On Monday morning, October 14, a body was found at Suttons Beach in Redcliffe. The grim find was made by a member of the public who alerted authorities after coming across an unresponsive person on the beach.
Queensland Police have confirmed the incident but have not released details regarding the age or gender of the deceased. After initial investigations, law enforcement officials have declared the death as non-suspicious.
The discovery at Suttons Beach, a popular location for both Redcliffe residents and visitors, occurred in the early hours of Monday. Police responded to the scene promptly after being notified.
Authorities have been sparse with information, declining to provide additional comments beyond confirming the basic facts of the case. The police’s decision to classify the death as non-suspicious suggests that they do not believe any criminal activity was involved.
Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe is a hive of activity this weekend. It has been transformed into a dirt bike battleground for the highly anticipated return of the Australian Supercross Championship to Queensland.
After a five-year absence, the roar of engines and the thrill of high-flying action have taken over the venue, which is usually rugby league-focused.
The stadium has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis. Six thousand tonnes of dirt have been trucked to construct a challenging course for Australia’s best riders. They’ll be vying for glory in the first two rounds of the championship, held last Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13.
The event marks the return of Supercross legend and two-time world champion Chad Reed, who will serve as its ambassador. Adding to the family affair, Reed’s son, Tate, will compete in the 85cc class on Saturday, an event aptly named in honour of his father.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting Kayo Stadium’s ability to host diverse sporting spectacles and draw large crowds. With an expected attendance of 20,000 people, the event is set to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Visit Moreton Bay CEO Natassia Wheeler indicated that many spectators travel outside the region, bringing valuable tourism dollars.
Chad Reed spoke about the significance of the Redcliffe event for his family, marking his son’s Queensland debut. He also mentioned enjoying the local area and exploring Bribie Island with his family.
The championship promises intense competition, with defending champion Dean Wilson facing stiff challenges from international riders like Joey Savatgy and Aaron Tanti. Local heroes Matt Moss and Luke Clout will fly the flag for Australia, aiming to conquer the challenging track and claim victory on home soil.
As October rolls in and the warm weather begins to embrace us, it’s time to dust off your fishing gear and head out to the water. Mark your calendars for October 13th, the official “Gone Fishing Day” – a national celebration of the beloved pastime of wetting a line.
Photo credit: Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation/Facebook
This event is an initiative spearheaded by the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, the peak national body and key voice for Australia’s recreational fishing community. This event, supported by BCF-Boating, Camping, Fishing, aims to bring families and friends together for a day of outdoor fun and fishing.
Photo credit: Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation/Facebook
This year, the Central Moreton Bay Chapter at the Port of Brisbane will be hosting a special event. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the health and social benefits of fishing while supporting OzFish’s shellfish reef restoration efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete novice, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities!
October Fishing Tips: Making the Most of Your Outing
Photo credit: Gone Fishing Day/Facebook
To help you prepare for this special day or any October fishing trip, here are some valuable tips:
1. Target Species: October is prime time for sand whiting and yellowfin (gold lined) whiting. These species are abundant during this month.
2. Best Locations:
– Bribie Island beaches from Skirmish Point to Red Beach
– Shallow foreshores of Deception and Bramble Bays
– Margate Beach
– Pine River
– Hays Inlet
– Ted Smout Bridge area
3. Timing: Early morning tends to be the best time for catching whiting, especially on Bribie Island beaches.
4. Bait: Locally dug rock worm is an excellent bait choice, particularly for the Bribie Island locations.
5. Boat Fishing: If you’re heading out on a boat, try your luck in the Caboolture River, Bribie Passage, Pine River, and Hays Inlet.
Remember, fishing is not just about the catch – it’s about enjoying the outdoors, spending time with loved ones, and contributing to conservation efforts. So, whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, grab your gear and join in the celebrations. It’s the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories and maybe even catch your next big fish!
It’s been a momentous week for the Dolphins. Alongside dual Dally M award victories for Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock, the club has announced the additions of Origin prop Daniel Saifiti and promising outside back Max Feagai for 2025, as well as securing two key assistant coaches to join incoming head coach Kristian Woolf.
The Dolphins’ impressive sophomore campaign has been recognised at the Dally M Awards, with the club securing two prestigious honours. Herbie Farnworth claimed the Centre of the Year award, while Jack Bostock was named Rookie of the Year, marking a major achievement for the young winger.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was also in contention for Fullback of the Year. He was ultimately edged out by Roosters’ James Tedesco, rounding out a strong showing for the club with three nominees.
