The Redcliffe Peninsula Magazine - May Edition

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COVER PHOTO

Roy King has been a Redcliffe Coast Guard volunteer for 50 years. STORY Pages 4 & 5

Dominika Lis dominika.photography

Editor Kylie Knight kylie.knight@mbrit.com.au

Writers

Nick Crockford, Nadia Chapman, Ashleigh Howarth, Jodie Powell

Advertising Shane Newcombe: 0407 288 200 Lyndsay Lawler: 0448 551 069

Design Lubica Urbanska, Phoebe Hanrahan

Publisher

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT)

433 Elizabeth Ave, Kippa-Ring, QLD 4021 ABN 91 604 740 936

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.

The Redcliffe Peninsula is published by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT). 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

Roy’s lifetime of service

Kylie Knight

Roy King’s knowledge of Moreton Bay has saved countless lives during the 50 years he has volunteered with

his role as Leading Coxwain and Coast Guard Redcliffe.

Coast Guard Redcliffe was formed after the deaths of four people off Scarborough Reef in 1973. A group of boaties decided

register as a rescue group.

He performed his first rescue one month later and has been involved in hundreds since.

Roy has served as a Flotilla Commander, training officer,

evacuations and more.

Leading Coxwain Jonathan Hayes says Roy has been in charge of search patterns in Moreton Bay when people have been missing at sea, telling boats from other rescue

Long-time Coast Guard Redcliffe volunteer Roy King.

National Volunteer Week, May 20-26, invites the community to discover the power of volunteering with the theme Something for Everyone.

To find out more, visit volunteeringaustralia.org

“He’s taught all of us search patterns and how the drift is with Moreton Bay,” Jonathan says.

“His knowledge of the Bay and the drift and the currents is unreal. He knows every sandbank out there.”

Roy quips: "I've hit every sandbank out there".

In an era before GPS, Roy says it was a process of ‘dead reckoning’ navigation.

“Even in searches … we’re looking in the wrong spot and Roy says, ‘No, they’re here’ and we go to where Roy says and we find them,” Jonathan adds.

Part of Roy’s role, these days, is to teach volunteers how to operate without GPS.

“I miss it at times, being called out (on rescues), but then I think I’m warm and dry they’re cold and wet,” he says.

“I leave it for these fellows now.”

Jonathan says his input at the base is as important as ever.

“If you’re ever missing at sea, you want Roy here,” he says.

Roy has seen plenty of changes during the past five decades, not

just with technology but also a surge in volunteers from 10 to 110, and the array of locations they’ve used as bases.

The Coast Guard started operating from a house on Oxley Ave in 1973 before using spaces underneath members’ houses as radio rooms. The organisation was then given a shed by Redcliffe council at the end of Thurecht’s Jetty.

“It had a wooden floor and when the tide came in, we got six inches of water through the bottom of it but we had our radios up high,” Roy recalls.

It was their base for about six months before they moved into a donated caravan positioned at the end of the Scarborough boat ramp.

“We worked from there until such time as we could afford to get our first building here in 1980,” he says.

“Most of our money has come from fundraising and charitable organisations and other donations and sponsors. Without them we couldn’t survive.”

Many people are surprised to learn Coast Guard Redcliffe is a volunteer-based organisation which relies on community support and its own fundraising to do its work.

“Most people think because you wear a uniform, you’re a government department,” Roy says.

In fact, volunteers have had to buy their own uniforms, pay membership fees, pay for training and first aid qualifications. From 1973-79, they used their own boats and

paid for fuel.

It was something they were willing to do in their bid to serve the community.

So, what has kept Roy involved in the organisation for 50 years?

“The camaraderie. You feel like you’re doing something for somebody and you’re not asking for a handout from them. You do it because you want to do it and that’s it,” he explains.

“It’s a thing that’s got to be inside you to do this sort of work. If you’re not interested in that sort of work, you may as well get out of it because you’ll get disappointed very quickly.”

When asked how many more years he plans to volunteer, Roy does not hesitate in his answer.

“How long is a piece of string?” he says.

“My brother is 97 and he still plays golf, so I’ve still got a pretty good chance being here a few more years.”

To find out more about Coast Guard Redcliffe, visit the Facebook page.

Improving care one gift at a time

Nadia Chapman

Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary volunteers, such as Liz Hancock, have made a tangible difference to patient care since 1971, supporting nurses and raising about $1 million dollars.

Liz has been a volunteer for 36 years, joining in 1988 while still employed to help out at annual fetes.

“I retired in 2002 and became a full volunteer attending the weekly work mornings where we would provide a service to assist the nurses by undertaking tasks, including collating forms for patient files, putting information together for maternity... and lots of other admin tasks,” Liz explains.

“Over the years, I undertook the role of room convenor,

treasurer, secretary and in 2009 became president for three years.

“In 2017, I took over as president once again... and have continued in this role since that time. We currently have 30 members, and our $5 membership has remained the same since 1988.”

In 2011, the auxiliary opened a gift shop so they could sell craftwork, knitted toys and baby clothes, and books.

“We are very fortunate to have good rapport with the community who provide us with all these items, and our auxiliary ladies also undertake knitted and crotchet work,” Liz says.

“We have undertaken a role of guest speaker with some community groups and from that networking have acquired a

lot of ladies who now undertake craft work for us on a regular basis.”

The Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary will have raised $1 million dollars in June to support improved patient care.

“All these funds are channelled through to the Hospital Liaison Officer and the money is well spent for the benefit of patients,”

Liz says.

“By providing support to the nurses and staff during our work mornings, it makes us feel as if we are giving back to the community.

“We all get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that we are providing a service which we know the staff are very grateful for.

“This also gives the nurses more time to spend with the patients which is our primary concern.

“We are always looking for volunteers and once the new hospital is completed, we will have a much bigger gift shop which will be wonderful.”

For more information about volunteering at the auxiliary, phone (07) 3889 4573.

Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary volunteer Liz Hancock.

Selflessness, a vital ingredient

Kylie Knight

Thekitchen at Redcliffe Meals on Wheels is bustling from 5.30am as volunteers including Keith Leadbetter prepare meals for their clients.

The 93-year-old has given his time to the organisation for the past 19 years, joining after his wife died and he thought ‘he had

better get out and do something’.

Meals on wheels was the perfect fit for Keith, given he and his family had owned a café in Redcliffe for 40 years and he knew a thing or two about food.

He used to volunteer four mornings a week but has, in recent years, reduced his mornings to two each week because his eyesight is deteriorating. He’s there from

5.30-10am on Mondays and Fridays – the busiest days in the kitchen.

Keith has macular degeneration and, while he can’t see faces, he can still cook up a storm.

“I can still work in the kitchen. I used to deliver meals and all of that, but I can’t do that now. I haven’t driven for about seven years now,” he explains.

“They pick me up and drop me home.”

When asked what he does in the kitchen, he’s quick to reply.

“What don’t I do in the kitchen? I do anything. Today, I cut all the carrots and potatoes and stuff up for the meals for this week. I did six trays of carrots … grated carrot to make coleslaw. I cooked mashed potato,” he says.

“We do whatever is going. That’s what we’re here for, to help each other. I enjoy volunteering because when I used to deliver, I used to visit a lot of old people … I liked talking to them and taking their meal to them. You get satisfaction out of

helping other people.”

Keith enjoys being part of the Meals on Wheels organisation.

“I enjoy the work I do. I enjoy the fellowship. We’re a good crowd of people. We always enjoy each other’s company. We laugh, we joke … we’re friends. We help each other any way we can,” he says.

“It’s very well run. We’re very professional here. Everything’s got to be exactly right. We’re feeding old people, so we can’t take any chances. We’ve got to be right on the ball with everything.”

The Kippa-Ring resident says anyone who has a spare day, or a few hours, should consider volunteering.

“It’s very satisfying, volunteering. People volunteer in different ways. Some volunteer in op shops to help out. If you’ve got the time, it’s a good way to help other people,” he says.

For more information about Redcliffe Meals on Wheels, visit mealsonwheelsredcliffe. com.au

Committing to art for life

Chapman

Driving the arts in the Redcliffe Peninsula community has always been the goal for Yutaka Tadokoro, affectionately known as ‘Tad’.

Tad first joined the Redcliffe Pottery Group as president in 2007 and later joined the Moreton Bay Arts Council as vice-president in 2012.

“God, that’s 17 years. Well, I know that I’ve been doing presidency for many years, but I didn’t realise it was that long,” Tad says laughing.

His mission has always been to stimulate the Peninsula through art with markets, classes and workshops and change

the perception of art in the community.

“For me, art is very much in my blood…(and) I’d really like to see the arts community thrive…” Tad explains.

“People need art, so you should have a happy balance to have a mature mindset.

“If there’s anything to do to improve the development and stimulate the community at large, I think volunteers have a very important role.”

He walks the talk, volunteering for several other arts organisations.

“(I am involved in) the Redcliffe and District Arts and Crafts Advisory Board and Ceramic Arts Queensland (CAQ),” he says.

“From time to time I do some odd jobs like RADF advisory committee... I don’t know whether I’m going to take up anything more, but you know, I don’t mind.”

“What we are trying to do is change the perception. Art is just as good as and just as important as, say, sports for your mindset and for your mental state.

“When you run (an organisation) like this, members come first and then you think

what we can do for the members and the benefit of the members? That's all I think about – nothing else.”

To find out more information, visit redcliffe-potterygroup.org.au

Nadia

Redcliffe Meals on Wheels volunteer Keith Leadbetter in the kitchen.

1 june newport PARK, NEWPORT SAT 1-5PM

Ready to serve in a disaster

Nadia Chapman

Philip Carton has a passion for helping the community during a disaster and has been volunteering with Redcliffe SES for nine years.

Moving from Brisbane’s west to the Peninsula in early 2015, Philip was looking for voluntary work that would help maintain his fitness.

“I was born in Brisbane and spent most of my childhood and most of my working life in this city before I retired early in 2014,” Philip says.

