Redcliffe’s educational landscape is set to transform with “Edu Space,” an innovative independent school designed specifically for Year 7 to 10 students who find traditional classrooms challenging.
This pioneering institution promises a fresh approach to learning, tailored to the unique needs of its students.
Administered by Redcliffe Area Youth Space (RAYS), the school has initially catered to 24 foundation students and aims to provide a supportive environment for the youth aged 12-16 dealing with various severe psychosocial, systemic, clinical and financial obstacles to learning.
Edu Space’s head of curriculum is Allen Ellis, who has been working for RAYS for more than a decade, 15 years to be exact.
At Oxley Avenue, where the school operates, Allen is joined by six staff members and is supported by two funding streams.
Helping Allen provide education to students are Bronnie, a former teacher from NSW, and other four learning support officers.
The school’s project-based curriculum and focus on trauma-informed care are geared towards fostering long-term relationships with students. A four-years-worth of units for Edu Space’s students has been prepared by Allen.
With flexible hours from 8:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the school seeks to accommodate the diverse needs of its students.
Allen also stresses the importance of stability and consistency in building a passion for learning among the students.
“We’re trying to create stability and we have time to build long-term relationships,” he said.
As the community anticipates Edu Space in the following years, there is optimism about the positive impact it could have on vulnerable youth in Redcliffe.
By addressing the root causes of disengagement and offering tailored support, the school hopes to empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential.
In a region where education is seen as a pathway to positive change, Edu Space represents a step towards providing more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for young people in Redcliffe.
Gem enthusiasts and treasure hunters, mark your calendars! The Redcliffe Gem Club is inviting the local community to their highly anticipated ‘Gem Market Day’ next month at the Redcliffe Showgrounds.
On Saturday, May 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the showgrounds will be transformed into a sparkling wonderland, as gem traders from across the country will flock to the Redcliffe Showgrounds to showcase an unparalleled array of precious stones, opals, jewellery, and even machinery used for cutting and polishing precious gems.
Whether you’re a long-time collector searching for that elusive gem, or a newcomer to the world of minerals and crystals, the Gem Market Day promises to be a truly enchanting experience.
Photo credit: Redcliffe Gem Club/Facebook
Stalls will be brimming with glistening gemstones, exquisite handcrafted jewellery, and a diverse selection of rare and unique specimens that are sure to captivate the imagination.
Photo credit: Redcliffe Gem Club/Facebook
Beyond the stalls, visitors will have the opportunity to partake in educational conversations and demonstrations, gaining insight into the intricate processes involved in turning raw stones into stunning works of art. Experienced jewellers and lapidaries will be on hand to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of gem enthusiasts.
So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to discover the dazzling treasures that await at the Redcliffe Gem Club’s ‘Gem Market Day’ next month. It’s an event that’s sure to leave you sparkly-eyed and inspired.
Visit Redcliffe Gem Club’s Events Page on Facebook for more information.
About the Redcliffe Gem Club
Photo credit: Redcliffe Gem Club/Instagram
The Redcliffe Gem Club is a volunteer-based community organisation. It is open to all members and visitors who might want to see how they cut and polish precious and semi-precious gems, and then turn them into beautiful pieces of artisanal jewellery.
The club provides instruction and facilities for members to perform a range of lapidary-based activities, precious metal work for jewellery making, and faceting of gemstones.
Visitors can learn to work with soft gems such as opal and jade, or learn to facet gemstones in the club’s faceting workshop. The organisation also offers other activities such as rock slabbing, stone tumbling, and field trips.
Amidst the turmoil of World War II, Ellen Savage emerged as the sole surviving nurse from the devastating sinking of the hospital ship Centaur by a Japanese submarine off Moreton Bay.
On the 12th of May 1943, as night descended upon Sydney Harbour, the hospital ship Centaur set sail on its final voyage towards Port Moresby. Its mission was to aid those injured in the intense battles of Buna and Gona.
The Centaur, with its bright lights and clear Red Cross markings, served as a symbol of hope and a safe haven amidst the chaos of World War II. On board were 332 individuals, including the crew, medical staff, Australian Army Nursing Service nurses, and soldiers from the 2/12th Field Ambulance. All of them were united in a common purpose of providing care and comfort to those in need.
