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Kippa-Ring’s Isabella Allen Builds Blind Tennis Career With Ira Beside Her

Photo Credit: Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia

Kippa-Ring’s Isabella Allen is preparing to defend her national blind tennis title and compete overseas for the first time, with Seeing Eye dog Ira supporting her independence across work, travel and sport.

Kippa-Ring Champion Builds Towards Nationals

Kippa-Ring’s Isabella Allen is preparing for another major step in blind and low vision tennis, with a national title defence ahead before her first overseas international tournament.

Allen, 35, trains in Redcliffe and Mitchelton while working as a Research Agreements Officer at Mater Research. Her schedule also includes volunteering, tandem cycling, blind soccer, catching up with friends and travelling for blind tennis tournaments.

She is listed by Tennis Australia as Queensland’s No. 1 B1 women’s singles player and No. 2 in B1 open doubles.

Allen’s next competition focus is the Australian Blind and Low Vision Championships from July 17-19, where she will defend the B1 women’s singles title she won last year. She claimed that title against Victoria’s Tess Whelan, before the pair also won B1 open doubles.

Isabella Allen’s Path Into Blind Sport

Allen was born with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal condition that causes gradual vision loss. She began losing her vision at 10 years old, first becoming night blind before her field of view, colour vision and central vision progressively changed.

She began receiving support from Vision Australia at 16. That support helped her secure employment and introduced her to Swish, a sport for blind and low vision players, which became part of her broader interest in blind sport.

Blind tennis has since become a major part of Allen’s sporting life. Her recent results include finishing as B1 open singles finalist at the 2026 SA Blind and Low Vision Open, where she also won B1 open doubles with Isaiah Muller.

At the 2025 WA Blind and Low Vision Open, Allen was runner-up in B1 open singles, third in B2-B4 women’s singles, part of the winning B1 open doubles pairing with Whelan, and third in B2-B4 open doubles with David Gordon.

Blind tennis ball with bells — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Ira Supports Work, Travel And Tennis

Seeing Eye dog Ira is part of Allen’s daily life, helping her move through work, travel and competition.

Ira is Allen’s third dog guide, following Tatum and Penny. Tatum was Allen’s first dog guide, while Penny was matched with her in 2021 after Tatum’s health declined earlier than expected.

Penny joined Allen during a period that included university, tennis and interstate travel. After Penny retired, Allen was matched with Ira, who now accompanies her through daily commutes, busy places, airports and tennis events.

Ira also sits courtside during matches and has travelled with Allen to tournaments in Adelaide and Melbourne this year.

Airport assistance services remain part of the travel process, but Ira helps Allen move through unfamiliar environments and around obstacles with greater independence.

Before having dog guides, Allen used a white cane. That helped her identify obstacles, but travelling with a trained Seeing Eye dog has allowed her to move more freely and with less physical effort.

From Redcliffe Training To New Zealand

After the Australian Blind and Low Vision Championships, Allen is due to compete in a Queensland tournament at the end of July.

She and Ira are then expected to travel to New Zealand for her first overseas international tournament.

The upcoming trip follows a busy period of competition and travel, with Allen continuing to balance tennis with work, volunteering and other blind sports.

How B1 Blind Tennis Works

Allen competes in B1, the lowest vision category in blind and low vision tennis.

B1 players wear blackout eye shades so matches are played on equal terms. Courts use tactile line markers, while foam balls contain bells so players can track play by sound.

Players call when they are ready to serve and receive. In B1 matches, the ball can bounce up to three times.

The 2025 Australian Blind and Low Vision Championships included 49 athletes from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The event included a first gender-split B1 singles draw at national level and record participation in the B1 and B2 women’s divisions.

Appeal Supports Future Seeing Eye Dogs

Allen’s story is connected to the 13th annual Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, which runs through July.

The appeal aims to raise more than $1.2 million to help train 24 future Seeing Eye Dogs. Each dog costs more than $50,000 and can take up to two years to train.

Since the appeal began in 2014, it has raised more than $10 million and funded the training of 209 Seeing Eye Dogs.