“After I finished paid employment, I was looking for ways to volunteer in the community and became a Brisbane Greeter in the latter part of 2014.”

After a short tenure coaching under 9s football at Peninsula Power, Philip found the Redcliffe SES base and never looked back.

“I began attending SES training at the Redcliffe base after the season finished in September 2015, became an SES member, and have remained one to this day. One advantage of joining the SES here is that I am so close to the base - I can walk there in about 15 minutes,” he says.

“I consider myself fortunate to be able to choose the voluntary work that I do. Both of my current roles - in the SES and as a Brisbane Greeter - were chosen partly because they allowed me to take advantage of, and to maintain, my physical fitness.”

The two main roles that Philip undertakes at Redcliffe SES are searches and making temporary repairs to storm-damaged houses.

“One of the searches I was involved in quite a few years ago covered part of the swampy area drained by Saltwater Creek, at the western edge of the Redcliffe Peninsula,” Philip explains.

“That was where I encountered the most aggressive mosquitoes ever! These tykes didn't bother

about looking for bare skin - they bit me right through my uniform and my gloves.

“The heavy rainfall over three days leading into the last weekend of February 2022 resulted in a lot of SES members being at our base on the Sunday morning in question.

“However, we couldn't leave for some time because Portwood Street (where the base is) had become a raging torrent. There is a large drainage pit in front of the main building there, from which water was spewing up into the air and adding to the chaos.”

Philip’s work with the SES has become an important part of his everyday life.

“Without wanting to sound trite, I would say that I volunteer at Redcliffe SES to give back to the community,” he says.

“My opinion is that people should generally try to help each other, and this is one way I am trying to do that… (and) almost everyone that we encounter seems to appreciate our efforts. That is good enough for me."

Thursday 23 May 2024, 3.30pm - 6.30pm

Caring for our furry friends

Nadia Chapman

Caring for and improving the lives of furry friends is a labour of love for volunteers at Peninsula Animal Aid.

Kevin Smart, Anne Denton, Leanne Wainright and the 110 volunteers work tirelessly at PAA to ensure all animals – big and small – are looked after before they find their forever homes.

Kevin works as a Cattery Supervisor, Anne as the President and Kennel Supervisor and Leanne as a Kennel Attendant.

Whether they started volunteering due to retirement

or to simply find a new hobby, Kevin, Anne and Leanne’s love for volunteering has blossomed thanks to the friendly animals and supportive team – who dedicate their time to caring and respecting each other and the animals.

Having volunteered for varying amounts of time, Kevin for seven years, Anne for 14 and Leanne for one, the three all share similar memorable moments during their time at PAA.

“I think all of our adoptions are just memorable moments. It’s good to see – because I work in the cattery – it’s good to see a cat or a kitten get adopted,” Kevin says.

“Probably one of the most memorable moments was Jack. He was a cattle cross dog that we had here for over eight years because we’re a no-kill shelter,

we just keep them and hopefully eventually the right person comes along. He got adopted after eight and a half years, so that was great,” Anne says.

“So, one of my favourites…was a dog called Dobby. We got four of them in together – there were three girls and then Dobby was the male,” Leanne recalls.

“All the girls got rehomed, but Dobby stayed for quite a few months and then eventually, one of the families that took the girls saw that he was still here and decided to adopt him as well.

“So as much as I was sad to see him go, it’s lovely to see he's found a family, and we’ve seen

pictures of him with his sisters and with the cat as well, so that really warmed my heart to see that.”

Not only are their memorable moments similar, but so are their feelings towards volunteering, with all saying it is a rewarding experience.

“This is my eighth year now as President, so it’s been very rewarding,” Anne says.

“If there’s people who are out there who are looking for somewhere to volunteer and they like animals, this is the place to come.”

Visit peninsulaanimalaid. com.au to find out more about becoming a volunteer.

Anne Carmichael, Leanne Wainright, Anne Denton and Kevin Smart.

Design shortlist revealed

Kylie Knight

Three

entrants in the design competition to come up with a replacement for Redcliffe’s Suttons Beach Pavilion have made the shortlist as onsite demolition enters its final phase.

The trio was selected by a panel as part of the Architectural Design Competition run by CityLab on behalf of Moreton Bay City Council.

Stage two of the competition has now begun with the following three entrants working on concept design development:

• Arkhefield with Besley Spresser and WILDStudio

• Lahz Nimmo Architects with Plummer & Smith

• m3architecture with Hogg & Lamb, RPS Group and Frank Turquoise.

The winner is expected to be announced mid-2024. They will then be engaged to deliver a detailed design for a new building and landscaping.

The former Suttons Beach Pavilion structures have been demolished in recent weeks at a cost of $1,937,451. Demolition work is expected to finish in May.

Council has secured $11.33 million from the SEQ Liveability Fund for the $19 million project, which includes demolition and the rebuild.

In January 2022, Council announced the Suttons Beach Pavilion structures would close and be demolished after initial council investigations revealed major building defects and concerns.

More invasive testing confirmed the buildings were beyond repair.

Suttons Beach Pavilion first opened as change rooms and a kiosk in the 1930s. Since then, it has been expanded and sections rebuilt. It was not heritage-listed but was considered a landmark on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

A grassroots community campaign lobbied council to restore or rebuild the pavilion.

Mayor Peter Flannery says he is excited to see the progress around the new mixed-use facility at Suttons Beach.

“We’ve invited architects from across the country and wider architectural community to put their best ideas forward and help us revitalise Suttons Beach,” he says.

Cr Karl Winchester (Div 6)

says it is a unique opportunity to revitalise the area.

“We want to return this iconic destination to community use and allow a new generation to enjoy it anew,” he says.

“Council is looking forward to engaging the successful candidates to deliver more detailed building designs for this beloved foreshore location.”

Each

Garden of Remembrance

Join march against violence

Nadia Chapman

The Moreton Bay Says No To Violence campaign returns to the Redcliffe Peninsula for its 16th year.

This year’s free event will be held on Friday, May 31 instead of the usual end-of-year march; and aims to raise awareness of domestic and family violence in our region.

Encircle Redcliffe’s Acting CEO Robyn Rose says the march was moved forward so it could better align with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

“Encircle has held a candle lighting ceremony at our three Neighbourhood Centres at Redcliffe, Kallangur and Lawnton at the beginning of May for several years,” she says.

“The ceremony, which will this year be held on May 1, remembers people killed over the last year through family violence.

“By moving the Moreton Bay Says No To Violence march to May, we mark both the start and end of the month which will hopefully increase awareness around this important topic.”

A peaceful march will start from Rotary Park at 9am and proceed along Redcliffe Pde.

“There will be a short speaking program with speakers from across the community talking about their experience, either in their life or work, and how the community can help.

“As individuals, we have the power to make a difference. By speaking out against violence, by offering support to those who need it, by fostering open conversations in our homes and workplaces, we send a clear message that violence has no place in our community.”

Register to join the march as an individual, community group, organisation or business by visiting mbsn2v.com.au

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Council priorities for new term

Nick Crockford

The new Moreton Bay City Council has set out its key projects and goals for the next four years and beyond.

Infrastructure, housing, jobs, environment and liveability were in the spotlight at Council’s Declaration of Office, with CEO Scott Waters, and post-election meeting on April 5.

Major projects include the Buchanan Rd corridor, Bruce Highway Western Alternative, removing level crossings to improve east-west connections and funding to investigate the viability of a Moreton Bay ferry service.

There was also a call for the State Government to “take notice”.

Mayor Peter Flannery and Councillors Jodie Shipway (Div 4), Yvonne Barlow (Div 7), Darren Grimwade (Div 11), Brooke Savige (Div 1) and Cath Tonks (Div 9) were returned uncontested. Jodie Shipway has been reappointed Deputy Mayor.

Councillors Mark Booth (Div 2), Matt Constance (Div 10), Adam Hain (Div 3), Tony Latter (Div 12), Sandra Ruck (Div 5) and Karl Winchester (Div 6) retained their divisions.

In Division 8, Jim Moloney replaces Mick Gillam, who has retired.

“I take our return as a vote of confidence that we are making great progress in our city,”

Mayor Peter Flannery says.

“We’re committed to listening to our communities to ensure together, we can grow in a balanced way well beyond this current term."

But he says Council cannot continue the “unsustainable cost-shifting” other levels of Government are pushing on to ratepayers, when getting just three per cent of tax revenue.

“This term is crucial for the city’s future planning and now is the time to lay sustainable foundations for this growth,”

Mayor Flannery says.

“We have an enormous task ahead of us and this means continuing to advocate strongly for much-needed funding from other levels of Government to alleviate pressure.

“Expect to see ambitious initiatives, environmental progress and local jobs with a strong focus on liveability.

“We’ll play a key role in solving South East Queensland’s housing crisis with our greenfield sites, and with infrastructure uncertainty we’ll hold State Government to account and push for our fair share.

“Roads are already at breaking point, even without the new supply of housing required for population growth.

“It is vital to our residents we have a resilient road and public transport network to manage liveability and affordability.

“However, we will continue to work hard to plan a more liveable city, one that is green as we grow, even with increasing population.

“We envisage a city where natural green spaces are the norm, where our promise of preserving 75 per cent landmass as green space is on target.”

Mayor Flannery says this term will see the introduction of household green waste bins as part of the Food Organic Garden Organic (FOGO) initiative and work towards a climate target

commitment of net zero for Council operations by 2039.

“Housing diversity is a must.

As the third largest Local Government Area in Australia, we need a mix of housing that provides options for all residents,” he says.

“In response to our community’s changing needs, amendments to our planning scheme will showcase the opportunities that good planning and diverse housing brings.

“The State Government must address the current shortfall of crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness within Moreton Bay as an urgent priority.”

He says waiving development fees and infrastructure charges

in 15 suburbs for affordable and social housing will continue and a new housing and homelessness services hub will open at Redcliffe.

“With cost-of-living pressures front of mind, we’ll balance our budget so you can balance yours,” he said.

“We’ll do everything possible to achieve value for money when it comes to your rates - in return delivering on important local assets such as libraries, sporting fields and maintaining our many parks, footpaths and facilities.”

