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Wildlife Mural Brightens Humpybong Park Pump Station

A pump station in Humpybong Park has been transformed into a colourful celebration of local wildlife, thanks to Unitywater’s Community Art Program and the creative talents of artist Kate Vox.

Read: Unitywater and Sunshine Coast Lightning Launch Community Partnership in Redcliffe

The utility infrastructure now features a vibrant mural showcasing native species commonly spotted in the park. A family of black Australian ducks, possums, a white-faced heron and a water dragon now adorn the pump station’s walls, bringing a splash of nature-inspired art to the everyday landscape.

“It’s been the sweetest thing to be able to bring a little bit of Humpybong park alive through these illustrations,” Ms Vox said.

Humpybong Park (Photo credit: Michelle Taylor/Google Maps)

The artist described herself as grateful for the opportunity to beautify essential infrastructure. “I feel really grateful to Unitywater that they are taking the time to make their assets not an eyesore but eye-candy for Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa,” she said.

Kate Vox about to start painting
Photo Credit: Supplied

The Redcliffe project is part of a broader initiative by Unitywater to turn functional water and wastewater assets into public artworks across the region. Joshua Zugajev, Unitywater’s Executive Manager Strategic Engagement, said the utility’s commitment extends beyond simply providing essential services.

“We contribute to healthy and thriving communities by providing artworks that represent the local area and natural environment,” Mr Zugajev said. “We know the community appreciates that our assets are a crucial part of ensuring we can provide essential services and our art program improves the appearance of these functional assets.”

Artist Kate Vox took on the challenge of designing the artwork and painting the pump station, transforming it into an homage to the wildlife frequently seen in the park.

Unitywater will continue to collaborate with emerging and established local artists to transform operational assets into art across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa.

Read: Humpybong Creek in Redcliffe Turns Bright Blue, Sparking Investigation

About Unitywater

Unitywater provides water and wastewater services to customers in Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa. The utility operates around the clock to deliver what it describes as high-quality, safe and reliable services to almost one million people in the region.

The organisation employs over 800 people and has committed $1.8 billion over the next five years for infrastructure delivery to support regional growth.

Published 13-January-2026

Gas Barbecue Explosion Injures Mother In Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Pexels

A Redcliffe mother was seriously injured after a gas barbecue exploded while she was preparing a family meal, prompting safety reminders about gas barbecue use.

Christmas Eve Incident

The incident occurred on Christmas Eve at Suttons Beach in Redcliffe, where Rachel Dear was staying in a caravan with her two children. She was lighting a gas barbecue outside the caravan shortly after 5 p.m. when an explosion occurred.

Ms Dear suffered burns to her face, arm, shoulder and body. Despite her injuries, she was able to turn off the gas supply, alert her children and move away from the immediate danger.

She then ran to nearby beach showers, where members of the public assisted her and her children before an ambulance arrived.

Redcliffe barbecue explosion — *Photo Credit: Rachel Dear/Facebook*

Cause And Immediate Response

Ms Dear believes the explosion may have been caused by a gas build-up or leak, after gas was unintentionally left on prior to ignition. The sudden blast resulted in flames engulfing the barbecue and nearby cooking area.

Emergency services attended the scene, and Ms Dear was taken to hospital for treatment. She was later discharged and able to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve with her children, though she continues to experience pain from her injuries.

gas barbecue safety — *Photo Credit: Rachel Dear/Facebook*

Safety Advice Following The Incident

After the incident, Ms Dear encouraged others to check gas barbecue connections using soapy water to detect leaks before lighting. Emergency services supported this advice, urging users to ensure barbecues are properly maintained, positioned on stable surfaces, kept clear of flammable items and used only in well-ventilated areas.

Queensland burns incident — *Photo Credit: Rachel Dear/Facebook*

Community Support And Recovery

In the days following the explosion, Ms Dear received support from the Redcliffe community, including assistance with meals and practical help while recovering. She has since confirmed she has identified the woman who called an ambulance and stayed with her at the beach showers.

Ms Dear is now preparing to attend the burns unit at Royal Brisbane for further assessment, while continuing recovery at home and cleaning the area affected by the fire.

Outlook

The Redcliffe barbecue explosion has reinforced the importance of gas safety checks and proper barbecue use, particularly during the summer period when outdoor cooking is common.