Donations are being accepted at Petbarn stores and online during July, with the Petbarn Foundation to double donations between July 24-26.

Published 7-July-2026

An Underwater Wonderland Is Coming to Redcliffe Markets Up Late

Redcliffe’s most anticipated evening event of the year is less than a month away, with Redcliffe Markets Up Late returning to Redcliffe Parade for a five-hour underwater-themed twilight spectacular.

The event takes place on Saturday 25 July from 4pm to 9pm. If you registered your interest back in June, this is your reminder to lock it in.

If you missed the earlier coverage, here’s what is heading to the Redcliffe foreshore: more than 250 stalls, gourmet street food from across South-East Queensland, live music, family-friendly activities and a roving cast of underwater performers that will move through the crowd all evening long.

An underwater world takes over the Esplanade

This year’s edition has a full underwater theme running through its entertainment program, and the organisers have gone all in.

Glowing roving stilt walkers, King Neptune accompanied by jellyfish performers, ethereal mermaids drifting through the market crowd, and Soul Cutz on the music stage make up the confirmed headline acts, with additional roving performers scattered across the site for the duration of the evening.

Expect an immersive layout where performers wander directly through the crowd rather than staying glued to a stage. The only exception is the main music stage, where headline acts like Soul Cutz will be pumping out tunes all evening.

For anyone bringing kids, that makes the evening considerably easier to navigate.

One free ticket, one chance at a $200 hamper

Entry to the markets remains free, and registering a free ticket enters you into a draw for a gourmet hamper valued at more than $200. With less than a month to go, now is the time to register and get it in the calendar before the July school holidays fill up.

The Facebook event has full updates as the event approaches.

Redcliffe Markets Up Late runs Saturday 25 July from 4pm to 9pm on Redcliffe Parade. Free parking is available at the north end of the markets and throughout surrounding streets. The Moreton Bay cycleway connects directly to the foreshore for those arriving by bike.

Published 1-July-2026

Cobbo Delivers When It Matters Most as Dolphins Edge Warriors in Suncorp Thriller

There was no shortage of drama at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, June 27, but when the Dolphins needed someone to stand up in the closing minutes, Selwyn Cobbo answered the call.

With the contest slipping away after the Warriors fought back from eight points down in the second half, Cobbo broke the deadlock with just over two minutes remaining before Jamayne Isaako calmly added the conversion, sealing a gripping 26-24 victory that kept the Dolphins’ momentum rolling in front of their home crowd.

It was a finish that rewarded resilience as much as brilliance. Kristian Woolf’s side absorbed injuries, handled repeated momentum swings and found one decisive play when the game demanded it.

Fast Start Before the Warriors Hit Back

The Dolphins looked sharp from the outset.

After early pressure forced errors from the visitors, Cobbo crossed in the fifth minute to open the scoring. Isaako couldn’t add the extras, but the home side had the early advantage.

The Warriors responded almost immediately. Jacob Laban finished a sweeping movement before Adam Pompey converted to level the scores, and the visitors grabbed the lead 10 minutes later when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak finished in the corner.

The opening quarter also delivered an unexpected setback for the Dolphins.

Halfback Isaiya Katoa left the field in the 13th minute, with Bradley Schneider entering the game after a bunker review denied what initially looked like a Dolphins try. Losing their chief playmaker threatened to disrupt the home side’s rhythm, but they adapted impressively.

Farnworth and Isaako Swing Momentum

The Dolphins began to wrestle control back midway through the half.

Herbie Farnworth exploded through the defensive line to score in the 24th minute before Isaako converted to reduce the deficit to two points.

Just before the break, Isaako produced one of the game’s biggest moments himself. Spotting space out wide, he backed up the movement to finish his own try before converting from the sideline to hand the Dolphins a 16-12 lead at half-time.

It was a crucial turnaround after trailing for much of the opening period.

Dolphins Stretch Ahead

The second half opened with both teams trading chances before the Dolphins struck again.

Jack Bostock burst clear to create the opportunity for Isaako, who crossed for his second try in the 50th minute. The difficult conversion drifted away, leaving the Dolphins with an eight-point buffer at 20-12.

