Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 19 of 56

Redcliffe Padres: Nation’s Largest Baseball Club Driven by Local Families

Photo Credit: Redcliffe Leagues Padres Baseball Club/ Facebook

The Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club on the Redcliffe Peninsula is Australia’s largest single-season baseball club. It is built on a deep community history involving local families across generations.

Australia’s Largest Club

Redcliffe Padres provides many options for players, entering teams in every available competition suitable for different ages and abilities. This commitment has seen the organisation recognised as the Greater Brisbane League’s (GBL) Junior and Senior Club of the Year for both the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons. The club’s size reflects its strong presence within the local sporting community.

Generational Family Ties

The strong community focus is clear in families like the Lands and the Nilssons, who together have over 100 years of involvement in baseball, mostly with the Padres. Keith Land stated that baseball is a significant family activity for them, with multiple family members present supporting games on Saturdays.

His son David coaches the Little League Major team Keith assists with, which includes Keith’s 11-year-old grandson Jaxon. Similarly, the Nilsson family’s connection runs deep, from Hall of Famer Bob Nilsson to his son Jay and grandson Van. Jay Nilsson noted that his daughter Willow had also recently enjoyed playing her first season.

A Long History in Redcliffe

While the club marked 30 years on the peninsula in the 2022-23 season under its current structure, its roots go back much further. Redcliffe baseball began over 60 years ago when American ex-serviceman Chuck Carroll founded a senior club in 1948, later known as the Redcliffe Whitesox.

Junior baseball was initially based at the Redcliffe Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC). When the PCYC could no longer support junior baseball in 1991, the senior club joined forces with the juniors. A committee decided to re-brand baseball on the peninsula, and on 16 December 1991, the Peninsula Padres Baseball Club Incorporated was formed, inspired by the San Diego Padres. Key figures in this transition included Jason Pascoe, Brett Bates, and Darryl Bates. A major step forward came in the 2004-2005 season when the club moved to its dedicated fields at Talobilla Park, allowing space to grow.

Key Milestones and Honours

*Photo Credit:* *Redcliffe Leagues Padres Baseball Club/ Facebook*

Throughout its history, the club and its members have achieved significant success. Bob Nilsson is the first Australian player in the modern era to sign a professional contract with a Major League Baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, and was later inducted into the national Hall of Fame. His son Jay played for the minor league Cleveland Indians from 2006 and won rookie of the year honours for Queensland’s Claxton Shield team in 2007.

Lisa Kirby became the club’s first female representative on the Australian Women’s Baseball team following the 2002-2003 season. Daniel Nilsson represented Australia in the World Youth Baseball Championship in 2009-2010. The club earned national recognition when named Australian Baseball Club of the Year for 2009 (jointly with Doncaster Baseball Club).

Team successes include numerous premierships across different grades, such as the first Major’s title in the foundation year 1992-1993, the first Under 14 Junior premiership in 1998-1999 (coached by Bob Nilsson), and multiple A-Grade Commissioners Cup wins. Facility development continued with the construction of an indoor batting cage during the 2013-14 season.

Focus on Community Growth

The club emphasises that its strength is built on community, friendship, and the hard work of many volunteers over the years. Redcliffe Padres continue to produce players, umpires, and officials who proudly represent the club at regional, state, national, and international levels.

Recent seasons before 2017 saw continued success, with multiple junior and senior teams winning premierships. This highlights the ongoing development and competitive spirit within the Redcliffe Padres organisation.

Published Date 14-April-2025

Redcliffe Bus Driver “Miss Frangipani” Named Top Queensland Driver

Photo Credit: YouTube / TranslinkQLD

Isapela “Bella” Tuimavave Leaupepe, known to her passengers as “Miss Frangipani,” has been named South East Queensland’s top bus driver in the prestigious 2024 Translink awards. The popular Hornibrook Bus Lines driver has been a fixture on the Redcliffe Peninsula’s public transport network for over two decades.

Known for the trademark flower she wears in her hair, Leaupepe emerged victorious from a competitive field of more than 1,300 nominees across Queensland. She received her award—consisting of a trophy and $1,000 prize—at the Queensland Bus Industry Council’s annual ceremony held in Cairns last Saturday.

The great-grandmother has been driving buses throughout the Redcliffe Peninsula for 23 years, becoming well-known for her positive energy and friendly demeanour. Her consistent efforts to create a welcoming environment for passengers have now earned her recognition at the highest level of her profession.

