Did you know that Indigo’s Cafe has opened along Margate Parade? Early visitors are raving over the delicious breakfast fare and the pet-friendly vibe at thismuch-needed addition to the Redcliffe waterfront.
Margate locals Aimee and Glenn Douglas noticed a lack of cafes in the area, emphasising that there was no actual coffee shop between Redcliffe and Woody Point before. After giving it a lot of thought, the couple decided to open their own cafe behind the Seafood Lovers Cafe in October 2022.
Here, they serve some delicious grab-and-go meals, such as wraps, English muffins, and toasties. Aside from classic breakfast, they also have hearty meals, such as yoghurt and muesli, fruit toast, and overnight oats.
Photo credit: Vlady Peters/Google Maps
The owners source their coffee beans from Allpress, although they serve a good selection of cold drinks too, which include iced coffee, shakes, and smoothies.
Photo credit: Indigo’s Cafe/Facebook
Didn’t we mention this cafe is very dog-friendly too? Here, fur babies get to have their treats and a bowl of water whilst the owners enjoy their food and drinks.
Photo credit: Indigo’s Cafe/Facebook
They have also launched a rewards program, where members are eligible for a heap of specials and rewards, such as free coffee. You can learn more about it by checking out their Facebook page.
Indigo’s Cafe is located at 3/139 Margate Pde, Redcliffe. They are open daily, from 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
A number of people, including a seven-year-old girl, claimed to have suffered from skin injuries similar to a “chemical burn” after swimming at Settlement Cove in Redcliffe last December 2022.
Seven-year-old Emily Lee, who was with her mum Sophie, was swimming at the lagoon at Settlement Cove last 23 December 2022 for about an hour when she started to feel pain in her private parts.
Sophie said that a couple of hours after they left the lagoon, they had to rush her daughter to the hospital as her belly was already swollen and she couldn’t pee because of the pain.
She said that the experience left her daughter traumatised.
Other families who visited Settlement Cove claimed to have experienced extreme pain, burning eyes and itchiness after swimming at the lagoon. They said that it took days before the itching and other symptoms subsided.
Moreton Bay Regional Council maintains that the lagoon is safe as its comprehensive water testing procedure is above industry standards, ensuring the best possible water quality across all public swimming facilities.
Council does advise anyone sensitive to chlorine exposure due to skin or health conditions to seek medical advice before swimming in public pools.
Council added that it immediately conducted a review of its water testing records following a post in an online forum and confirmed that the water quality readings that day were within the safe range.
Independent testing of water taken from the lagoon, however, reportedly revealed that it had a high pH of 7.7 which is beyond the acceptable range of 7.2 to 7.6. The results also showed low levels of alkalinity and Cyanuric Acid or chlorine stabilizer and high levels of phosphates.
Low alkalinity in the pool is unsafe for swimmers as it can cause eye and skin irritation.
A wild weather event brought more than 200,000 lightning strikes across SEQ and causing a house fire on Daniel Court in Scarborough, as hundreds of households were left without power in the aftermath of the severe thunderstorms.
On the night of Wednesday 4 December 2022 at about 9 pm, firefighters and Energex crews were sent to Danei Court where a house fire occurred after being hit by lightning. Firefighters had to work on extinguishing the fire, which was not visible from the outside, by entering from the roof.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics also rushed to the scene to attend to a woman, presumed to be in her 50s who sustained minor injuries. She was transported to Redcliffe Hospital in stable condition.
One neighbour was reportedly able to record a lightning bolt striking in the direction of Daniel Court but wasn’t sure if it was the one that caused the house fire. Following the lightning strike, the resident said that all of North Redcliffe’s electrical grid shut down.
Emergency services were also called at about 10 pm to rescue a woman who was trapped in her vehicle that was caught in floodwaters in Kedron. A passing car reportedly called triple zero after seeing the woman trapped in her vehicle.
The driver was uninjured and was rescued within ten minutes of the fire crews’ arrival.
