Robert Van Kuyl, a 65-year-old paraplegic and Scarborough resident, is on the road to recovery, with goals set to be out of his wheelchair by Christmas.
After a helicopter accident in 2018, Robert was left paralysed and unable to walk, but with the help of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, he is finally gaining strength and aims to be out of his wheelchair by the end of 2021.
The 65-year-old Scarborough resident regularly exercises to improve his strength and his ability to walk with crutches. With the aid of his NDIS support workers, Robert is able to regularly exercise and build up his muscles to help him navigate and maneuver around.
“My support worker drives me to exercise therapy at Burleigh where I do my two-hour training session,” said Robert. “The job they do there is amazing; they push you in that gym and the improvements are mind-blowing.”
Photo credit: Supplied
“I can now stand up in the kitchen and get food ready for cooking independently, can walk 30 metres and getting even better over the last year; I couldn’t do a leg press when I started, but now I can do a 55 kilogram leg press.”
Robert’s daily routine starts with him performing stretches in the morning with the aid of his supports, who then accompany him and help him do the rounds as he goes to see his friends, do some gardening, and go to hydrotherapy. As part of his exercises, Robert also busies himself with the pool and weight training.
Exercise alone wasn’t enough to help Robert recover, as he had also received a stem cell transplant in Germany in 2018. “The stem cells have opened enough doors to make my life better than it was four years ago, with my exercise therapy helping too,” he commented.
Photo credit: Supplied
With the aid of his NDIS supports, Robert has managed to adapt and become strong enough to step in and out of his motorhome and have a hand walker to help him walk around. Now, his goal is to be able to get in and out using only crutches.
Robert received help to apply for, and make use of his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Moreton Bay region. To learn more about the NDIS, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest on the services they can provide, as well as any other relevant events, dates, and exciting updates.
Save the date and book some seats! On the 15th of May 2021, Observatory Theatre’s all-new production “Utopia! And the Caravan Calamity” will be played at Redcliffe Museum. The best part? It’s all free!
Featuring a curious combination of tap dancing, interactive performers, gypsy jazz music, slapstick comedy, and dramatic eye-popping visuals, “Utopia! And the Caravan Calamity” aims to take full advantage of Redcliffe Museum’s new steampunk-themed exhibit, aptly titled “Brain Child”, which celebrates outlandish inventions and sheer imagination.
Co-director Rory Cooper remarks that the world created within the show offers a heart-warming story of mateship and cooperation that will immerse the audience and rope them into the experience.
“Audiences should expect to be immediately immersed into the world as some very skilled and enthusiastic actors embark on this journey,” says Mr Cooper. “The performance will take audiences on an adventure that is fun for the whole family.”
The story follows a group of oddballs on a faraway planet traveling aboard a rickety caravan towards paradise. Things don’t go as planned as the caravan collapses en route and the group is left stranded in a desolate wasteland. The only way out is to work together.
Photo credit: Observatory Theatre
Observatory Theatre director Lachlan Driscoll and choreographer Kara Fisher created “Utopia! And the Caravan Calamity.” The production also features set design by The Black Box Collective.
Book a free ticket for the show on the 15th of May 2021 by visiting this website. The performance will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Observatory Theatre is an up-and-coming theatre company that aims to create meaningful and vibrant experiences for the audience in ways that conventional theatres do not. They specialise in transporting the audience into the world of their productions, making for interactive and immersive experiences that bend the boundaries of traditional theatre. To learn more about Observatory Theatre, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on deals, dates, events, and other special announcements concerning their productions.
Award-winning Brisbane patisserie Flour & Chocolate is bringing its delicious breads, cakes, and desserts to Redcliffe, marking its third location in the Brisbane/Moreton Bay area.
Flour & Chocolate has been a staple in Morningside for 10 years with its first location along Wynnum Road. Following the success of its Morningside store, the owners opened a second location along Old Toombul Road in Northgate a couple of years ago.
Owners Lachlan and Kylie Scott chose Redcliffe because it’s a family-friendly outing spot. Taking over the space once occupied by Bikini Beach Cafe, the Redcliffe location will feature an on-site kitchen, service area and some outdoor seating.
The opening of Flour & Chocolate at Suttons St in Redcliffe is welcome news for locals, who would eventually need to head to the artisan bakery’s Northgate location when they want a quick fix. All the desserts they love will soon be enjoyed at the new Redcliffe store, from the heavenly chocolate croissants to the much talked-about mini bar cakes.
Everything will be made in-house, except the range of breads that will be baked daily from the team’s kitchen in Northgate. They will also be serving cups of Mocoan Coffee that perfectly match their cakes and tarts.
In addition to sweets, Flour & Chocolate will be offering savoury dishes and gourmet sandwiches such as chicken & truffle mushroom, meatball ciabatta, ham & brie baguette, and spag bol jaffle, one of their signature specials.