Dr. Deborah Hume, Head of Translink, praised all finalists as representing “some of the finest bus drivers in Queensland,” noting that their recognition “is testament to the exceptional service and dedication provided to their passengers and community.”

The awards, determined by public vote after narrowing the extensive nomination pool to nine finalists across three categories, also honoured Bus Queensland drivers Sam Davison as Regional Bus Driver of the Year and Allan Humphrey as School Bus Driver of the Year, both from Toowoomba.

For Leaupepe, who expressed being “overwhelmed” by the honour, the recognition caps an impressive career of service to the Redcliffe community. She encouraged others to consider driving buses, calling it “a beautiful job.”

Published 14-April-2025

Talobilla Park to Become Home of $4.8M Clubhouse for Redcliffe Softball Community

Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook

A major upgrade at Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring will deliver a brand-new $4.8 million clubhouse for the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, supporting hundreds of players and volunteers who rely on the local grounds each season.

A Boost for Local Sport

Construction is set to begin in mid-2025 and take around 12 months, with funding shared by the City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.

*Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook*

The clubhouse will feature change rooms, a clubroom, a kitchen, and other key facilities, creating a central, accessible space for games, training, and events for over 700 members.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the upgrade reflects the region’s growth and the council’s push to keep local sport facilities up to standard, adding it could attract higher-level competitions and boost local business.

Designed for Inclusion and Growth

More than $2.4 million in federal funding has been committed to the project. Senator Anthony Chisholm said the new clubhouse will give people of all ages more opportunities to stay active and socially connected.

Division 5 Councillor Sandra Ruck said the clubhouse will support local clubs as the region grows and recognises the ongoing efforts of weekend volunteers in grassroots sport.

Meeting Community Needs

The project is part of a broader plan to upgrade sport venues across Moreton Bay, with Talobilla Park set to play a key role in meeting current and future demand for softball and baseball.

The Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, which has served the community for many years, will gain a much-needed upgrade to continue supporting players, families, and the next generation of athletes.

Published 14-April-2025

Redcliffe Softball Community Scores Major Clubhouse Upgrade

Photo Credit: SenAnthonyChisholm/Facebook

Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association will soon benefit from a $4.8 million clubhouse at Talobilla Park. Construction is set to deliver upgraded facilities for hundreds of players, volunteers, and visitors across the region.

The new clubhouse will be built at Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring, with construction expected to commence by mid-2025. Jointly funded by the City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Government, each contributing $2.4 million, the project was supported by the Thriving Suburbs Program—an infrastructure initiative supporting urban and suburban communities nationwide.

Significant Sporting Hub for Redcliffe and Beyond

The Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association currently supports over 700 members, and the new clubhouse is designed to enhance the experience for players, officials, and spectators alike. The facility will include two changing rooms, an umpire room, amenities, a first aid room, internal storage, a clubroom, an office, and a kitchen.

Talobilla Park is already considered a vital sporting precinct for Redcliffe and the broader Moreton Bay region. Officials say the facility is not only important for local residents who are passionate about softball but also acts as a drawcard for teams visiting from outside the area.

The project is expected to increase Redcliffe’s capacity to host high-profile sporting events and strengthen its role as a key location for softball and baseball competitions across South East Queensland.

Backed by All Levels of Government

Federal official Anthony Chisholm reinforced the importance of community sports infrastructure in fostering local engagement. He noted that facilities like Talobilla Park provide space for residents and visitors to come together, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of community sport.

Thriving Suburbs Program — *Photo Credit: SenAnthonyChisholm/Facebook*

City authorities have also said the delivery of this infrastructure will support the sustainability of grassroots clubs, enable larger-scale events, and attract even more people to the sport.

Construction Timeline and Completion

The build is expected to take approximately 12 months, with completion anticipated by mid-2026. Once open, the upgraded facility will serve as a regional hub for community sport and a boost to Redcliffe’s growing profile in competitive softball.

Published 11-Apr-2025

Redcliffe Prepares for Good Friday Pop-Up Market Celebration

The Redcliffe community is preparing for a large-scale Easter celebration this Good Friday. Redcliffe Markets hosts special two-day events along Redcliffe Parade featuring numerous stalls, food options, family entertainment, and race-viewing opportunities.