Origin prop Daniel Saifiti joins
In a major coup for the Dolphins, representative front-rower Daniel Saifiti will join the club from the Newcastle Knights. The 28-year-old veteran brings considerable experience to the forward pack, with 183 NRL games under his belt, seven State of Origin appearances for NSW, and international experience representing Fiji.
The signing reunites Saifiti with incoming head coach Kristian Woolf, his former mentor at the Knights. “He is a representative player, he is tough, aggressive, and a hard worker—all the things the Dolphins pride themselves on being,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.
Alongside Saifiti, Knights assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn will also make the move north, adding valuable coaching expertise to the staff.
The Dolphins have further strengthened their squad by securing 23-year-old Max Feagai from the St George Illawarra Dragons. The young star joins a formidable lineup of outside backs, competing alongside the trio of Dally M nominees, as well as established players Jamayne Isaako and Trai Fuller.
Dragons assistant coach Ben Woolf will unite with his brother Kristian, who will take over the reins from Wayne Bennett.
The new recruits will begin their Dolphins journey in November’s preseason, marking the start of an exciting chapter as the club builds toward 2025 with a reinforced playing and coaching roster.
Redcliffe residents will have a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with an emergency response helicopter when it touches down at Pelican Park.
The landing is part of the Moreton Bay Emergency Services Expo, designed to help locals prepare for the upcoming storm and fire season. The expo, a free event held at Pelican Park on Sunday, 13 October, will feature a range of emergency service displays, including an impressive Unimog 4WD truck, inflatable rescue boat, jet skis, and a tethered drone providing situational awareness.
However, the star attraction is undoubtedly the Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter, which Public Safety Training & Response Group owns and operates.
This versatile aircraft, used for everything from disaster relief to search and rescue operations, will be on display for the public to inspect. Representatives from the Public Safety Training & Response Group and Emergency Services crews will be available to discuss how residents can prepare their homes and families for the potential challenges of the summer months.
Attendees can witness the helicopter’s arrival and departure, explore an array of emergency vehicles and equipment, and learn from experienced professionals how to prepare for storms, floods, and bushfires. The expo also aims to enhance community preparedness by providing information on training courses and available resources.
The expo aims to raise awareness about early preparation for natural disasters. Organisers stress that Queensland summers often bring severe weather events, and taking proactive steps now can significantly reduce the impact on families and communities.
A similar event will be held at 7th Brigade Park in Chermside on Saturday, 12 October, for those residing in the Brisbane area. However, the drone display will be exclusive to the Redcliffe expo. Both events encourage attendees to engage with emergency service personnel and gather valuable information to ensure their safety during the summer.
A Queensland man has been awarded $5,000 in compensation after being evicted from a rental property in Woody Point that he claimed was “sinking” and riddled with neglected repairs.
The former tenant, Malcolm, alleged that the Moreton Bay property had been steadily deteriorating over his seven-year tenancy, with rotting wood and makeshift supports propping up parts of the structure.
Malcolm claimed he repeatedly informed his leasing agent about the home’s worsening condition, providing photographic evidence of buckling timbers and areas needing attention. However, it wasn’t until a carpenter inspected the roof in May of last year that the agent declared the property “unsafe” and issued an eviction notice for “non-liveability,” giving Malcolm a mere 16 hours to vacate.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Adding insult to injury, the same agent listed the single-storey home for sale just weeks later, describing it as needing “some TLC (or a bulldozer).” The property, located in the desirable coastal suburb of Woody Point, sold for $590,000 and has since been demolished.
Following his eviction, Malcolm took his case to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), seeking $17,359.50 in compensation to cover moving costs, lost income, and back-paid rent. He argued that the property failed to meet the minimum housing standards that came into effect in Queensland last September, which require rentals to be weatherproof, structurally sound, and in good repair.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
While QCAT adjudicator Peter Eardley acknowledged that Malcolm’s enjoyment of the property was “disadvantaged,” he awarded him $5,000, a significantly lower sum than requested. The agent maintained that “all basic repairs were always done.”
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by tenants in Queensland’s tight rental market. Demand often outstrips supply, leaving renters with limited options and vulnerable to substandard living conditions.
The news comes as renters across Australia see some positive changes in their favour. In Western Australia, new rental reforms introduced in July now limit rent increases to once yearly. They grant tenants the right to have pets and make minor modifications to their rental properties. Premier Roger Cook stated that these changes aim to provide more excellent stability and certainty for tenants, allowing them to “feel more at home where they live.”