Council will also “continue to support local community and sporting groups, Council events and much-needed support services that significantly benefit our communities”.

L to R: Moreton Bay City Councillors Jim Moloney, Cath Tonks, Darren Grimwade, Yvonne Barlow, Adam Hain, Jodie Shipway (Deputy Mayor), Tony Latter, Peter Flannery (Mayor), Karl Winchester, Sandra Ruck, Mark Booth, Brooke Savige and Matt Constance.

Au s b uild's $ 50,00 0

G r ant Rou nd Open s fo r Mo r e t on B ay

In a bid to strengthen community ties and foster impactful grassroots initiatives, Ausbuild has announced the start of its latest funding round under the Ausbuild Community Fund (Moreton Bay) Grant Program.

the Moreton Bay area to deliver projects that enhance the quality of life for residents.

Looking ahead to this new funding round, Mr Bell says: "I’m looking forward to awarding $50,000 worth of funding to successful recipients in round worthwhile projects, services, impact on the wellbeing of Moreton Bay and its community"

The Ausbuild Community Fund (Moreton Bay) Grant Program is it represents a commitment to nurturing community-driven endeavours that address diverse needs across the region. Over the course of three rounds, this program—previously known as The Sanctuary Community

passionate about are encouraged to seize this opportunity to bring life and contribute towards building a stronger, more vibrant Moreton Bay.

available in the fourth round, even more projects and programs stand

Joint Managing Director

broader vision behind Ausbuild's

"We recognise that genuine community development involves more than building houses;

long-term, dedicated support in foster meaningful and inclusive community development. The and services, have spanned from life-saving equipment

is May 17, 2024 . Learn more and apply today

The eligibility criteria for the grants are broad, encouraging throughout Moreton Bay Funding requests ranging from $500 to $25,000 will be considered for purposes, including new equipment and uniforms, facility upgrades, expanded services and programs, and community events, training, and workshops

an independent Review Panel comprising local community environment and sustainability, infrastructure, diversity, and inclusiveness.

Ausbuild's commitment extends beyond this grant program; responsible place-making and community engagement. Through to empower the Moreton Bay community to thrive, preserve the natural environment, and

Programs a hit with youth

Police officers from the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) are running boxing and basketball programs to engage young people on the Peninsula, with encouraging results.

Acting Senior Sergeant Sarah Grayson says the programs help young people create ‘connection and belonging to something or someone’.

“These activities give young people the opportunity to ‘come and try’ different activities, meet new people, form friendships and make a connection with police in an informal setting,” she says.

“They have the opportunity to speak to police in confidence if

they need and police can refer young people to appropriate relevant agencies if they need additional support.”

The team runs drop-in basketball every Tuesday, during the school term at Scarborough State School, 3.30-5.30pm for young people aged 10-17 years. Sessions, which include fun fitness, basketball activities, team building, games and afternoon tea, are free to attend.

LDAT officers have partnered

with Redcliffe PCYC to facilitate Boxing After Dark every Wednesday from 6-7.30pm at the PCYC. The free sessions are for 12-17-year-olds and aim to improve participants’ fitness, while building skills and enabling team discussion. There’s also pizza.

Basketball has been running for a couple of years and Boxing After Dark started in February this year.

“The programs aim to get more young people involved in meaningful activities, connection and mateship, build rapport between the young people and police, encouraging participation, sense of belonging, engagement,

friendships and more,” Acting Sen-Sgt Grayson says.

“It’s great to see increased attendance over the time of the programs as well as regular attendance of some young people where they progress in their skill level, connection and mateship.”

Acting Sen-Sgt Grayson says the programs are managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and support the community to reduce harm from alcohol and other drugs in the area.

Young people who are keen to join in can simply turn up at either program.

For more information, phone Redcliffe PCYC on (07) 3385 1900.

Kylie Knight

Young people engaging with police officers at a Boxing After Dark session.

Alternative seeks ‘middle ground’

Analternative master plan for Scarborough Harbour has been put forward aiming for the “middle ground” between campaigners and the State Government.

Michael Bailey, Founding Director of Open Architecture Studio, says the plan “seeks to take on board community concerns about the environment while promoting appropriate and sustainable development”.

“It also pushes Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to work collaboratively with (Moreton Bay City) Council. Look what could happen if they did.”

Mr Bailey’s proposals were lodged in March during the project’s public consultation.

TMR is now considering all submissions with a master plan to be “finalised” mid-2024.

The Open Architecture Studio plan for the site includes a Maritime Research Centre and Aquarium, holiday park, maritime industry, more car and trailer parking as well as a swing bridge for a circular harbour walk.

It says this would help hospitality, dining and retail,

events and boat ramp capacity, while also boosting wildlife habitat and protection and usable green space.

Figures with the plan say far less green space will be lost, compared to the TMR proposal, but parking, in particular, will be significantly increased.

Mr Bailey says he knows the area well, with family living close to Scarborough Harbour and having been part of Moreton Maritime Alliance for five years.

He also taught students in a University of Queensland Masters Class of Architecture which focussed on Scarborough Harbour.

“I see a lot of potential in the harbour and the need to balance green space with industry demand,” Mr Bailey says. “I hope this found the middle ground.

“I believe it needs a placemaking approach. Somewhere that people will want to go. This (plan) retains green space better and connects all the green space.”

Mr Bailey says without government funding and “clear signals” local and state can work together, there would be little attraction for private investment.

Scarborough Harbour Action Group (SHAG) has campaigned against the TMR draft master plan in its initial form and is currently collating online and hand-written petitions.

Scarborough Harbour Action Group (SHAG) says “upon first glance” it prefers the alternative plan to TMR’s option.

But the proposal did not align with “current community views given the conversations we’ve been having” and it saw “issues” which may impact the area’s environment, character and infrastructure.

These included “likely parking and traffic issues” from proposed development and more visitors and the swing bridge which would impact the working harbour.

“The proposed relocation of the caravan park will not

only further eat into the green space but it’s smack bang next to the vulnerable migratory shore bird nesting site,” SHAG spokesperson Mandy Lake says.

“The proposed further reclamation could ostensibly not only kill surrounding seagrass, thereby impacting the dugongs, but also damage the adjacent Aboriginal fish trap.

“The new dry dock stands on the northern arm will obscure some of the most stunning views in the area, plus they are not needed.”

There were more than 300 submissions.

During public consultation; more than 200 people attended the seven TMR pop-up sessions and 1426 downloaded the master plan.

Integrity | Consistency | Honesty

A familiar face with a wealth of industry knowledge and bold ideas for her new brand, Heather Murray offers a boutique, personal real estate experience.

Heather is an award-winning sales agent covering Margate, Redcliffe, Scarborough, Woody Point, Clontarf and Kippa-Ring and has a longstanding bond with the Redcliffe Peninsula and surrounds.

Nick Crockford

SUNDAY 21 JULY, PELICAN PARK

Inspiring line of nurses in family

Nadia Chapman

As International Nurses Day approaches on May 12, three local brothers working in different levels of nursing appreciate the acknowledgement every year.

The Von Dohren brothers, Keith, Darryl and Gary all work at Redcliffe Hospital and come from a long line of nurses.

Keith works as a Nursing Director for the Medicine Service Line; Darryl works as a Clinical Nurse and Gary as the Nurse Unit Manager in the Intensive Care Unit.

“Nursing is a family tradition. Our great uncle, Garth, was an army medic who was on the Centaur when it was sunk off Moreton Island,” Keith says.

“All three of us were born at Redcliffe Hospital; so were my children.

“Along with my brothers, we have two cousins who are RNs. My daughter Lauryn is studying to be a nurse too.”

The brothers were all drawn to nursing through their family history, and say they are often inspired by each other and by the ability to help others.

“My two brothers are my biggest inspiration. I was a butcher for nearly 20 years and started as a wardsperson at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH),” Darryl says.

“I got to see inside their world in health care and took the step across into nursing as an Assistant in Nursing.”

“I always knew that it was what I wanted to do,” Gary says.

“Through our family history, there are a number of nurses. Perhaps I was drawn to nursing during the time I spent with Grandad (in hospital in Year 10).”

Whether it be working closely with terminally ill patients, watching staff improve their skills or finding joy in working with dynamic people, Keith, Darryl and Gary appreciate being a nurse for different reasons.

“We have a fantastic team here at Redcliffe Hospital. I get the opportunity to work with some really dynamic people in all levels of the organisation - including some great operational and administrative staff,” Keith says.

BrightSide

published, Are Women Human?

Frustrated with the tone of public discourse where male was assumed as default, her simple question starkly called out the sickening gender bias of her world.

This was in a day where she completed her studies at Oxford with first class honours, but never graduated as degrees were not conferred to women.

Enter scarecrow competition says it will be a fun and interactive way to involve the community, including people of all ages and backgrounds, in the show.

Crafty groups from schools, retirement homes/vilages, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to enter Redcliffe Show’s inaugural scarecrow competition ahead of this year’s Redcliffe Show Society President Philip Hood

“This year’s inaugural scarecrow competition provides an opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity and artistic skills,” Philip says.

“We are encouraging our Redcliffe community to design and build unique scarecrows using various materials, which adds an element of excitement and diversity to the Show.”

Entrants must make the

“The friendships that I've formed with the other nurses I have worked with. Being involved in the care of patients as they endure very challenging health issues, working with them and then seeing them leave with their family is rewarding too,” Darryl says.

“In 2023, our team at Redcliffe was the first in Queensland to use our dialysis machines for extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal for patients with severe respiratory failure,” Gary says.

“Being a very small part of such big advancements has been very interesting, to say the least.”

The Von Dohren brothers find the diversity of their roles as nurses rewarding and hope the community will continue to acknowledge the effort that nurses go to every day.

scarecrows from sustainable and recycled materials. Perishable goods cannot be used, nor can pre-moulded or commercially available faces or masks.

The creations must be freestanding and a maximum of 1.5m in height and 1m in width.