At that stage, the home side looked well placed to close out the contest.

Instead, the Warriors found another gear.

Warriors Refuse to Go Away

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sliced through on the hour mark to narrow the margin before Sam Healey finished another break with just over five minutes remaining.

Pompey’s flawless night with the boot levelled the scores at 24-all and suddenly the momentum belonged entirely to the visitors.

The Warriors continued to press, forcing errors and building pressure as Suncorp grew increasingly tense.

Cobbo Has the Final Say

Big games are often decided by one moment.

With the match locked in the closing stages, Cobbo burst through the line in the 78th minute to score his second try of the afternoon, restoring the Dolphins’ lead.

Isaako made no mistake with the conversion, extending the margin to two points.

The Warriors had one final opportunity after another Dolphins bomb, but an error from Taine Tuaupiki inside the final minute ended the threat and sparked celebrations among the home supporters.

For long periods, this felt like a contest neither side deserved to lose.

The Dolphins simply found the final play that mattered most.

Match Summary

Dolphins 26 (Selwyn Cobbo 2, Herbie Farnworth, Jamayne Isaako 2 tries; Jamayne Isaako 3 goals)

defeated

Warriors 24 (Jacob Laban, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Sam Healey tries; Adam Pompey 4 goals)

Half-time: Dolphins 16-12 Warriors

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Published 27-June-2026

Free Family Activities Planned for Redcliffe Winter School Holidays

Families across Redcliffe will have no shortage of options during the winter school holidays, with Moreton Bay offering dozens of free activities designed to keep children entertained, active and learning throughout the break.

From improv comedy workshops and beginner 3D printing sessions to visits from alpacas and babydoll lambs, this year’s holiday program includes a mix of creative, educational and recreational experiences across the region.

The activities are aimed at helping children explore new interests while giving families affordable ways to stay engaged during the school holidays.

Creative workshops encourage children to step outside their comfort zone

Children interested in performance, creativity and imagination will be able to take part in a variety of library-based activities during the winter break.

Among the offerings is Improv Jam, where participants can learn techniques used to create spontaneous games, stories and scenes. The sessions encourage confidence, communication and creative thinking while providing plenty of opportunities for laughter and teamwork.

Other library activities include beginner 3D printing workshops, magic shows and circus-themed experiences, giving children a chance to develop new skills and discover interests they may not have explored before.

Alpacas and lambs bring farming lessons to local libraries

Animal-themed learning will also feature as part of the Winter Woollies program. Selected City of Moreton Bay libraries will welcome alpacas and babydoll lambs, giving children an opportunity to learn more about wool production and natural fibres.

Families attending the sessions will be able to watch demonstrations showing how raw fleece is prepared through carding before being spun into yarn. The program combines education with hands-on learning and aims to help children better understand how natural materials are transformed into everyday products.

Active holidays program offers sport and adventure

For children who prefer physical activity, the Active Holidays program includes a broad range of sporting and recreational experiences. Activities include target archery, tennis, hip hop dance, junior boxing, multicultural games and survival skills programs.

The sessions are designed to encourage participation, confidence and healthy lifestyles while introducing children to activities they may wish to continue beyond the school holidays.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the holiday program aimed to provide opportunities for young people to stay active, spend time with friends and family and create positive memories during the winter break.

Museums add hands-on family experiences

The holiday schedule also extends to City of Moreton Bay’s museums and galleries.

Families can take part in creative workshops and visit events such as the Farmyard Family Fun Day at Pine Rivers Heritage Museum. Children can also create illuminated LED story lanterns and participate in activities that combine learning, creativity and local culture.

The experiences are designed to encourage exploration while introducing young people to some of the region’s cultural attractions.

Want to go? Check the full details, locations, and booking information below:

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – LIBRARIES

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – ACTIVE PLAY

Published 24-June-2026

Redcliffe Markets Up Late Brings Twilight Food, Music and Family Fun to the Foreshore

Redcliffe Markets Up Late is set to transform Redcliffe Parade into a bustling twilight market, bringing more than 250 stalls, live entertainment and roving performers inspired by underwater sea life to the foreshore.

