Redcliffe is set to celebrate the life and work of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with a special exhibition at The Art So Lively Art Academy in Comino’s Arcade, Sutton St which will take place on Thursday, March 20.
Exploring Frida Kahlo’s Legacy
Frida Kahlo’s work still deeply influences not just art but discussions about identity, feminism, and self-expression. The exhibit offers a personal look at Kahlo’s artistic life using vintage photos, digital images, and commentary on her personal affliction and artistic process.
More deeply, audiences will learn about how her life of chronic illness, activism, and resilience affected her unique style of art.
A Cultural Experience for the Redcliffe Community
Organisers hope to deliver a world-class cultural event to Redcliffe, making Kahlo’s compelling narrative available to art enthusiasts of every stripe. Her skill at transmuting pain into beauty, and her refusal to apologise for self-representation, remain potent across generations.
Visitors can look forward to an intimate experience that celebrates her skill for transforming personal suffering into powerful visual stories.
This one-night-only exhibition will be held at The Art So Lively Art Academy on Thursday, March 20. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a 7 pm start. For more details, contact 0477 002 545.
Redcliffe will host over 200 stalls of handcrafted goods, gourmet foods, and Easter-themed activities across two days, offering a community celebration for locals and visitors.
The iconic Redcliffe Markets are set to transform into a vibrant Easter hub with a special Good Friday pop-up market and the regular Sunday market. The weekend promises family-friendly fun. Market organisers have planned various activities designed to engage the community and provide a memorable Easter experience.
Easter Activities and Entertainment
Photo Credit: Supplied
Children can look forward to meeting the Easter Bunny and participating in an Easter Scavenger Hunt designed to encourage exploration and discovery within the market. Easter craft activities will also be available, providing opportunities for creative expression. The market will feature live music and entertainment throughout both days, creating a lively atmosphere for attendees.
Market Stalls and Offerings
Photo Credit: Supplied
Over 200 stalls will showcase the work of local designers and makers, offering handmade fashion, unique homewares, and one-of-a-kind gifts. A wide range of gourmet food trucks will cater to diverse tastes, with dessert options available. Additionally, the market will feature Easter-themed décor and a selection of chocolate treats.
Bucky’s Cookies and Creations: Indulge your sweet tooth with Bucky’s irresistible creations. Prepare for gooey cookies that melt in your mouth, decadent layered cookie pies, rich brownies and blondies, and the ever-popular wagon wheels with homemade marshmallows. And keep an eye out for their special decorated sugar cookies!
Glen Wardle Ceramics: Explore the art of pottery with Glen Wardle Ceramics, a creative haven for art enthusiasts. Discover their stunning pottery, handcrafted candles, and special Easter surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, Glen Wardle Ceramics has something to inspire you.
Razza Beadz: Add whimsy to your Easter with Razza Beadz! Back at Redcliffe Markets with adorable new Easter-themed products, these handmade accessories are perfect for adding a bit of fun to your day. Discover their cute and fun keychains, lanyards, diffusers, and more—all crafted with love. These cute Easter-themed items are sure to become a favorite.
My Soap: Treat your skin to the natural goodness of My Soap. Discover their hand-made, natural soaps for a little self-care this Easter. Made with quality ingredients, these soaps are gentle and nourishing, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Oishii Chili Oil: Spice up your Easter with Oishii Chili Oil. This homemade chili oil is packed with flavor and umami, making it incredibly addictive and versatile. Drizzle it over your favorite dishes for an extra kick, and you’ll be reaching for this oil for every meal.
Good Friday Special Event
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Good Friday market will coincide with the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, allowing attendees to view the event from the Redcliffe foreshore. Market organisers highlight that this timing provides a unique opportunity to combine market enjoyment with viewing a significant local sporting event.
Goodwill Projects, a Queensland-based events company, organises the Redcliffe Markets. Market organisers state that the market operates weekly on Sundays, and the Easter events are special additions to the regular schedule. The Good Friday and Easter Sunday markets will run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe. Entry and parking are free.
A Redcliffe grandmother received a 24-hour eviction notice after her Margate rental apartment sustained significant damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, rendering it uninhabitable.
Janine Pirie, 54, who lived in the top-floor unit with her two young grandchildren, aged 10 and 12 months, was forced to vacate immediately following a ceiling collapse caused by severe rainfall.
The storm brought over 300mm of rain to Brisbane in 24 hours and caused extensive damage to the property. Ms Pirie reported that water poured into her living room after the ceiling began to crack. She contacted her real estate agency, L.J. Hooker Redcliffe, who inspected the premises on Monday and issued her a 24-hour notice to leave.