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland
Nurse Ellen Savage was one of the twelve nurses aboard the ship, fully aware of the dangers ahead. The waters through which they would be passing were a dangerous battleground, haunted by the ghosts of merchant ships that had previously been sunk by enemy submarines. However, the Centaur’s clear identification as a hospital ship provided a semblance of protection. It gave hope that even in war, humanity’s respect for the sanctuaries of the wounded and sick would prevail.
Whilst sailing through the night, the Centaur relied on traditional methods of war to protect itself. Nurse Savage and her coworkers went about their work determined and focused, getting ready to treat the wounded they would soon receive. Despite the underlying tension, there was a sense of camaraderie among the crew and medical personnel, all united in their mission to help those in need.
However, the tranquillity of their passage was shattered in the early hours of the 14th of May. Without warning, a torpedo fired by a Japanese submarine commanded by Lieutenant Commander Nakagawa struck the Centaur. The attack was a surprise, a brutal reminder of the unpredictable nature of war.
Nurse Savage was thrust into a fight for survival whils resting in her bunk. The explosion that rocked the ship was just the beginning of a night of terror and tragedy.
In those first moments following the attack, Nurse Savage’s training and instincts as a nurse and a soldier kicked in. Despite the chaos that enveloped her, she remained focused on the safety and well-being of her colleagues and the wounded under her care.
As the Centaur began to succumb to the sea, Nurse Savage, with remarkable presence of mind, assisted in evacuating patients and fellow staff members, even as the prospects of their own survival dwindled.
Rescue and Aftermath
The survivors of the Centaur tragedy were stranded in the Pacific for over a day, clinging to fragments of what was once a hospital ship. Finally, after 32 harrowing hours, the USS Mugford, an American destroyer, spotted them. The Mugford arrived as an unexpected saviour on the horizon, bringing hope to the survivors after their long ordeal.
The aftermath of the rescue was a time of mixed emotions. The grief of loss tempered relief at being saved; out of the 332 individuals who had boarded the Centaur in Sydney, only 64 were plucked from the ocean’s grasp. The survivors, including Nurse Savage, bearing the physical and emotional scars of their ordeal, were returned to the Australian mainland, where news of the disaster and the heroic rescue operation was met with shock and mourning across the nation.
Nurse Ellen Savage interview after the rescue Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial
The sinking of the Centaur was Australia’s biggest loss to submarine warfare in the war. It prompted a national outpouring of support for survivors and families. Funds were raised to help the wounded and bereaved. The rescue operation became a celebrated chapter of heroism, highlighting the courage of the Allied forces.
Honouring the Lost
In 1947, Nurse Savage received a Florence Nightingale Memorial scholarship that allowed her to pursue further studies in England. She achieved a diploma in nursing administration from the Royal College of Nursing. She continued her nursing career in Sydney until the 1950s and was a pivotal figure in the foundation of the College of Nursing, Australia.
In Brisbane, Nurse Savage was also instrumental in establishing the Centaur Memorial Fund for Nurses in 1948. This fund was a tribute to the medical personnel who perished. The fund continues to support nurses to this day.
Nurse Ellen Savage retired in the late 1960s due to her failing health and shortly after an ANZAC Day reunion in 1985, she passed away in Sydney.
Discovery of the Wreck in 2009
The discovery of the Centaur wreckage after 66 years was an emotional event for Australia. After years of speculation and tireless search, the ship’s final resting place was finally found on the 20th of December 2009.
In the late 2000s, a team aboard the Seahorse Spirit search vessel used advanced technology to locate the Centaur off Moreton Island. Their goal was to honour the memory of those who were lost.
The team faced vast challenges searching for the lost Centaur ship in the ocean’s depths, alongside numerous other sunken ships. However, their determination and calculated approach narrowed down the search area.
After seven days, sonar equipment detected a large, upright, mostly intact vessel. Excited but cautious, the team awaited confirmation from divers that this was the Centaur. Unique features and Red Cross markings identified the ship.