The event returns on Saturday 25 July from 4pm to 9pm, turning the seaside strip from its familiar Sunday morning rhythm into a five-hour evening experience. Entry is free, with visitors who register for a ticket here automatically entered into a draw for a gourmet hamper valued at more than $200.

A twilight celebration by the bay

More than 250 curated stalls bring together South-East Queensland’s gourmet street food alongside artisan goods, handmade wares and market provisions. Live music runs across the evening, with roving performers costumed as underwater sea creatures moving through the crowd as part of the event’s immersive entertainment program.

Family-friendly activities and interactive kids’ activations are scheduled throughout the night, making this a workable event for families who want to venture out for a weekend evening out without sacrificing the children’s enjoyment.

A market with deep roots in the Redcliffe community

The Redcliffe Markets have run every Sunday along Redcliffe Parade for years, establishing themselves as one of the Moreton Bay region’s most visited regular markets with more than 200 stalls, trawler-direct seafood, farm-direct produce, fresh-baked bread, artisan goods and live entertainment each week from 8am to 2pm.

The Up Late events are curated by Goodwill Projects, the same Queensland events company behind the Sunday market, which also operates the West End and Milton markets in Brisbane. July’s edition sits in the sweet spot of the Redcliffe winter calendar, when the peninsula’s ocean frontage is at its clearest and the evening temperature suits outdoor lingering.

The market is located along Redcliffe Parade beside the Redcliffe Jetty, with ample free parking at the north end of the markets and throughout the surrounding streets. The Moreton Bay cycleway also connects directly to the foreshore, making a bike ride to the event a practical alternative for those coming from nearby suburbs.

Redcliffe Markets Up Late runs Saturday 25 July from 4pm to 9pm on Redcliffe Parade. Register for a free ticket and the hamper draw here, or RSVP via Facebook.

Published 22-June-2026

Dolphins Finish Strong To Pull Away From Tigers In Campbelltown

The Dolphins broke open a tight contest in the final quarter to defeat the Wests Tigers 36-22 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday, June 20, scoring three late tries to turn what had been a tense battle into a comfortable victory.

For much of the evening there was little separating the two sides. The Tigers led early, trailed by just two points with 25 minutes remaining and were still within striking distance entering the final stages before the Dolphins’ attack clicked into gear.

Trai Fuller and Kodi Nikorima both crossed during a decisive second-half surge before Jamayne Isaako added the final try and maintained his perfect night from the kicking tee, finishing with six goals from six attempts.

The result capped another encouraging away performance for Kristian Woolf’s side, which showed patience throughout a contest that never allowed them to settle for long.

Tigers Make The Early Running

The home side started brightly and opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Sione Fainu crossed for the first try of the match. Jock Madden added the extras to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead.

The Dolphins had their chances in the opening exchanges but were guilty of a few early errors, allowing the Tigers to enjoy the better field position.

Their response came through Herbie Farnworth.

The England international produced one of the game’s best moments when he broke through the defensive line and raced away to score in the 18th minute. Isaako converted to level the scores at 6-6.

The Tigers regained the advantage shortly after the half-hour mark when Starford To’a finished a slick attacking movement, but the Dolphins again found an answer before halftime.

Connelly Lemuelu sliced through on the right edge in the 36th minute and Isaako’s conversion handed the visitors a narrow 12-10 lead heading into the break.

It was a fair reflection of a first half that swung back and forth without either side managing to establish control.

Naufahu Extends The Advantage

The Dolphins struck first after the restart when Tevita Naufahu finished a well-worked attacking play in the 43rd minute.

Isaako converted to push the lead to 18-10 and briefly give the visitors some breathing room.

The Tigers refused to let the game slip away.

Fainu continued his strong night by crossing for his second try in the 54th minute and Heath Mason’s conversion reduced the margin to just two points.

At 18-16, the match remained evenly balanced.

The Tigers were generating pressure through the middle of the field and asking questions of the Dolphins’ defence, while the visitors were being forced to work hard for every opportunity.

Dolphins Take Control

The match remained finely balanced until the final quarter.

