features include three spacious bedrooms including a master suite with a walk-in robe and luxurious ensuite.
The apartment also has a study nook, which is perfect for working from home, studying or managing your day-to-day tasks.
Abundant natural light flows throughout the home, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
With every detail carefully considered, you'll find that this residence meets all your needs while offering the luxury and comfort you deserve.
The kitchen has a 40mm stone waterfall edge benchtop, 900mm gas cooktop and integrated dishwasher.
Easter
Teen podcasting
Whether you're an expert skateboarder, a dedicated artist, or a passionate performer, this free beginner-friendly podcast workshop, at Redcliffe Library, offers the perfect platform to discuss the topics that interest you. Suitable for children aged 12-17 years. Bookings required.
In this free show, for children aged 2-7 years at Redcliffe Library, Bopping Bella Bunny is in a floppy-eared flap as she helps the Easter Bunny deliver eggs. Featuring internationally award-winning songs from the Spotty Kites catalogue, the performance has been created for children to learn from, dance to and sing along! Bookings required.
Children aged 3-7 years can immerse themselves in Magic Table's interactive world, where they can chase mischievous moles and compete in thrilling digital football matches. The free activity, at Redcliffe Library, is suitable for children aged 3-7 years. No bookings required.
Hold a guinea pig and learn how to care for them during a free interactive session with Hoofprints at Redcliffe Library. This activity is suitable for children more than four years of age. Bookings required.
Drop in to Redcliffe Library for a free messy play session using Play-Doh, paint, craft and more. This activity is suitable for children less than five years of age. Dress for getting messy. No bookings required.
Children can transform Redcliffe Library into an everchanging obstacle course, then put their robot driving skills to the test during this free activity suitable for children aged 8-11 years. Bookings required.
Explore the ooey-gooey science of slime by conducting three different slimy experiments during this free activity for children aged 8-11 years at Redcliffe Library. Bookings required.
Children and their parents will have the chance to meet a koala, and learn about them and other native animals, during a free session at Redcliffe Library with the D’Aguilar Wildlife team. They can even take a photo of the koala as it sits on its eucalyptus perch. Bookings required for children and adults.
Youngsters can create their own animal plushie - choose a design and then glue and sew it together during this free activity at Redcliffe Library for children aged 7-11 years. Bookings required.
Get creative
Children can design a cute pencil topper during this workshop at Redcliffe Library, after which their creation will be 3D printed. This activity is suitable for children aged 8-11 years. Bookings required.
The Magic and Circus Show will be staged at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. Watch in awe as objects mysteriously appear and vanish, Jason and Rhett switch places at lightning speed, and jawdropping juggling and balance feats unfold before your eyes. Bookings required. Tickets are $20 + booking fee.
April 11 | 11am Visit redcliffeentertainmentcentre. com.au/Events/Magic-andCircus
Students can elevate their study space with an inspirational quote in a photo frame. During a free workshop at Redcliffe Library, they can choose a quote, select their front and use a Cricut vinyl cutting machine to cut it out. This activity is suitable for children aged 12-17 years. Bookings required.
Express your creativity at a free Redcliffe beach-themed workshop with local artist Deb Eddy at Redcliffe Museum from 10.30am-noon. Step into yesteryear by designing and colouring your own swimsuit. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RM/Fun-By-The-Sea
March 8
Go to Rio
Grab your maracas, your sequins, and button up your most flamboyant shirt for some fabulously fun nostalgia at Peter Allen the Music show. It will be staged at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm.
Join the Australian Army Band Brisbane as they present a concert full of big band music both old and new at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. The members of the ensemble will take the audience on a musical journey, featuring popular music and vocals from 11amnoon.
Toddlers and their adults can enjoy a free sensory play and art making experience at Redcliffe Art Gallery from 10.30-11.15am every Wednesday. Each session embeds play, creativity, and tactile exploration to nurture engagement and learning. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RAG/Art-Time-For-ToddlersRedcliffe
March 14
Sultans of swing
Enjoy the best of Dire Straits when the Money for Nothin tribute show comes to Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 7.30-9.30pm. Visit redcliffeentertainme ntcentre.com.au/Events/ Dire-Straits
March 15
Music in the Park Head along to Suttons Beach for a free Music in the Park event from 1-5pm. The event will feature a line-up of local musicians and food trucks. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead.
