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Redcliffe Hosts Walking Off The War Within to Support Veterans and First Responders

This May, veterans, first responders, and supporters will once again come together on the Redcliffe Peninsula for the fifth annual Walking Off The War Within.

Read: Major Seawall Renewal Begins Along Redcliffe Foreshore

Set for May 31, the community event encourages participants to unite in support of mental health awareness and to honour those who have served—particularly those who have struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Pelican Park (Photo credit: Amy Dhillon/Google Maps)

The walk begins at Clontarf’s Pelican Park, tracing the scenic foreshore to Scarborough and back. While the ultimate challenge involves walking 20 kilometres with a 20-kilogram pack, attendees are welcome to walk any distance they feel comfortable with, pack or no pack. The event is free, but participants can opt to make a donation during registration.

From Humble Beginnings to a Community Movement

Since its inception in 2021, the event has grown both in numbers and in impact. What started as a small gathering with minimal infrastructure has evolved into a major community event, complete with live music, shaded seating areas, and a growing network of mental health support organisations. These enhancements aim to create not just a physical journey, but an emotional and social one—helping participants feel connected, supported, and understood.

walking off the war — Photo credit: Walking Off The War Within Annual Event/Facebook

The walk serves a dual purpose: to raise funds for veteran and first responder support services, and to create a safe, inclusive environment where people can talk openly about mental health. Last year’s event drew over 350 participants and raised more than $3,000 for Trek2Health and SMEAC, two charities offering essential services for those in high-stress professions.

More than just a fundraiser, the event fosters a spirit of camaraderie. Participants are encouraged to engage with others along the route, turning the walk into an opportunity for meaningful connection. In doing so, it challenges the isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles and reminds people that they are not alone.

Walking Off The War Within was created in memory of Nathan Shanahan, a soldier and firefighter who walked more than 400 kilometres from Mildura to Adelaide in 2015 with a heavy pack to raise awareness for PTSD and depression. Although Nathan tragically took his own life in 2016, his mission has lived on, transforming into a nationwide movement that continues to grow in reach and relevance.

The event honours his legacy by inspiring everyday Australians to take part in something larger than themselves—one step at a time. Whether walking alone or alongside mates, family, or colleagues, every participant becomes part of a collective effort to support mental health and reduce stigma.

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

With each footstep along the Redcliffe foreshore, this gathering continues to build a stronger, more compassionate community—one where no one has to face their battles alone.

Published 21-April-2025

Major Seawall Renewal Begins Along Redcliffe Foreshore

Photo Credit: CrKarlWinchester/ Facebook

A significant $2.3 million renewal of the aging seawall at Charlish Park, Redcliffe, has commenced. The aim is to protect this popular section of foreshore from coastal hazards for the next century.

Project Details and Purpose

Work on the foreshore protection project started in March and involves replacing and upgrading about 90 metres of the reinforced concrete seawall located on Redcliffe Parade. The project also includes extending the sloped rock armour section of the wall and improving the shared path used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Council officials noted the upgrade was necessary as the original seawall, built over 70 years ago in the 1950s, is nearing the end of its functional life due to deterioration from the harsh marine environment and impacts from past weather events.

The Redcliffe Peninsula locals value their natural environment, prompting Council to run an extensive program to ensure coastal areas are future-proofed. So the renewed seawall is designed to provide 100 years of protection for the foreshore in front of Charlish Park, shielding the area from erosion and reducing the impact of wave overtopping.

The design also allows for future modifications to handle projected sea-level rises and more severe weather, ensuring long-term resilience.

Community Impact and Access

Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted that the city’s extensive coastlines and estuaries are major attractions, and their maintenance is a key part of the Council’s long-term coastal protection strategy for future generations. He acknowledged that the investment in the Charlish Park Seawall near the Redcliffe Jetty is vital for its longevity.

Council understands the work will cause some temporary inconvenience. The boardwalk and beach area immediately affected by the construction are closed to the public. Pedestrians needing to pass the area can use the footpath on Redcliffe Parade to detour around the worksite and still access Charlish Park.

Construction is expected to be completed later this year, depending on weather and site conditions. After the project is finished, Foreshore users will benefit from a new, safer footpath.

Future Foreshore Protection Plans

The Charlish Park project is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade foreshore areas across the Peninsula. Following the completion of the current works, Council has scheduled the renewal of the seawall at Crockatt Park in Woody Point to begin in the late 2025-26 period.

Published Date 18-April-2025

Resurgent Dolphins Host Storm at Suncorp Aiming to Break

Photo Credit: Australia Rugby

Back-to-back wins for the Dolphins will give them confidence for the visit of the Melbourne Storm on Good Friday at Suncorp, kick-off at 8:00 p.m.

The Hammer’s massive shift of 223 metres run, yielding a hat-trick of tries, was the cream on the cake against the Panthers. Jeremy Marshall-King’s 52 tackles, along with Max Plath’s 46, were the platform that enabled the Dolphins to overcome the Panthers’ bid for a fifth consecutive Premiership.

The Dolphins have played the Storm three times in the NRL and lost all three, so Woolf’s men will have a juicy incentive and a substantial underdog tag(bookies have the Dolphins at around $4.70).

The Storm currently sits second on the NRL ladder, having lost only one game in their first five games of the season.

Last week, they thumped the Warriors 42-14.

Kristian Woolf will field the same 17 that beat the Panthers last week. Ray Stone returns as the 18th man after serving his high-tackle suspension.

For the Storm, Jahrome Hughes has been passed fit after coming off at half-time last week with a Shoulder problem.

Moses Leo is out with a shoulder injury, Sua Fa’alogo starts on the wing, and Grant Anderson moves to the centres. Concussion concerns will keep Will Warbrick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona out of the squad.

Published Date 17-April-2025

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.