Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe is a hive of activity this weekend. It has been transformed into a dirt bike battleground for the highly anticipated return of the Australian Supercross Championship to Queensland.
After a five-year absence, the roar of engines and the thrill of high-flying action have taken over the venue, which is usually rugby league-focused.
The stadium has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis. Six thousand tonnes of dirt have been trucked to construct a challenging course for Australia’s best riders. They’ll be vying for glory in the first two rounds of the championship, held last Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13.
The event marks the return of Supercross legend and two-time world champion Chad Reed, who will serve as its ambassador. Adding to the family affair, Reed’s son, Tate, will compete in the 85cc class on Saturday, an event aptly named in honour of his father.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting Kayo Stadium’s ability to host diverse sporting spectacles and draw large crowds. With an expected attendance of 20,000 people, the event is set to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Visit Moreton Bay CEO Natassia Wheeler indicated that many spectators travel outside the region, bringing valuable tourism dollars.
Chad Reed spoke about the significance of the Redcliffe event for his family, marking his son’s Queensland debut. He also mentioned enjoying the local area and exploring Bribie Island with his family.
The championship promises intense competition, with defending champion Dean Wilson facing stiff challenges from international riders like Joey Savatgy and Aaron Tanti. Local heroes Matt Moss and Luke Clout will fly the flag for Australia, aiming to conquer the challenging track and claim victory on home soil.
It’s been a momentous week for the Dolphins. Alongside dual Dally M award victories for Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock, the club has announced the additions of Origin prop Daniel Saifiti and promising outside back Max Feagai for 2025, as well as securing two key assistant coaches to join incoming head coach Kristian Woolf.
The Dolphins’ impressive sophomore campaign has been recognised at the Dally M Awards, with the club securing two prestigious honours. Herbie Farnworth claimed the Centre of the Year award, while Jack Bostock was named Rookie of the Year, marking a major achievement for the young winger.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was also in contention for Fullback of the Year. He was ultimately edged out by Roosters’ James Tedesco, rounding out a strong showing for the club with three nominees.
Origin prop Daniel Saifiti joins
In a major coup for the Dolphins, representative front-rower Daniel Saifiti will join the club from the Newcastle Knights. The 28-year-old veteran brings considerable experience to the forward pack, with 183 NRL games under his belt, seven State of Origin appearances for NSW, and international experience representing Fiji.
The signing reunites Saifiti with incoming head coach Kristian Woolf, his former mentor at the Knights. “He is a representative player, he is tough, aggressive, and a hard worker—all the things the Dolphins pride themselves on being,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.
Alongside Saifiti, Knights assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn will also make the move north, adding valuable coaching expertise to the staff.
The Dolphins have further strengthened their squad by securing 23-year-old Max Feagai from the St George Illawarra Dragons. The young star joins a formidable lineup of outside backs, competing alongside the trio of Dally M nominees, as well as established players Jamayne Isaako and Trai Fuller.
Dragons assistant coach Ben Woolf will unite with his brother Kristian, who will take over the reins from Wayne Bennett.
The new recruits will begin their Dolphins journey in November’s preseason, marking the start of an exciting chapter as the club builds toward 2025 with a reinforced playing and coaching roster.
A new master plan for the Scarborough Boat Harbour has been released, outlining significant changes to improve maritime operations and enhance community access to one of Moreton Bay’s busiest harbours.
The Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan, finalised in September 2024, sets a clear direction for the harbour’s future. The plan aims to balance its role as a working harbour with providing better access and amenities for the local community. It includes an expansion of marine berths, additional parking spaces along Oyster Point Esplanade, and dedicated areas for marine activities, tourism, and entertainment.
This will support existing maritime operations and create opportunities for local businesses and residents. The plan also seeks to develop Scarborough as a destination, driving tourism while protecting the environment. The vision reflects feedback from community groups, businesses, and stakeholders who were consulted throughout the process.
Photo Credit: Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan
Community and Environmental Focus
A central aspect of the master plan is its focus on public access and sustainability. Areas of the harbour will see improved open spaces, better vessel access, and facilities designed to minimise the environmental footprint. The plan also outlines a need to integrate the harbour with surrounding areas and improve traffic and parking management to accommodate future growth.
The community played a significant role in shaping this. The Scarborough Harbour Action Group (SHAG), formed by local residents, initially opposed parts of the proposal. However, after public consultation and revisions, SHAG and other local groups acknowledged improvements in the final version.
The extended public consultation period and incorporation of hundreds of community submissions resulted in what local representatives describe as a “better-balanced plan.”
Photo Credit: Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan
Invested Collaboration
Queensland’s $4 million investment will help implement the plan in stages. A working group made up of local businesses, community members, and stakeholders will provide input on the project’s next steps. The Department of Transport and Main Roads will collaborate closely with Moreton Bay City Council and other state agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the master plan.