Redcliffe Musical Theatre will stage Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm. The show will pay homage to the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including Candy Man, I've Got a Golden Ticket, Oompa Loompa Song and Pure Imagination Visit redcliffeentertainment centre.com.au/Events/RoaldDahls-CHARLIE-RMT
Until May 2
Take a look at Moreton Bay City Council’s annual exhibition 15 artists, which features the work of 15 people who have been invited to take part for a chance to win prize money and a place in council’s art collection. Their work will be displayed at Redcliffe Art Gallery until May 2, when the winner will be announced. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RAG/15-Artists-2025
Until May 10
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
Until May 11
Shifting shores
The exhibition Shifting Shores: Redcliffe’s Beautiful Beaches celebrates the beaches at our doorstep, from the landscape to the wildlife, to how we enjoy and experience the beach. It has been developed by Moreton Bay City Council and is on display at Redcliffe Museum. Entry is free. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RM/Shifting-Shores-Redcliffe
April 5
Plant swap
Bring along a plant, a cutting, or some seeds to exchange, and share tips and tricks with your fellow gardeners at Redcliffe Museum’s Plant Swap. It is held on the first Saturday of the month from 10.30-11.30am. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums/Events/ RM/Redcliffe-Museum-PlantSwap
FISHING TIPS
with
February proved to be a very good fishing month and there is no reason why things can’t continue through March.
Crabbing and prawning March can be a good month for crabs and a good month for cast netting banana prawns. Banana prawn catches are continuing to increase. Good catches for the cast netters have been coming from the Caboolture and Pine Rivers in particular. The banana prawns and are also moving out into Bramble and Deception Bays and elsewhere in Moreton Bay for their spawning run. While there are no size limits on taking banana prawns, there is an in-possession limit. The limit is 10 litres per person and 20 litres per boat (with two or more people on board). You can’t have prawns with the heads, or any other part removed in your possession, unless you intend to eat them immediately.
Blue swimmer crabs have been active throughout Moreton Bay. They can be in the shallower water as well as the deeper channels. All the creeks and rivers that drain into Bramble and Deception Bays, and Pumicestone Passage can produce mud crabs this time of year with location dependent
on rainfall. Blue swimmer crabs in Moreton Bay are prone to infection from the parasitic barnacle called Sacculina granifera. This is not the standard barnacle on the surface of the shell.
The visual external symptom of an infected crab is a large mass of soft tissue under the abdomen that looks superficially like an egg mass of the crab, but on closer inspection no distinct eggs are present.
Estuary and land based
A couple of land-based cobia were caught in February, and March can also be a month for surprise catches. It is a good month locally for dusky flathead on lures and bait, with live bait such as herring being a consistent producer of fish.
The best locations include Hays Inlet, and the Pine and Caboolture Rivers but they will be around most of the foreshore. Bream are active throughout our estuary systems and canals this time of year. They are fattening themselves up for their spawning run which starts in May. 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. The Ted Smout Memorial Bridge and the rocky foreshores will all produce fish this time of year. It has been a really good season for mangrove jack throughout Moreton Bay. They are more common and widespread these days than many people think. 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. Mulloway have been caught by those targeting other species such bream on bait and by anglers throwing around hard body and soft plastic lures. The legal size of mulloway is 75cm and most of the local fish, while fun to catch, will be below this size.
Inshore reefs and bay waters
The shallow inshore reefs around the Peninsula will have grass sweetlip, snapper, Moses perch, barred javelin fish and estuary cod. Barred javelin fish grow substantially larger than spotted javelin fish and both species have different legal sizes. Both can be found around Redcliffe but the barred javelin is typically the more common species around the reefs. The small spotted javelin fish has a minimum legal size of 30cm whereas the barred javelin fish has a minimum legal size of 40cm. Therefore, it is important to be
able to tell the two species apart! Failure to do so risks a fine for keeping an undersized fish if the 35cm javelin fish you retain happens to be a barred javelin fish.
If you are venturing over towards Moreton Island, the dedicated anglers that use crabs for bait on heavy gear will be catching “blueys” or more correctly black spotted tuskfish along the reef ledges. They are the gangsters of the fish community. A truly tough fish to target and land, but rewarding when you do nab one.
Beaches
If you are heading to Moreton Island, the northern beaches between Comboyuro Point and North Point will be the best location.
March will see the run of chopper tailor continue with the late afternoon and evening along this stretch of beach the best. While sand whiting can still be caught, they start to taper off in numbers this month. However, swallowtail dart are ever reliable. Best locations include Comboyuro Point, Tailor Bite, North Point but they can bob up anywhere. A few bream and tarwhine will be around in the shallow gutters.