Entrants will be given 30 minutes to assemble and display their exhibits in the horticulture pavilion on June 26.

Those wanting to take part must register by May 30. Entry is free.

First prize is a $100 gift voucher

We’ve come a long way since then, or have we? We might give lip service to valuing women as equals in status and standing, but the incredibly high rates of women dying through domestic violence betrays that too many men still see women as property, possession, or playthings, easily tossed aside when we no longer want them. It is still sickening. In May we remember women who have died through domestic violence, and commit to changing the story. It starts by not simply realising but internalising that women are not an add on to men, they are as human as men; intrinsic to humanity. In my tradition, humanity was created in the Divine image, with all the dignity that brings – female and male humanity was created.

This month consider how you can change the story.

and second prize is a $50 gift voucher. The competition is sponsored by Banjo’s Bakery Café Redcliffe.

“Scarecrow competitions can serve as an educational opportunity, especially for children. Children may be unaware that scarecrows are traditionally used in agriculture to scare away birds from crops,” Philip says.

The 75th annual Redcliffe Show is on June 28, 29 and 30 at Redcliffe Showgrounds.

To find out more, visit redcliffeshow.com

Paul Clark; Son, husband, brother, friend, advocate of women and Redcliffe Uniting Church Minister

Passion for herbs grows

As dedicated group of volunteers has created and continues to maintain one of the biggest and best herb gardens in Queensland and it’s right here in Redcliffe.

The Peninsula Herb Group members care for hundreds of plants in a dedicated section of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, ranging from varieties found in many home gardens to more exotic plants.

The volunteers meet every Monday from 7.30-10am and are passionate about growing herbs and spreading the word about how amazing the plants are.

Long-time member Brenda Nicholls, 91, is a fountain of

knowledge, often asked to speak about herbs at events. She loves being part of the group and sharing what she has learnt over many decades.

“It’s just lovely. God gave us the herbs to use … when you study them, they do everything,”

Brenda says.

The members we met have each been with the group for about 20 years on average, enjoying toiling in the garden but also catching up for a cuppa and a chat.

“It’s the nicest way to start your week off,” Lee Harding says.

“It’s a lovely group. It’s a really sociable group.”

At present, there are about a dozen gardeners who help out for two to three hours a

week, but the group is looking for more.

Volunteers do not need expert herb knowledge, just a willingness to learn and put their green thumbs to work.

Anyone interested in getting involved can simply turn up on a Monday morning (follow the path off the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens main entrance to the herb garden).

The group is there every week, except when it is raining. Redcliffe Botanic Gardens is at Henzell St, Redcliffe.

THE SEBEL BRISBANE MARGATE BEACH

Kylie Knight

Lee Harding, Barb Hornsby, Thea Kozina and Brenda Nicholls

Exciting new move for popular cafe

Nadia Chapman

Apopular coffee spot in Scarborough will be relocating to a bigger space in Redcliffe.

Much-loved Sift Café is moving to the corner of Shield St and Prince Edward Pde, where Shield St Eats was previously located, and will be now known as Sift Restaurant and Bar.

The exciting move for owners Samantha and Steve Sjaardema comes after exponential business growth.

“We opened Sift back in 2018, with a desire of working for ourselves to fit in with our lifestyle of raising a young family,” Samantha says.

“Our little cafe has become quite a popular destination with the locals, with seats filling up fast, especially on weekends.

“With no way of extending our outdoor dining space and limited seating inside, we’ve been at a standstill in the way of growth for our business.”

The couple had a soft opening on April 22, with the full menu up and running on April 29.

Samantha and Steve plan to use the new space to its full potential.

“It’s such a beautiful location, so just think Sift but on a bigger scale,” Samantha explains.

“Same great coffee, baked goodies, breakfast, lunch, with

the added addition of a dinner service.

“And we’re bringing back the good quality dining experience of table service, with a few exciting extras.”

The new and improved Sift Restaurant and Bar is hoping to channel 'European beach house vibes’.

“We have a world class Italian pizza chef joining our team –Gianluca. So yes, the woodfired pizzas are here to stay, we’re just doing them better with GF options,” Samantha says.

“In a few months’ time, we will be replacing the space that was once the gelato area to house a cozy wine bar where guests

can lounge and sip on beautiful French wines and tasty grazing boards.

“It is bittersweet to be moving out of what was our home away from home, and where our journey first started, but our whole team (staff from both locations) are so excited to bring a new relaxed dining experience to the Peninsula.”

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Redcliffe pauses for ANZAC Day

Kylie Knight

Thousands lined Redcliffe Pde, the foreshore and the Redcliffe Jetty for Redcliffe RSL’s ANZAC Day services, with many even watching from boats anchored offshore.

The Dawn Service, which is among one of the most popular in South East Queensland, was a chance for veterans and the broader community to come together in the picturesque setting of ANZAC Place, which overlooks Moreton Bay.

It paid tribute to former and current servicemen and women, with the spotlight on those who served in the so-called ‘secret war’ in Indonesia and Malaysia from 1963-66.

Redcliffe RSL president Neville Cullen explained the history of the ‘unofficial’ conflict, which was sparked over Indonesia’s

objection to the creation of the Federation of Malaysia. He later laid a wreath on behalf of the Redcliffe community.

Singers from St Benedict’s College Choir, Theo Hunt and Sienna Randall, sang the hymn Abide With Me and the New Zealand national anthem. Jonathon Twartz sang the Australian national anthem.

Cadets representing the Army, Navy and Air Force cast wreaths into the bay from Coast Guard Redcliffe’s vessel, Redcliffe RSL.

As Major John Rees sounded the Last Post, the sun started to rise, filling the sky with glorious shades of gold, pink and blue.

Redcliffe RSL’s mid-morning service was also well attended with veterans, community groups and schools marching along Redcliffe Pde before the commemoration at ANZAC Place.

Photos: Dominika

Celebrating nature and community

Nadia Chapman

The annual Redcliffe Floral and Art Festival returns to Clontarf for its seventh year, with an exciting new theme.

This year’s theme is bright and colourful ‘celebrations.’

Organiser Liz Peters says the free community event celebrates the beauty of art, flowers and music.

“The fresh floral displays

and installations will feature weddings, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Valentine’s Day, joyous and fun celebrations with which everyone is familiar,” she says.

“This year there are daily floristry and flower arranging demonstrations at 11am each day.

“This will give you the opportunity to see how you can get the most out of a bunch

of flowers, greenery in your garden, different containers to use, along with handy hints."

There will be some new features to look forward to this year.

“New this year, is a terrarium workshop and demonstrations on how to tie knots to make hanging macrame pots. There is also a large plant stall to entice the gardeners out there,” Liz says.

“Live music is a big part of this festival with performances by Bits and Pieces Band back by popular demand all day Friday.”

Northside Concert Orchestra and the Redcliffe Scottish Pipe Band, among others, will perform on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

“The Collins organ, of which there are only two in Australia, will be played on Sunday afternoon with all sorts of happy-go-lucky melodies for

your enjoyment,” Liz says.

She says her favourite part about hosting this event is being able to offer a free space for visitors and stallholders, musicians and artists.

“I love the fact that this is a free community event not only as a visitor but also a free exhibition space for all artists whether emerging or established,” she says.

“(It’s also a free) performance space to encourage younger musicians to gain the confidence to enjoy an audience and that there are floral displays and gardening experiences for all.

“It’s amazing how this festival has grown over the last seven years with the support of local enthusiasts.”

The Redcliffe Floral and Art Festival will be held at St Peter the Fisherman Anglican Church at 13 Lucinda St, Clontarf, from June 14-16.

Onelocal mum is embracing motherhood with eightmonth-old twins and a twoyear-old son.

While Kippa-Ring's Sasha Sweeney wasn’t expecting to fall pregnant with twin boys just six months after the birth of her eldest son, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mum from a young age…” Sasha says.

“When my son Lennox was born, I honestly had a new purpose. He was my whole world and the best thing to ever happen to me.

“Lennox was six months old when I found out I was pregnant again. It was a big shock to be pregnant, let alone when we found out it was twins.

“Now they are almost nine months old and turning two, it’s the greatest watching them play together and get to know each other.

“Lennox is becoming his own personality, which is super sassy and funny and the twins just love getting to know him and play.”

The overwhelming nature of motherhood felt less daunting for Sasha after having twins Keelan and Hamish.

“My husband was doing FIFO work during my first pregnancy, which was really challenging with severe HG and a lot of hospitalisations. I felt really scared about being a mum and so disconnected,” Sasha explains.

But the disconnection didn’t last long once her twins were born, and Sasha decided to join Multiple Birth Association Northside.

“It’s a tight-knit community. I think it makes you feel less alone, knowing there are others going through it.

“I have lots of friends who had babies at the same time as I had Lennox, but it’s really hard to ask them for advice when no one knows what it’s like to have two babies with the same needs at the same time as another mum with twins.

“That’s been really big for me; wanting to seek out other twin mums because it’s more relatable at the moment with so many children.

“I lost my dad six months ago suddenly and I’m constantly remembering great memories from my childhood and how I grew up with such love.

“This is what I want to provide for them; a safe haven with the best community around

them and other twin friends hopefully.”

When asked what advice she would give to new twin mums, Sasha says: “…The days are long, and the weeks are short, it just goes so quickly. Remember, everything is temporary, even when it seems so hard, and you wonder how you’ll get through it. You were made to be a twin Mumma, and you’ll get through it even stronger…”

Nadia Chapman

Peni n s u l a ' s Past

More than just a building

things like mobile phones or distractions. It was just nice. It was just a lot of good bonds and friendships.

The former nurses’ quarters building at Redcliffe Hospital is a place where memories were made and friendships forged for countless student nurses who lived there while they completed their studies.

The building, now known as West Block, is earmarked for demolition in mid-2024 as part of a major redevelopment of the hospital.

It was converted to offices in 2006, but was home to up to 60 student nurses at a time in its heyday. Among those were Di Smout, Barb Williams and Karen Chippindall.

