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Phins win over Titans – Now needs a favour from the former Ipswich Cop

Three tries in the first 11 minutes put the Dolphins in a great position at Suncorp on Sunday, but as easily as they went 18-0 ahead, they went in at half-time, 18 all.

Trai Fuller, Tebila Naufahu and the Hammer crossed the try line within the first 11 minutes, but the Titans then scored three unanswered tries through Brian Kelly. Jaylan De Groot and Kieran Foran, Jayden Campbell converted all the three tries for the Titans, matching Jamayne Isaako for the Dolphins.

Two early second-half tries for the Phins (Naufahu and Katoa), settled them down until AJ Brimson crossed for the Titans. Kodi Nikorima crossong for the Dolphins sixth try, pushing the game out to two scores until Jayden Campbell converted his own try in the 73rd minute, but the Dolphins held on.

Kristian Woolf said., “We took the pressure off them and put it on ourselves in the second half. Once we fixed that in the second half, things turned back in our favour.”

“Tre did some great things…..he’s just so brave, Kurt is exceptional, he’s been pretty crook all week, he hasn’t really trained with the group, so to go out and play the minutes he did and get shifted around, that try he set up in the centres, pretty great skill, then go back in the middle and do what he does there,
he’s a great player for us.”

Former Dolphins Coach Wayne Bennett needs to get the the Rabbitohs up over the Roosters to give the Phins a chance of making the 8, and the Phins would love him to win big. Meanwhile Woolf will be secretly hoping that the Raiders will rest some of their first team stars so that Kayo Stadium can deliver the Dolphins a “w” for the end of season finale!

Regarding Herbie Farnworth coming back next week, Kristian Woolf said there was a chance he could be back. He also backed Trai Fuller after a big performance against the Titans. “Hammer’s our full back but I’m sure we can find a place for Trai somewhere.”

Here’s the nitty gritty:

IF The Rabbitohs can beat the Roosters on Friday night
AND the Phins can beat the table-topping Raiders next Sunday afternoon at Kayo Stadium
AND The net points difference over the 2 games is more than 15 (e.g. the Rabbitohs win by 5 and the Phins win by 11
THEN the Phins will make the play-offs for the first time in their short NRL history.

Published 1-Sept-2025

Redcliffe Prepares for 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup in Olympic Lead-Up

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/LinkedIn

Redcliffe will stage the 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, with the international tournament set to boost Queensland’s sporting profile in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Background and Context

Australia will host the Women’s Softball World Cup for the first time since 1965, when the inaugural event was played in Melbourne and won by the national team. More than six decades later, the 2027 Finals are confirmed for Talobilla Park in Redcliffe.

The announcement strengthens the sport’s case for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Queensland has committed to covering costs if softball is added, as hosts are responsible for funding sports outside the International Olympic Committee’s 28 core disciplines.

Women’s Softball World Cup 2027 — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/LinkedIn*

Event Details

The Women’s Softball World Cup Finals will be held from April 5 to April 11, 2027. Eight of the world’s top national teams will compete, with organisers scheduling six days of competition across that seven-day window.

The tournament is regarded as the benchmark global softball event before the sport’s return to the Olympic program at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. While some describes it as part of the Olympic qualifying pathway, others frame it as the lead-up event ahead of LA 2028.

Temporary seating will be brought in for the 2027 tournament, alongside upgrades at Talobilla Park such as a new clubhouse. While no new venue is required, more extensive infrastructure may be needed if the sport is confirmed for Brisbane 2032.

Brisbane 2032 Olympics — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/LinkedIn*

Economic and Tourism Impact

The event is forecast to generate about $6.3 million in economic activity and more than 10,500 visitor nights. A global broadcast audience of roughly 60 million is anticipated, particularly from softball-strong nations such as Japan, South Korea and the United States.

The expected influx of visitors and media coverage is seen as a boost for local businesses and an incentive for further hotel investment in the Moreton Bay region before 2032.

Community and Sporting Growth

Hosting the World Cup provides the national women’s team, the Aussie Spirit, a chance to compete at home for the first time in over half a century. Former champions from 1965, including Margaret Swan, noted the significance for athletes chasing Olympic selection.

Softball Australia emphasised the opportunity to inspire the next generation of players, lift grassroots participation and highlight Redcliffe’s role in Australia’s sporting future.