Offshore and pelagics
Weather can be a problem for the offshore angler this month as southeasterly winds (often strong) will predominate. If you can get out, expect pearl perch, teraglin, venus tuskfish, various cods and Moses perch will be the mainstays. Wahoo have also been caught on the troll around Hutchinsons Shoal. Good catches of spotted mackerel have occurred between Moreton and Bribie Islands.
Tight lines everyone!
Daryl McPhee is an associate professor of environmental science at Bond University
Footy's Return
More than 10,000 people packed Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium for an NRL Pre-Season Challenge double-header featuring the Dolphins V Titans as the main event on February 22.
1. Billie & Burnadette Millikian
2. Cameron & Tanya Deacon
3. Chitelo Mbuzi & Scotty Toy 4. Daniel & Harrison McCormack 5. Lisa O'Connor & Gordon Woolford 6. Regan
here’s a retro renaissance underway and it’s not just about home décor and fashion. Get your macrame out, it’s time to take a step back in time and unleash your ‘70s vibe in the garden.
It’s back! The era of huge houseplants, a plethora of hanging baskets, ginormous terrariums, and wine bottles with a few strategically placed tendrils of devil’s ivy. You know the saying ‘green is the new black’, well 2025 brings the indoor jungle back into vogue.
GET THE LOOK
under lights in garages and rumpus rooms!
And it wasn’t just homes that fell for the green revolution. A swaying basket of Boston fern or maidenhair above the cash registers in supermarkets, substantial indoor gardens housing tropical wonderlands at the core of newly founded shopping centres, even the odd macrame hanger could be found in doctors’ surgeries.
• Easy care, big impactchoose monstera (swiss cheese plant), ribbon/ spider plant, Boston fern, kentia palms, philodendrons (there’s so many to choose from) and devil’s ivy.
• You don’t need to buy big plants. Young/small plants are budget-friendly and a great start for beginners or those with minimal space.
The 1970s saw a strong emphasis on bringing nature indoors and embracing all things green. Houseplants were décor, an indoor design statement where you really couldn’t have too much greenery. And plants were big! Monstera, ficus, umbrella trees, philodendrons, huge hanging baskets of Boston ferns and ribbon plants in every room of the house. Terrariums of all shapes and sizes and don’t forget African violets grown
While we were paying so much attention to bringing nature inside, (imagine watering day), the outdoor gardens were becoming fuss free zones with a new appreciation for native plants such as grevilleas, banksias and bottle brush. Bird attracting, hardy and low maintenance was the way to go.
Whether you’re feeling a little nostalgic or keen to be ‘hip’ (perhaps once again), the fashionable plants of that era are all fairly low-maintenance, easy to source and look great. You could forgo the macrame and update your look with tripod plant stands, baskets and beautiful bowls for a twist on the original.
Landscape designers are finding more ways to create lush green zones in offices, apartment buildings and public spaces, utilising walls and ceilings with mass plantings to create urban jungles in everyday areas using these simple but effective plant species.
Get your groove on and enjoy a little extra greenery in 2025.
Happy gardening!
YOUR GUIDE TO MARCH with Patsy
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
This will be a good month to reorganise your finances. A trip to an old haunt or a reunion will create a retrospective quality now. Be sure to base key decisions on facts and avoid a nostalgic approach. A fresh daily routine begins mid-month. Try to have key paperwork signed by then.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
The eclipses this month put the focus on your career and direction. You will appreciate a change of pace, but must keep an eye on your big-picture goals. Your social and personal life could thrive - and even your association with an organisation, so be prepared to create more variety and spice.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
Your energy levels improve this month but you must avoid overthinking your options and distractions. You may need to review your thoughts about your long-term domestic and career direction. You can improve your finances so be positive and bold about financial choices.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
Mars continues to provide you with the energy you need to get things done, both in your career and love life. This is a highly romantic month – as long as you take the initiative! It’s an excellent month for negotiations, travel and being adventurous – as long as you base your ventures on facts.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
You’ll gain the opportunity to step into something new, unexpected or different in your personal life, so be prepared to be adventurous. The lunar eclipse on the 14th encourages you to take a fresh look at your finances. Be innovative, but be sure to obtain expert financial advice as well.