The severe thunderstorm brought winds of over 32k m per hour, and rainfall of up to 90mm across South East Queensland. There were also more than 200,000 lightning strikes recorded that night and more than 2,500 power outages as of 5 am the next day. In all, more than 8,000 outages were recorded, impacting about 16,000 homes.
MBRC announced last 14 December 2022 that it has waived $220,000 in infrastructure charges and development application fees for Bric Housing. The initiative is aimed at helping the organisation with their plans to build a new 18-dwelling social housing block on Portwood Street, Redcliffe for people experiencing homelessness.
Once completed in 2023, the complex will also feature a rooftop solar system with state-of-the-art technology that will enable it to distribute the solar energy between the units. There will also be amenities to support tenants to age in place including secure lobby and lift access, private balconies and car parking for each dwelling.
It follows Mayor Peter Flannery’s announcement last August 2022, stating that Community Housing Providers who build social or affordable housing in Moreton Bay will not be required to pay any development fees or charges.
“To say I’m thrilled is an understatement – I honestly can’t believe this initiative has been so successful so quickly, and I’m so excited that Bric Housing already has ground works underway on Portwood Street in Redcliffe,” he said.
“When I wrote to Community Housing Providers outlining the incentives available and offering to work with them, we were overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.
“This project is a great start, and I hope it will lead to many more.
Between the 2011 and 2016 census, Moreton Bay saw an increase homelessness by 57 per cent. That rate is faster than Brisbane’s 39 per cent, Sunshine Coast’s six per cent, and “far too high” above the state average of nine per cent.
Mayor Flannery said that “statistically speaking Moreton Bay faces an unprecedented acceleration in homelessness” compared to its neighbours.
“Housing affordability could be the greatest challenge of our time… and it’s not just a Moreton Bay or a Queensland issue, this is a national crisis.” – Mayor Flannery | Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council / moretonbay.qld.gov.au
“The lack of social and affordable housing in our region is putting more and more people at risk of homelessness, already more than 1200 locals are already considered homeless.”
Mayor Flannery added that about 25 years ago, there used to be a nation-wide routine annual public housing construction program. But Australia’s population has increased 40 per cent whilst the social housing sector failed to match that rate, with stock increasing only by four per cent.
“Our system has not kept pace with the pressure that’s being put on it, and that pressure’s increasing.
“That’s why in this year’s budget Council committed $1.5 million to building a homelessness support hub in Redcliffe with funding from the State Government.
“I was also very pleased to see that Brisbane Housing Company, with the State Government’s Housing Investment Fund’s support, is investing in social and affordable housing in Redcliffe.
Bric Housing is a recognised leader in the community housing sector for the past decade in South East Queensland.
“This new accommodation in Redcliffe will be designed to provide good quality accommodation, and tenancy sustainment support, for 18 single people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with the support of State Government funding,” CEO Jane West said.
“It’s unusual and incredibly welcome for a Council to be so active in this space, given homelessness and housing are portfolios of the State and Federal Governments. It really is a pleasure to be working with a Council that’s been so proactive about doing what they can within their powers to respond to this very urgent need.
“I’d definitely encourage other Community Housing Providers to take up this opportunity with Moreton Bay Council, because we know areas like Redcliffe and Caboolture have had above-average rates of homelessness and this has significantly increased in recent years.”
Owner Johnny Allsopp announced on Facebook that he and his business partner have opened the newest seafood bar and grill in town, and have slowly been setting up their online presence.
Bungalow Seafood Bar & Grill’s official Facebook page announced that they will deliver “outstanding customer service, mouth-watering seafood and steaks, amazing cocktails and those cool waterfront vibes.”
Mr Allsopp has yet to share their menu or photos of the food and venue online, but initial renews from the first few diners during their soft opening have been positive.
Meanwhile, the owners of Hog’s Breath Redcliffe officially closed on the 15th of December 2022. On their website, the owners said that they are working on plans behind the scenes to reopen “in the future” but have not indicated the next location.
Locals who patronise the Redcliffe eatery may want to visit the next nearest location in Morayfield, where the staff continues to serve diners their favourites.
