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Redcliffe Dolphins Talent Selected for Queensland U17 City Honours

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

New Lighting Upgrade Enhances Racing Safety in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Racing Queensland

Redcliffe has unveiled a major lighting upgrade at its Paceway, delivering improved visibility and enhanced safety for horses and participants.

Redcliffe Paceway is now operating under new broadcast-quality lighting, following a $6 million infrastructure upgrade funded by the State through the Racing Infrastructure Fund. The improvements are expected to enhance both safety and visibility at one of the State’s busiest harness racing venues.

Redcliffe Paceway lighting upgrade — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Key Venue for Queensland Racing

The Redcliffe Harness Racing Club, known for its distinctive ‘Triangle’ track, hosts nearly half of Queensland’s annual harness racing meetings. The site accommodates approximately 300 horses for training and trials each week, with racing under lights being a signature feature of the venue.

The lighting upgrade is part of a broader strategy to modernise racing facilities across the state. Authorities have pledged to carry out what it describes as the most comprehensive review of racing infrastructure in Queensland’s history.

Technical Improvements and Industry Impact

The state-of-the-art lighting aims to improve the quality of night race broadcasts and support safer trackwork during early morning hours. The State highlighted the broader economic significance of the industry, noting that harness racing contributes $232 million to the Queensland economy.

The state spokesperson said the lighting upgrade would not only improve animal and participant welfare but also strengthen the reputation of the Redcliffe facility as a premier harness racing venue.

Redcliffe Harness Racing Club President Mark McNee described the lighting as a “game changer”, emphasising the improvement in safety conditions for both horses and trainers.

Part of Statewide Review into Racing

The upgrade aligns with the broader Queensland Racing Review, which launched in 2025. The independent review aims to ensure long-term sustainability of the state’s three racing codes—thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound—while upholding integrity and animal welfare standards.

Key focus areas of the review include financial sustainability, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement. Industry stakeholders are invited to provide feedback through a public discussion paper, with submissions open until 7 April 2025.

*Photo Credit: Redcliffe Harness Racing Club/Facebook*

HAVE YOUR SAY

Looking Ahead: Major Events at Redcliffe

Redcliffe is set to host several high-profile events in the coming months, including the Trot Rods series in April and the premier race meeting of the Queensland Constellations in June. Featured races will include the $100,000 Group 2 Redcliffe Gold Cup, alongside the Redcliffe Derby and Oaks.

Published 29-Mar-2025

Jukebox Jet Ends Long Drought with Emotional Win

Photo Credit: Racing Queensland

In a significant result from Redcliffe’s Monday racing card, eight-year-old gelding Jukebox Jet returned to the winner’s circle after a nearly four-year drought, giving hobby trainer Jeff Regazzoli and his daughter Racheal Stanton a win to celebrate.

The Caboolture-based father-daughter training team has shown remarkable patience with the pacer, maintaining faith despite Jukebox Jet going winless since June 2021. Their perseverance paid off with a breakthrough victory at the Redcliffe “Triangle” track on Monday evening.

“It was good, we enjoyed it as it was a long-time coming,” said Regazzoli. “It was excellent.”

The win carries added significance as Jukebox Jet’s previous victory—in late June 2021—came on the very night Regazzoli purchased the horse from former trainer Ron Sallis, with Lachie Manzelmann driving on that occasion.

The victory marks just the third win in Jukebox Jet’s 71-race career, highlighting the challenges of racehorse ownership and the rewards that come with development.

For the Regazzoli-Stanton stable based in Caboolture, this win represents more than just a racing result—it’s a testament to their partnership and dedication through challenging times.

Published 26-March-2025

Redcliffe Hospital Expansion Continues Amidst State-Wide Funding Concerns

Photo Credit: Multiplex

Residents are being assured that Redcliffe Hospital’s expansion, promising around 204 new beds, will proceed despite a state-wide hospital program facing a potential $6 billion budget increase.

State-Wide Hospital Program Under Scrutiny

Redcliffe Hospital Expansion — *Photo Credit:* *ANZIP*

The Queensland government’s plan to boost hospital capacity, known as the Capacity Expansion Program (CEP), is under review due to concerns about escalating costs. Originally budgeted at $9.78 billion, the program, which includes the Redcliffe Hospital expansion, is now estimated to cost $16 billion.

The CEP, launched in 2022 by the previous government, aims to deliver 2,200 extra hospital beds across the state by 2028. This includes new hospitals in areas such as Bundaberg, Toowoomba, and Coomera and expansions of existing facilities like Redcliffe Hospital.

Redcliffe Expansion Remains a Priority

Health Minister Tim Nicholls confirmed that the Redcliffe Hospital expansion and other key projects will continue. This assurance came after concerns were raised about potential delays and funding shortfalls. The expansion is crucial to the government’s plan to address the growing demand for healthcare services in the region. The project is set to deliver approximately 204 additional beds to the Redcliffe Hospital. The government acknowledged that the original budget for the whole CEP program was insufficient.