Fuller provided the breakthrough the Dolphins needed when he burst through to score in the 68th minute, restoring an eight-point advantage and shifting momentum back towards the visitors.

The Tigers were still within reach, but the Dolphins followed with another blow when Kodi Nikorima crossed in the 73rd minute, extending the lead to 30-16 and placing the visitors firmly in control.

The home side managed one final response through Alex Seyfarth with less than four minutes remaining, but any hope of a late comeback was short-lived.

Isaako crossed in the final minutes to seal the result before converting his own try to complete a flawless night with the boot.

Clinical Finish Rewards Dolphins

The final score perhaps made the contest appear more one-sided than it was.

For long periods the Tigers stayed in the contest and repeatedly found answers whenever the Dolphins threatened to break away, but the visitors were more effective when the key opportunities arrived in the second half.

Farnworth produced one of the game’s standout moments with his first-half try and was a constant threat whenever space opened up, while Fuller provided the spark that helped break the contest open late.

Woolf will be particularly pleased with the way his side handled the key moments.

With the game still in the balance entering the final quarter, the Dolphins stayed patient, backed their structures and finished strongly to leave Sydney with two valuable competition points.

Match Summary

Wests Tigers 22
Tries: Sione Fainu (2), Starford To’a, Alex Seyfarth
Goals: Jock Madden 1/1, Heath Mason 2/3

Dolphins 36
Tries: Herbie Farnworth, Connelly Lemuelu, Tevita Naufahu, Trai Fuller, Kodi Nikorima, Jamayne Isaako
Goals: Jamayne Isaako 6/6

Half-time: Dolphins 12-10
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Round: 16, NRL Telstra Premiership 2026

Published 20-June-2026

Redcliffe’s Liam Adcock Earns Long-Awaited Commonwealth Games Debut

Australian Athletics

After years of setbacks, surgeries and near misses, long jumper Liam Adcock, who grew up competing at Redcliffe Little Athletics and attended Redcliffe State High School, has earned his first Commonwealth Games selection, securing a place in Australia’s team for Glasgow 2026 following the best season of his career.

The selection marks his first Commonwealth Games call-up, arriving 12 years after he first took up long jump and eight years after narrowly missing out on the 2018 squad.

The 29-year-old heads to Glasgow as one of Australia’s most credentialled squad members. He returns from a breakout 2025 season where he secured bronze at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, won the Rome Diamond League meeting with a personal best of 8.34 metres, and finished the year ranked fifth in the world.

A Redcliffe story that started in a backyard

Adcock was born in Paddington, New South Wales, but grew up in Redcliffe, attending Scarborough State School and Redcliffe State High School before his family settled into the bayside suburb. He began competing at Redlands Little Athletics, before returning to Redcliffe Little Athletics and later training at Deception Bay.

*Photo Credit:* *Liam Adcock/ Instagram*

His entry into jumping events was unconventional. After an injury at age 16 forced a rethink about his sporting goals, Adcock and his stepbrother turned their focus specifically to triple jump. They built a makeshift sandpit in their backyard with a 20-metre run-up, and Adcock registered with Athletics Queensland during Year 12.

An external coach soon advised him to switch to long jump, and the results quickly followed. He won Queensland state titles and reached the national podium in 2017 and 2018. Despite finishing second at the national selection trials, he missed a spot on the 2018 Commonwealth Games team. Following that omission, Adcock took a six-month break from the sport before joining a new training squad.

A succession of severe injuries followed, including major ankle surgery on his take-off leg, keeping him off the national championships circuit through 2019, 2020, and 2021.

The comeback to world-class ranks

Adcock returned to competitive action in 2022, travelling to Europe and jumping within three centimetres of his personal best. His 2023 season delivered a major competitive breakthrough.

He cleared the eight-metre barrier for the first time in Auckland, won the 2023 Australian Athletics Championships in Brisbane with a leap of 8.06 metres, and earned selection for the World Championships in Budapest. In Budapest, his 7.99-metre jump missed the final by one centimetre, a distance that ultimately placed seventh in the final round.