Event Details

Organisers have planned market days for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, providing ample opportunity for residents and visitors to join the festivities. Both market days will run from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm along Redcliffe Parade. The location also offers vantage points for viewing the start of the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race as the vessels head out on Good Friday.

Market Attractions

Over 200 stallholders are expected across the two days, showcasing a diverse range of products. Shoppers can explore handmade goods from local artisans, including bespoke fashion items, unique homewares, and potential Easter gifts.

Alongside the artisan stalls, a wide selection of gourmet food and street eats will be available. Food trucks will offer savoury options like Korean-style corn dogs, gourmet sausages, South American empanadas, and Philly cheesesteaks. Sweet treats will also be plentiful, with choices such as fairy floss, specialty sodas, home-baked cookies, soft serve ice cream, and various chocolate delights.

Family Fun and Entertainment

The Easter markets aim to provide a fun experience for all ages. The Easter Bunny is scheduled to make special appearances on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for meet-and-greets, offering families a chance for photos. A returning favourite, the Redcliffe Markets Easter Scavenger Hunt, will challenge participants to follow clues or gather stamps from different stallholders.

Completing the hunt gives entry into a draw for a prize. Live music and other entertainment will contribute to a lively market atmosphere throughout the events, and children’s arts and crafts activities are also planned, particularly for the Good Friday market. Organisers encourage the community to gather family and friends for what they describe as an exceptional weekend event.

Published Date 11-April-2025

Fishers reel in early autumn bounty across Moreton Bay after cyclone

Fishing spots across Moreton Bay have surged with activity after Cyclone Alfred churned up the coastline, sparking changes in water clarity and salinity that are already drawing in bream, flathead and tailor, along with eager locals looking to land a catch.

Waterways come alive after the rains

Late March’s storm flushed freshwater into estuaries from Redcliffe to Bramble Bay, stirring bait and drawing bream, flathead and tailor into the shallows. Locals report stronger-than-usual catches near creek mouths and the Ted Smout Bridge.

Cyclone Alfred has stirred up fishing across Moreton Bay, from the upper Pine River to Moreton Island’s rocky edges. Bream are biting near Clontarf and Scarborough at dawn, while flathead are holding near drains. Mulloway are active in deeper holes, especially on the run-out tide.

Blue swimmer crabs are turning up in solid numbers off Brighton and Redcliffe, while mud crabs are on the move through Deception Bay’s creeks. Locals say pots dropped near mangroves have been especially fruitful.

From jetties to reefs, locals finding their stride

Redcliffe reefs and Moreton Island ledges are producing grass sweetlip, squire and javelin fish on the tide change, with estuary cod near structure. Banana prawns are still around Bramble and Deception Bays, especially near tidal drains and creek mouths.

*Photo Credit:* *Whiplash Fishing/Facebook*

Land-based fishers are seeing tailor return near the Ted Smout Bridge and Clontarf at dusk on high tide. Despite cyclone shifts, whiting, dart and bream are feeding in clearer spots off northern Moreton Island.

Offshore options slowly settling

Offshore fishing has fired up as conditions improve, with snapper and pearl perch active on deeper reefs and Spanish mackerel now being caught near Cape Moreton. The one-per-person or two-per-boat limit remains in place.

Though offshore waters are improving, hazards remain. Locals urge caution, warning of submerged debris, shifting sandbars, and hidden snags near launch sites.

Safety reminders and local know-how

The cyclone left behind debris, shifting sands and hazards, especially in river mouths and creeks and fishers are urged to stay alert. Invasive tilapia have also been spotted and must be killed and properly disposed of under Queensland law.

Tackle shops across Redcliffe, Sandgate and Deception Bay are busy with locals seeking the latest bait, gear and location advice. Staff say the cyclone’s impact has reshaped conditions and opened up new opportunities for switched-on fishers ready to adjust.

Published 11-April-2025

Dolphins Hope to End Suncorp Hoodoo Against Struggling Panthers

Last week’s convincing first win of the season at the Titans 36-10 will bring the Dolphins renewed energy when they run out at Suncorp on Thursday night to host the disastrous Panthers.

Kristian Woolf did a great job of mental preparation that led to four unanswered tries in the first 63 minutes of the game. The Dolphins defence only being breached for the first time in the 69th minute when the game had already been decided.

The Dolphins as a unit made more tackles (352) than the Titans (337), despite dominating on attack. Max Plath led the way with 44 tackles.