The agency stated that they had first noticed a hairline crack in the roof on Tuesday, March 4th, before the storm’s intensification. Following the storm’s impact, the property was deemed unsafe for habitation. L.J. Hooker Redcliffe stated that they returned the bond immediately and offered suggestions for emergency lodging.
Industry Response
Matthew Gleaves, head of property management at Place Estate Agents, expressed concern regarding the timing of the eviction notice during a natural disaster. He suggested a more collaborative approach with the tenant would have been preferable. He pointed out that vacant properties are not beneficial for owners, and the abrupt eviction caused undue hardship.
Penny Carr, CEO of Tenants Queensland, advised renters to know their rights in similar situations. She noted that disputes regarding the habitability of properties often arise after natural disasters. She clarified that a tenancy can be ended if a property becomes partially or fully uninhabitable due to a natural disaster within a month of the event.
However, tenants can challenge the decision if they believe the property remains habitable. She explained that the owner must seek a tribunal order to terminate the agreement. Carr also reminded tenants that landlords are generally not responsible for damage to personal belongings caused by natural disasters.
L.J. Hooker Redcliffe stated that they explored multiple flexible options with Ms Pirie regarding accommodation and storage. They also affirmed that they would follow their internal procedures and collaborate with the corporate body to arrange the necessary repair work.
The Dolphins have been forced to abandon their base and relocate to Newcastle after their training facilities were left without power in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, throwing their preparations for their clash against the Knights in disarray. More than 112,000 homes and businesses are still without power and key sporting venues are still unusable.
The Dolphins had planned to travel to Newcastle later in the week but were compelled to leave two days early on Monday evening, 10 March. Their home ground, Kayo Stadium, and their Redcliffe training base were both rendered unplayable after days of relentless rain left the facilities waterlogged. Head coach Kristian Woolf was forced to cancel Monday’s training session, further impacting their build-up to Round 2.
Squad Faces Challenges After Key Injuries and Disruptions
Adding to their troubles, the Dolphins will be without back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who failed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) following a controversial incident against the Rabbitohs. The club also confirmed that Samoan international Connelly Lemuelu has suffered a fractured eye socket, ruling him out for up to four weeks. These setbacks test the depth of the squad, with key players already absent due to the relocation.
The crisis has also had an emotional toll, with three Dolphins players—Kodi Nikorima, Mark Nicholls, and Kenny Bromwich—opting to withdraw from the Rabbitohs game to remain with their families amid the natural disaster. Team officials have been working closely with the NRL to manage the disruptions and locate alternative training grounds.
Titans Also Affected as Gold Coast Training Base Submerged
The Dolphins are not the only Queensland club affected by the extreme weather. The Gold Coast Titans were also forced to flee, relocating to Sydney after their training grounds were left two metres underwater. The Titans will now prepare for their Sunday night clash against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Belmore Oval away from home, adding another layer of difficulty to their season opener.
Despite the upheaval, Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said the players remain focused on delivering a strong performance for their flood-affected community. He acknowledged that while the conditions were far from ideal, the team was determined to push through and represent the region with pride.
Broncos Escape Major Damage but Adjust Training Schedule
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos avoided significant damage to their training facilities at Red Hill but were forced to adjust their training schedule. Players used the gym on Monday morning to allow the playing surface more time to dry. The club confirmed that they will fly to Canberra on Friday for their Saturday match as planned.
NRL Teams Rally as Queensland Battles Flooding
The widespread flooding has created major obstacles for Queensland’s NRL clubs, but the Dolphins and Titans are working around the clock to minimise disruptions and remain competitive.
Club officials have prioritised player welfare and safety, ensuring that families and staff are supported through the crisis.
With the Dolphins now settled in Newcastle and the Titans setting up in Sydney, both teams are adapting to their new surroundings and focusing on their upcoming matches despite the adversity. While logistical challenges and injuries have complicated preparations, players and coaches are committed to making the best of a difficult situation.
The survival of Redcliffe’s fragile koala population hangs in the balance. Rescuers reveal that multiple koalas are dying each week due to habitat loss and animal attacks, highlighting the urgent need for community and government intervention.
Local volunteers, like Tash Barker and Therese Hollan, dedicate their time to rescuing and rehabilitating injured koalas. One recent success story involved a seven-year-old koala, known to locals as Blinky and to rescuers as Coolio. After three months of treatment at Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre, the koala returned to his Kippa-Ring habitat. The koala had suffered severe injuries from a dog attack.