Nurses studying at the School of Nursing next door and training at Redcliffe Hospital, whose homes were deemed too far away, lived onsite in the quarters.

They each had a small room, but shared communal bathrooms, kitchen and living spaces.

Barb was 19 years old when she arrived at Redcliffe from Bribie Island, where her family lived.

“There was one single bed up the end which was supplied to us and there was a desk area and a cupboard and opposite that there was just a sink and a mirror,” she recalls.

“You managed to fit a lot into that room, though.”

Her group included Karen, who was 17 years old, and they lived in the quarters from 198991. Theirs was the second-last group to do so, before studies shifted to universities.

Di was a student nurse at the hospital from 1982-85, only staying in the quarters when she was on call. She arrived at the hospital as an 18-year-old.

“We spent a lot of time here,” she says.

Fun and friendships spring to mind when asked for her memories of the building and that time in her life.

“There was a lot of really good camaraderie, there were a lot of people that I have had long friendships with just because you had a common goal,” Di says.

“I’m not going to say life was simpler, but we didn’t have

“You could be a bit silly and do wild things, as wild as you could get in the ‘80s. It was just a good time to be a nurse, I think.”

Barb and Karen agree, saying while it was tough having to attain 100 per cent on their exams and adhering to a regimental-style rules, they managed to have fun and build lasting friendships.

“We did have study groups and things like that and we sort of bounced off each other, cramming for exams. I remember all-nighters cramming for exams,” Barb says.

They also recall plenty of parties, nights out, Chinese food from the takeaway outlet across the road, and sitting around watching videos in the loungeroom.

The ledges outside the building’s windows were prime positions to sunbake or have a sneaky cigarette.

When Navy ships arrived in Brisbane, the nurses would receive a call on the communal phone to see if

there were any who ‘wanted to come out to play’.

“They’d ring all the hospitals … the Royal and here,” Di recalls.

All three have worked at various hospitals over the years but have returned to Redcliffe where they remain today.

Barb’s office is just a few doors down from where her old room was in West Block.

The trio will be sorry to see the old building demolished later this year and would love a brick as a keepsake.

They feel the current generation of nurses, who have not enjoyed the same experience they have, missed out on something special.

“I think that whole camaraderie thing and if you had a bad day, you could just come over, have a cuppa or a drink with your mates and talk about it … it was that problem shared,” Di says.

A tribute to Redcliffe’s world-famous pop group the Bee Gees

Enjoy a multi-media celebration of the Gibb brothers’ career and links to Redcliffe.

Redcliffe Parade and Sutton Street, Redcliffe

A nurse in her room. Image courtesy of City of Moreton Bay, reference number RLPC-001\001508

Kylie Knight

Karen Chippindall outside the building.

New school to help youth reach potential

Nick Crockford

Anew independent school has opened in Redcliffe with 24 foundation students.

Edu Space, run by Redcliffe Area Youth Space (RAYS), started in March for Year 7-10 students not in mainstream and alternative education.

The school is aimed at those aged 12-16 years “experiencing complex and severe psychosocial, financial, systemic and clinical barriers which negatively impact school engagement”.

‘Barriers’ may include involvement with youth justice, child safety, sleeping rough, missing long periods of schooling due to expulsion or severe mental ill-health.

Edu Space has an independent board, two funding streams and six staff, led by head of curriculum Allen Ellis, who has been at RAYS for 15 years.

For more than two decades RAYS has provided “critical services for those aged 1025 years and their families,

who have been significantly impacted by trauma, oppression and poverty”.

Alongside Allen is Bronnie, formerly a teacher in NSW and four learning support officers. Allen says all staff have “a culture around traumainformed care”.

They will use a project-based curriculum for students, who come from across the region.

Allen has prepared four yearsworth of units.

Two classrooms will be used at RAYS at Oxley Ave with school days, from 8.50am-3pm, though hours may vary to meet different students’ needs.

The time Edu Space staff can give students is “key” for the school.

“We’re trying to create stability and we have time to build long-term relationships,” Allen says.

“Relationships are the key to people loving learning and experiencing that depth of care.

“I want to see young people, who deserve more than a second chance, find something

they love about learning and be excited to come here.

“We’ve seen in previous flexible learning, kids advocating to have more days here to do more work. Six months earlier, they were breaking into houses, stealing cars.

“Now I want to see kids increasing a sense mastery of something, have a bit of competency in somethingthat’s the benchmark and a launch pad to better things.”

Bronnie says it is her “dream job working with youth like this and developing relationships” at Edu Space.

“I’m looking forward to being in their corner, being that person for them and shine that light for them. I believe there is so much potential in every young person,” she says.

Bronnie previously worked at a public school in a low socio-economic area with gang violence, inter-racial issues, children with ADHD and ODD and an autism support unit.

“Coming here was really eyeopening and challenged a lot of

things I thought I knew about myself,” she said, “but it’s still my dream job.”

Bronnie started as a music teacher with “art and drama added when needed”, then focused on “kids who needed more support.

“Here the kids will get the same teacher all the time,” she says, “there is consistency for every subject and what to expect from that teacher.

“This moment could be a changing point in the way we look at education and the way we facilitate working with young people.”

Allen says the aim is quality education “which is creative, in line with the curriculum and student centred, to feel a sense of connection with the learning space”.

“We’ve been doing things in the past (at RAYS) and learned from the errors, the wins to make it work, so, it’s not a big concept for us,” he says.

“Education is the key to getting out poverty and crime. Students find their voice in schools.”

Bronnie and Allen are leading the team aiming to help young people reach their potential.

Enjoy the action at Redcliffe Harness Racing Club

Redcliffe Harness Racing Club is the perfect place to experience the excitement of live racing every Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, while enjoying a bite to eat and drinks.

The club, which has been part of the Peninsula community for more than 50 years, renovated its dining, bar and gaming facilities in 2020, just before COVID-19 hit.

President Bernie Ring says the club replaced the furniture, the carpet, handrails and airconditioning, redesigned the bar and installed a new fit-out, and moved the gaming machines and TAB facilities.

It also simplified the restaurant menu to cater to a broad range of tastes, with everything from duck spring rolls to roasts, seafood, steaks, pasta, Irish sausages and more.

Members receive $2 off main meals and children eat for free with the purchase of a main meal.

The restaurant serves meals from 5-8.30pm on Wednesday nights.

The canteen is also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the bar is open on Thursdays.

“It’s sensational on a Wednesday night. There’s often between 40 and 50 people here in the restaurant,” Bernie says.

“It’s close to the action. I don’t think you can get any closer to a racetrack than you can here.”

Bernie says the venue is a perfect place to catch up with family and friends.

“You can catch up and watch the action, have a flutter and a quiet drink. The big nights are great,” he says.

The restaurant is open on special race nights with a couple coming up in June.

The club will kick-off the 2024 Queensland Constellations on June 21 with the Garrards 3YO Sales race and Chris Garrard’s Patron’s Purse. The action starts at 6.30pm. The mini

trotters will also take to the recently resurfaced track, giving racegoers a glimpse of the sport’s future stars.

On June 29, the club will host the Elders Kilcoy Redcliffe Cup, the Garrards Redcliffe 2YO sale race, the Ladbrokes Oaks, the Ladbrokes Trotters Cup and the Northgate Comfort Inn and Suites Redcliffe Derby. The action starts at 5.30pm and entertainment is likely to be added to the program.

A special menu will be created for the feature nights ($45 per person). For details follow the club’s Facebook page or phone 3284 4550.

Bookings are essential. Phone on a Monday, when the office is open, or leave a message for the team.

The club has received $6 million in State Government funding to replace its ageing lighting system with LED directional lights. Installation is expected to be finished in October or November. Racing will continue, with existing lights operating until the new lights are up and running.

For more information about the club and the restaurant, visit redcliffehrc.com.au or follow the club’s Facebook page.

P a r entingPointers

Ask any parent how they juggle raising kids while taking time for themselves, and they'll probably tell you it's tough. Many parents have little time, resources or energy to focus on their own needs.

This can lead to ‘parental burnout’, a growing syndrome that stems from chronic parenting stress. Symptoms may include emotional disconnection with your children, exhaustion, shame, and feeling overwhelmed or fed up with your role as a parent. Check out these parenting tips from Triple P to help you

put your own needs back in the picture.

Reframe self-care

Self-care is not selfish – it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more confident in your parenting skills and better equipped to handle stressful situations. This, in turn, benefits children and helps create positive family environments.

Start small

Self-care is often portrayed as a luxury or indulgence, but it

can be more about the small, everyday things you can do that add up. Whether it's just taking some deep breaths, going for a walk, or catching up with a friend, even small amounts of time for your wellbeing can gradually add up to make a big difference.

Be kind to yourself

We all make mistakes and face difficulties, and that's okay. Being kind to yourself is important, especially when things don't go as planned. Practising self-compassion can make a huge difference in how you feel every day. Plus, it sets

a great example for children on how to show themselves love and kindness, too.

Get support

Various factors can cause parental burnout, and it's a sign of strength to ask for help. Consider talking to a loved one or reaching out to helpful resources like Lifeline, Parentline, or your GP.

To help make parenting less stressful and more rewarding, try a free online course from the Triple P Positive Parenting Program. Visit triplepparenting.net.au to learn more.

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Micro distillery opens at Redcliffe

Nadia Chapman

Three friends have banded together to open Redcliffe’s first micro distillery.

Peninsula Distilling is hoping to launch on Mother’s Day weekend after three years in the making.

Head distiller Arnold Keuker and business partners Carlos Ortega and Pei-Onn Lee worked hard to get to where they are today.

“I’ve been playing around as a home distiller for about five years,” Arnold says.

The rum, gin and vodka distillery received its license to manufacture and store alcohol in February last year and is hoping to get its Queensland liquor license before launching in May.

With their third partner based in Sydney, Arnold and Carlos will primarily run the business, and they aim to support locals as much as possible.

“All of our products are sourced locally, as much as we can, including some of our botanicals…” Carlos says.

“We’re trying to be a local identity, like our stills and our barrels… which were all made 700m away. The electrician, the plumber, they’re all local guys,”

Arnold says.