Meanwhile the Dolphins ran 1974m to the Titans 1451m, an emphatic difference that ground the Titans defence to a pulp.

The five Dolphins tries came from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on nine mins, Daniel Saifiti on 24 mins, Max Plath on 58 mins, Connelly Lemuelu on 63 mins and Jamayne Isaako on 78 mins.

Coming off the back of Herbie Farnworth’s 63m made post contact along with the Hammer and Isaiya Katoa taking strong ground, Katoa making a combined 193m and the Hammer making a combined 190m.

Now did the Panthers ever envisage they would be joint wooden spooners after five games of the 2025 season?

Four consecutive losses (first such run since 2019) to the Roosters (32-38), the Storm (30-24), the Rabbitohs (28-18) and last week hosting the Cowboys (18-22), would seem to be a great time to be playing them. However, the narrow losses suggest that a small improvement by Ivan Cleary’s men would make them favourites at Suncorp, so Woolf will need to have the Phins ready for a massive first half. The Panthers have won nine of their last 10 games at Suncorp.

Ray Stone accepted an early guilty plea for a high tackle so will miss the game and Tom Gilbert comes back in for the Dolphins.

Mark Nichols will move to the Interchange. Max Plath will play Lock and Felise Kaufusi will start in the front row.

Dylan Edwards, Luke Sommerton and Scott Sorensen return for the Panthers.

In his last three games against the Panthers, the Hammer has scored 4 tries.

Buckle up as Ray Hadley would say!

Kick off is at 7:50 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on Nine, Kayo and Foxtel.

Redcliffe Dolphins Talent Selected for Queensland U17 City Honours

Photo Credit: Redcliffe Dolphins</span

Several talented young rugby league players and a key development manager from the Redcliffe Dolphins have earned selection for Queensland’s important Under 17 City representative teams.

Statewide Pathway Event

The selections are for the upcoming Under 17 City versus Country matches, recognised as the first step in the Queensland Rugby League’s representative pathway for players eligible for State of Origin. These fixtures are more than just games; they are part of a comprehensive selection experience.

The chosen players and performance staff will gather for a four-day camp involving training sessions and educational programmes covering nutrition, career options, and understanding the core values associated with the Queensland Maroons identity.

The matches provide a platform for emerging talent identified through the Harvey Norman Under 17 girls’ and Cyril Connell Cup boys’ competitions. The girls’ City versus Country game is scheduled to kick off at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, 16 April, followed by the boys’ match at 1:00 p.m. Both games will be held at Totally Workwear Stadium.

Dolphins Stars Selected

The Redcliffe Dolphins club is prominently featured in the City squad selections. Sinalei Tupu, an impressive fullback from the Dolphins’ Under-17 Women’s team known for her scoring ability and strong defence, has been named in the 2025 squad.

Bond Bradley, a winger who played a crucial role in the Redcliffe Dolphins’ 2024 Cyril Connell Cup grand final victory, was selected for the 2025 Under-17 City male team, with his selection announced on 4 April, 2025.

Their selections follow previous honours for clubmates like Lilliana Nati, who was part of a notable group of five Dolphins selected for the 2024 Under-17 City girls squad. This indicates the club’s consistent development strength.

Club Commitment to Development

These player selections highlight the ongoing success of the Redcliffe Dolphins’ focus on nurturing local talent. Steve Crawford, the club’s Recruitment and Development Manager, plays an instrumental part in this process through talent identification and player development initiatives. His contributions extend beyond club duties, including facilitating equipment donations to clubs in Papua New Guinea and previously co-developing a rugby league programme at Redcliffe State High School in 2016.

Reflecting his expertise, Crawford has also been appointed as an Assistant Coach for one of the representative teams involved in the City versus Country programme. The Redcliffe Dolphins club, established in 1947 and a multiple-time Queensland Cup winner, continues demonstrating its commitment to fostering rugby league talent from the grassroots level upwards.

Published Date 07-April-2025

Unitywater and Sunshine Coast Lightning Launch Community Partnership in Redcliffe

The Sunshine Coast Lightning netball club and Unitywater have started their fourth year of community partnership, launching their 2025 program in Redcliffe. The program focuses on supporting local netball and encouraging people to ‘Drink Tap’ for health and hydration.