Published 9-Jan-2025

Redcliffe Club Marks Major Milestone With New Dragon Boat On The Water

Photo Credit: Redcliffe Red Dragons

Redcliffe paddlers welcomed a rare addition to their community fleet as a new dragon boat touched local waters for the first time, giving the Redcliffe Red Dragons a boost in training power and club pride at their home base in Redcliffe.

Community Effort Behind The New Boat

The celebration took place later, bringing together club members, supporters and local representatives to recognise months of planning and community support behind the arrival of the boat, known as Red Magic. The new dragon boat was secured through a mix of fundraising and sponsorship support from local businesses connected to the Redcliffe area. Club members said the effort showed how grassroots sport relies on strong ties between volunteers, families and small businesses. The boat was built to competition standards and is expected to be used for regular training sessions, races and community events along the Redcliffe waterfront.

Cultural Tradition And First Paddle

Before entering the water, the boat took part in a traditional dragon boat blessing. The ceremony included the symbolic dotting of the dragon’s eyes, a custom linked to safety and good fortune. After the blessing, paddlers took Red Magic onto the water for its maiden paddle, marking its official start as part of the club’s active fleet.

Local Leaders And Supporters Attend

The event drew attendance from local figures and sponsors who helped support the purchase. Their presence reflected the role community sport plays in Redcliffe, both as a fitness activity and a social outlet. Club representatives acknowledged contributions from businesses that assisted with signage and catering, saying each role helped make the day possible.

Building The Future Of Dragon Boating In Redcliffe

The Redcliffe Red Dragons plan to use the new boat to grow participation and introduce new members to the sport. Club organisers encouraged residents to get involved, noting dragon boating offers a team-based activity suited to a wide range of ages and fitness levels. The arrival of Red Magic strengthens the club’s capacity as interest in the sport continues to grow across the region.

Published 8-Jan-2026

Grandfather and Grandson Escape Margate House Fire that Kills Pets

Photo Credit: QLD Fire and Rescue/Facebook

A house in Margate has been destroyed by a major fire on New Year’s Eve, with police declaring the scene a crime site as investigators work to determine the cause.

Emergency services were called to a single-storey home on Duffield Road about 9:30 p.m. on 31 December after reports of smoke and flames coming from beneath the property. A grandfather and his 11-year-old grandson were inside the home at the time and escaped after the man noticed smoke seeping through the floorboards.

Queensland Fire Department crews arrived within 20 minutes, but the house was already fully engulfed. Eight fire crews, including specialist units, were required to bring the blaze under control by about 10:30 p.m. Parts of the structure collapsed during the fire.

Two dogs and several hand-raised parrots owned by the tenants died in the blaze.

The property, which was being rented, was uninsured. The landlord, builder Mark McLaren, told the media he could only watch as the house burned. He said the dwelling was not insured because financial institutions considered it too old. Mr McLaren, who is recovering from a recent heart attack, was injured while attempting to save items from the fire. His work vehicle was removed from the property but sustained heat damage.

Initial speculation on social media suggested the fire may have been caused by an electric scooter, the tenant ruled this out, saying no such devices were on the premises. He believes the fire may have started near a hot water system located underneath the house, though authorities have not confirmed the cause.

Police have declared the site a crime scene, a standard procedure to preserve evidence while investigators determine the origin of the fire. Fire investigators and police remained at the property the following morning.

The site has also been declared hazardous due to asbestos in the roof.

Community members and neighbours assisted the displaced occupants on the night, providing water, blankets and food.

Published 31-Dec-2025

Redcliffe Hospital Expansion Masterplan Finalised

The masterplan for the Redcliffe Hospital expansion has been finalised, with construction timelines now locked in for a project that will deliver more than 210 new overnight beds and significantly enhanced healthcare services to the Moreton Bay region.

Read: Major Redcliffe Hospital Upgrade Moves Ahead With New Carpark And Services

Main procurement for the expansion will commence in early 2026, with the first new beds expected to open from late 2027. The full project is scheduled for completion by 2032.

Photo credit: Redcliffe Hospital/Google Maps

The finalised masterplan marks an important milestone for the project. Queensland Health Implementation Lead Sam Sangster said the department has been working closely with Metro North Health and local clinicians to ensure the expansion meets the genuine needs of the community.