The plan will guide decisions on future leasing, development, and infrastructure improvements, while respecting the environmental regulations governing Moreton Bay Marine Park. Further assessments, including traffic and environmental studies, will be carried out as part of the implementation process.
This will mark a new chapter for Scarborough Boat Harbour, setting the stage for long-term development that benefits both the local community and Queensland’s maritime industry.
Photo Credit: Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan
SHAG’s Response to the Plan
Mandy Lake, spokesperson for SHAG, said the group is relieved that the final plan did not include any unexpected changes. She described it as “fairly similar” to earlier this year’s revised plan. SHAG, which was formed to ensure residents and visitors had a voice in the planning process, praised TMR for considering community feedback.
Ms Lake acknowledged that the final plan is a “dramatic improvement” on the initial version, noting that it reflects many of the community’s concerns. She also expressed appreciation for TMR’s commitment to ongoing engagement with Moreton Bay City Council, harbour stakeholders, and the community, stating SHAG is eager to continue providing feedback as the plan is implemented.
Remaining Concerns
Despite these improvements, SHAG still has reservations. Lake expressed disappointment that more green space could not be preserved, though some was saved on the northern arm. Another major concern for SHAG is the potential development of five-storey, 15-metre-high structures on the northern arm of the harbour. TMR has committed to seeking reductions in building heights as part of future amendments to Moreton Bay City Council’s planning scheme, but Lake said the group is preparing for a flood of development applications.
Peninsula Power FC standout Cortnee Vine has been forever etched into Australian sporting history with a stunning new mural at Suncorp Stadium alongside the Matildas. Unveiled on Tuesday, the artwork celebrates the team’s unprecedented success and their impact on Australian sport.
Located at the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium, the 5.5m-long and 2.1m-wide bronze bas-relief depicts one of the most significant moments in Australian soccer history. The mural captures the Matildas’ jubilant celebration following Cortnee Vine’s match-winning penalty against France, the moment that secured their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance.
Matildas star Tameka Yallop expressed her appreciation for the tribute. “It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport,” Yallop stated.
“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Matildas’ broader impact, saying, “The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.”
From Redcliffe to the world stage
Cortnee Vine’s rise from Redcliffe to World Cup stardom has inspired young athletes across the region. Following her World Cup heroics Vine returned to Sydney FC for a fourth season, where she dominated with 10 goals and 6 assists. Averaging 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes, she quickly caught the attention of international scouts.
In June, Vine secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), marking her debut on the international club stage. Her impact was immediate; she scored her first NWSL goal during her Courage home debut on 1 September, helping secure a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current.
This mural complements the existing bronze statues of male sports figures at Suncorp Stadium, including rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.
It represents a significant step towards greater recognition of women’s contributions to Australian sport. For generations to come, the mural will inspire young athletes to dream big and chase their goals, just like Cortnee.
A series of wallet thefts at local shopping centres has prompted Redcliffe police to issue a warning to residents. Over the past few weeks, several incidents have been reported at Kippa-Ring and Rothwell shops, raising concerns about shopper safety.
Acting Senior Sergeant Sharnelle Harris, Officer in Charge of the Moreton Prevention Unit, stated that thieves are opportunistic and can remove a wallet from an open bag in a trolley in just a few seconds.
Police have documented four specific incidents:
September 6: At 12:15 PM, CCTV footage captured a female suspect removing a wallet from a handbag left briefly in a trolley at a Kippa-Ring shopping centre.
September 12: At 11:00 AM, a wallet was stolen from a bag at a Kippa-Ring shopping centre. The stolen cards were later used for fraudulent transactions.
September 20: At 11:20 AM, a wallet was taken from a handbag in a trolley at a Rothwell shopping centre. The wallet was later found discarded on a store shelf, minus the cash.
September 21: At 12:10 PM, a man’s wallet was stolen from his back pocket at a Kippa-Ring shopping centre.
Authorities believe these four incidents are connected and are actively investigating to locate the suspect(s).
In response to these thefts, police have issued several safety tips for shoppers, including:
Using bags that can be secured
Keeping valuables close to the body
Avoiding leaving bags or wallets unattended
Being mindful of surroundings when loading shopping into vehicles
Redcliffe residents are advised to report any suspicious activity immediately. In case of theft, victims should call Triple Zero (000) and try to remember details of the incident without confronting the perpetrator.
Police investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
As the Redcliffe Dolphins prepare for the 2024 Hostplus Cup grand final against the Norths Devils, it’s shaping up to be a battle between history and recent dominance. Dolphins vs Devils kick off 5:30 p.m. at Kayo Stadium.