Outlook

Redcliffe’s hosting of the 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals positions the city as a key stop on the pathway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, combining international competition, economic benefits and community impact.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Coastal Protection Project Planned at Woody Point

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A new seawall is planned for Crockatt Park in Woody Point to replace the ageing structure and strengthen coastal protection against erosion and storm impacts.

Background and Project Development

The existing seawall at Crockatt Park stretches from Woody Point Jetty to the nearby boat ramp but has deteriorated over time. A reference concept design was first completed in 2020, followed by detailed design works planned for completion in mid-2024. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025 and continue into 2026, providing an updated structure designed to meet modern engineering standards.

Woody Point seawall — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

New Seawall Design

The project involves replacing the current wall with a stepped concrete seawall designed for a 100-year lifespan. The new structure considers projected sea level rise and features steps that improve access to the foreshore while maintaining structural integrity during severe weather conditions.

Additional Measures

Further works are also proposed north of the Crockatt Park Boat Ramp. Sand nourishment will extend and widen the beach for recreation, while large buried sandbags will provide reinforcement during severe erosion events, protecting footpaths, car parks, and adjacent open spaces.

Testing and Validation

The proposed seawall design has undergone physical model testing at the Queensland Government Hydraulics Laboratory in Deagon. Engineers used controlled wave simulations to measure performance during extreme storm conditions, improving confidence that the structure will remain functional under future climate challenges.

Funding and Broader Context

The Crockatt Park project is part of a wider $15 million investment in Moreton Bay coastal defence initiatives. Funding support has been shared through the Disaster Ready Fund and Moreton Bay City Council.

Next Steps

Construction at Woody Point is expected to start in late 2025, with completion forecast in 2026. Once finished, the seawall will provide long-term coastal protection and improve public access to the shoreline.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Suttons Beach at the Heart of H.O.P.E.’s Mission for Moreton Bay’s Vulnerable

Photo Credit: HOPE - Helping Out People Equally/Facebook

Suttons Beach has become the front line of grassroots support in Moreton Bay, where a group of local volunteers are giving away food, clothing and essentials to people who have nowhere else to turn.

Expanding Reach Across the Region

H.O.P.E. (Helping Out People Equally) was founded by two grandmothers, Dee and Kylie, to support locals facing homelessness, cost-of-living pressures and family crises. Their pop-up stalls at Sutton’s Beach run every Thursday and Sunday, with free clothing, bedding, shoes and toiletries available to anyone in need.

*Photo Credit: HOPE – Helping Out People Equally/Facebook*

The group will also hold an event in Strathpine on Sunday, 31 August, at the Officeworks car park on Gympie Road, with free food, clothing, children’s activities and even low-cost hair trims from volunteer helpers.

Stories Behind the Need

The need for H.O.P.E.’s services shows hardship is widespread in Moreton Bay. Dee and Kylie said regular visitors include older residents in tents, women sleeping in cars for safety, and families struggling with rent. One man in his eighties, who lost toes to diabetes, only wished for a bed and a warm shower.

The organisers say such stories are common, and their outreach aims to provide comfort, dignity and relief without judgement.

From Donations to Not-for-Profit

What began with the two founders collecting donations in their own cars has now developed into a registered not-for-profit, supported by groups including Nourish Street Inc and Northwest Community Group Inc.

The team still faces practical challenges, particularly the need for a larger vehicle or storage space, but community donations and volunteer help are keeping the service alive.

A Safe Place for Connection

H.O.P.E.’s events offer more than clothing and food. They provide a safe space where people can sit, talk and connect. Visitors are invited to bring a chair, share a meal and spend time together.

Dee and Kylie say everyone is welcome, and locals can support the group through donations or by reaching out their Facebook page.

Published 25-August-2025

HomeFind Pilot to Support Redcliffe Women Facing Homelessness

In Redcliffe, a new approach to supporting women facing homelessness is preparing to take shape. The HomeFind pilot, led by community organisation Encircle, is designed to offer more than a temporary bed. It aims to provide stability, dignity and a pathway to long-term housing.