According to the volunteers, moments of successful releases provide motivation, despite the frequent and disheartening losses. Barker, a member of Pine Rivers Koala Care, expressed the emotional strain of witnessing multiple koala deaths in a short period. Hollan, a volunteer with Redcliffe Environmental Forum (REF), stated that the return of Coolio was a moment of joy that balanced the frequent losses the volunteers experience.
The koala population in Redcliffe faces significant challenges due to fragmented habitats, primarily caused by the railway corridor. Hollan explained that the corridor has divided the koala population, resulting in approximately 50 koalas south of the railway and only 12 in the northern areas, including Silcock Reserve and the Redcliffe Golf Course at Clontarf. The low numbers in the northern population are particularly concerning, as roads surround them and face threats from dogs.
Hollan, who attended a meeting with Moreton Bay City Council and the Department of Environment Tourism and Science (DETSI) in August, raised concerns about the genetic diversity of the remaining koala populations. She emphasised that while the southern population number seems reasonable, its long-term survival is not guaranteed without understanding its genetic health. Hollan explained that they are seeking a grant to fund university research into the genetic diversity of the koalas to determine the necessary steps for population preservation.
Call for Community and Government Action
Both Barker and Hollan advocate for a more coordinated approach to koala preservation, involving volunteer organisations, the State Government, and the local council. They urge residents to take responsibility for protecting the marsupials by driving slowly in koala habitats, keeping dogs contained at night, and participating in bush care groups. Hollan stated that many Australians have never seen a koala in the wild, emphasising their unique value.
She stressed that every koala is essential due to the numerous threats to their survival. Barker explained that her journey into koala care started because she frequently found injured wildlife and wanted to ensure they received proper care. She grew up with koalas and wants to protect them. The volunteers would like to see more warning signs placed in areas with koala populations.
A Redcliffe resident slept through the moment when ex-tropical cyclone Alfred tore the roof off his home on Saturday night, sending it onto nearby power lines.
Daniel Goullet, who has lived in his Redcliffe house for five years, was asleep when the severe weather event struck the Moreton Bay region with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h. The area, located approximately 30 km north of Brisbane’s CBD, was hit around 9pm when Alfred made landfall.
“We were asleep when the roof came off. I had no idea, the wind was so loud so we didn’t notice the roof came up,” Goullet said.
The Redcliffe property, which Goullet described as “the oldest house on the [Moreton Bay] Peninsula,” suffered significant damage during the storm. A severe weather alert had been issued for the area at 8:45pm Saturday.
“I had my doubts because it’s the oldest house on the Peninsula, I thought if anything’s going to happen it’s going to happen to this house,” Goullet said.
The Redcliffe area was particularly hard hit as Alfred, which had been downgraded from a potential category 2 cyclone to a tropical low before making landfall, moved through southeast Queensland.
Despite the downgrade, the storm has caused considerable disruption across the region, with power outages, flooding, and debris reported in numerous locations. Meteorologists warn that residents, including those in the Redcliffe peninsula, should prepare for more rainfall and continued wild weather in the coming days.
A new independent plant store is set to open in Redcliffe, offering a diverse range of indoor plants, designer pots, and horticultural products. The Urban Jungle Society, located in Cominos Arcade, launched last Saturday, 1 March, with a week-long opening sale, offering 30 per cent off all products.
With the closure of Redcliffe Garden Centre on Snook Street, the area has lacked a dedicated independent plant shop. The Urban Jungle Society’s owner, Kendrik Uhle, recognised this gap and decided to bring a specialty store to the community. He aims to offer a more personalised and knowledgeable service than large retail chains, creating a hub where plant enthusiasts can access expert advice and various plants.
As a landscaper, Mr Uhle aims to use his experience to help customers make informed choices about their indoor and outdoor greenery. He also hopes the store’s presence will contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Cominos Arcade, encouraging more small businesses to establish themselves in Redcliffe.
What The Urban Jungle Society Offers
The store will feature an extensive collection of indoor plants, stylish pots, and premium horticultural supplies. Outdoor plant orders can be placed in-store, ensuring customers can access a broad selection beyond immediately available.
In addition to catering to individual plant lovers, the business will also supply bulk orders for private customers and trade professionals. Plant care kits and expert advice will be available to help customers maintain their greenery with confidence.
Photo Credit: The Urban Jungle Society
Rare Plants, Accessories, and Essentials
The Urban Jungle Society will stock a variety of rare and exotic plants, including Philodendron Gloriosum ($19.99), Monstera Laniata Variegata ($44.99), and Monstera Thai Constellation ($159.99). More common indoor favourites like Philodendron Moonlight ($19.99) and Asplenium Nidus – Birds Nest Fern ($25.00) will also be available.