Meanwhile, in New South Wales, the government has announced a ban on no-grounds evictions, a move welcomed by tenants’ rights advocates. Premier Chris Minns confirmed that legislation will be introduced later this year to provide renters with greater security and prevent them from facing sudden homelessness without a justifiable reason.
A new master plan for the Scarborough Boat Harbour has been released, outlining significant changes to improve maritime operations and enhance community access to one of Moreton Bay’s busiest harbours.
The Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan, finalised in September 2024, sets a clear direction for the harbour’s future. The plan aims to balance its role as a working harbour with providing better access and amenities for the local community. It includes an expansion of marine berths, additional parking spaces along Oyster Point Esplanade, and dedicated areas for marine activities, tourism, and entertainment.
This will support existing maritime operations and create opportunities for local businesses and residents. The plan also seeks to develop Scarborough as a destination, driving tourism while protecting the environment. The vision reflects feedback from community groups, businesses, and stakeholders who were consulted throughout the process.
Photo Credit: Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan
Community and Environmental Focus
A central aspect of the master plan is its focus on public access and sustainability. Areas of the harbour will see improved open spaces, better vessel access, and facilities designed to minimise the environmental footprint. The plan also outlines a need to integrate the harbour with surrounding areas and improve traffic and parking management to accommodate future growth.
The community played a significant role in shaping this. The Scarborough Harbour Action Group (SHAG), formed by local residents, initially opposed parts of the proposal. However, after public consultation and revisions, SHAG and other local groups acknowledged improvements in the final version.
The extended public consultation period and incorporation of hundreds of community submissions resulted in what local representatives describe as a “better-balanced plan.”
Photo Credit: Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan
Invested Collaboration
Queensland’s $4 million investment will help implement the plan in stages. A working group made up of local businesses, community members, and stakeholders will provide input on the project’s next steps. The Department of Transport and Main Roads will collaborate closely with Moreton Bay City Council and other state agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the master plan.
The plan will guide decisions on future leasing, development, and infrastructure improvements, while respecting the environmental regulations governing Moreton Bay Marine Park. Further assessments, including traffic and environmental studies, will be carried out as part of the implementation process.
This will mark a new chapter for Scarborough Boat Harbour, setting the stage for long-term development that benefits both the local community and Queensland’s maritime industry.
Photo Credit: Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan
SHAG’s Response to the Plan
Mandy Lake, spokesperson for SHAG, said the group is relieved that the final plan did not include any unexpected changes. She described it as “fairly similar” to earlier this year’s revised plan. SHAG, which was formed to ensure residents and visitors had a voice in the planning process, praised TMR for considering community feedback.
Ms Lake acknowledged that the final plan is a “dramatic improvement” on the initial version, noting that it reflects many of the community’s concerns. She also expressed appreciation for TMR’s commitment to ongoing engagement with Moreton Bay City Council, harbour stakeholders, and the community, stating SHAG is eager to continue providing feedback as the plan is implemented.
Remaining Concerns
Despite these improvements, SHAG still has reservations. Lake expressed disappointment that more green space could not be preserved, though some was saved on the northern arm. Another major concern for SHAG is the potential development of five-storey, 15-metre-high structures on the northern arm of the harbour. TMR has committed to seeking reductions in building heights as part of future amendments to Moreton Bay City Council’s planning scheme, but Lake said the group is preparing for a flood of development applications.
Peninsula Power FC standout Cortnee Vine has been forever etched into Australian sporting history with a stunning new mural at Suncorp Stadium alongside the Matildas. Unveiled on Tuesday, the artwork celebrates the team’s unprecedented success and their impact on Australian sport.
Located at the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium, the 5.5m-long and 2.1m-wide bronze bas-relief depicts one of the most significant moments in Australian soccer history. The mural captures the Matildas’ jubilant celebration following Cortnee Vine’s match-winning penalty against France, the moment that secured their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance.
Matildas star Tameka Yallop expressed her appreciation for the tribute. “It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport,” Yallop stated.
“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Matildas’ broader impact, saying, “The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.”
From Redcliffe to the world stage
Cortnee Vine’s rise from Redcliffe to World Cup stardom has inspired young athletes across the region. Following her World Cup heroics Vine returned to Sydney FC for a fourth season, where she dominated with 10 goals and 6 assists. Averaging 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes, she quickly caught the attention of international scouts.