The planning process has taken time to get right, with a focus on creating sustainable infrastructure that properly serves staff, clinicians, patients and their families well into the future.

What’s Included in the Expansion

Artist’s impression of Redcliffe Hospital expansion (Photo credit: qld.gov.au)

The Redcliffe Hospital expansion will deliver substantial improvements across multiple areas of healthcare service delivery.

At least 210 new overnight beds will be added to the hospital’s capacity, addressing growing demand from the peninsula’s expanding population.

Maternity services will be enhanced as part of the expansion, with improved facilities designed to support expectant mothers and families.

The expansion will also deliver enhanced endoscopy services, allowing for increased capacity in diagnostic procedures.

Additional operating theatres will form part of the development, enabling the hospital to perform more surgical procedures.

Car Park Extension Underway

Work is already beginning on a separate project—a three-level extension to the hospital’s multi-storey car park. This expansion will deliver more than 530 new parking spaces by 2027.

The car park project, valued at $36 million, has been awarded to Richard Crookes Construction. The additional parking will improve accessibility to the hospital.

Timeline and Next Steps

With the masterplan now finalised, the project enters its next phase. Registration of interest for contractors to deliver the main construction works opened in November 2025 and closed on 21 November, with the procurement process set to begin in early 2026.

The project will be delivered in stages. The first beds will open from late 2027, with the full project completing by 2032.

Read: Redcliffe Hospital Overhaul: 210 New Beds and Expanded Services Confirmed

Queensland Health has emphasised that the planning has been comprehensive, incorporating feedback from clinicians and healthcare workers who will ultimately use the facilities. The masterplan also addresses earlier concerns, including the protection of a culturally significant tree on the site.

Published 30-December-2025

Redcliffe’s Teresa Bourke Continues Legacy of Service Year After Australia Day Honours Recognition

When Teresa “Terry” Bourke’s name appeared on the Australia Day Honours List in January 2025, it marked recognition of a life devoted to swimming and supporting people with disability. After receiving her Order of Australia Medal on 30 April, the Redcliffe local remains as committed as ever to the causes that earned her national recognition.

Read: 2025 Australia Day: Inspiring Redcliffe Resident Awarded OAM for Supporting Special Olympians

“We are all proud of you Terry and you are such a deserving recipient,” Special Olympics Moreton North posted on their Facebook page following the April ceremony.

Photo credit: Facebook/SPECIAL OLYMPICS MORETON NORTH

Nearly a year since the honours announcement, Bourke’s dedication shows no signs of waning. This year has seen her maintain her passion for swimming through continued volunteer work, including participating in the Swimathon at Redcliffe War Memorial Pool in June, where she helped raise funds for the club she has supported for more than two decades.

The official citation recognised Bourke for service to swimming as a coach, and to people with disability, acknowledging more than 25 years of volunteer work that has touched countless lives across the Redcliffe Peninsula and beyond.

Bourke has served as Head Swimming Coach for Special Olympics Queensland since 2022, though her involvement with the organisation stretches back to around 2000. Her role as Membership Officer and committee member at Moreton North Special Olympics Club, which she has held since 1999, keeps her actively involved in the club’s operations.

Bourke’s swimming credentials extend far beyond her work with the Special Olympics. She served as a volunteer coach for Redcliffe Peninsula Masters from 2000 to 2022, while also competing herself from 2001 to 2021. The club acknowledged her dedication in their 2021 newsletter, thanking Bourke and fellow coach Colleen Brinton who after volunteering their coaching services to the club for many years, have decided to take a well-earned rest.

However, retirement from formal coaching duties hasn’t meant stepping away entirely. Bourke currently volunteers as a coach at the Redcliffe City High Performance Centre and has previously coached with Down Syndrome Swimming Australia.

Her commitment to swimming is matched only by her dedication to nursing. After moving to Redcliffe in 1981, Bourke worked as a nurse at Redcliffe Hospital for 25 years. Even beyond her professional and coaching roles, she has contributed to the community through volunteering with The Breakfast Club Redcliffe.

Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse praised recipients like Bourke in a statement following the honours announcement, saying the swimming community from the Dolphins through to tireless champions like Teresa and Lynette deserve every accolade, and that we are richer for their contribution.

The Australia Day Honours List detailed Bourke’s extensive volunteer work, noting that Special Olympics Moreton North offers training in multiple sports including swimming sessions at Redcliffe War Memorial Pool. The club provides opportunities for people with intellectual disability to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy through sport.