Want some fresh produce delivered to your doorstep? Introducing, Field Good. A new online farmers market where farm produce and products from makers and market traders are sold and delivered directly to customers.
Your favourite farm market stall holders are now just a few clicks away.
Mark Power is the man behind this new business model, who manages 12 of South East Queensland’s favourite Farmer’s Markets and more than 30 events annually, including Teneriffe Festival and Westoria in West End.
“Many of our vendors at our markets and events are keen to grow their micro businesses beyond the markets they attend but struggle due to the barriers of start-up costs, overheads and delivery experience,” Mark Power said.
He added that Field Good gives vendors the platform to reach more customers and grow beyond the markets they attend. “We wanted to level the playing field for our farmers as the nature of shopping has changed dramatically during the pandemic and they were missing out on the dramatic growth in e-commerce.
“Online shopping has increased in Australia by 39% from 2019, so it was important we offer a way that allows these amazing local micro and small businesses to compete with the big national supermarkets and other retailers,” he said.
“Everyone loves visiting a Farmer’s Market,” Mark continues, “because they know they are helping support local farmers, makers and traders in their small businesses and also because they get amazing produce at bargain prices compared to the supermarkets.”
“People are hungry for better knowledge of who, when and where their food and goods are coming from and Field Good provides that transparency.
“And while many people want to shop at their local Farmer’s Markets regularly the reality of work, children’s sport, church and sleep-ins can get in the way of getting there every weekend.”
Initially, Field Good, in partnership with leading last-mile delivery company Home Delivery Service, will be delivering to Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast once a week for a minimum spend of $50.
The online farmers market will offer a great selection of farmers, growers and makers on the site and more than 1,000 items to choose from including:
• Freshly Picked – fresh fruit and vegetables from all over South East Queensland • Bio Organic Farm – organic farm from Tweed Valley • Meat Co – from a collection of graziers from Rangeland Farms, Elgin Valley Farms • Rufus King Seafoods – from Stradbroke Island • Farm Boxes – from Cross Family Farms in Bundaberg • Enzo Pasta – handmade pasta and sauces from Brisbane’s pasta king, Enzo. • Fonzie Abbott – coffee roasted in Albion, Brisbane
Congratulations to Melissa Redsell, the founder of A Brave Life, a Moreton Bay charity for vulnerable mums, for being honoured as Queensland’s 2023 representative to the Australia’s Local Hero awards.
She will represent the state at the national awards in Canberra in January 2023.
This local hero was in Year 12 when she had her first baby. Amidst the struggles she faced and the limited support she received as a young mum within a dysfunctional family life, Melissa graduated high school whilst seven months heavy with a child.
Melissa didn’t let the stigma and judgment she experienced as a single mum prevent her from becoming a success as she attended the university to earn a Bachelor of Nursing Science, a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sexual Health.
As a healthcare worker, Melissa knew firsthand that single or teenage mums need all the help they can get. What began as a simple gesture to gift young mums with newborn essentials gave birth to her charity.
In 2022, A Brave New Life gifted more than 8,000 baby bundle care packages to vulnerable mothers in Queensland. Her charity also provides support for mothers dealing with unplanned pregnancy, domestic violence, homelessness, poverty and trauma.
“This award is not for me but for all the teenage mothers out there,” Mel said after she found out she was a finalist. “The unseen heroes who face ongoing stigma and judgement.”
Aside from Melissa Redsell, the other winners who will represent the state in Canberra are:
Queensland Australian of the Year – William Barton
Queensland Senior Australian of the Year – Claude Lyle Harvey OAM
Queensland Young Australian of the Year – Talei Elu
“The 2023 Queensland Australian of the Year recipients are remarkable people who have inspired us through their words and actions, and they will be wonderful representatives of our great State at the national event in January,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“I congratulate the recipients and all of the nominees for their great work and achievements which help to make Queensland such a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
Despite still struggling to process his unbelievably lucky break, a Redcliffe man has made plans to pay off some of his bills after receiving a $100,000 windfall.