Read: Homelessness Support Hub Opens in Redcliffe

Encircle, which operates neighbourhood centres in Lawnton, Kallangur, and Redcliffe, has long been at the frontline of the housing crisis. Its staff and volunteers regularly see women over 55 struggling with insecure accommodation, forced to rely on short-term motel rooms or emergency placements. HomeFind seeks to bridge the gap between crisis shelters and permanent housing by creating four dedicated homes in the Moreton Bay region.

For up to 90 days, women will be able to live in a supportive environment while Encircle works with them to secure safe, permanent housing. Wraparound services will provide practical and emotional support, helping residents stabilise their lives during a difficult transition. Referrals will come through the Homeless Outreach Access Program, ensuring help reaches those most in need.

Redcliffe is already home to a network of community support. The recently opened Peninsula Support Hub, a $6.7 million facility, has brought together services such as The Breakfast Club and the Salvation Army under one roof. With HomeFind in the pipeline, the suburb is set to strengthen its role as a central point for addressing homelessness in the region.

Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

While housing shortages remain a pressing challenge across Moreton Bay, the pilot offers a new model of care. By focusing on women, who make up a significant portion of the local homeless population, the program highlights a vulnerable group often left behind in mainstream solutions.

Read: Redcliffe Peninsula Line: A Community on Track for Change

For Redcliffe residents, the project represents more than bricks and mortar. It is a community-led step towards tackling homelessness with compassion and practicality, ensuring women in crisis have not only a place to stay but a chance to rebuild.

Published 25-August-2025

Damaged Yacht Prompts Public Safety Advisory at Margate Beach

Residents and visitors at Margate Beach are being asked to keep their distance from a damaged yacht as local authorities work to secure the area.

Incident and Vessel Condition

Margate Beach in Redcliffe has become a safety concern after a yacht broke free from its mooring and ran aground. The damaged vessel, which had taken on water before beaching, raised worries about possible pollution and hazards.

*Photo Credit: Leonard J Matthews/Flickr*

Inspections found no fuel or oil leaks, but the hull sustained significant damage. Some items have already been removed from the yacht to reduce risks to the community.

Community Safety Measures

Council emphasised that residents and visitors should avoid approaching the grounded yacht to prevent injury. Maritime Safety Queensland has provided safety advice for skippers, including monitoring weather forecasts, planning trips early, and wearing lifejackets.

Beachgoers are being reminded that these measures are designed to protect both individuals and the wider community using the waterways.

Broader Concerns Over Abandoned Vessels

The grounding at Margate Beach reflects wider issues in Moreton Bay, where abandoned or improperly moored boats have frustrated residents for months. Council has issued notices to owners of vessels left in canals and continues to work with state agencies to ensure unseaworthy boats do not pose risks to navigation, the environment, or public safety.

In recent years, only a small number of vessels have been removed by Council, highlighting the challenges in managing waterways effectively.

Ongoing Monitoring and Community Involvement

Both the Council and Maritime Safety Queensland continue to monitor Margate Beach and surrounding waterways to prevent further incidents.

Residents are encouraged to report drifting or damaged vessels promptly, helping authorities maintain safe conditions along the foreshore. Local awareness and compliance play a key role in reducing hazards and preserving the beach for community enjoyment.

Published 19-August-2025

Billiards Champion Defends State Title in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: QBSA

Redcliffe’s Robbie Chilcott has successfully defended his Queensland State Billiards Championship title, continuing his winning run against the same opponent as last year.

Billiards Title Defence in Redcliffe

Robbie Chilcott, now based in Redcliffe, secured another Queensland State Billiards Championship at the Redlands RSL in August 2025. He defeated Hayden Goode in the final with a score of 631–163, repeating last year’s match-up. During the competition, Chilcott recorded two century breaks, registering 100 and 102.

Background of a Champion

Chilcott’s career in cue sports began at 17 at the Ulverstone RSL in Tasmania. Within five years, he won the North West Coast of Tasmania title and captained the state team in 1993. After years away from the sport, his return in Geelong brought multiple titles, including 13 consecutive singles billiards championships.

A pivotal change came in 2016 when former Australian Champion David Collins encouraged him to compete at higher levels. This led to national appearances, three Australian quarter-final finishes, and a current ranking of sixth in the country.

In January 2024, following treatment for skin cancer, Chilcott and his wife Heli sold their belongings in Geelong and travelled around Australia before settling in Redcliffe. Just weeks after arriving, he joined the local club and won his first Queensland title in July 2024 at the age of 53.