Read: Champion Spirit: Celebrating Graham Higham, Redcliffe’s First Olympian

The medal recognises not just Bourke’s personal achievement but the broader community of volunteers, athletes, and supporters who make programs like the Special Olympics possible. As she continues her work at the pool deck, her legacy of service grows stronger with each swimmer she coaches and each life she touches.

Published 30-December-2025

Iconic Redcliffe Peninsula Course Offers Runners a Chance for Personal Bests and Community Spirit

Photo Credit: Jetty 2 Jetty Marathon

Athletes and casual walkers will gather on the Redcliffe Peninsula to test their limits on a fast, coastal track that has become a staple for fitness enthusiasts across the region.

Race Registrations and Event Timing

Organisers confirmed that registrations for the 2026 Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run will open at 8 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The main event is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, with activities running from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Jetty 2 Jetty team released a holiday message encouraging past participants to take pride in their previous marathon achievements while preparing for the upcoming season.

Course Conditions and Categories

The event is known as South East Queensland’s longest-running community fun run and features an officially accredited course. The route starts and finishes at Pelican Park in Clontarf. It hugs the Moreton Bay coastline, offering views that stretch toward Scarborough and Moreton Island. The path is predominantly flat and paved, which organisers noted is excellent for runners aiming to set a personal best time.

Participants can choose from a wide range of distances to suit different fitness levels. The United Airlines Marathon covers the full 42.2 kilometres on a looped circuit, while the Half Marathon offers a 21.1-kilometre option. Shorter distances include a 10km run, which has a specific wheelchair category, as well as a 5km run and a 3km event often used by families and children.

Fees and Participation Inclusions

Early bird entry fees usually begin around $25.00 for the shorter distances, with costs rising as the race date draws closer. Registration packages typically include a race bib with a timing chip, a finisher’s medal, and either a race singlet or visor, depending on the chosen distance.

Community Impact and Logistics

The 2026 event has partnered with the I AM KIND Movement, a charity focused on building community through kindness initiatives. The race aims to welcome everyone from elite competitors to first-time runners.

Those planning to attend should be aware of local traffic changes. Street parking around Clontarf is available but tends to fill up quickly due to road closures required for the race. Shuttle buses are often arranged from designated parking areas to help manage the crowd. Residents and visitors should expect road closures along Hornibrook Esplanade and Oxley Avenue during race hours.

Published Date 30-December-2025

Champion Spirit: Celebrating Graham Higham, Redcliffe’s First Olympian

Photo Credit: Pictorial History Of Redcliffe and Moreton Bay Page/Facebook

Boxing brought Redcliffe to the world stage in 1948 when local athlete Graham Higham represented Australia in the London Olympics.

Redcliffe’s Pride on the Global Stage

Redcliffe produced its first Olympian when Graham Nathaniel Higham stepped into the boxing ring at the 1948 London Olympics. Representing Australia in the middleweight division, Higham faced the world’s best at the post-war “Austerity Games,” held at the Wembley Empire Pool.

His participation marked a historic moment for the local community, highlighting Redcliffe as a town capable of producing athletes who compete at the highest level.

Early Life and Rise in Boxing

Born on January 24, 1928, in Margate, Queensland, Higham began boxing at age 13 after losing his first bout. Under the guidance of coach Jack O’Brien, he quickly climbed the ranks, claiming the Queensland middleweight championship at just 17.

*Photo Credit: Pictorial History Of Redcliffe and Moreton Bay Page/Facebook*

By 19, he had won 61 of 65 fights, and his amateur career eventually reached 101 victories from 107 matches by the time he retired in 1952. Higham also held the Australian middleweight title from 1945 to 1949, establishing himself as one of the nation’s top boxers.

Olympic Challenge and Achievements

At the 1948 Olympics, Higham competed in the men’s middleweight boxing event but was eliminated in the opening round. The bout took place in a temporary floating ring in the Wembley Empire Pool, which had not been drained after swimming competitions.

Despite the early loss, his presence at the Olympics brought international attention to Redcliffe, inspiring young athletes in the region to pursue competitive sports.