The discovery was both bitter and sweet, as it served as a reminder of the tragedy. The announcement was made with respect, recognising the site’s significance to the crew’s and passengers’ families. The Australian government declared the wreckage a war grave, providing protection and respect for generations to come.
Fresh off thrilling comeback victories, the Dolphins and Tigers turn their attention towards each other in a highly anticipated Saturday night clash.Dolphins vs Tigers kick off 4:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dolphins displayed remarkable resilience in last weekend’s match against the Titans. The Redcliffe outfit overcame a 10-0 deficit despite being a man down for 10 minutes after lock Max Plath was sin-binned for a hip-drop tackle.
“You feel bad when you’ve just gone to the sin bin and you know your team is vulnerable but I couldn’t have asked them to respond any better than they did. Max Plath hasn’t got a dirty bone in his body, so it was never intentional, we don’t coach it, we don’t talk about it, but if it has gone wrong it’s gone wrong and we’ll just have to pay the consequences.”
Jack Bostock led the charge for the Dolphins, scoring a double and amassing 125 run metres and six tackle breaks. Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow contributed two try assists, two line break assists, and an impressive 175 run metres. Their performances were pivotal in the Dolphins’ comeback victory and will be crucial against the Tigers.
Likewise, the Wests Tigers showcased their unwavering resilience with a late comeback to secure a thrilling victory against the Eels.
Justin Olam’s 94th-minute try roared the Tigers back to life, narrowing the deficit to 14-10. Jahream Bula tied the match in the 99th minute, and Tigers skipper Apisai Koroisau gave them a two-point cushion with a late conversion. The Tigers held on to their lead to finish the game 16-17.
Dolphins vs Tigers, unfinished business
Photo Credit: NRL
The two teams most recently met in Round 25 of the previous season, with the Tigers edging out the Dolphins in a narrow 24-23 victory. The 58th-minute conversion by Koroisau proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The Dolphins seek to avenge that loss and continue their strong start to the season. With a bye week in Round 3, the Dolphins record sits at 2 wins and 1 loss. They have the league’s second-highest points differential, trailing only the 2-2 Sydney Roosters.
Redcliffe will undoubtedly be motivated to settle the score and assert their dominance on home soil.
The Suttons Beach Pavilion, a historic and cultural landmark of the Redcliffe community for nearly nine decades, has been demolished, marking the end of a significant era in the bayside suburb’s history.
Located at 50 Marine Parade, Redcliffe, the pavilion was originally constructed in 1937 as a bathing pavilion and has since hosted countless significant life events, from weddings to casual gatherings.
On 27 March 2024, the demolition was executed amidst a wet and sombre atmosphere. It came after the Moreton Bay City Council decided to rebuild the facility following a 2022 assessment by Covey Associates.
This assessment revealed that the pavilion suffered from structural issues and failed to meet contemporary building standards. Despite discussions about renovation, the council and community ultimately leaned towards reconstruction for practicality and cost-efficiency.
Residents of Redcliffe displayed mixed reactions to the demolition, expressing sadness over the loss of the historic structure and optimism about the future redevelopment.
The Moreton Bay Council has initiated an architectural design competition, inviting submissions from across Australia to shape the new pavilion’s design. Stages of the competition are already underway.
Extensive community feedback on the site’s future use, preferred architectural styles, and the broader master planning for the park, including potential foreshore activations, will also be undertaken to ensure that redevelopment will accommodate community needs, attract tourists, and support local businesses.
“We have invited architects via Stage One to submit an expression of interest in the competition and the jury is reviewing those applications,” the project manager stated.
“We are hoping to advise and publish the shortlisted parties on our website in the coming weeks. The shortlisted architects will further develop their designs which will then be seen and reviewed by the appointed jury members, and the winning design will be announced and shared with the community in mid-2024.
“In terms of activity on the site, Council has been diligently working with our contractor to safely demolish the existing Suttons Beach Pavilion Structures. During the demolition works we have discovered a second old floor slab tucked under Pavilion 2 and material under and behind the existing retaining wall behind Pavilion 2. Both issues have now been addressed with the second slab removed and a new section of retaining wall being constructed.”
