The Twilight Market, scheduled for Saturday, 14 December, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., promises a magical evening of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Market-goers can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with hundreds of stalls lining the iconic Redcliffe jetty. Local artisans, designers, and producers will showcase their unique wares, offering various Christmas gifts and treats.
In addition to the shopping extravaganza, the market will feature live music performances and festive entertainment, creating a joyful ambience for families and friends. Food stalls will tantalise taste buds with various culinary delights, from savoury snacks to sweet treats.
The event is free to attend, making it affordable and fun for the whole community. Organisers encourage attendees to embrace the festive spirit and dress up in their most creative Christmas attire.
Three Redcliffe athletes have earned spots on the Queensland teams for the inaugural 2024 Toyota AFL Open, marking a significant milestone for disability sports in the region. The combined national championship will showcase both wheelchair and inclusion football at South Pine Sports Complex from 21 to 26 November.
It’s a banner year for Redcliffe Tigers teammates Joshua Boyle and Tristan Orchard! The pair earned spots on Queensland’s wheelchair team just a few months after their team claimed its first premiership.
Boyle, who joined the league this season, has quickly established himself as one of the competition’s most versatile players with a strong marking ability and physical presence in the forward line.
Orchard, a 2022 All-Australian defender known for his intercepting marks and exceptional spatial awareness, brings elite-level experience to the Queensland squad.
Inclusion team representative
Joseph Ryan, who represents Redcliffe in the inclusion competition, joins the APM South East Queensland team. Named the most valuable player at the 2022 National Inclusion Carnival, his selection reflects the strength of Redcliffe’s inclusive sports programs.
About the 2024 Toyota AFL Open Tournament
The 2024 Toyota AFL Open represents a watershed moment in disability sport, combining wheelchair and intellectual disability competitions into a single premier event. More than 200 athletes from across Australia will compete in over 90 matches during the five-day tournament.
The landmark tournament combines the two national wheelchair and intellectual disability AFL competitions:
Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion. Sponsored by APM South East Queensland, the inclusion division is an annual representative competition for participants aged 16 and older with intellectual impairments, allowing top players to showcase their skills on the national stage.
Toyota AFL Open – Wheelchair. Sponsored by Pathways to Care, the wheelchair division features the best athletes from across the country representing their respective states and territories, including a team from the RSL.
The Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Business Awards at The Komo earlier this month, shining a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant business community along the Peninsula.
The awards, held on 2 November, recognised outstanding achievements across several local areas, including Clontarf, Woody Point, Margate, Redcliffe, Scarborough, Newport, Newport Waters, Rothwell, Mango Hill, and Deception Bay.
Photo credit: Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
The event served as a platform to honour the dedication and innovation of local enterprises, with a particular emphasis on supporting small and home-based businesses. A spokesperson from the Chamber noted, “It was to help showcase and give opportunities to all businesses in our local area a spotlight and a chance to be recognized.”
Photo credit: Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Businesses had the opportunity to self-nominate or receive nominations from peers, and a panel of esteemed judges determined the winners. The judging panel included Moreton Bay City Councillor Sandra Ruck (Division 5), Councillor Karl Winchester (Division 6), and Dennis Hall. Criteria for selection focused on outstanding initiative, achievement, enthusiasm, dedication to excellence, and a commitment to the region.
Award Winners
The 2024 Business Awards celebrated a variety of categories, with notable winners including:
Community Service: Redcliffe Musical Theatre (Madeleine Johns)
Founded in 2009, Redcliffe Musical Theatre has established a strong community presence at the Redcliffe Cultural Centre, now known as the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre.
This company is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalised funeral services tailored to the unique needs of each family.
Industry Business: EBK Group – Interior Lining (Nick Stevens)
Established in 2022, EBK Group has quickly become a trusted partner for local builders, offering expert plastering services across Southeast Queensland.
New Business Encouragement: Express Neuro (Swati Lavekar)
Launched earlier this year, this rehabilitation service, led by a qualified neurological physiotherapist, focuses on providing specialised care for patients.