Partnership Kick-off

The 2025 partnership between the water utility and the professional netball team was launched recently at a community event at The Breakfast Club Redcliffe. Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Engagement, Joshua Zugajev, stated that both organisations strongly commit to helping build healthy and active communities.

He noted that Unitywater was proud to continue as the club’s Community Partner into 2025. Mr Zugajev emphasised that community and people are central to Unitywater’s operations, as their staff live and work within the same local areas.

Community Support Initiatives

The partnership aims to make a positive difference throughout the year across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa regions. A key focus will be supporting grassroots netball clubs and associations in these areas. Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds expressed enthusiasm for continuing the strong relationship with Unitywater and highlighted their shared goal of supporting local netball organisations.

This will also see the annual Unitywater Lightning Cup expansion for schools, extending the event to two days to meet the strong interest from across the region.

Promoting Sustainability

Another important part of the collaboration is encouraging the community to drink tap water and reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles. Mr Zugajev confirmed that the partnership will continue promoting fresh and safe tap water. Ms Reynolds noted that Unitywater’s ‘Drink Tap’ van is familiar at Lightning home games at UniSC Arena, providing free water refills.

She added that fans are encouraged to follow the team’s example by bringing reusable bottles to games to stay hydrated. Unitywater stainless steel bottles will be available from local netball associations for a gold coin donation for those without a bottle.

Published Date 02-April-2025

Redcliffe Tigers Honour Houghton with New Clubhouse Naming

Photo Credit: Redcliffe Tigers AFC/Facebook

The Redcliffe Tigers have honoured the late James Houghton, a passionate supporter and long-time advocate for the club, by naming their new clubhouse after him. The “James Houghton Clubhouse” recognises his significant contributions to the Tigers and the wider Redcliffe community.

A Lasting Tribute to a Devoted Supporter

The Redcliffe Tigers have officially named their new clubhouse after James Houghton, who passed away in 2023 while on holiday in New Zealand. Mr Houghton, known for his unwavering support, played a key role in securing the Tigers’ current home at Nathan Road, which replaced their previous flood-prone ground at Rothwell.

The naming ceremony took place on 22 March, with notable attendees including local officials Peter Flannery, Sandra Ruck and Karl Winchester. Mr Flannery praised Mr Houghton’s dedication, highlighting his instrumental role in advocating for the Nathan Road Sporting Complex, built in 2020. The new facility was developed with $18.8 million in funding from the Moreton Bay Regional Council, which aimed to provide a state-of-the-art space for local AFL.

Honouring a Community Leader

James Houghton’s contributions to Redcliffe extended beyond sport. He served as a councillor for 19 years, initially with Redcliffe City Council in the 1970s and later with Moreton Bay Regional Council from 2008 to 2020. Known for his straightforward and dedicated approach, Mr Houghton was instrumental in advocating for local infrastructure projects, including the development of the Nathan Road Sports Complex.

Nathan Road Sports Complex — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

During his time in office, Mr Houghton was an advocate for community sports and infrastructure improvements. In 2019, he actively sought $3.2 million for the next phase of the Nathan Road Sports Complex, aiming to enhance sporting facilities for the Redcliffe community. The facility now includes an AFL oval the size of the MCG, multipurpose fields, and a modern clubhouse.

Beyond his political career, Mr Houghton had a strong connection to local sports. In the 1960s, he played rugby league for the Redcliffe Dolphins and was part of the 1965 premiership-winning team. His passion for community sport and dedication to local development made him a respected figure throughout Redcliffe.

Community Celebration

The tribute coincided with the annual Councillors Cup, the traditional opening event of the AFL season. The Tigers secured a narrow victory against Moreton Bay. They won by four points (10-7-67 to 9-9-63). The day also featured matches from the Under 17 Boys’, Under 17 Girls’, and Reserves teams.

*Photo Credit: Redcliffe Tigers AFC/Facebook*

The event attracted a large crowd, including past players and Mr Houghton’s family. The club expressed gratitude to the many volunteers and sponsors who made the day possible.

Redcliffe Tigers Clubhouse — *Photo Credit: Redcliffe Tigers AFC/Facebook*

A Lasting Legacy

With the new clubhouse bearing his name, Mr Houghton’s legacy will continue to inspire the Redcliffe Tigers and the broader community for years to come. The club remains proud of the enduring mark one of its most dedicated supporters left.

Published 2-Apr-2025