Redcliffe billiards — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Coaching and Redcliffe Snooker Club

In 2025, Chilcott achieved a World Professional Billiards Coaching accreditation and holds a current Working with Children blue card. He now provides free one-on-one or group coaching at the Redcliffe Snooker Club, with a focus on encouraging juniors.

The club is offering free membership to juniors and complimentary coaching for adult members. It also runs regular intra-club competitions and hosts national and international events. Located at 2A Irene Street, Redcliffe, the club continues to welcome new participants.

Community and Future Plans

Chilcott emphasises that billiards is a lifelong sport, with players active into their 80s. The Redcliffe Snooker Club is continuing efforts to bring in younger players and expand the sport’s reach.

With his state title secured and coaching role in place, Chilcott remains active in local and national competitions while contributing to the growth of billiards in Redcliffe.

Published 21-Aug-2025

Dolphins and Ausbuild Support Young Fan Through Redcliffe Hospital Initiative

Photo Credit: Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital/Facebook

An 11-year-old rugby league fan from Boondall has been honoured in Redcliffe after recovering from a serious head injury, with support from the Dolphins and Ausbuild.

Young Fan Recognised in Redcliffe

The Dolphins and Ausbuild came together to support 11-year-old Mateo, a young fan who can no longer play rugby league after a life-changing head injury. His resilience was highlighted at recent NRL events, supported through the Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital initiative.

Accident and Medical Discovery

Earlier this year, Mateo fell from his bike after briefly removing his helmet. The accident caused a fractured skull and a subdural haematoma. During his emergency care at Redcliffe Hospital, a CT scan revealed a Chiari malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. Swift medical intervention ensured his recovery, though his injury meant he could no longer play the sport he loved.

Dolphins NRL — *Photo Credit: Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital/Facebook*

Dolphins and Ausbuild Involvement

To acknowledge his bravery, Ausbuild and the Dolphins invited Mateo to the Captain’s Run before the club’s clash with the Broncos on 15 August 2025. He met several players, including his favourite, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and received a signed jersey. His younger brother, also a keen supporter, was gifted a jersey. The previous week, Mateo formed part of the Guard of Honour for the team’s match against the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium. Complimentary tickets were also provided for his family.

Family Challenges and Community Support

The recognition came during a difficult year for Mateo’s family. Two of his siblings required medical treatment, one for meningioma and another for eye surgery. His grandmother works as an Emergency Department nurse across Redcliffe Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Despite these challenges, the Dolphins and Ausbuild experiences provided a moment of encouragement for the family.

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital is an initiative of the RBWH Foundation, designed to celebrate patients, staff, and the community while raising funds for research, medical equipment, and hospital services. Ausbuild supported the program during the Dolphins’ match against the Roosters, where 150 community guests attended.

Role of Redcliffe Hospital

Established in 1965, Redcliffe Hospital has served the community for more than five decades and is part of the Metro North Hospital and Health Service. The 250-bed facility handles more than 63,000 emergency presentations annually and provides services including surgery, maternity, rehabilitation, and paediatric care. The Raise it for Redcliffe initiative helps fund new technology, equipment, and medical research, ensuring continued patient support across the region.

Looking Ahead

Mateo’s recognition illustrates how community partnerships with the Dolphins and Ausbuild not only celebrate resilience but also highlight the continuing role of Redcliffe Hospital in supporting families across South East Queensland.

Published 21-Aug-2025

‘Think before you flush’: Redcliffe and Clontarf Among Worst Suburbs for Wastewater Blockages

Redcliffe and Clontarf have been named among the top wastewater blockage hotspots in Unitywater’s latest report, with residents urged to think carefully about what they flush down the toilet or wash down the sink.

Read: Unitywater and Sunshine Coast Lightning Launch Community Partnership in Redcliffe

The two suburbs featured in Unitywater’s top ten list of blockages for 2024/25, with Redcliffe recording 92 blockages and Clontarf 90 over the past year.

Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Delivery, Rhett Duncan, said household habits were a major factor behind the problem.

Blocked pump in Unitywaters wastewater network (Photo supplied)

“The only things that are ok to flush down the toilet are pee, poo and toilet paper,” Mr Duncan said.