Life After Boxing

Higham turned professional in 1953, fighting four matches in New Zealand before retiring in 1954. He and his wife, Ailsa, ran a bed and breakfast in Redcliffe, later moving to Dayboro in 1964. Ailsa was also a notable athlete, representing Redcliffe and Queensland in hockey.

Higham passed away on December 19, 1988, but his achievements are remembered on Redcliffe’s Wall of Fame in the Jetty Arcade, celebrating his contribution to the town’s sporting history.

Legacy in the Community

Graham Higham remains a figure of local pride, symbolising Redcliffe’s ability to nurture sporting talent that reaches international levels.

His story continues to encourage young athletes across the Moreton Bay region to aim for excellence and pursue their ambitions with dedication and resilience.

Published 3-October-2025
Updated 17-Dec-2025
Previously published as Redcliffe Celebrates Its First Olympian: Graham Higham’s Legacy in Boxing

Farewell Gig Marks Final Show for Rock Band in Clontarf

Photo Credit: Humanitix

A long-running Australian rock band will perform its final live show in Clontarf, bringing a 15-year career on the national music circuit to a close.

Fifteen Years on the Australian Rock Circuit

Team Utopia will take to the stage for the final time on December 20 at HQ Clontarf, following a weather-related reschedule. The farewell performance marks the conclusion of a lengthy period of touring and live appearances across Australia.

Over the past 15 years, the band performed at a wide range of venues and festivals and shared stages with established Australian and international acts. Their career included appearances at major events as well as smaller local shows, reflecting a sustained presence on the live music circuit rather than a short-term project.

Decision to Finish the Project

The band confirmed the decision to conclude the project was made deliberately and collectively. Members indicated that changes in personal circumstances and professional direction contributed to the timing of the decision.

Individual members are now moving into separate pursuits. These include the development of solo music projects, ongoing studio and production work, the management of a growing business, and continued employment in frontline health services.

Final Show at HQ Clontarf

The farewell performance will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at HQ Clontarf, located on Redcliffe Gardens Drive in Clontarf. The event is being hosted by Team Musicare and is expected to attract long-term supporters, fellow musicians and members of the local live music community.

Supporting the final show is Salt & Steel, a two-piece act recognised for high-energy live performances. The duo has appeared at major community music events and will join the bill for the closing night.

Clontarf farewell gig — *Photo Credit: Team Utopia/Facebook*

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Closing a Live Chapter

The Clontarf farewell gig will be Team Utopia’s final public performance, closing a chapter defined by consistent live work and independent production. While the band will no longer perform together, its members will continue their individual creative and professional paths beyond the group.

Published 17-Dec-2025

New Award Validates Push for Specialized Toilet Access in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Visitors to Redcliffe can now enjoy public spaces with greater confidence thanks to a council strategy that prioritizes specialized sanitary facilities for people with high support needs.

For many Australians, a standard accessible toilet does not provide the necessary space or equipment to use the bathroom safely. This lack of infrastructure often forces people with severe disabilities to stay home, limiting their ability to socialize or run errands.

The Changing Places facilities solve this by providing height-adjustable adult change tables, ceiling hoists, peninsular toilets, and privacy screens, with some locations even offering showers. This equipment removes the barriers that prevent residents from fully participating in community life.

A State-Recognized Strategy

specialized — *Photo Credit:* *Changing Places Network Plan*

The City of Moreton Bay was recently honored for its efforts to fix this gap in public infrastructure. The Planning Institute of Australia presented the council with the Wendy Chadwick Encouragement Award at the Queensland Planning Excellence Awards. This accolade recognizes the council’s Changing Places Network Plan, which stands as the first time a local government in Australia has developed such a comprehensive strategy.

Mayor Peter Flannery stated that the award highlights the innovative planning behind the network. He emphasized that these facilities are vital for ensuring that public spaces remain inclusive for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

Preparing for a Growing Need

The push for better facilities is driven by data that suggests a significant increase in demand over the coming decades. Planners predict that by 2041, the region will be home to 52,000 people living with profound or severe core activity limitations. To prepare for this, the council is expanding beyond the current sites in Redcliffe, Albany Creek, and the South Pine Sports Centre.

A fourth facility is expected to be finished at Woorim Beach in late 2025, allowing specialized access to the foreshore. Further plans include a site at the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre in 2026, alongside future locations identified for Suttons Beach, Centenary Lakes, and Pine Rivers Park.

Published Date 11-December-2025