Being environmentally friendly is also important to the trio.

“We’ve got two local farmers in the Moreton Bay area that will take (our rum) waste from us and use it to feed their cattle,” Arnold says.

“And we’re trying to find someone to take our waste from our gin and vodka production… And then our spent botanicals, which would be ideal for a pig farm.”

The distillery will also have solar panels installed, ensuring the operation won’t drain too much power from the grid.

Inspired by the beauty of the Redcliffe Peninsula, the distillery’s branding will offer a unique touch.

“The gins will be called Humpybong Gin, the vodkas will be called Hornibrook Vodka, and our rums – if we can get the name registered – will be called Moreton Rum,” Arnold explains.

“…Because we’re using local names,

we’re going to put a QR code on the back…and people can go and read about that particular story.”

Whether it’s Humpybong Creek, Hornibrook Bridge or Moreton Bay shipwrecks, Arnold and Carlos hope to educate locals and tourists about Redcliffe’s history.

They have big dreams for the future and hope to sell special blends across the Peninsula and offer an ‘order online’ feature for pick-up at their cellar door.

Peninsula Distilling is at 2/293 Macdonnell Rd, Clontarf.

Scan to find out more

with Brad Flynn

How do you keep staff accountable? First, we need to be clear on what accountable means. The answer is in the word itself, count.

There must be some kind of measurable count that we can keep someone a-count-able to.

Peter Drucker summed it up when he said, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure”.

So how do we work out what that count needs to be?

There are only two options:

1. It must be a number.

2. It must be a binary condition – for example completed or uncompleted, satisfactory or unsatisfactory - based on some kind of count and measurable defined quality to.

Now consider the number one thing you are paying this staff member to do and how you will measure it.

Let’s say we pay this staff member to produce widgets (technical term for stuff) or deliver a service in a set amount of time.

Next, we need to set a weekly or monthly count the staff member must complete. They must clearly understand what is expected and the consequences of not meeting these expectations - additional training through to termination procedure.

This is where most owners and managers stumble. They are afraid to enact the procedure for the staff member not meeting the agreed count target. Which ironically, the owner/manager is not holding themselves to account by not holding the staff member to account … any wonder the team member thinks that they can get away with it too?

For help getting more of the customers you want, visit businessmentored.com

Peninsula Distilling’s Arnold Keuker and Carlos Ortega.

Never too old to learn at U3A

Nadia Chapman

For a third of the price of a cup of coffee and a small annual fee, seniors in the community can learn to their hearts’ content.

U3A stands for ‘University of the Third Age’ and is an international movement that provides education to mostly retired members of the community for a small fee.

U3A Redcliffe was founded in 1987 by Olive McKee and started with only 62 members and 18 classes.

Now more than 30 years later, the organisation offers 120 classes per week and has more than 1600 members; making U3A Redcliffe the largest over-50s organisation on the Peninsula.

U3A Redcliffe’s Community Engagement Officer Greg McGrath says there are a variety of exciting classes happening this year.

“We have half a dozen different language classes – Italian, French, German, Latin, you name it,” Greg says.

“We have art and craft classes, discussion groups, wine appreciation classes... a lot of history ones (as well)…

“We do different kinds of yoga classes, meditation classes, line dancing groups, a carpet bowls group on a Friday afternoon, a couple of groups who play cards.

“There’s a guy that teaches origami, we’ve got about six different music classes, a couple of choirs and singing

groups and then we’ve got the groups that learn guitar.”

There is a $25 per year fee to become a member of U3A Redcliffe, with 95 percent of classes being $2.

On-site classes aren’t the only opportunities that U3A Redcliffe offers to members.

“Outside the classes, we have bus trips and boat trips… we do whale watching and go up to the Sunshine Coast and down to the Gold Coast…” Greg explains.

“We have special social events as well, of course. We have a concert where all the different

music groups get to perform once a year.

“There’s really something for everybody. If you don’t keep the mind going along with the body, you get old quicker than you really need to.”

VISIT U3A REDCLIFFE

U3A Redcliffe is open from Monday-Friday, 8.30am4pm at 1 Irene St, Redcliffe. For more information, visit u3aredcliffe.org.au or phone 3284 2687.

Jade to headline

ARIA award-winning singer, Logie-nominated actress and Dancing With The Stars competitor, Samantha Jade will headline Moreton Bay’s biggest LGBTQIA+ celebration, PrideFest.

The event on June 8, at Strathpine’s Pine Rivers Park, will coincide with World Pride Month and celebrate the region’s growing LGBTQIA+ community.

Jade, a former X Factor Australia winner will be joined on stage by Australian drag artist, entertainer and producer, Art Simone and international drag performer, Kween Kong, who have both appeared in RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says Moreton

Bay is striving to be a place where everyone feels accepted and included for who they are.

“At Council, we know our communities are as diverse as our landscapes,” Mayor Flannery says.

“We want Moreton Bay to be a place where people can come together proudly, where they can freely participate and celebrate their unique selves.

“Council is proud to host Moreton Bay’s second PrideFest in June.

“This is a community celebration, so we hope to see a broad cross-section from our whole community turning out to not only support our LGBTQIA+ community but also enjoy a stellar line-up of superstar performers.”

Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism CEO Natassia Wheeler says PrideFest will be an explosion of colour, music, dance, and comedy.

“The event will empower current and future generations to be their true selves and feel accepted and proud of who they are, regardless of their gender identity or sexuality,” Ms Wheeler says.

“Moreton Bay PrideFest has a vision to make the region a happier, healthier, safer and more culturally rich and diverse place for the LGBTQIA+ community. PrideFest is at the heart of this dream.

“Importantly, PrideFest will highlight the support services

and networks available to the LGBTQIA+ community throughout Moreton Bay

“Our amazing headlining artists, Samantha Jade, Art Simone and Kween Kong will also be supported by some of Australia’s brightest emerging performers, including Harry K and Fluffy All Stars, who will take over three stages of entertainment.”

Moreton Bay PrideFest is presented by Moreton Bay City Council and delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism.

Tickets are on sale now. To find out more, visit moretonbaypridefest.com.au

Thesalty scent of the ocean, refreshing sea breezes, sand between the toes… these are the essence of coastal living, but they can be a real headache for those who love to garden. Creating a landscape tolerant of these conditions all comes down to soil improvement and plant choice.

SOIL

Depending on your address, you may have sandy, very welldraining soil, or if you reside in a new development precinct, it’s likely to be heavy and claybased. Either way, you need to create a more hospitable terrain. Digging in ‘soil improver’ or compost will enhance both soil types adding valuable nutrients, humus, organic biostimulants and organic materials to revitalise the ground and improve the effectiveness of the soil.

Adding a layer of mulch after planting will also encourage microbial activity adding nitrogen and provide a protective blanket to prevent the topsoil from drying out too fast.

PLANTS

Australian native and Mediterranean gardens tend to cope with strong wind gusts, salty air, poor soil and sloping sites. Silver-grey foliage deflects scorching sun. Slender leaf grasses allow the wind to whistle through without shredding the leaves.

Low-growing ground covers and shrubs won’t snap easily in strong gusts and help stabilise sloping sites. Leaves that are thick, spikey, hairy, silvery, waxy or leathery are more robust and dry out less.

Fortunately, there’s an abundance of plants that fit the bill and many of them have names that reflect their ability to live seaside.

FOREVER FLOWERING

• Erigeron Seaside Daisy

• Gazania

• Pigface

• Aptenia

• Bougainvillea

• Brachyscome

• Red-hot poker

SHRUBS

• Coastal Rosemary (Westringia)

• Saltbush (Rhagodia)

• Lavender

• Metrosideros (New Zealand Christmas Bush)

• Indian Hawthorn (Rhapiolepis)

EDIBLES

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Olives

FABULOUS FEATURES

• Sea Holly (Eryrigium)

• Coastal Banksia

• Pandanus

• Blueberry Ash Tree

• Grasses, aloes and succulents

DESIGN

Coastal design embraces natural elements such as rocks, driftwood and gravel to enhance the landscape while weathered timber sleepers are ideal for creating garden edging, rustic bench seating, wind breaks or raised garden beds.

So, if you’re seeking a relaxed style of garden that’s tough but full of colour and texture, consider going coastal. Happy gardening!

TOP TIPS

y Take a drive around the Peninsula and see what’s thriving on neglect

y Plant in swaths to create a greater visual impact

y Keep your colour palette simple (think sand/sea/sky)

y Create a spot to sit in your garden and enjoy it

What's on

May 1

Cars & Coffee, Bikes & Brekky: Display your pride and joy at Breathe Easy Café in Rothwell. Make new friends and have delicious coffee and breakfast. There will be prizes and trophies for the best vehicles.

Visit facebook.com/ CardiGras4020

May 2

Oklahoma: Grace Academy and Grace Lutheran Primary School are performing Oklahoma! in four big shows at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. Visit redcliffeentertainment centre.com.au

May 4

Wish You Were Here: The Wish You Were Here exhibition uses video, light installation and augmented reality with a mesmerising carnival of ghostly shapes, inspired by objects from around the artist’s home. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Galleries-Museums

May 4

Gem Market Day: Enjoy a family friendly day full of gems, fossils, jewellery, craft, shells, pearls and

lapidary equipment at Redcliffe Showgrounds. There will be a sausage sizzle too. Visit facebook.com/ RedcliffeGemClub

May 5

World Laughter Day: Join HeatherJoy Campbell for a free laughter yoga session to celebrate World Laughter Day at Woody Point’s parkour park. All ages and all abilities are welcome.

Visit facebook.com/ thehappydemic

May 9

The Tap Pack: The Tap Pack returns to the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre for a night of slick humour, high-energy entertainment and world-class tap dance. Visit redcliffeentertainment centre.com.au

May 11

Movie in the Park Margate: Barry Bolton Park at Margate will transform into a whimsical outdoor movie haven with a screening of Trolls Band

Together (PG). There will be food trucks and treats available.