At just 18 years old, Dominic founded Elliott Importing, operating under the brand Think4Earth. After extensive research, he began selling reusable bread bags on Amazon, now expanding his reach to Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
Small Home-based Business: My Care Enterprises (Kerri-Anne Dooley)
Founded in 2021, My Care Enterprises addresses a critical need for 24/7 registered nursing support for individuals seeking to spend their final days at home.
A Celebration of Achievement
The inaugural Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Business Awards highlighted the resilience and creativity of local businesses in the face of ongoing challenges. The event not only celebrated individual achievements but also fostered a sense of community among the diverse range of businesses that contribute to the region’s economy.
As the Chamber looks ahead, these awards are set to become an annual tradition, promising to further elevate the profiles of local businesses and enhance the collaborative spirit within the Redcliffe Peninsula community.
The tree, which stood prominently along the Esplanade footpath, was discovered to be in distress following a complaint that led to an inspection in July.
An examination revealed two holes drilled into the back of the tree, which further testing confirmed had been filled with a herbicide. In a statement, Cr Karl Winchester shared his concern about the incident, describing the poisoning as both saddening and disturbing, given the tree’s significance to the local environment.
Efforts to save the tree proved unsuccessful despite warnings and a close monitoring process by the Moreton Bay City Council. Arborists noted that the tree’s upper branches continued to wither, indicating the poison had spread.
Council placed signs near the tree to alert the public, but its health deteriorated rapidly. Moreton Bay City Council subsequently made the difficult decision to have contractors remove the Norfolk Pine from the foreshore to prevent potential hazards.
Investigation and Community Impact
The deliberate poisoning of the tree has not only saddened residents but also raised questions about the motives behind the act. The Council confirmed that the poisoning incident is now a police matter, with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) actively investigating. Council representatives have indicated that should sufficient evidence be found, those responsible could face fines or charges.
For the Redcliffe community, the Norfolk Pine was more than just a tree; it was a landmark and part of the area’s natural heritage. Its removal has stirred concerns among residents, with some calling for increased monitoring and penalties for similar acts of environmental vandalism. Councillor Winchester emphasized the community’s collective loss, noting that the tree had been a beloved part of the foreshore for years and that its destruction impacts the local environment and Redcliffe’s scenic appeal.
Moreton Bay City Council has assured residents that it will continue to work with the police to investigate the incident thoroughly. In similar past cases, Council has imposed fines and charges on those guilty of intentionally harming community greenery. Council officials have expressed hope that justice will be served and are looking into preventive measures to deter future vandalism.
Tourists were initially drawn to what appeared to be a large sea turtle basking near the shore, but a closer look revealed a grim reality: the creature had been decapitated.
While a shark attack is the suspected cause of death, experts are investigating whether plastic ingestion played a role in the turtle’s demise. Predators may have found the turtle weaker or slower due to the plastic blocking its digestive system. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the extent to which plastic may have contributed to the turtle’s death.
This tragic incident is the latest in a string of troubling cases for Turtles of Moreton Bay, a volunteer organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating marine turtles. Despite facing pressures from urbanisation, the Moreton Bay region is a vital habitat for six of the world’s seven marine turtle species. Sadly, Turtles of Moreton Bay are reporting a surge in turtles suffering from human-induced injuries. Mick Croft, a veteran rescuer with over 30 years of experience, shared his growing concern for the turtles’ welfare. He highlighted the emotional toll of witnessing so many animals that cannot be saved.
Boat strikes are a particularly worrying trend, with the group responding to seven such incidents in the past year alone. Several turtles have been found with severe gashes in their shells caused by boat propellers. Croft expressed his concern over this increase, stating that most of their rescues typically involve turtles affected by plastic pollution, disease, or old age.
Fishing gear also poses a significant threat, especially to younger turtles. Unattended crab pots and discarded fishing lines near jetties can entangle turtles, leading to injuries and even the loss of limbs. Rehabilitation for such injuries can take months.
Another deceased turtle with a deep propeller wound was found in Brighton. The discovery underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and action to protect these vulnerable creatures.
While the effectiveness of propeller guards is still being evaluated, reducing boat speed and ensuring the responsible disposal of fishing gear are crucial steps in mitigating the risks to turtles.
Anyone who encounters an injured turtle in the Moreton Bay region is urged to contact the appropriate authorities immediately at 1300 130 372. Prompt intervention by trained rescuers significantly increases the animal’s chances of survival.