Since first opening its doors in 2012, Flour & Chocolate has attracted locals craving for some seriously delicious treats. They won Brisbane’s Best Bakery for 2019, beating a group of other well-known bakeries in the city.
The new Flour & Chocolate location is slated to open in April 2020 and will be at 2/77 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram @flourandchocolate_redcliffe for further details about the grand opening.
The awards, hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) were created to recognise and celebrate the towns across the state that offer their visitors amazing experiences. QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind says that the awards showcase Queensland’s diversity.
“With the current focus on domestic tourism, now is the time to draw attention to our regional destinations and to put the spotlight on our tourism operators and communities who keep our regions thriving,” says Mr Gschwind.
Photo credit: CC-BY-SA/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons
From 11 to 26 April 2021, Queensland residents will be able to vote for their favourite tourism towns and enter the running for a chance to win a $2,000 Apollo Motorhome travel package — an incentive to travel across the state and experience some of Queensland’s prime tourist destinations for themselves.
The winning town with a population over 5,000 will receive a $25,000 Strategic Consulting and Capacity Building package from EarthCheck. Redcliffe, among 14 other large towns, have made it into the runnings. Those interested in participating in the awards can cast their vote through this website. Follow the QTIC’s Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements concerning the competition.
Queens Beach North is now a permanent 24-hour off-leash dog beach! Moreton Bay Regional Council announced the final decision after analysing survey responses from the community from December 2020 to February 2021.
Effective 1 April 2021, dogs will be allowed to roam free 24 hours, seven days a week. However, this comes with a compromise: a shorter 357 metre stretch of Queens Beach North will be designated as a permanent Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA).
A reduction of 68 meters from the current trial area is needed to provide a clearer demarcation of the end of the area, and increase the distance from nearby houses.
“The adjusted boundary has moved north of the southern trial limit and has utilised the existing steps onto the beach to provide a physical reference point as well as an access point. Outside of the permanent dog off-leash area, the area south of the steps requires dogs to be on a leash at all times,” Council stated on the website.
It took four years and multiple trials before Council made a decision. During the trial period, dogs were only allowed to roam free on the beach before 8:00 am and after 4:00 pm daily.
During the 10-week consultation period, a total of 2452 residents participated in the survey. Around 77 percent of all the respondents agreed to make Queens Beach North a permanent off-leash dog beach. Council added that it only goes to show that there’s a growing demand for off-leash areas on beaches within the region.
Still, the Council needed to make some arrangements to balance the interests of all residents. They considered legitimate concerns of nearby residents, which includes noise and property impacts.
To ensure patrons are aware of the extents of the area and obligations for use of the facility, Council will install regulatory and advisory signage in the area. Rangers would also patrol the area and issue infringement notices to anyone doing the wrong thing.
Cr Peter Flannery also reminded dog owners to maintain effective control of their pets at all times, even within the DOLA, and dogs must be leashed while walking from vehicle to the DOLA.
Did you know that Kippa-Ring was named after an Aboriginal bora ring near Klinger Road? The ring was nearly destroyed in 1950, but its significance remains up to this day.
The word “kippa” is a Kabi indigenous word that means an “uninitiated man” whilst the ring was a reference to the bora ring, a raised platform of dirt arranged in a circle where most important ceremonies of the Aborigines took place.
Considered as one of the lost rings of South East Queensland, the ring was a double-ring complex and located 30 metres north of Klinger Road West. Moreton Bay Regional Council said it was situated off Anzac Avenue in the vicinity of Boardman Road. To be exact, it was approximately 21 chains east of the Anzac Avenue turn-off and on the crest of a low sandy ridge partly cleared of timber.
Satellite view of Kippa-Ring in 2021, where the bora ring was said to be located (Photo credit: Google Maps)
In his book, “Aboriginal pathways on South East Queensland and the Richmond River,” author John Gladstone Steele wrote that the bora rings, across the top, measured around 24 metres north-south and 22.5 metres east-west.
The ring was also mentioned in “Tom Petrie’s Reminiscence of Early Queensland,” a book published in 1904 and was known as one of the best authorities on Brisbane’s early days. Recorded by his daughter Constance Campbell Petrie, Tom mentioned that remains of the ring were still seen near Humpybong, the former name of Redcliffe, from the Aboriginal word umpi bong meaning “dead houses.”
Tom Petrie is of Scottish descent but his family moved to Australia at a young age. He spent much time with the tribe from his childhood. He mixed freely with Aboriginal children whilst studying in Moreton Bay penal colony (now Brisbane).