The Dolphins, under the guidance of coach Ben Te’o, are eyeing their seventh Cup premiership in what will be their 14th grand final appearance. Standing in their way are the formidable Norths Devils, led by Dave Elliott, who are vying for their fourth Cup title in five tries.
Latrell Siegwalt’s rise has fuelled the Dolphins’ momentum, earning him individual accolades and boosting the team’s championship hopes.
Alongside Siegwalt, captain Max Bailey and key forward Josh Kerr are vital to Redcliffe’s ambitions. Their performances will be crucial in clinching the club’s first title since 2018.
Dolphins vs Devils
The Dolphins have the historical edge with 34 wins to Norths’ 19, but the Devils have excelled in finals matchups, holding a slight advantage with three wins to Redcliffe’s two. One of those losses came in the 2022 grand final, where Norths defended their premiership, denying Redcliffe their first title since 2018.
Earlier in this final series, Norths again beat Redcliffe in the elimination final, forcing the Dolphins to secure an extra win to reach this grand final showdown.
Despite recent setbacks against the Devils, the Dolphins will have the distinct advantage of playing the grand final on their home turf at Kayo Stadium, where they’ve claimed six premierships.
XXXX Queensland City versus Country
The grand final day will also feature XXXX Queensland City versus Country matches in both women’s and men’s categories, highlighting the strong connection between community rugby league and statewide competitions.
As the Dolphins prepare for this crucial game, fans are eagerly anticipating a display of skill, determination, and passion that could lead to a historic seventh Cup premiership for their beloved team. Will the Dolphins extend their record with a seventh title, or will Norths narrow the gap with a fourth Cup?
In a thrilling Dolphins vs Pride preliminary final showdown, Redcliffe has booked their place in the 2024 Hostplus Cup grand final with a nail-biting victory over the minor up at Cairns. Halfback Joshua James sealed the win with a clutch field goal in golden point, sending Dolphins fans into jubilation.
Early momentum for the Dolphins; second-half drama
The Dolphins struck early when dynamic fullback Trai Fuller powered through to score in the fifth minute. Northern Pride responded with a try from Evan Child, but a spectacular effort from centre Valynce Te Whare put Redcliffe ahead 10-6 at halftime.
The contest intensified after the break. Northern Pride levelled the scores and briefly took the lead, but the Dolphins fought back when Josh Kerr crashed over the line late in the game. Pride’s Will Partridge answered with a crucial try of his own, setting the stage for a thrilling golden point showdown.
In the extra period, Joshua James showed nerves of steel, slotting the winning field goal against the wind. This clutch play not only secured the Dolphins’ spot in the grand final but also ended Pride’s impressive home record.
Injury concerns loom large
Despite the thrilling win, the Dolphins have injury concerns heading into the grand final. Both Jarrett Boland and Trai Fuller left the field with injuries, and their availability for the decider against long-time rivals Norths Devils remains uncertain.
Northern Pride coach Eric Smith, in his final game with the club, acknowledged the Dolphins’ performance and reflected on his team’s successful season despite the disappointing end.
Smith will take over as Redcliffe’s head coach next season, replacing Ben Te’o, who will return to the Brisbane Broncos after the grand final.
Published 16-September-2024
This pre-match article was published on 09-September-2024.
Dolphins vs Pride: Redcliffe Challenge Top-Seed for Chance at the Big Dance
The Redcliffe Dolphins are set to challenge the top-seeded Northern Pride for a spot in the Hostplus Cup grand final this Saturday, 14 September. Dolphins vs Pride kick off 2:10 p.m. at Barlow Park.
The Dolphins enter the clash with momentum, having secured a convincing 36-18 victory in their match against the Central Queensland Capras. This victory was particularly sweet, as the Dolphins had lost both of their home-and-awayn matchups against the Capras.
The team started strong, building a 24-point lead early in the game on the back of prop Josh Kerr, who crossed for two early tries. Young Tommy Casey, making his season debut, stepped up admirably at five-eighth, contributing to the team’s strong start.
Dolphins vs Pride
The third-seeded Dolphins (14-6 in the home-and-away ladder) will travel to Cairns to face the formidable Northern Pride, who finished the regular season with an impressive 17-3 record.
Despite the Pride’s dominance, the Dolphins have proven they can compete, having defeated the Pride 30-22 in their Round 5 encounter at Kayo Stadium.
Dolphins captain Max Bailey acknowledges the challenge ahead. “We got them once this year here at home, but it’s going to be a whole different game up there” Bailey states.
Bailey emphasises the importance of high completions and disciplined play against the Pride. The Dolphins will look to replicate their efficient performance from their previous matchup, where they capitalised on their chances despite trailing in possession and completion rate.