In June, Vine secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), marking her debut on the international club stage. Her impact was immediate; she scored her first NWSL goal during her Courage home debut on 1 September, helping secure a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current.
This mural complements the existing bronze statues of male sports figures at Suncorp Stadium, including rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.
It represents a significant step towards greater recognition of women’s contributions to Australian sport. For generations to come, the mural will inspire young athletes to dream big and chase their goals, just like Cortnee.
A series of wallet thefts at local shopping centres has prompted Redcliffe police to issue a warning to residents. Over the past few weeks, several incidents have been reported at Kippa-Ring and Rothwell shops, raising concerns about shopper safety.
Acting Senior Sergeant Sharnelle Harris, Officer in Charge of the Moreton Prevention Unit, stated that thieves are opportunistic and can remove a wallet from an open bag in a trolley in just a few seconds.
Police have documented four specific incidents:
September 6: At 12:15 PM, CCTV footage captured a female suspect removing a wallet from a handbag left briefly in a trolley at a Kippa-Ring shopping centre.
September 12: At 11:00 AM, a wallet was stolen from a bag at a Kippa-Ring shopping centre. The stolen cards were later used for fraudulent transactions.
September 20: At 11:20 AM, a wallet was taken from a handbag in a trolley at a Rothwell shopping centre. The wallet was later found discarded on a store shelf, minus the cash.
September 21: At 12:10 PM, a man’s wallet was stolen from his back pocket at a Kippa-Ring shopping centre.
Authorities believe these four incidents are connected and are actively investigating to locate the suspect(s).
In response to these thefts, police have issued several safety tips for shoppers, including:
Using bags that can be secured
Keeping valuables close to the body
Avoiding leaving bags or wallets unattended
Being mindful of surroundings when loading shopping into vehicles
Redcliffe residents are advised to report any suspicious activity immediately. In case of theft, victims should call Triple Zero (000) and try to remember details of the incident without confronting the perpetrator.
Police investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
Nestled along Redcliffe Parade, an art deco gem stands as a testament to the peninsula’s rich history. The former Redcliffe Town Council Chambers, now a heritage-listed building, has witnessed the transformation of Redcliffe from a small coastal town to a thriving city.
Constructed in 1940-41 for £5,200 (equivalent to $542,180 today), the building was designed by Sidney William Prior and brought to life by builder Carl Gustav Thiedeke. Its creation coincided with a pivotal moment in Redcliffe’s development, following the construction of the Hornibrook Highway that connected the peninsula to Brisbane.
Redcliffe Town Council building, ca 1960s (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay, Reference Number RMPC-100\100075)
The building’s architectural features are a callback to a bygone era. A curved façade greets visitors, while high, decorative ceilings and silky oak timber details showcase the craftsmanship of the time. Glass bricks and stained glass add to its unique character, with a striking four-metre high stained-glass window depicting explorer John Oxley as the centrepiece of the council meeting room.
Originally serving multiple purposes, the building housed council services, offices, and even facilities for the South Coast Hospitals Board. Its versatility was evident in the array of rooms, from a surgery and examination rooms to a dispensary and waiting area.
The building’s significance grew alongside Redcliffe itself. When Redcliffe achieved city status on 11 June 1959, the chambers stood as a symbol of the community’s progress. However, change came in 1972 when the Council relocated, and the building was repurposed as a community health centre.
The Redcliffe City Council chambers ca 1970 (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay, reference number, reference number RLPC-000\000215)
Despite facing challenges, including extensive fire damage in 2006, the building’s story was far from over. A careful renovation breathed new life into the structure, preserving its heritage while adapting to modern needs.
Today, the former Council Chambers houses Wallace Davies Solicitors, owned by Peter Wallace, whose family connection to the building spans generations. Mr Wallace reminisced about growing up in the building, mentioning his father’s role as a councillor and his brother-in-law’s career beginnings within these very walls.
Photo credit: apps.des.qld.gov.au
Mr Wallace expressed his appreciation for the building’s unique qualities, particularly its age and high ceilings. He notes the rarity of such well-preserved buildings in Redcliffe, highlighting the special ambiance that can only be found in a structure of this vintage.
As it approaches its centenary, the former Redcliffe Town Council Chambers continues to serve the community, albeit in a different capacity. Its journey from civic centre to legal practice encapsulates the evolving nature of Redcliffe itself – honouring its past while embracing the future. This architectural treasure stands not just as a protected heritage site, but as a living, breathing part of Redcliffe’s ongoing story.