Following the passing of his long-time coach Gary Bourne in late 2023, Adcock relocated to Sydney. He adapted his preparation to a self-coached program, utilizing the track and gym frameworks of coach Andrew Murphy at the Sydney University Athletics Club.

Coach Gary Bourne. *Photo Credit: Australian Athletics*

His subsequent 2025 campaign yielded elite international results. He claimed a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing with a leap of 8.28 metres, and won the Rome Diamond League event, producing a lifetime best of 8.34 metres on his final jump to defeat Olympic champion Miltiádis Tentóglou.

He closed out his international circuit by placing third at the Diamond League Final in Zurich with 8.24 metres, ending the year ranked fifth in the world with the top four Australian long jump performances of the season.

Glasgow and the debut milestone

While the Paris 2024 Olympics was a primary career goal, injury hampered his performance. Adcock slipped on the take-off board in a warm-up meet prior to the Olympics, aggravating a pre-existing hamstring tendinopathy in his take-off leg. The injury limited his power output in Paris, where he finished the qualification round in 27th place with a best mark of 7.56 metres.

He responded with a strong domestic season, culminating in a dominant victory at the 2026 Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney with a jump of 8.26 metres. This performance locked in his automatic selection for Glasgow.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will mark Adcock’s debut at the event, entering the competition sitting equal fourth on the Australian all-time long jump list. For the Moreton Bay community that watched him record his early jumps at the local track, the Glasgow selection rewards 12 years of competitive persistence.

To track Liam Adcock’s progress in Glasgow, visit athletics.com.au or commonwealthgames.com.au.

Published 17-June-2026

Leadership Pathway Builds Early Skills At Redcliffe School

Photo Credit: Redcliffe State High School

Redcliffe State High School is preparing Years 7 to 11 students for future school leadership through a program centred on teamwork, communication, school involvement and practical preparation.

Redcliffe Students Build Leadership Skills Early

Redcliffe State High School is helping younger students prepare for future leadership roles through its Leadership Aspirant Program.

The program supports students from Years 7 to 11 who want to become future school leaders. It gives them a structured way to learn about leadership before they reach formal senior roles, including the school’s Year 12 and Year 9 leadership groups.

Students involved in the program are encouraged to take part in school life, understand leadership responsibilities and build the skills needed to contribute within the school and wider community.

The program was developed after staff identified a need to prepare students earlier for leadership roles, responsibilities and application processes.

Students preparing for school leadership — *Photo Credit: Redcliffe State High School*

Practical Preparation Before Formal Roles

The first two terms focus on connection, previous leadership experiences, personal strengths, areas for improvement and teamwork.

In term three, the program moves into preparation for formal leadership opportunities. Students practise public speaking, work on CVs and prepare for interview questions.

They also take part in school activities, including parent-teacher interview nights and Friday fun days. These opportunities give students practical experience beyond the classroom while helping them understand what school leadership can involve.

Students also prepare materials that may support future leadership applications, including speeches and CVs.

Redcliffe Program Reaches Different Kinds Of Leaders

The program is also aimed at students who may already show leadership outside formal school positions.

Some students lead through sport or community involvement without holding recognised school leadership titles. The Leadership Aspirant Program gives those students a way to develop those skills within the school setting.

Students are expected to show they are willing to take on responsibility and contribute to activities connected with school leadership. The program presents leadership as a role built through preparation, teamwork and involvement, rather than a title alone.

Redcliffe students practising leadership skills — *Photo Credit: Redcliffe State High School*

Students Learn From Working Together

Students in the program have described teamwork as one of the main lessons.

Ayva Marsh said the program helped her understand the leadership qualities needed for the following year, including the value of working with others instead of taking on every task alone.

Daniel Tavake said learning about leadership qualities and the benefits of the role encouraged him to take part.

Eliza Wood said the program helped her understand the importance of working together and the stronger impact students can have as a group.

Jesse-James Schuster encouraged other students to join the program, while Michael Robinson described it as a worthwhile experience for students interested in becoming leaders.

School Culture Supports Student Pathways

Redcliffe State High School’s wider approach focuses on connection, learning, belonging and student pathways.