Pisces
FEB 20 - MAR 19
You’ll be drawn to focus on someone in particular such as a work or a personal collaborator. You may even undergo key changes in your love life as your partner has news for you. The key to success lies in careful communications. Be prepared to refresh financial and personal goals.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
It’s a month of new beginnings, so choose your path wisely! For most Virgos, there will be a new start in your personal life, especially early to mid-month. For some, fresh business or financial discussions will produce new arrangements. It’s also a good time to revitalise your health routine.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
This month will provide opportunities to improve both your work and health. Consider which aspects of your work and health you’re ready to leave behind, as the solar eclipse on the 29th could help you to move on from the past. Be prepared to innovate, and to revitalise your love life too.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
This is a passionate and potentially even fiery month, so be sure to prioritise those you love as you may well be tempted to overindulge and lose focus as a fresh daily schedule or arrangement kicks in. If you’re single, you’ll enjoy socialising, and couples find ways to deepen your relationship.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
You’ll appreciate sensing that your career and finances can progress but you must avoid being idealistic. If you’re forging fresh contracts, try to get agreements on the table before the 14th as this will avoid future delays. Domestic, property and family matters will benefit from clear focus.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
You’ll find some people will be helpful now, and others not at all. The moral of the story: choose friends wisely! Your home, family or property will be a focus and your career, favourite activities and learning will produce a nexus of change too. All in all: you’re being drawn to pastures new.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 19
March is a good time to focus on bringing more peace and harmony to your domestic and personal life, as your efforts will succeed. You’re likely to be drawn to travel and to study and to broadening your horizons. Financial or business matters will produce a turning point, so think clearly.
We are proudly partnering with Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival to champion local voices and support independent journalism in Moreton Bay.
Boost your brand visibility across Moreton Daily, The Redcliffe Peninsula Magazine and Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival. Scan the QR code now to discover all the benefits.
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”. O L N M E A H C E
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.
22 word s: G ood 31 word s: Ver y good
’s Aim: ACR OS S
Allows
Notion
Observed
– Hathaway D OW N 1 Painting, Mona –
Paradise
Young person 4 Healthy of mind
QUIZ
1 Clueless is
2 What year were denim jeans invented?
3 Which of the Seven Wonder s of the Ancient World is s till s t anding?
4 The primar y ingredient in tonic water, quinine, is also used to treat what disease?
5 Who won the 2020 Stella Prize?
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 F A CT S
1 2 9 2 3 1
Tillies'debut caps remarkable month
Nick Crockford
Redcliffe-born Laini Freier, who played junior and senior football in Moreton Bay, has joined her twin sister as a senior Australian international.
Laini, who is 24 minutes older than Sharn, came on late in the Matildas’ 2-1 defeat by USA, world ranked one, in the SheBelieves Cup.
It mirrored striker Sharn’s debut for the ‘Tillies last April as the 228th player capped by the Matildas as a substitute against Mexico in Texas.
On February 24 in Arizona, midfielder Laini became the 236th Matilda less than three years after playing for Moreton Bay United (now Moreton City Excelsior).
It was Laini’s first representative honour for Australia and together the 23 year olds are the first twins to play for the Matildas.
“When they grabbed me to warm up, I was so scared, so nervous, but I was very, very excited,” Laini told Football Australia Media
“I didn’t really know what I was coming in to. I spoke to Sharn about it, and she gave me a bit of a heads-up.
“It’s always been a dream of mine as a kid [to represent Australia] and I finally got my opportunity to see where I’m at.
“I’m very grateful and very honoured to wear the green and gold and represent our country.”
Laini told Channel 10 Sport after the USA game she had
a "big message" from Sharn, saying she was "damn proud" of her sister.
"You know why? Because you deserve it," Sharn wrote, "you are breaking records and not even realising how big it is.
"You just played football for your country ... because you are an unreal player. One day soon I hope we will be playing for the national team together."
Laini and Sharn grew up in Pine Rivers, went to Pine Rivers State High School and started at Pine Rivers United joining Moreton Bay as juniors.
They returned again as senior players in the state-level NPLW, pulling on the gold and black less than three years ago.
Now both are full internationals and just hours before her Matildas call-up Laini signed a contract extension with Brisbane Roar, who she only joined late last year.
However, Sharn will leave Brisbane Roar at the end of the Women’s A-League season in April or May.
She is joining German Bundesliga giants VfL Wolfsberg in a club record deal for Roar.
“This move will give me the opportunity to challenge myself and be a part of a full-time professional environment,” Sharn said.
“My time at Roar has been such a highlight. It’ll be sad to leave but Brisbane will always be home and I’ll continue to support the girls and Laini moving forward.”
PHOTOS: Courtesy of Mike Christy and Football Australia.
Dolphins 2025 NRL campaign begins
The Dolphins have welcomed back Prop Tom Gilbert and signed young gun Max Plath for the next four seasons as they launch their 2025 NRL campaign.
Gilbert made his return to the playing field for the club’s final trial game of the preseason at Kayo Stadium on February 22.
It was the second game in a double-header at Redcliffe which attracted a crowd of more than 10,000 footy fans.