In addition to plants, customers can find premium plant care accessories, such as The Urban Jungle’s Reusable Repotting Mat ($40.00) and The Plant Runner Neem Oil Refill ($38.00). Stylish watering cans, like the 1.9L Chalk Indoor Watering Can ($69.99), will also be on offer, along with plant care kits designed to help plants thrive.
Customers interested in outdoor plants can place special orders in-store, ensuring access to a wider selection beyond the shop’s indoor offerings. Bulk orders for both domestic and trade customers will also be available.
Grand Opening and Special Discounts
The Urban Jungle Society’s grand opening at 10A/132 Sutton Street occurred last Saturday, 1 March, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store will operate on Wednesdays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
To celebrate its launch, all items will be available at a 30 per cent discount for the first week, from 1 March to 8 March.
Mr Uhle believes Cominos Arcade is the ideal location, not only because of its central position but also due to its potential for business growth. By setting up shop in the area, he hopes to play a role in attracting more independent businesses to Redcliffe.
Photo Credit: The Urban Jungle Society
A Fresh Addition to Redcliffe Business Scene
The Urban Jungle Society’s arrival adds to the growing community of small businesses. With a strong focus on high-quality products, expert guidance, and a personalised shopping experience, the store is expected to appeal to both local residents and visitors.
By encouraging more people to embrace indoor and outdoor greenery, the store aims to support a greener, healthier lifestyle for the community. Its presence in Cominos Arcade signals a step towards a more vibrant and diverse retail environment in Redcliffe.
Charities in the potential path of Cyclone Alfred are asking to open evacuation centres for rough sleepers, warning that thousands of lives could be at risk as extreme weather intensifies.
Northwest Community Group founder Paul Slater said he made several attempts on Monday, 3 March, to contact Brisbane for advice on evacuation centres but was yet to receive clear information.
Moreton Bay advised residents to check the council’s Disaster Dashboard for up-to-date information on evacuation centres but said crisis accommodation for homeless individuals was a matter for the Department of Housing. However, as of noon on Tuesday, the dashboard still showed no evacuation centres or refuge sites open as Cyclone Alfred nears.
Queensland’s social services body, QCOSS, warned that “a tent or car will not protect [homeless individuals] from the predicted brutality of strong winds and heavy rainfall.”
MPs wrote the Queensland Minister for Housing on Monday, expressing concern for people sleeping rough in the inner city. On Tuesday, Mr Max Chandler-Mather confirmed the Department of Housing had activated Critical Response Teams to visit known areas where homeless people reside and was connecting them with emergency accommodation.
Meanwhile, Nourish Street founder Beau Haywood, who provides outreach services throughout the Moreton Bay region, spent Monday night informing rough sleepers about the risks of Cyclone Alfred.
Moreton Bay Bans Homeless Camping Amid Worsening Crisi
The City of Moreton Bay has officially banned homeless people from camping in public spaces, making it illegal to sleep in parks, streets, or in vehicles across the region.
The crackdown means that as of 12 March 2025, those found camping in public spaces may face removal, with enforcement carried out by eight new council officers alongside Queensland Police Service. Council will operate under a complaint-based system, responding to reports from the community.
The timing of this decision has drawn criticism, with many arguing that banning public camping just as a cyclone threatens the region puts vulnerable people at even greater risk.
“City of Moreton Bay is aware of how complex an issue homelessness is, and we acknowledge that this change will not be welcomed by everyone,” Scott Waters, City of Moreton Bay CEO announced.
“The health and safety of people experiencing homelessness is core to this change and repealing the Framework will enable these individuals to get the critical support they need.”
City of Moreton Bay CEO, Scott Waters
Woody Point’s Gayundah Arboretum Park Shut Down
Gayundah Arboretum Park (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook)
The policy shift has had immediate effects, particularly in Woody Point, where the Gayundah Arboretum Park was closed on February 17 due to worsening public health and safety concerns.
Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said a review of the site found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and active vermin breeding, making the area unsafe for both campers and the general public.
“It’s just not safe for people to be residing in these conditions, nor for the community to continue to use this public space,” Shipway said. The park has been fenced off, and remediation works—expected to take six months—will involve sanitation, ground maintenance, and restoration of vegetation.
Showgrounds as a Possible Alternative?
In response to the looming displacement of homeless people, Mayor Peter Flannery has proposed allowing rough sleepers to stay in state-owned showgrounds. He called on the Queensland Government to lift restrictions preventing their use as emergency housing and to fund necessary amenities such as security, water, and power.
Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook
The council’s tough stance has drawn mixed reactions. While some residents support the measures due to safety concerns, others argue that criminalising homelessness does not address the root causes.