“Toilet paper is manufactured specifically to breakdown in water within 30 seconds, unlike tissues and paper towel which are marketed for their strength, or wet wipes which often contain plastics.

“These unflushables can combine with fats and oils to create large lumps that block the pipes under your house, the wastewater pipes under your street, or clog the pumps that are meant to be pushing this wastewater to a treatment plant.

Wet wipes, oils, fats, paper towels and other items that shouldn’t be flushed or put down the sink mix together causing blockages in Unitywater’s wastewater network (Photo supplied)

“When there’s a blockage in the pipe, the next flush could cause it all to come back up through your bathroom floor drains in a big smelly mess, and no one wants to have to clean that up.”

Other Moreton Bay suburbs also featured prominently on the list, including Caboolture (134 blockages), Narangba (89) and Deception Bay (82). Together with Redcliffe and Clontarf, these areas accounted for almost a quarter of all blockages reported across the wider Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions.

Unitywater has urged households to keep small bins in bathrooms, avoid rinsing food scraps into sinks, and collect cooking oils in jars to dispose of in the bin. Mr Duncan said simple steps could save homes from costly damage and prevent sewage overflows in streets.
“Pre-wipe pots and pans with paper towel before doing the washing up and keep a jar under the sink to collect larger amounts of used cooking oil and put it in the bin once it’s full,” he said.
“Use a sink strainer to redirect those vegie scraps, coffee grinds and egg shells, which are great in a compost or green waste bin, along with expired milk which can be put onto garden beds.”

Read: It’s Not the Sewers: Redcliffe’s Rotten Egg Smell Explained

Find out more about the hidden problems in the wastewater network at www.unitywater.com/creatures.

Published 19-August-2025

Redcliffe Couple Fined $11K, Banned from Owning Pets After Cruelty Case

A Redcliffe couple has been fined a total of $11,000 and banned from owning animals for five years after their two malnourished dogs were seized by RSPCA Western Australia (WA) inspectors.

Read: Redcliffe Tragedy Prompts Push for Mandatory Lifejackets with Tether Points

The 40-year-old woman and her 38-year-old partner were each fined $2000 for animal cruelty and $1500 for failing to comply with written directions from inspectors. They were also ordered to pay more than $1200 in costs.

RSPCA WA began investigating after receiving a cruelty report in September 2024 about the couple’s two dogs, Misty and Brooklyn, both Staffy crosses. Inspectors who attended the property found the animals underweight and offered the owners feeding advice, food, and the option to surrender the dogs if they were unable to care for them.

When the offer was declined, the pair were issued with written directions to ensure the animals were provided with sufficient food and water. These instructions were ignored, and the dogs were later seized and taken to RSPCA’s Malaga facility.

Veterinary examinations revealed both animals were significantly underweight, with Brooklyn also mildly dehydrated. They were so desperate for food that they had to be sedated before being examined. Misty and Brooklyn were also found to have ear infections and dental fractures requiring treatment.

The court heard that the poor body condition of both dogs was due to inadequate nutrition. Under RSPCA care, Misty gained more than six kilograms in eight weeks and Brooklyn nearly nine kilograms in 14 weeks. Both continue to recover in foster care and have been permanently forfeited to the organisation.

“In foster care, life turned around for these pooches. With proper feeding, rest, and plenty of love, Misty gained 6.3 kg in just eight weeks, and Brooklyn put on 8.9 kg in 14 weeks. Today, both continue to recover in the safety and comfort of their foster homes,” the RSPCA WA shared through a Facebook post.

Magistrate Brionie Ayling noted that the couple had been struggling with their own circumstances but stressed this did not reduce the seriousness of the neglect. She said they were in no position to be caring for animals and had left the dogs to fend for themselves.

RSPCA WA said the case showed how some owners still failed their pets despite being offered support and alternatives. The organisation emphasised that the failure to provide basic food and water was unacceptable and that the court’s decision reflected this.

Read: Man Sentenced For Kippa-Ring Crash That Killed Beloved Grandmother

The couple was convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. While their penalties were significant, the court noted the maximum penalty for animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.

The RSPCA has urged the public to continue reporting cases of suspected cruelty and neglect through its 24-hour hotline 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358).

Published 18-August-2025