The school also has programs and activities linked to student growth, including Year 12 academic mentoring and the Reddi Rewards Program, which recognises positive student behaviour across year levels.

Within that setting, the Leadership Aspirant Program gives Redcliffe students another way to build confidence, practise communication and prepare for the responsibilities that come with school leadership.

Published 17-June-2026

New Margate Dog Space Approved Amid Broader Animal Control Plans

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

In a major move to balance family fun with wildlife safety, Margate is receiving a new off-leash dog park while other regional areas face strict pet bans to save koalas.

dog — *Photo Credit:* *City of Moreton Bay*

The Moreton Bay City Council unanimously approved the fresh zoning plans for dog owners during a general meeting last week. The biggest change for the local area will be at Barry Bolton Park along Victoria Avenue. The central and southern sections of the park will transform into a dedicated space where dogs can run freely without a leash. This new animal zone will sit alongside the existing children’s playground and a planned basketball court.

During the discussions, city officials weighed the benefits and risks of mixing different types of park visitors. Councillor Brook Savige pointed out the potential issues of placing an off-leash dog zone so close to young children running around and playing with balls.

In response, council staff explained that the specific location was carefully chosen because the natural shape of the land and the buffer created by the nearby car park will keep the different groups safely separated. Councillor Karl Winchester noted that residents would highly welcome the new recreational space.

dog — *Photo Credit:* *City of Moreton Bay*

While Margate residents gain more freedom for their pets, the council is taking a much stricter approach in other areas to protect native wildlife. Plans were also unanimously approved to restrict animals at Moreton Bay Central, which is located at the former Mill site in Petrie. With the lakes section of this massive site expected to be ready for the public by the middle of this year, local authorities are stepping in to ensure the local koala population stays safe.

The council map for the Petrie site shows that dogs will be completely banned from most of the area. Pet owners will only be allowed to walk their dogs on a leash along a specific access path heading towards Dohles Rocks Road and in a designated section beside the railway line and university.

Councillor Jim Moloney strongly supported the tight restrictions, calling the move an essential step for environmental protection. The council hopes this balanced approach will give the community plenty of room to relax while meeting all local obligations to shield vulnerable koalas from harm.

Published Date 17-June-2026

Massive Redcliffe Community Effort Secures Over $126,000 for Dementia Care

Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog/ Facebook

More than 900 Redcliffe residents transformed a local charity run into a massive six-figure success story, raising an impressive $126,039 to support hundreds of thousands of Australians living with dementia.

Pounding the Pavement for a Purpose

dementia — *Photo Credit:* *Memory Walk & Jog/ Facebook*

The impressive turnout happened last weekend during the 2026 Redcliffe Memory Walk and Jog. Participants of all fitness levels crossed the finish line with a dual purpose in mind. They wanted to generate vital funding for charity while simultaneously working on their own physical fitness. Medical research clearly indicates that staying physically active is a key factor in maintaining brain health and reducing the overall risk of developing the condition later in life.

High Praise for Local Impact

Dementia Australia chief executive officer Professor Tanya Buchanan expressed deep gratitude to the local area for their overwhelming support. She noted that it was highly encouraging to watch so many locals taking action to protect their own minds while also assisting a national charity.

According to the organisation’s leadership, this strong show of solidarity provides crucial backing for their ongoing advocacy and medical research programmes.

Volunteers Power the National Effort

The local event relied heavily on people giving up their free time to help out. Professor Buchanan stated that the gathering was only made possible through the dedication of these unpaid helpers, who ensured the route was completely safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The Redcliffe gathering was just one piece of a much larger puzzle, serving as one of 14 similar charity runs scheduled across the country throughout the year. These events allow families to connect, share their personal experiences, and gather donations in a supportive environment.

Ongoing Support and Resources

Even though the local run has concluded, residents still have the chance to contribute by organising independent walks in their own neighbourhoods. The need for funding remains high, as the charity continues to provide essential education and assistance to an estimated 446,500 Australians diagnosed with the condition, along with the 1.7 million family members and friends who care for them. Anyone requiring immediate guidance or assistance can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, a government-funded service that also offers access to interpreters.

Published Date 16-June-2026