The Redcliffe Hockey Club hosted its annual Brett Forte Memorial Match on Saturday, October 5, bringing together police officers and athletes to honour a fallen colleague who once played on these same fields.
The event, organised by the club’s old boys, commemorates senior constable Forte, who was tragically killed in the line of duty near Toowoomba in 2017.
Former Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles, whose achievements include Olympic, World Cup, and Commonwealth gold medals, strengthened the Police side. Local talent Hannah Cullum-Sanders, fresh from helping Redcliffe’s women secure the Brisbane Premier League 1 grand final victory, represented the club team.
The fixture has previously featured other Olympic stars including gold medalists Nikki Hudson and Angie Lambert, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of Australia’s sporting community to honour senior constable Forte’s memory.
“This match is a big part of our family calendar,” said Chris Forte, Brett’s brother, who participated in Saturday’s game. “It’s remembering Brett and supporting Police Legacy by raising money which will be distributed to the families of fallen police officers.”
Widow’s inspiring journey
While the memorial match celebrates Brett’s sporting legacy, his impact continues to inspire change, particularly through his widow’s remarkable journey. Senior constable Susie Forte, Brett’s widow, was recently admitted as a lawyer, completing her legal studies while maintaining her duties as a police officer and raising their children.
“During the inquest into her husband’s death, Ms Forte was inspired to study law in order that she might be in a position to assist people as she herself had been assisted,” barrister David Funch told the Supreme Court during her admission ceremony.
While continuing her service with the Queensland Police Service, Susie aims to become a legal advocate for domestic violence survivors.
As the 2025 preseason approaches, the Dolphins are juggling critical decisions on contracts, injury management, player moves, and international commitments.
As Fox Sports reports, the club faces the challenge of securing key players before rival clubs make their moves. Second-rower Connelly Lemuelu, whose standout performances have been pivotal this season, is likely to top the list for re-signing, with his impressive form attracting attention across the NRL. Sean O’Sullivan’s strong finish to the season in the halves positions him as another priority for retention.
The Dolphins are also weighing contract options for experienced players Felise Kaufusi, Kenny Bromwich, and Mark Nicholls, who each bring veteran leadership to the squad. With Kaufusi potentially entering free agency after 1 November, the team risks losing his presence to competitors if a deal isn’t secured soon.
Dolphins players on the mend
The Dolphins’ medical staff have been diligently working to address various injuries within the squad. Jeremy Marshall-King and Kenny Bromwich have both undergone minor surgeries—Marshall-King on his knee and Bromwich on his elbow.
Lemuelu faces a significant challenge as he recovers from shoulder reconstruction surgery. Fullback Trai Fuller’s situation is more long-term following a successful knee reconstruction, while Tom Gilbert is steadily progressing in his recovery from an ACL injury.
Tesi Niu heads to the Super League
Tesi Niu’s confirmed move to the Leigh Leopards in the Super League for 2025 marks a pivotal change for the Dolphins’ backline. After making 17 appearances for the club in 2023, Niu faced growing competition in the backline with the arrivals of Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo, making an overseas opportunity all the more appealing.
Reflecting on his decision after winning the QLD Cup and the NRL State Championship, Niu told Zero Tackle, “I’m leaving for the UK, and to finish off like this, I couldn’t have asked for a better end.”
Leigh Journal captured the excitement surrounding Niu’s arrival, quoting Leopards’ head of rugby Chris Chester: “Tesi has played for two quality teams in the NRL… He’s a big, strong, athletic, and powerful rugby player who will excite all our fans in 2025 and beyond.”
The selection of several Dolphins players for international duty in the Pacific Championships highlights the squad’s depth and calibre. Kurt Donoghoe and Mason Teague will represent Fiji Bati and the Cook Islands, respectively, as the sole Dolphins players in their teams. Jamayne Isaako and Kodi Nikorima are set to play for defending Pacific champions New Zealand, while Isaiya Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, and 2025 recruit Kulikefu Finefeuiaki join the formidable Tongan side.
Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s selection for the green-and-gold cements his status as one of the NRL’s emerging stars. Hammer and the Kangaroos will first face Tonga on 18 October at Suncorp Stadium, followed by a match against New Zealand on 27 October in Christchurch.
The Dolphins NRL club has terminated a controversial sponsorship deal amid regulatory hurdles, while speculation mounts over potential recruitment of St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt.
Alternaleaf and the Dolphins have ended their partnership following ongoing challenges with the Therapeutic Goods Act. The relationship faced public scrutiny earlier this season when the team was forced to tape over Alternaleaf’s branding during their Darwin fixture.
“Given the regulatory challenges, our partnership has concluded,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader confirmed. “However, we maintain positive relations with Alternaleaf and remain open to future opportunities should circumstances change.”
Kelly King, speaking for Alternaleaf’s parent company Montu, expressed pride in the association with the Dolphins, highlighting the team’s impressive performance in their sophomore season.
Rumours swirl as Hunt eyes Queensland return
Meanwhile, the club faces mounting speculation regarding St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt. The Queensland veteran, who has been granted permission to explore offers for 2026, has previously expressed interest in finishing his career in his home state. Hunt, a former Brisbane Broncos halfback with over 300 NRL appearances, would bring valuable experience to the developing squad.
Sources close to the Dragons told The Herald that the club would consider an early release for Hunt in 2024—despite his contract running through 2025—provided they receive adequate compensation.
However, according to the Daily Telegraph,the Dolphins management maintains a measured stance despite media reports suggesting preliminary talks. “We’re always interested in good players if they’re interested in coming to our club but at the moment there’s nothing to report,” says Reader.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf moved swiftly to address the rumours head-on. “I can sit here with my hand on my heart and say we’ve had no contact at all,” Woolf stated firmly. Instead, the coach doubled down on his support for rising halfback Isaiya Katoa, with whom he shares a strong connection through their time together with the Tongan national team.
“I love what Isaiya Katoa brings. He’s an outstanding halfback and he’s a guy that I think is going to be an elite halfback in the NRL and I think he’s already shown that,” Woolf said.
Cherisse Morgan, director of Morgan’s Mortgages, decided to diversify her business strategy a year ago by transforming the front office of her Redcliffe premises into a café. This innovative approach has helped her connect with the local community and brought in a new wave of clients.
Morgan, who launched her brokerage three years ago after a stint at Aussie Home Loans, initially focused on attracting first-home buyers through social media platforms like TikTok. However, she noticed a significant lead drop as interest rates climbed, squeezing first-home buyers out of the market. Determined to overcome this hurdle, she decided to take the bold step.
Morgan acknowledged that while leads were plentiful when interest rates were low, the changing market forced her to explore new avenues for attracting clients. This challenging situation prompted her to consider alternative strategies, which led to her establishing a coffee shop.
Offering a unique incentive, Morgan’s Mortgages provides new home loan customers with six months of complimentary coffee. This strategy has proven to be a masterstroke, attracting a different demographic than her usual social media audience. While TikTok generally brings in younger clients in their 20s and 30s, the coffee shop has drawn in older clients, particularly those interested in investment properties or refinancing existing loans.
According to Morgan, Redcliffe has a more mature demographic. The coffee shop allows her to connect with established couples and other individuals who might not be as active on social media. Morgan emphasised the coffee shop’s significant return on investment, highlighting its success in generating numerous leads.
The coffee shop’s success has inspired Morgan to expand the venture by adding food to the menu. She plans to rebrand the café while maintaining its connection to her brokerage to ensure her mortgage broking brand remains distinct. Free coffee will still be offered to mortgage clients.
Looking ahead, Morgan has ambitious plans for her brokerage. With a loan assistant and a virtual loan writer already on board, she aims to grow her team. Morgan expressed her desire to expand her team by recruiting additional brokers.
Her focus is cultivating a robust lead pipeline to sustain a growing team and foster a successful brokerage. With her innovative spirit and dedication to her clients, Morgan is well on her way to achieving her goals.
According to a Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman, the girl sustained injuries to her chest during the incident. Paramedics transported her to Redcliffe Hospital, where she is reported to be in stable condition.
No further details about the victim’s identity, the specific location of the incident, or the circumstances leading to the attack have been released at this time.