Tom, who learnt to speak Turrbal and was encouraged to share in all Aboriginal activities, described the ring as a large saucer-shaped depression in the ground. Tom also went on to say that the circle itself was about 40 or 50 feet (around 12m to 15m), slightly smaller than what Steele mentioned in his book.
“The greater ceremony of kippa-making was carried out in the following fashion and what is known as the ‘bora’ ceremony of other tribes is not unlike it. First a circle – called ‘bul’ by Brisbane blacks and ‘tur’ by the Bribie Island tribe – was formed in the ground, very like a circus ring, the earth being dug from the centre with sharp sticks and stone tomahawks, and carried to the outside on small sheets of bark to form a mound or edging round the ring about two feet high.,” Constance wrote, based on the recollection of his father.
Bora Ring’s Fate
As with many lost Bora rings in Queensland, the Bora ring near Redcliffe is now hidden in the rural scenery. According to T. Houghton, of the Redcliffe Historical Society, it was offered to the Redcliffe City Council. However, the offer was declined and the bora ring was ploughed over, now forming part of farm cultivation. The stone axes and grinding stones found in the surrounding area were turned over to the Redcliffe Historical Society Museum.
Aerial photos taken in 1956 showed that the location of the ring was already cultivated by that time. However, Armchair Histories noted that a closer look would show remnants of the ring. It was also mentioned that the bora may be gone, but it’s still appropriately used by aboriginal community groups.
Near the location of Bora ring (Photo credit: Google Street View)
Global Web Builders, a historic archive, stated that the site is identified as Lot 1 of RP 139809 and is freehold land, meaning the owner can use it for any purposes but in accordance with local regulations.
The article on GWB further claims that the five-acre land was bought by the Clarke family in 1901, with the present generation of the family claiming there wasn’t any evidence that will prove a bora ring existed on the site. The Clarkes then sold it to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brisbane, whose Corporation of Trustees sought rezoning of the area for residential use. Later on, it was acquired by Dellmere Pty Ltd, which planned to develop the site into a housing estate.
In 1997, the late Senator John Herron wrote a letter to former Liberal Party Representative for Brisbane Teresa Gambaro, stating that the site was under serious threat for the proposed development. In the letter, he also wrote that he requested advice from the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) as to whether they would consider purchasing the property on behalf of the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA).
The foundation sought the protection of the area for the purposes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (the Commonweatlh Act). Under section 9 of this act, it was clear that the minister can make declarations to preserve and protect places, areas and objects of particular significance to Aboriginals under the following circumstances:
The Minister receives an application made orally or in writing by or on behalf of an Aboriginal or a group of Aboriginals seeking the preservation or protection of a specified area from injury or desecration
The Minister is satisfied that the area is a significant Aboriginal area; and that it is under serious and immediate threat of injury or desecration
Herron, who was a Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs in the Howard government at the time, said the ILC Board approve the purchase of the property on behalf of the traditional owners and that Dellmere Pty Ltd agreed to sell it.
The former senator, who was known for being a champion of Indigenous Australians, said a condition of the purchase is that the land can’t be developed as it was acquired for cultural reasons and that the land cannot be rezoned without prior approval of the Redcliffe City Council.
Have you been to Brisbane’s “Harry Potter Park” in Moreton Bay? With school out for a few more weeks, there’s still plenty of days to visit this whimsical playground, named the Bray Farm Park, for some outdoor fun for your budding wizards or witches.
Bray Farm Park is a well-maintained facility found on Rivermint Street in the quiet Griffin suburb. The local Council has gone the extra mile to make this playground truly a magical place for children by designing two main structures inspired by Harry Potter’s adventures.
The first set of structure consists of two wooden cubby houses with a slide, a fireman’s pole, a climbing net, a sturdy bridge, turrets and windows for the kids to explore. Here, the children are encouraged to let their imagination run wild whilst boosting their physical strength and abilities.
The other structure is a large climbing net based on Hermione Granger’s time turner that provides the kids with fun challenges and a full workout.
Photo Credit: Visit Moreton Bay Region/FacebookPhoto Credit: Jason Weier/Google Maps
What’s more, Bray Farm Park is situated next to the bushland, giving families more access for nature play, learning and discoveries. With lots of luscious trees and thriving wildlife, it’s one of the best outdoor recreational facilities on this side of the region.
The park is not fenced and doesn’t have barbecue amenities or toilet facilities but it has the following accessible features:
Climbing nets
Concreted pathway
Bench seating
Large grassed area for ball games
Sheltered picnic tables
Slide
Swings (including toddler swing)
Slide
Rubbish bin
After playing in the park, families can swing by nearby cafes in the area for a quick drink or snack before heading home.
A mystery player from Redcliffe holds one of Saturday Gold Lotto’s multi-million winning entries. Could you possibly be the holder of the unregistered ticket that won $2 million?