Q Shelter, the peak body for frontline housing and homelessness services in Queensland, called the repeal “disappointing” and expressed concern that it will further disadvantage vulnerable individuals impacted by the worsening housing and homelessness crisis.
“We appreciate that homelessness and rough sleeping are highly complex issues, particularly when also managing public safety considerations. But the challenge remains that these highly vulnerable people are living in public spaces because they have nowhere else to go.”
Meanwhile, the City of Moreton Bay reassured the public that it will keep working with the State Government’s Department of Housing to help individuals find alternative accommodation and access necessary support.
With homeless individuals now facing tighter restrictions, the focus will be on whether alternative solutions, like the use of showgrounds, gain government support—or if more people are left struggling to find shelter.
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves closer, Redcliffe and other areas in Moreton Bay must prepare for severe weather impacts, including gale-force winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges in coastal areas, and flooding. Here are some resources and information to help you prepare.
Alfred is forecast to strengthen to Category 2 by 3 March. The Bureau of Meteorology has informed the City of Moreton Bay that Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to shift towards the Queensland coast on Tuesday, 4 March. The system may make landfall along the southeast coast on Thursday or Friday.
Moreton Bay’s Call to Prepare
Photo credit: Bureau of Meteorology/Facebook
Mayor Peter Flannery stated, “While it is uncommon for cyclones to head this far south, we do need to take the very real danger of a significant cyclone event in the area seriously.” He advised locals to use this time to secure their homes, check on their neighbours, and plan ahead, particularly if they live in flood-prone or exposed areas.
Preparation Steps for Cyclone Alfred
Photo credit: Get Ready Queensland/Facebook
Assemble an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have essential supplies to last three to five days, including food, water, medications, important documents, cash, pet supplies, and battery-operated devices like radios and torches.
Secure Your Property: Remove or secure any loose outdoor items that could become dangerous projectiles. Clean gutters and check drainage systems to help reduce flood risk. Inspect your property for any tree branches overhanging your roof and trim them if possible. Green waste stations are open and free to help residents prepare for severe weather. The Redcliffe Transfer Station at 263 Duffield Rd, Clontarf, accepts various types of waste, including garden waste and clippings.
Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook
Sandbag Collection: Sandbags can help mitigate the impact of flooding. The nearest collection point for Redcliffe residents is Margate, opposite Margate Depot – Jull Street, Margate.
Any sandbag station listed as “open” is available 24/7.
Moreton Bay Council advises purchasing materials to make your own sandbags or buying pre-filled ones from hardware stores or landscaping suppliers where possible.
Vehicle Safety: Avoid parking vehicles in low-lying areas, under trees, or near power lines. If possible, move them to higher ground or secure garages to prevent damage.
Stay Informed: Regularly check official sources such as Moreton Bay Council’s Disaster Dashboard, the Bureau of Meteorology, and Get Ready Queensland for the latest updates and warnings. Residents are encouraged to keep these sites bookmarked for updates on road closures, sandbag stations, and emergency services.
Preparation is key to reducing the impact of Cyclone Alfred on Redcliffe and Moreton Bay. Residents should act now to safeguard their homes, ensure they have essential supplies, and stay informed.
If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, consider making plans to stay with family or friends. Most importantly, never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters—if it’s flooded, forget it.
The centre officially opened its doors, offering a fun and engaging environment for children aged 12 and under. Operating hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The 1000sqm Redcliffe centre offers a variety of attractions for kids. Younger children can explore the dedicated toddler zone, Astro Explorer, while older kids can tackle the Super Climber and the large soft play area known as Gizmo’s Odyssey. Thrilling slides and a café for parents are also featured.
Area 51 Operations Manager, Michael Affleck, stated that the centre aims to provide a valuable community hub where families can connect and children can be active and entertained. He also noted that the Redcliffe centre, while smaller than the 8000sqm Underwood location, is still designed to provide ample space for fun and play.
Area 51’s expansion into Redcliffe reflects the company’s commitment to providing families with accessible indoor play spaces. The company recognises the importance of these centres in fostering community connections and offering children opportunities for active play. This new location will offer Redcliffe families a place to gather, relax, and let their children burn off energy in a safe and stimulating environment.
Mr Affleck has said the company’s goal is to provide more families with indoor play centres where children can be energetic and engaged and have the opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Area 51 is experiencing significant growth, winning a Best of Queensland Experience Award in 2024. In addition to the Redcliffe location, the company has announced early works on a third indoor entertainment centre in Bundamba, Ipswich, demonstrating its dedication to expanding its reach and providing more families with quality entertainment options. Bookings for the Redcliffe Centre can be made via the Area 51 website.
