Redcliffe community news Archives

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

A strong rotten egg smell has been troubling Redcliffe locals this winter, but it’s not coming from the sewers. Instead, it’s the result of a natural process linked to mangroves growing near the coastline.

Where The Smell Is Coming From

Since May, residents in Redcliffe, Newport, Clontarf, and Scarborough have reported a foul odour, often strongest at night or early morning. While many suspected broken pipes, Unitywater found that about a quarter of cases weren’t linked to sewer faults.

Instead, the smell is often caused by mangroves dropping seeds that decompose and release sulphide gas during the cooler months. This gas, which smells like rotten eggs, becomes more noticeable in winter as cold air traps it close to the ground. Wind and tidal conditions can also spread the smell further, especially near shorelines and stormwater drains.

Investigations And Response

Over the past year, Unitywater received 376 odour-related reports from areas including Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. Each case was investigated to rule out issues with the wastewater network. About 24 per cent of the complaints were linked to natural sources like mangroves, wetlands, or riverbanks.

Unitywater advises residents to consider their surroundings, like proximity to mangroves, recent rain, temperature shifts, and wind direction, before assuming it’s a sewer problem. This helps distinguish natural odours from actual infrastructure faults.

What Residents Can Do

While the smell can be unpleasant, Unitywater warns residents not to take matters into their own hands. Some locals have considered removing nearby mangroves, but doing so without approval is illegal in Queensland.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

Mangroves are protected due to their vital role in preventing erosion and supporting wildlife. They help stabilise riverbanks and provide habitat for birds, fish, and bees. Removing them can harm the environment and potentially cause long-term damage to nearby properties.

Living With It—For Now

With no long-term fix in place, community awareness has become the best way to manage the issue for now. Some locals have adapted by closing windows or using filters indoors, while others laugh it off as a quirky sign that winter has arrived.

Unitywater continues to monitor its systems closely to rule out any genuine faults. They’re urging residents to keep reporting strange or lingering smells, just in case. After all, not every stink is just nature doing its thing.

Published 24-July-2025

Tag: Redcliffe community news

Free Family Activities Planned for Redcliffe Winter School Holidays