“Someone in Redcliffe could have gone to work this morning with no idea they’ve woken up $2 million richer,” The Lott spokesperson Lauren Cooney said.
“Just imagine planning all the ways you could enjoy that prize!”
The mystery Moreton Bay Region player, who could be a Redcliffe resident or visitor to the region, held one of the10 division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Gold Lotto’s $20 Million Superdraw last Saturday 31 October 2020.
The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4099 were 19, 4, 26, 27, 34 and 13, and the supplementary numbers were 6 and 15. Each of the winning entries won a division prize of $2 million.
The Lott said that the ticket is unregistered making it impossible for officials to contact the winner and so they will have to wait for someone to come forward and claim the prize. The multi-million-dollar winning entry was purchased at Redcliffe Discount Drug Store and it’s the outlet’s first division one winning entry.
“We were absolutely delighted and so excited when we first heard the news,” Redcliffe Discount Drug Store manager Jodie Schuler said.
“We’re celebrating the milestone in store and asking all of our customers to check their tickets. We hope they come forward soon.
“A massive congratulations to our winner. We all hope they have a blast for the rest of their life, without any stress.”
Cooney advises everyone who might have bought the winning entry to make sure to “check your wallet, handbag, fridge door, or anywhere else you may have stored your tickets” as previous winners have found valuable tickets in all sorts of places.
“If you discover you’re holding the winning ticket, hold on tight to it and phone 131 868 as soon as possible so we can start the prize claim process!”
She also suggests for players to register their tickets to a Winners Circle card so The Lott officials can call them directly in case they win a major prize.
Moreton Bay Regional Council is set to open the new art and cultural hub, the Redcliffe Art Gallery and Community Space, on Irene Street this September and will host its inaugural exhibition featuring Deception Bay artist Marc Clark.
Transforming the old and rundown administration building, the new art gallery boasts of a 400 square metre exhibition area, customer service area, workspaces and rooms for group workshops and club activities, an art and crafts shop, and an outdoor courtyard. The Redcliffe Art Gallery and Community Space will replace the art gallery at the Redcliffe Library on Oxley Rd.
The expansive hub will allow for larger community events on the national or international scale to attract more visitors and opportunities in Redcliffe. It comes at a time when Moreton Bay creatives need a boost, to inspire and engage, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This transformation will deliver a new Redcliffe Art Gallery, a cultural destination that will attract locals and visitors alike,” Mayor Peter Flannery said. “We will host an official opening to the public showcasing the amazing new facilities a little later in the year, restrictions permitting.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council set aside $5.5 million for this redevelopment. Construction commenced in May 2019 and was completed this July.
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Council
Meanwhile, Mr Clark’s paintings and sculptures are being prepped for the exhibition at the gallery.
The 96-year-old artist, born in Greater London, honed his skills at the Royal College of Art and had exhibits in Europe. He moved to Deception Bay from Melbourne following his retirement in the 1980s but he said he will never stop creating.
Travel is slowly restarting amidst the pandemic crisis and while safety is still a primary concern, now is the best time to re-explore the beauty of the local region as restrictions have been eased. If you want to escape to a perfect holiday after months of lockdown, then make plans to visit Tangalooma Island Resort in Moreton Island, right off Brisbane’s doorstep.
Tangalooma Island Resort officially re-opened on 26 June 2020 and it’s now back to taking bookings for heaps of activities to make your holiday worthwhile.
From day trips to overnight accommodations and weekend holidays, a short visit to this paradise should help recharge, reconnect, and raise the spirits.
Despite a few COVID-19 government restrictions, there’s still so much to see and do at this resort for couples, families and small groups of friends, especially when they need some island fix and can’t travel too far from Brisbane.
Among the activities to enjoy at the resort include:
Guided tours at the Eco Centre
Pampering at the Massage and Beauty Centre
Segwey Tour
Marine Discovery Cruise
Desert Safari Tour
Snorkeling Tour
Whale Watching/Bus Safari
Heaps of Tangalooma watersports activities
Photo Credit: droneshotsby_ on IG/Tangalooma Island Resort/Facebook
Some restaurants will be open for takeaway only while the evening activities, including the usual resort entertainment, will not take place.
To know the attractions and activities that you can do on the island in this new normal, Tangalooma Island Resort has prepared a schedule for 9 July to 22 July 2020. Guests may also check their weekly guides for updates or changes.
Booking, tour accommodations, and pool capacity will be limited to encourage social distancing.
Photo Credit: Star_Tar on IG/Tangalooma Island Resort/Facebook
“The Resort will operate with enhanced health and hygiene protocols across all aspects of our business to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff,” the management of the resort announced. “While most of the activities and tours available at the resort will still be operating, there have been modifications to the way we deliver our services to comply with all COVID Safe guidelines and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.”