Visit whatsonmoretonbay.com

May 12

Mirusia, A Mother’s Day Spectacular: One of the world’s most sought-after sopranos is coming to the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre for a special Mother’s Day show. Visit redcliffeentertainment centre.com.au

May 17

IDAHOBIT Gala: Celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Libraries

May 17

Viva Bon Jovi: The Redcliffe Leagues Club presents Viva Bon Jovi. The ultimate Bon Jovi show will feature intense vocals, incredible guitar solos and unique rhythms. Visit facebook.com/ RedcliffeLeaguesClub

up of local bands. There will be food trucks, merch stands and a beer garden. Visit facebook.com/ tribebelonging

May 18, 19

Moreton Bay Multisport Festival: The Moreton Bay Multisport Festival returns to Pelican Park with two jam-packed days of running marathons and a triathlon. This event is suitable for those aged seven years and above.

Visit whatsonmoretonbay.com

May 26

Anime and Animation Journey: Join Moreton Bay Symphony Orchestra on a magical musical adventure through anime and animation at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. Visit redcliffeentertainment centre.com.au

May 26

Sew a Card Pouch

Learn how to sew curves and create a pouch to keep your cards in at Redcliffe Library. Visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Libraries

Fun by the beach

Scarborough Beach Park was a go-to for families during the Easter school holidays.

The premier events platform promoting everything that’s happening throughout the City of Moreton Bay.

1. Bellamy and Thayna Vonda 2. Archie, Lara, Lily and Alisa 3. Ari and Amelia Douyere 4. Liam and Noah 5. Will Norrington and Debbie Michelutti 6. Jhana, Sonny and Fletcher

PHOTOS DOMINIKA LIS

for women anglers as the Women’s Fishing Classic runs from May 12 to June 8. This is the fourth year this competition has run. With a prize pool of over $85,000, it is sure to attract many participants and some stunning trophy fish will no doubt be caught.

Estuary and land based

This is a great time of the year to be targeting tailor inshore and land based along the foreshore. While plenty will be caught from places like Redcliffe and Woody Point jetties, I prefer the foreshore anywhere from Scarborough to Shorncliffe on the larger high tides at night as it tends to consistently produce better sized fish. My preferred bait and rig are a small pilchard on a set of 3 x 3/0 ganged hooks. Sinker size will vary from unweighted up to about a four-ball sinker depending on where you are fishing. Make sure you bleed

baitfish. Remember dusky flathead have both a minimum legal size of 40cm and a maximum legal size of 75cm. The latter is to protect the larger breeding females. Yellowfin bream will be widespread throughout the lower reaches of the estuarine and inshore areas as this is the month that the species starts to commence their autumn/ winter spawning migration. Around the mouth of the Pine River and the fishing platforms on the Ted Smout Bridge will be a favoured location to target them. Flesh baits such as fresh mullet strips will account for most of the better fish caught.

On an unhappy note, a new introduced pest species, the Suminoe oyster has been detected in Bribie Passage, Kedron Brook and around Pinkenba. This is a large species of oyster (up to 24cm) which has the potential to impact native shellfish species and fish habitat. They

are difficult to distinguish from native oyster species until they grow to a size much larger than our native oysters. Keep an eye out for any giant oysters and report them to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. More on this issue next

Inshore reefs

Expect squire and a few grass sweetlip on the reefs for those that fish light. Focus on dawn, dusk and at night. Mixed in with squire will be tailor if you are floating around pilchards. There will still be a few quality barred grunter mooching around. Just remember they have a minimum legal size of 40cm but fish over 60cm can be caught around Scarborough Reef.

Beach fishing

This can be a great month for fishing the surf beach at Moreton Island, particularly for swallowtail dart but bream and tarwhine will also be caught. For swallowtail dart, look for the gutters that have plenty of white water over them. The stretch of beach around the “gun emplacements” south to Long Point on Moreton Island is always a favoured stretch of beach for them, but they can turn up anywhere depending on the beach formations. Yabbies are the number one bait, although eugaries, beach worms or peeled prawns will produce some fish as well. Swallowtail dart are fantastic sport and good eating if bled, filleted and eaten fresh. They also come up brilliantly when put through the smoker. It is a bit too early for the

main run of tailor along the surf beach, but if you put in some effort in the deeper gutters around dawn and dusk you should find a couple of choppers and maybe a larger fish or two.

Crabbing and prawning

This is not a great month for mud crabbing so if you want a feed of crabs, it is best to target blue swimmer crabs. While it takes more time to peel blue swimmer crabs compared to mud crabs, the fine white meat makes up for it.

Cast netting for banana prawns has been hit and miss locally and expect that trend to continue. Those that put in the effort will be rewarded. Any rainfall during the month will have a significant impact on where the prawns are.

Offshore

There should be some good weather windows for offshore fishing this month. Snapper, pearl perch, teraglin, silver trevally and venus tusk fish will be the main species caught.

Daryl McPhee is an associate professor of environmental science at Bond University

KNOW YOUR FISH

The minimum catch and take size for a tailor is 35cm. It commonly grows to 40cm in length but has been observed at 110cm. The maximum number of catch and takes for this species is 20.

Fighting cancer through art

Nick Crockford

Mother-of-three

Rachel

Bernardo will open an art exhibition in Redcliffe next month to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and funding for research.

She was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 38, had chemotherapy and surgery and is now a bowel cancer survivor.

But her journey inspired a “passion for advocacy” and Rachel held a Bowel Cancer Gala at Redcliffe Leagues Club last year which raised more than $14,000.

That went to Bowel Cancer Australia, a community-funded charity, which will also get proceeds from next month’s exhibition, which has a ticketed opening night on June 1.

Use the QR code on this page to buy tickets.

The interactive display at The Loft Gallery in Sutton St, will have different stories by early onset “bowel warriors” from this region and wider Queensland.

Rachel says the theme, ‘so, this is early onset bowel cancer’,

urges “exploration of the unique challenges faced by individuals diagnosed at a younger age”.

The aim is to “raise awareness about early onset bowel cancer, empowering through art and igniting conversations on early detection and its impact”, Rachel says.

There is also a need to encourage “vigilance, regular checks, breaking taboos and advocating for personal healthcare”.

“I’m grateful for the experience having met some amazing people, strangers who have become family and others on similar journeys,” Rachel says.

“It has also helped put my priorities in perspective, focusing on family, living in the now, listening to my body …”

The Deception Bay resident has also lobbied MPs and Senators to lower the screening age for bowel cancer.

Rachel says art is a hobby and she most enjoys photography. Some of her photography will also feature in the exhibition.

“I’m influenced by nature

and love taking photography of beautiful places,” she says.

The four-week exhibition is from June 1-28 at The Loft Gallery in Sutton St. The launch night is from 6-8pm with finger food, a major prize draw and silent auction.

Everyone is welcome, Rachel says, from “corporates and the public sector to community members, cancer patients and survivors and supporting services”.

“Bowel cancer does not discriminate,” she says.

Scan here to purchase tickets

Drop

Bowel cancer survivor Rachel Bernardo is raising awareness via an exhibition.

Your guide to April with Patsy

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 - FEB 19

This will be an excellent month to anchor some of your plans, especially those at home and regarding your general direction, such as your career. Pluto retrograde will offer the chance to cool your heels after several intense months. The full moon on the 24th will illuminate fresh options.

PISCES

FEB 20 - MAR 20

Developments in May will be excellent for exploring new avenues, both literally – through travel, for example, and metaphorically – by finding new ways to relate with loved ones for instance. Take the initiative, but keep an eye on finances to avoid overspending, especially midmonth.

ARIES

MAR 21 - APR 19

Mars and Mercury will provide you with the motivation to invest in yourself and your well-being. The new moon on the 8th will kick-start a fresh financial chapter in your life, so be prepared to re-organise this important area. Avoid power struggles, especially on the 1st, 13th and 17th.

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 20

May is an excellent month to turn a corner in your relationships and health; and also to make time to enjoy life’s treats. The new moon on the 8th will be in Taurus and will help you to launch fresh incentives. Mercury will help you to improve your daily or work schedule, at least until mid-May.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 20

Communications and travel will gain focus in May, so be sure to get on top of your various projects, especially at work. Plan your itineraries carefully as your daily and health schedules will fluctuate. An exciting opportunity towards the end of May promises to broaden your horizons.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JUL 22

May is an excellent month for planning both for now and for the remainder of the year. Circumstances at the new moon on the 8th will spotlight the best path forward for you, especially in the big picture: your career, general direction and status, so be prepared to gain fresh perspective.

SCAN FOR MORE

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22

You get the green light in May to have more fun; both to socialise and to improve your home life. Pluto retrograde will take some of the intensity out of your relationships which may be a blessing if things have been dramatic lately. That said, you’ll still need to avoid misunderstandings.

VIRGO

AUG 23 - SEP 22

Be sure to invest in the areas of your life where you’d like to gain traction, as your efforts are likely to succeed. You’re entering a more expansive phase in life, but first, especially early in May, a little patience may be needed, as people’s decisions and mindsets will impact you more than usual.

LIBRA

SEP 23 - OCT 22

May will be ideal for focusing on good communication and relationship skills and for creating a sense of well-being for yourself. The duties and areas you share with others could be demanding, so avoid taking others’ actions personally and find ways to make your own happiness.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOV 21

New opportunities will arise, so be sure to consider entering fresh territory, especially within your work and personal relationships, particularly towards the 9th and 23rd. Keep the people who mean the most to you in the loop, as you may be easily distracted, especially on the 1st and mid-month.

SAGITTARIUS

NOV 22 - DEC 21

May will be an excellent time to re-organise some of your work and health schedules so that you gain the extra time for yourself and those you love. The entry of Jupiter in Gemini on the 26th will bring improved communications and playfulness, so be proactive, collaborate and enjoy life!

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 - JAN 19

You are one of the most practical signs of the zodiac, and like to keep things real. This month, you can gain increased stability and security in your home and personal life so be proactive in these areas. Be prepared to plan and strategise, but also to be adventurous and leave your comfort zone.