The ecstatic winner still needs to convince himself that he won big and had to keep checking the draw’s results for confirmation. He won at the Super Jackpot draw on Friday, 21 October 2022.
“I’m still struggling to process [my win],” the Redcliffe man said. “But this means I’ll be able to pay off some bills and it’s going to set me up for the future, which is fantastic.”
The Redcliff man has been buying and playing online via TheLott‘s official site and actually bought two random numbers on the day he won.
“I just think, ‘oh, you never know.’ I’m just so thankful.”
To date, more than 169 lucky Australians have won the first prize, totaling over $32 million. The Super Jackpot’s prize money is now at $33.045 million while the Mega Jackpot prize is at $1 million.
Per TheLott, “Each game has two draws – one that determines the winning numbers and one that determines the jackpot number. If the jackpot number matches one of the winning numbers, then the Jackpot Prize is won. If the jackpot number does not match one of the winning numbers, the Jackpot Prize will climb to the next draw.”
Redcliffe, are you all set for some eats and beats to go with the tricks and treats at the jetty this Halloween? Dare to join a freakish fright night in your scari-best costumes?
If you’re game for a spooky good time, then make your way down to the Redcliffe foreshore on Saturday, the 29th of October 2022, for the Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights. The fun starts at the witching hour of 4:00 p.m. and will end at 9:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Supplied
This night promises to be a frightfully fun evening featuring the region’s best street eats, live entertainment and family activities. You could also start shopping for holiday presents as there will be over 200 fa-boo-lous stalls!
Here’s what the public can expect from the Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights:
Trick or Treating for the little monsters
Explosive display of Fireworks
Sideshow Alley for wicked prizes
Spooky decorations and stalls
Fiendishly good Street Food (bone-appétit!)
Halloween inspired Jumping Castle & Face Painting – to entertain all the ghouls and boos
Spine chilling live music and roving entertainment
Meanwhile, the Office of Fair Trading is reminding families to observe and follow safety advice for the season, especially for kids wearing costumes.
“If you or your children will be wearing black or other dark coloured costumes for Halloween, add glow sticks or a reflective strip to your costumes and carry a torch to ensure drivers and other trick-or-treaters can see you,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“And while it goes without saying to take care around open heat sources such as jack-o-lanterns and heaters, you should also check costume labels for their fire risk and choose those marked ‘flame resistant’ or ‘fire resistant’.
“If you’re completing your look with fake tattoos, face paint, makeup, or fake blood, ensure they come with ingredients labels and keep them handy throughout the night.
“If someone in your group has an allergic reaction to a product, having a list of ingredients available for doctors can save them vital time when determining how to treat them.
DA/2022/3848 was filed on 26 Sept 2022, which proposes to remove the existing facility to make way for a new building for The Breakfast Club. The organisation provides free meals and food assistance to the community and has leased the Redcliffe Pensioners Hall, a 42-year-old community facility, since 2020.
The new building will have spaces for specialist housing, a dining hall, offices, a commercial kitchen, showers and toilets, and an outdoor community deck. The proposal also includes two other tenancies that will be split as a Community Care Centre and a Community Use facility.
Redcliffe Pensioners Hall’s sports and recreational spaces, the hardstand, and the associated buildings will remain the same. The car park arrangements will also not be impacted by the redevelopment.
“The proposed built form has been provided to allow for the formalisation of the community care centre on the subject site and provide for a design which is reflective of the current streetscape and surrounding Redcliffe locality,” DTS, the planner stated in the DA.
“The proposal seeks to provide for extensions to the existing built form and do not alter the remaining open space and sport and recreational areas identified on the subject site to the north. The proposed use is not expected to draw a significant increase in patrons to the subject site, merely redeveloping the built form to present an attractive structure to the Portwood Street streetscape and service the local Redcliffe community.”
The project is expected to cost $4.5 million and will be funded by the Queensland Government.
Mayor Peter Flannery said that the community has been asking for a homelessness hub for years thus the assistance “couldn’t come at a more important time” when more than 1,200 families in Moreton Bay have been experiencing homelessness.