“Currently, the contractor is carefully anchoring the retaining wall behind Pavilion 1 to maintain bank stability as the building is removed. Demolition of Pavilion 1 is expected to commence in the coming week. Removal of Pavilion 1 will also include the salvage of the red bricks where reasonable and feasible to do so.”
The demolition signifies the pavilion’s physical removal and evokes reflection on the balance between preserving history and making way for progress. As the community awaits the unveiling the new pavilion design, the legacy of the old Suttons Beach Pavilion will undoubtedly continue to resonate with many.
Thirteen-year-old Marley Davis, a former youth prospect at Redcliffe PCYC (now Redcliffe Dolphins Soccer Club) has embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime football tour of the United Kingdom.
The Scarborough resident is part of a tour organised by George Cowie Football in partnership with West Ham United FC.
Marley kicked off his journey by training under the tutelage of West Ham United’s academy coaches. He also enjoyed the opportunity to train with coaches from the English Championship club Watford.
Visits across the English football pyramid
The two-week tour, which started from March 26 and will end on April 7, takes Marley to the heart of English football. He has the chance to witness the training sessions of Manchester United, the club he supports, and their city rivals, Manchester City.
Beyond the Premier League, Marley’s football adventure will extend to the English Championship. He will have opportunities to witness clashes between Watford and Leeds, as well as Leicester City and Norwich City. Additionally, the tour may include a visit to watch Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in action for West Ham United in the Women’s Premier League against Brighton.
Marley Davis’ journey
His footballing journey began at a Peninsula Power holiday program at Bradley Park last year. His exceptional talent and dedication caught the attention of coaches, leading to an invitation to the George Cowie Football National Camp on the Gold Coast. There, he was assessed by West Ham United coaches. His impressive performance secured him a coveted spot on the UK tour.
The tour promises to be a transformative experience for Marley, providing him with invaluable exposure to the highest levels of English football and the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the world.
Redcliffe locals are issuing a call to action to raise awareness about the plight of turtles in Moreton Bay, particularly those nesting on Peninsula beaches, with the upcoming Family Turtle Expo Day aiming to shed light on the issue.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Redcliffe Sunrise, the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), and Oceania, the Family Turtle Expo Day will occur on April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:000 p.m. at Scarborough’s Queens Beach North. Admission is free to all.
Colin Scobie, the initiative’s spokesperson, emphasised the event’s relevance by pointing out that turtles usually nest from October to March, and the hatching process happens from December to May, reaching its peak in February and March. He highlighted the significance of the community’s vigilance, especially along Queens Beach North, where the warm, high sand embankments above the high tide line provide perfect nesting grounds.
In 2010, there was an event where hundreds of turtle hatchlings became disoriented by street lighting and wandered onto the road. Scobie emphasised the importance of increased awareness and protection measures to prevent this from happening again. As a solution, turtle-friendly street lighting was installed along the affected stretch of road.
Scobie cautioned that turtles have an inherent ability to find their way back to their usual nesting areas, including Queens Beach North. He emphasized the potential effects of climate change and predicted a rise in nesting activity on the Peninsula due to favourable conditions.
The expo is organized to address the challenges faced by turtles, especially marine litter, within the protected Ramsar site of Moreton Bay. Inspired by the ‘Marine Debris’ exhibit at Redcliffe Museum, Vivien Harris and Karen Catterall have designed turtle-shaped boards decorated with trash collected mainly from Clontarf Beach.
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Redcliffe/Facebook
Their artwork, showcased at the event, aims to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of beach litter and encourage responsible waste disposal practices.
Despite their clean-up efforts, Harris and Catterall were dismayed by the debris that had accumulated on local beaches. They highlighted the role of stormwater runoff in transporting land-based litter to the sea.
Interactive activities have been planned for an upcoming event, which includes turtle painting sessions for children and the chance to observe turtle nests with the Bribie Island Turtle Trackers. The aim is to communicate a message of environmental stewardship that will stay with attendees. Everyone is encouraged to reduce their plastic usage in daily life to help protect threatened species.
The Family Turtle Expo Day aims to promote collective commitment to safeguarding the region’s marine biodiversity by encouraging broad participation from diverse community segments.
The site at 6 Silvyn Street, located near Redcliffe Hospital, has been identified as prime real estate for a new comprehensive medical centre.