9-LETTER WORD

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 teach letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

QUICK QUIZ

1 Bonsai is an ar t form that originated from which countr y?

2. In what year did Queen Elizabeth II become head of the commonwealth: 1951, 1952 or 1953?

3 True or false: the colour puce t akes it s name from the French

4. What is the larges t sur viving species of pigeon?

5 Who plays the title role in the Enola Holmes?

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.

and,rg grid, grin, grind, grinned, g,nhandi g,nha ,rgenha HARDENING, g,nhari g,nheadi g,nheari g,nherdi ,egnhi ged,nhi g,nneari neigh, nigh, egar ged,ar g,nar egnar ged,nar g,nreadi regain, reign, g,nrendi ,eridg g,nri gednri

,eadrg

Young stars shine at state titles

FiveRedcliffe water polo players won seven medals and state development honours at the Queensland State Championships in Brisbane

Amelie and Mara Hoefel, Eden Weir, Abbie McDonald and Mia Doyle won three gold, two silver and two bronze medals between them from April 3-11.

Mara, who goes to Redcliffe State High School and Eden Weir, a student at Clontarf Beach State High School, are also both in the state 13 and under development program.

It follows Mara’s gold with Mermaids 12pink in the top 12 and Under Maroon Division, scoring in the 3-1 final victory over All Hallows.

Eden collected bronze playing for North Brisbane Polo Bears, based at Albany Creek, in the 12 and Under White Division.

The bronze medal play-off went to a penalty shootout where Eden scored the winner in a 10-8 victory over Gold Coast/ Buderim.

Amelie, also at Redcliffe State High, won gold with Mermaids Pink scoring twice in their 9-5

victory over Brisbane Vikings Red to win the women’s Open Division.

She also collected a silver medal with Mermaids Pink in the 18 and Under Maroon Division, scoring in the final, but going down to Polo Bears.

Amelie won a second silver with Mermaids Pink in the 16 and Under Maroon Division, going down 8-6 to UQ Purple.

Grace Lutheran College student Abbie McDonald was victorious with the St Ritas/Polo Bears team winning gold in the 18 and Under Maroon Division.

They beat Mermaids Pink 10-7 in the final to go through the entire competition undefeated.

Mia Doyle, who is at Grace Lutheran, won a bronze medal with St Ritas/Polo Bears 16 and Under Maroon team beating All Hallows Blue 15-5 in the play-off.

The 2024 Queensland State Titles attracted more than 120 teams from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

Amelie, Abbie and Mia are now preparing to represent the Sunshine Coast at the Queensland Schools Championships in May.

Nick Crockford

Pictured: Left Amelie Hoefel; top centre Mara Hoefel; top right Mia Doyle; bottom centre Eden Weir; bottom right Abbie McDonald

Young gun Bostock steps up

The Dolphins NRL side’s younger players, including winger Jack Bostock, have had to step up in recent weeks with the starting team decimated by injury.

The 20-year-old, who only made his debut in the national competition last April, did just that when the team thrashed the Parramatta Eels in Darwin on April 19.

Bostock scored three tries in his side’s 44-16 win over Parramatta, in hot and humid conditions.

“It was a good feeling (the hattrick) but that was ‘doing the work’ by the boys on the inside. I was just finishing it off. It was mainly the other boys setting them up,” Bostock says.

The Dolphins were without seven of their top players including Thomas Flegler, Felise Kaufusi, Herbie Farnworth, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Gilbert and Connelly Lemuelu. Anthony Milford was out on suspension.

“The team’s a lot more than the 17 players that are out there each week. It’s all 30-odd that you have in your squad. Just like Trai Fuller did (in Darwin). He stepped up, he was next man up and he killed it for us,” Bostock says.

“He’s a little weapon, Trai boy. He’s a rubber ball out there, no-one can hold onto him, he’s bouncing around everywhere. We’re very lucky to have him here. He’s a great replacement.

“Just having a lot of boys who are doing that for our club is obviously going to help us out

Check out the Dolphins NRL draw here

… when people are injured, just knowing that next person’s ready to go and take over and it feels like no-one’s left (us).”

Bostock is continuing to develop as a player but is growing in confidence with every opportunity that comes his way.

“I think’s it’s just come with more time, training with the boys, building combinations at training … I’d say the more you do something, the more comfortable and confident you feel within yourself. I’d say it just comes down to that,” he says.

The tall winger, 194cm, is happy to be playing NRL in whatever position he’s asked to fill - wing or mid-field.

“I’m happy wherever, as long as I’m out there, but probably I’d like to move one (position) into the centre. That’s where I’ve played a lot of my footy growing up,” he says.

“Obviously, I’m very happy on the wing and especially being a great team like this. Just to be (playing) anywhere … I’m really grateful for that.”

For the remainder of this season, he’s focused on continuing to improve as a player.

“Probably just some consistency. When you’re in a team, all you want from your teammates is to be consistent … what you’re getting from them each week,” he says.

“I’d (also) say not becoming complacent and just keep working on my game each week … trying to add little things or just keep building on what I’ve done the week prior.”

As The Redcliffe Peninsula went to print, the Dolphins were preparing to take on the Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium (April 28) before taking on the Cowboys in Townsville (May 4).

Kylie Knight

Winger Jack Bostock in action against the Eels in Darwin on April 19. Photos: Courtesy of Dolphins NRL Media.

Rising star eyes Olympic trials

MaxCunningham, who had his first lesson at Grace Swimming Club, will next month line up alongside Australia’s sporting superstars.

The 14-year-old has qualified - with times set last year and bettered last month - for the Olympic Trials, in Brisbane, for places at the Paris Games.

While the Trials may be more about experience for the North Lakes resident, it is another sizeable step towards his dream, the Australian Dolphins team.

“The plan is to train for the Olympic Trials, then break for a month or so before starting again,” Max said.

His immediate targets will then be short course meetings, building towards the Queensland Championships in December.

Longer-term, Max is in the state’s Talent Identification

Team aims for excellence

Redcliffe State High School’s Year 7 boys Rugby League Excellence team was one of eight teams in South East Queensland to qualify in the Tonie Carroll Cup in February.

Qualifying for the cup allowed the students to compete in the Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Trophy, which started on April 30, where the team played seven games.

The boys trained for 11 weeks in total before competing in the cup.

Redcliffe State High School’s Rugby League Excellence Coordinator Jay Wilkinson says the excellence program gives students the opportunity to learn

Development Squad, which is a pathway to competitions such as the New Zealand Short Course Championship, Junior Pan Pacific Games and Junior World Championships.

It is a far cry from the day he started in Grace’s Learn to Swim program, at the age of four, “just for water safety” reasons.

But, moving through the levels, staff at the Rothwell pool soon spotted his potential.

Max entered club night races, then outside meets. With his first squad coach Richard Duyzer, he made regional teams and at the age of 10, Queensland School Sports.

After eight years at Grace, Max moved to Churchie in Brisbane to join head coach Richard Sleight, formerly at the worldrenowned St Peter’s Western performance hub.

The switch paid off for Max. Last year, he was named

about the sport while playing in renowned competitions.

“They compete in what’s called the Broncos competitions, which are the best rugby league competitions in South East Queensland and pretty much Australia,” Jay says.

“It’s probably the highest standard of footy they can get at that age.

“It’s pleasing (to see the boys’ qualify). The group that we’ve got in Year 7 are really pleasing.

“They look like they’re going to be a good group who can potentially win the competition, not just be one of the teams in it, but actually aim to try and win it.”

The Excellence team competed in seven games against seven other schools during the Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Trophy.

Redcliffe State High School’s

Brisbane’s Junior Swimmer of the Year and at December’s state titles was Age Champion for 14-year-old boys.

That was followed by a stunning debut at the Australia Age Championships last month where he won eight medals (four gold, three silver, one bronze) and smashed a national record.

Max was top ranked in four of his six age-group events, entering the championships, but admitted: “I would have been happy with a 50 per cent gold strike rate.

“I was a little surprised missing gold in the 50m and 100m free(style) but thinking about it, this was my first age nationals and I had no idea what I could achieve.

“I knew my coach Richard and

unofficial girls’ team also played at the Tonie Carroll Cup and used it as an opportunity to play against some of South East Queensland’s highly regarded schools.

“They played four games –winning two of them and going within a try of two of the most renowned schools in Marsden

I had done everything we could to prepare – and every swimmer there could pull out personal best times.”

However, the Australian 14 Year Boys 50m butterfly record was a “massive surprise” as Max’s reaction on 9Now’s broadcast revealed.

He stopped the clock at 24.97 seconds, beating the 2013 record, set by Kyle Chalmers, now a World, Olympic and Commonwealth champion, by 0.27 of a second.

Max is also the youngest male swimmer in Australia to break 25 seconds for 50m butterfly.

“I knew I would be close to the time,” he said, “a low 25 seconds would have been good. At no point did I aim to go sub-25 seconds.”

doing the girls program for longer than us, so they’re a really promising group of girls,” Jay says.

The Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Trophy finals will take place on August 5, with the grand final on August 20.

For more information on excellence programs, visit

Nick Crockford

Swimmer Max Cunningham has qualified for next month’s Olympic Trials.

Nadia Chapman

Freier makes Matildas debut

right position, getting ready for the next action, defensively

Nick Crockford

Sharn Freier playing for the Matildas.

Photo: courtesty Football Australia

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• Gain a 400-word SEO-optimised business description (written by our team)

• Receive priority position in our website’s directory search function

• Increase monthly print directory listing to a medium or large directory advert (depending on package selection)

For rate card and advertising enquiries please contact:

• Clontarf

• Woody Point

• Margate

• Redcliffe

• Kippa-Ring

• Scarborough

• Newport

• Rothwell

FREE ENTRY

SATURDAY 25 MAY

GEORGE WILLMORE PARK 12-7PM

FERNY HILLS

LIVE MUSIC | KIDS ACTIVITIES | AMUSEMENT RIDES MARKETS | FOOD TRUCKS | FIREWORKS 7PM