Bailey expresses the team’s readiness for the crucial match. “One more game until the big dance… we’re ready to go.”
As the Dolphins prepare for their journey to Cairns, fans are hopeful that the team can replicate their earlier success against the Pride and secure a spot in the grand final.
The Redcliffe Golf Club is set to host its 42nd annual Dorothy Banks Charity Day next month, turning the course into a sea of pink to raise funds for McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses.
The charity day, scheduled for Tuesday, 1 October, commemorates the legacy of Dorothy Banks, a former club president and member since 1967, who died of cancer in 1982.
Jill Adams, another past president, first initiated this long-standing event to honour Dorothy’s memory and her contributions to the club. Since its inception, the event has become a key date in the club’s calendar, drawing participants and spectators adorned in pink to show their support and raise funds.
Over the past four years, the women’s sub-committee of Redcliffe Golf Club, led by Vice-President Robyn Collett, has successfully raised over $20,000 for various cancer charities, including Love Your Sister, the Leukemia Foundation, Australian Cancer Research Foundation, and Be Uplifted. This year, the club aims to surpass previous efforts by focusing specifically on support for breast cancer. Participants are encouraged to contribute through direct donations or by donating raffle prizes.
The charity day will feature a Stableford waltz competition with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., and an entry fee of $26 per visiting player. The event is set to offer more than just golf; it will include morning tea on arrival, optional lunch orders, and novelty prizes throughout the course.
The highlight will be the “prize of the day,” generously sponsored by Eric Oxenford, Paul Barber, and Trish Clowes. The community’s enthusiasm is evident as everyone is encouraged to wear pink in solidarity.
Bookings for the event are set to close on 12 September, with the timesheet opening on 16 September, ensuring all participants have ample time to register and prepare for a day of community spirit and fundraising.
The Dolphins will face a make-or-break clash against the Newcastle Knights this Sunday, 8 September, with the winner claiming the eighth and final spot in the NRL finals series. Dolphins vs Knights kick off 4:05 p.m. at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
Wayne Bennett’s strategy and pre-game speech pay off
After a commanding 40-6 victory over the Brisbane Broncos, the Dolphins now control their finals destiny as they prepare for this crucial away match.
Coach Wayne Bennett’s experience and tactical acumen was on full display in the Battle for Brisbane. Trai Fuller’s inclusion at fullback and the repositioning of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to the centres were particularly effective, while Jake Averillo impressed in his role in the halves.
Herbie Farnworth, who earned the ‘Battle Medal’ as player of the match, credits Bennett’s creative coaching for the team’s dominant performance.
Reports also suggest that Bennett delivered a stirring pre-match speech, igniting a fierce determination in his players that was evident in every tackle and try.
Tevita Pangai Jnr described Bennett as “pretty animated and pretty fired up,” adding, “Wayne has been in this situation before… It is pretty crazy what we did tonight.”
Dolphins vs Knights
As the Dolphins prepare for their trip to Newcastle, the team remains focused on the task at hand. Winger Jamayne Isaako emphasised the importance of the upcoming game, stating, “We will soak in (the win against the Broncos) and get back to the drawing board and refocus ourselves and look forward to Newcastle.”
The judiciary downgraded his dangerous contact charge from the Broncos match, resulting in a fine rather than a suspension—ensuring the Dolphins have a stronger squad for the encounter.
With their finals fate hanging in the balance, the Dolphins are poised for what could be one of the most significant matches in their short history. A win would not only secure a finals berth but also mark a historic achievement for the Dolphins, who are aiming to make the finals in just their second NRL season—a remarkable feat for the competition’s newest team.
The Redcliffe Dolphins are gearing up for an elimination match against the Central Queensland Capras this Saturday, 7 September, following a setback away at Bishop Park. Dolphins vs Capras kick off 5:10 p.m. at Kayo Stadium.
Despite a strong season record, the third-placed Dolphins face a formidable challenge in the Capras, a team that has repeatedly troubled them this year.
However, this season has been different, with the Capras delivering two of the Dolphins’ seven losses, including a surprising 20-6 defeat at Kayo Stadium on 11 May and a more decisive 38-10 loss away on 27 July.
Dolphins skipper Max Bailey acknowledges the team’s struggles against the Norths Devils in the preliminary final, emphasising the need for improved discipline and ball control. “We’ve put ourselves in the position to get the second chance though and we need to use that now,” Bailey said.
The Dolphins are banking on their strong home record this season to see them through this elimination matchup. “We’ve been really good at home this year,” Bailey noted.
As Redcliffe prepares for this critical encounter, they are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Bailey knows that to reach the grand final, the Dolphins will likely need to win away from home again after the Capras.