Qscan will remain as the anchor tenant, but the new owners plan to further develop the property to include additional medical services, subject to approvals.
Photo credit: Rohrig
The development application lodged by the new owners, designed by Rohrig, envisions a new one-story, contemporary healthcare facility featuring the existing radiology clinic as well as up to eight new tenancies for healthcare providers.
The proposal seeks to demolish the existing commercial buildings on the eastern aspect of the site and construct a single-story office and medical care service building.
The proposed building will have a total site area of approximately 4,454 sqm and will include commercial/medical tenancies at ground floor level ranging in size from 114 to 166 sqm.
Photo credit: Rohrig
There will be 30 car parking spaces provided, including a disability and ambulance bay. The existing car parking associated with the Qscan premises will remain. Site access is proposed via Silvyn Street and Portwood Street.
The assessment has assumed 24-hour, after-hours operation should after-hours medical care be required.
The additional tenancies are expected to house general practitioner clinics, specialist consultancies, pathology services, and allied health practices, taking advantage of the site’s proximity to the major hospital.
Photo credit: Rohrig
The developers are also planning to collaborate with healthcare professionals to deliver top-tier medical and rehabilitation facilities for the benefit of the local community.
The agents who brokered the off-market deal highlighted the growing demand for healthcare real estate assets. They believe the rise in demand for essential services in recent years, such as medical centres, will continue due to increased resilience to economic conditions.
They highlighted that the medical sector remains one of the most buoyant in commercial property, bolstered by ongoing government investments in healthcare.
With roughly half the site already leased long-term to Qscan until 2032 and the balance being primed for further development, the $10.4 million acquisition sets the stage for a significant new medical hub in the heart of Redcliffe.
Dolphins Captain Jesse Bromwich provides insights into the selections for the opening round of the NRL season, with Tesi Niu, Kodi Nikorima, and Max Plath securing spots.
The Dolphins’ round one clash against the Cowboys kicks off at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 at Suncorp Stadium.
Tesi Niu lost 8 kilograms during his impressive pre-season. Photo Credit: The Dolphins
Bromwich praises Tesi Niu’s determination and impressive pre-season efforts, which have earned him a place in the starting side. “He’s impressed not only the coaching staff but all the players as well – the determination to get those things done,” Bromwich says.
Kodi Nikorima’s utility and consistent performances last season have secured his spot, according to the captain. “He fixed a lot of positions for us last year and he’s another one… he’s had a really good pre-season.”
Bromwich also commends Nikorima’s leadership qualities, noting his willingness to share his knowledge with younger players.
Max Plath’s versatility and exceptional work ethic during the pre-season have earned him a place in Bennett’s side. Bromwich likens Plath’s style of play to Tom Gilbert, praising his energetic approach and ability to link the backs and forwards.
Sights set on another strong start
Bromwich, who plans to retire at the end of the season, has never lost a round one game in his NRL career. The skipper is is keen to maintain that record against the Cowboys.
He expects a similar level never-give-up attitude from the team that propelled them to a strong inaugural season.
The Dolphins captain is also looking forward to the continued support from the fans, recalling the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the stands last season.
The award put a cap on what was an extremely successful competitive season for 14-year-old Emily.
She also took home the 2022/23 Sunshine Coast Junior Lifesaver of the Year award, her club’s own Nipper of the Year award, and the Most Outstanding Surf Rescue Cadet award. Emily admits that she was shocked when she found out she won the state-level award.
As part of earning the state’s top junior lifesaving award, Emily was given a $500 educational stipend and the opportunity to take part in PCYC’s week-long ESCape emergency services workshop.
Emily has been a member of the Redcliffe Peninsula SLSC since she was 8 years old in the “Nippers” junior program. She moved up to the competitive lifesaving cadet squad this season as a 14-year-old.
She says she loves being a part of the club, which she describes as being like a big family.
About Redcliffe Peninsula SLSC
Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving Club is situated along the Suttons Beach coastline just 40 km from Brisbane’s CBD. The club prides itself on providing surf safety and awareness programming for both families and competitive athletes alike.
From September to March, the club offers activities for members ages 5 and up. All equipment is provided free to members.