Funding and Timing Concerns

The government is assessing the funding required to complete the CEP projects, including the Redcliffe expansion. Despite the increased costs, they are working to ensure the projects are delivered as efficiently as possible. The government stated that delays had already happened under the previous Labor government.

The opposition has expressed concern about the potential impact of funding issues on the timely completion of the projects. They emphasised that the Redcliffe expansion is a vital project for the community and should not be delayed.

Community Impact

The Redcliffe community is closely watching the development of the hospital expansion. The extra beds are anticipated to alleviate pressure on existing hospital services and improve residents’ access to healthcare. The government has stressed its commitment to delivering the necessary healthcare infrastructure for all Queenslanders, including those in Redcliffe.

Published Date 25-March-2025

Dolphins v Broncos — The Battle of Brisbane

Dolphins fans will be desperately hoping that last season’s Round 26 “Battle of Brisbane” repeats itself, after a tough start to the reason that leaves them winless after three games.

The opening round loss was a tough arm wrestle with Issiah Tass’s 67th minute try cancelling the Dolphins lead after Max Plath went over to put the Dolphins ahead.

Last week the Phins led against the Wests Tigers 18-12 at half-time, a crucial easy goal kick was turned down in the second half “I allowed them to play some footy” said coach Kristian Woolf.

Max Plath led the tackle count with 45 whilst Herbie Farnworth ran for 209 metres, while making 8 tackle breaks and 3 offloads, leading to a try and an assist.

“It gives us something to get excited about”, said Woolf about the Broncos clash.

Surely re-runs of last year’s round 26 will be on the agenda, to gee the boys up.

Kevvy Walters’s team had not played their best footy at that stage but they were not ready for the marauding phins to rip them apart, 2 tries each from The Hammer, Herbie Farmworth and Jake Averillo with Jermayne Isaako starting the rout in the 13th minute.

The 4 tries in the first half despite Felise Kaufusi going to the bin in the 17th minute, though Xavier Willison also had a 10 minute rest on the sidelines after 30 minutes.

All five try scorers will start on Friday night at Suncorp, as Kristian Woolf puts out an unchanged 17 from last week.

Street Library Resumes Operation in Redcliffe After Permit Obstacle

Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram

A community street library in Redcliffe has reopened with a new setup after an objection forced its temporary closure.

Initial Launch and Council Intervention

A grassroots street library, initially placed outside a Clontarf home on Maine Road, was shut down shortly after opening.

The operator, Melissa Forbes, was required by Moreton Bay City Council to apply for a permit under the Alteration of Public Land Local Law and obtain $20 million in Public Liability Insurance. The initial location was near the Beedham Street bus stop.

After the permit application was rejected due to non-compliance, Ms Forbes dismantled the setup pending an alternative.

illegal book box — *Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram*

New Setup on Private Property

The original street library setup required formal council approval because it was situated on public land. The insurance requirement added further complications, effectively rendering the initial setup unviable. In response, Ms Forbes repositioned the library onto her front garden fence, which allowed her to circumvent public land regulations.

The library has been rebranded as the “Illegal Book Box” in a tongue-in-cheek nod to the bureaucratic hurdle it faced. The modified setup complies with local laws, making it a fully legal installation under current council guidelines.

No Guidance, No Permit – Just a Workaround

No specific alternatives were advised by council officers following the permit denial. Ms Forbes noted that no workaround was formally provided. Relocating the structure onto private property proved the simplest and most compliant option.

Melissa Forbes street library — *Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram*

Strong Community Support

Public response to the re-opening has been overwhelmingly supportive. Comments on social media reflected both frustration at the initial complaint and enthusiasm for the library’s return.

Pledges of book donations and visits were common, with some residents describing the re-opening as “terrific for the community.” Others used humour to critique the idea that such a project faced obstacles, calling the situation “insane” and questioning how a free book library could be deemed problematic.

Some residents outside Australia, including from the UK, USA, and Serbia, expressed solidarity, noting similar initiatives in their own communities and voicing support for public book-sharing schemes.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

With the new location now meeting council requirements, the “Illegal Book Box” is operating legally and continues to function as a local hub for sharing books. The case has highlighted both the regulatory challenges faced by small community projects and the public value placed on local, grassroots initiatives.

FIND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU

Published 22-Mar-2025

Redcliffe Showgrounds to Host 25th Anniversary Panel Van & Custom Car Show

Car enthusiasts and classic vehicle lovers will have plenty to admire when Redcliffe Showgrounds transforms into a hub of horsepower and nostalgia for the 25th Anniversary Panel Van & Custom Car Show.

Hosted by the Sunstate Panel Van Club, the event will bring together a spectacular display of panel vans, hot rods, street cars, classic vehicles, trucks, utes, and bikes, all celebrating the rich history of Australia’s vanning culture.

The show will take place on Sunday, 4 May 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with gates opening to the public at 8:30 a.m. Attendees can expect to see award-winning custom builds, including national and state title winners, as well as a variety of unique vehicles that have been carefully restored and modified. Trophy presentations and raffle draws will take place at 12:00 p.m., adding to the excitement of the day.