The main event saw the Dolphins and Titans face off, with the Titans too good for the home side in their 26-18 win.
It may have been ‘just a trial game’, but it felt like the start of the season at the stadium, which was packed with fans many of whom relished the chance to dress up in their Dolphins finest and watch their team play again. They roared as the Dolphins ran out, a moment which meant plenty to Gilbert who returned after two seasons cut short by injury.
“I couldn’t have been luckier to play my first game back at our spiritual home. It was such a great feeling,” Gilbert said after the game.
While the team and fans would have loved a win, Gilbert said there were plenty of positives they would draw on.
“It was a mixed bag, obviously, but our first hit-out as a group. I think there’s a lot of positives to take from it. We’ll be ready round one,” Gilbert said.
Dolphins forward Max Plath says fans can expect a reaction from the team when they take on South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium on March 7 (7.05pm kick off).
“A lot of it’s effort areas ... kick, chase. We didn’t get too many attacking opportunities (during the trial) a lot of that was because we weren’t winning the cycle. We took a lot out of that game,” Plath said.
The 23-year-old knows not to underestimate South Sydney, who will be missing stars
Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell, or former coach Wayne Bennett who is now coaching the Rabbitohs.
“We’ve been put in those positions the last two years ... when we had our backs to the wall and Wayne got us up for those games. We know exactly what he’s going to do and what they’re going to bring. We’ve got to be ready for it,” Plath says.
“We can’t get punched first, we’ve got to go after them and we know it’s going to be a massive game.”
Plath goes into the 2025 season with an extended contract, which will make him a Dolphin until the end of the 2028 season.
“It means everything to me. I love this community and I love
this club ... to have that extra year here and bit more security means I can just focus on playing footy now,” he says
“I just love the area. It’s a real working-class area. I resonate with that a lot. The people themselves are really humble and down to earth, and they just love their footy. It’s just a great place to live in, very laid back and everyone works really hard for each other.
“I’m so grateful for the club, giving me that opportunity. I owe them a lot and will try to repay it now.”
Plath, who is known for his work ethic and willingness to learn, says he is happy to play wherever Head Coach Kristian Woolf wants him.
RBig start to netball season
Nick Crockford
Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association (RLNA) has launched its 2025 season with a sign-on day, new-look committee and bold plans.
RLNA, which last year had $2 million court upgrades at KR Benson Park, wants to become “the benchmark for sporting excellence in Moreton Bay region”.
A key part of the plan is providing “clear professional development pathways for everyone, from grassroots players to elite athletes”.
Chairperson Richard Siganto also wants to boost player numbers - above last year's 450 - and bring back the days when RLNA was a sporting powerhouse.
Alongside Richard on the RLNA board this year is participations director Matthew Burton, treasurer Mark Kitson and competitions director Shantelle Poynter.
“We are more than just a
Aurora shines at competition
edcliffe swimmer Aurora Jansma has medalled in all seven of her events at a major 18-nation international championship.
The eight-year-old member won one gold, five silver and one bronze medal at the Global Aquatics Asian International Championships in Bangkok.
It was a remarkable performance by the Redcliffe Leagues Swimming Club member in a gruelling threeday schedule of 50m and 100m events.
At the end of the championship Aurora, competing as a nine-year-old, also received the Global Aquatics Asian International Age Champion trophy.
It was quite an achievement at
the Thai event which attracted 1200 entries from such as the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, Russia, India, Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines.
It completed an amazing fortnight for the Southern Cross Catholic College student who won four gold medals at the Vorgee Brisbane Regional 50m Sprint Championships.
Aurora’s achievements at both meets have set benchmark racing times for the remainder of her 2025 swimming season.
Born and raised in Redcliffe, she was due to be back in the pool on March 1 at the Brisbane Junior Metropolitan Championships at Chandler.
netball association, we’re a family,” Siganto says.
“We’re building a cornerstone of sporting excellence in the Moreton Bay region which is dedicated to developing exceptional athletes, coaches and officials in a supportive and inclusive environment.”
RLNA started as Peninsula Netball Association (PNA) in 1974 with grass courts. It took 10 years before there was a fixed clubhouse.
Bitumen courts arrived in the early 1990s and in 2000 PNA partnered with Redcliffe Dolphins and became Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association.
The courts in Maine Rd, Clontarf, were upgraded again in mid-2024 with $2 million funding from Moreton Bay City Council and the Southeast Qld Community Stimulus Program.
At the time, Mayor Peter Flannery said the court renewal provided "essential support for the growing netball association, offering players state-of-theart facilities”.