Redcliffe Showgrounds will host the 25th Anniversary Panel Van & Custom Car Show — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

A Club with a Legacy

The Sunstate Panel Van Club, originally formed in the 1970s and 1980s, was re-established in 2000 by a group of mates keen to revive the camaraderie of vanning culture. Initially centred in Gympie, the club quickly gained traction and expanded its membership across Queensland and New South Wales, with members now hailing from as far north as Rockhampton and as far west as Stanthorpe.

Over the past 25 years, the club has participated in numerous car shows, including the prestigious Panel Van Nationals, an annual Easter event that showcases some of the finest custom panel vans in Australia. The upcoming Redcliffe event is expected to draw a strong crowd, uniting enthusiasts who share a passion for the unique style and culture of vanning.

A Day for Car Lovers and Families

This community-focused event is designed to welcome all ages, making it a great outing for families and car lovers alike.

The show will feature a mix of vintage, retro, and custom-built vehicles, giving visitors the chance to see some of Australia’s most impressive automotive restorations up close. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to chat with vehicle owners, learn about the history of these iconic machines, and relive the golden era of vanning.

Spectators can enter for just $5 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Vehicle entrants will also pay $5, which includes admission for the driver, and additional passengers can join for $5 each. All vehicles in attendance will be automatically entered into the judging process at no extra cost.

More Than Just a Car Show

Beyond the stunning display of vehicles, the event fosters a sense of community and nostalgia, bringing together people who appreciate the craftsmanship and history of these classic rides. With camping available on-site, visitors traveling from outside the area can enjoy a full weekend immersed in car culture.

The Redcliffe Showgrounds has long been a gathering place for automotive events, and the Sunstate Panel Van Club’s 25th-anniversary show promises to uphold that tradition with a vibrant display of automotive excellence. Whether you’re a longtime vanning enthusiast or simply looking for a great local event to enjoy, this is one not to be missed.

For more details, contact June on 0448 113 425 or Deb on 0419 293 351, or visit www.sunstatepanelvanclub.com.au.

Published 20-March-2025

Dolphins Honour 1965 Premiership with Heritage Jersey in Historic Homecoming

Photo Credit: Dolphins NRL

The Dolphins are set to celebrate a milestone in their rich history by wearing a special 2025 heritage jersey when they face the Wests Tigers at Kayo Stadium in their first home game of the season on Saturday, 22 March. The jersey pays tribute to the club’s first-ever Brisbane Rugby League (BRL) premiership win in 1965, a victory that not only cemented Redcliffe’s status in Queensland rugby league but also played a role in shaping the future of the sport.

The historic Grand Final occurred on 11 September 1965, when the Dolphins defeated Fortitude Valley Diehards 15-2 in front of more than 25,000 fans at Lang Park. The win was a defining moment for Redcliffe, marking its emergence as a force in the BRL. The team’s success that season was powered by Arthur Beetson and Kevin Yow Yeh, two young players who would leave a lasting impact on the game.

A Victory That Shaped the Dolphins’ Future

Redcliffe’s 1965 premiership was more than just a breakthrough title—it began a legacy that continues to influence the club today. The team, led by John Treeby at five-eighth, controlled the match with discipline and resilience. Yow Yeh scored two tries, securing his status as the game’s standout performer. His efforts were recognised in the Telegraph newspaper the next day, which declared him “The Hero.”

Meanwhile, Beetson played a crucial role in the forwards, showing the strength and skill that would later make him one of rugby league’s greatest figures. While still an emerging player at the time, Beetson’s performance in the Grand Final hinted at the legendary career that lay ahead. He would later become the first Indigenous Australian to captain a national team in any sport, making history beyond just the club level.

Dolphins 1965 Premiereship — *Photo Credit: DolphinsNRL*

A Turning Point for Redcliffe

The impact of the 1965 victory extended well beyond the field. The success of that season attracted the attention of New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) clubs, with Balmain securing the signatures of both Beetson and Yow Yeh the following year. The transfer fee from the two players allowed Redcliffe to build its first clubhouse, a pivotal step in the club’s long-term development.

Both Beetson and Yow Yeh had immediate success at Balmain, helping the club finish second on the ladder in 1966 and reach the Grand Final, though they fell short against St George. Beetson went on to become a Balmain premiership winner in 1969, while Yow Yeh continued his career before returning to Queensland.

Honouring the Past with a Special Jersey

As the Dolphins take the field against the Wests Tigers, they will be wearing a red heritage jersey with two white chevrons, a nod to the iconic design from 1965. The match holds a symbolic connection—the Tigers are the modern-day club that evolved from Balmain, the very team that recruited Beetson and Yow Yeh after their premiership win.

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This tribute is a way for the Dolphins community to reconnect with the club’s roots, celebrating the players and moments that helped shape Redcliffe into the team it is today.

With generations of fans now supporting the NRL Dolphins, the 2025 heritage round serves as a reminder of how far the club has come—from a local Queensland side to a national competitor.

BUY the 1965 Jersey

Published 19-March-2025