The retreat-style facility, located at 457 Oxley Ave, will offer various amenities designed to promote well-being, including four 700-litre baths (two cold, two hot magnesium), two infrared saunas, and a beauty salon specialising in lash, brow, and tanning services on Tuesdays.
Owner Jasmine Smith-Raffin, a seasoned veteran of the beauty industry with seven years of experience running Lash & Beauty Redcliffe, shared that the project has been in development for seven months and is a natural evolution of her passion for hot and cold therapies. Smith-Raffin envisions Plunge as a “mini-retreat” – a unique Redcliffe offering a calm, personal, and non-judgemental space for individuals to unwind and feel confident.
The centre limits the number of guests at any given time to ensure a tranquil experience. Smith-Raffin, who first ventured into business at 17, expressed her enthusiasm for Redcliffe as a supportive community with immense potential for business growth.
Construction is already underway, and Plunge Bathhouse and Recovery Centre is expected to open its doors to the public in late August. It promises to be a new haven for wellness enthusiasts in the Redcliffe area.
Residents of Redcliffe are still wondering why Humpybong Creek turned a vivid shade of blue, with local authorities still investigating the cause of the mysterious discolouration.
The incident was reported on Monday morning, 29 July 2024, with Queensland Fire and Rescue Services (QFRS) receiving a call about a possible chemical spill at approximately 11:20 am.
Photo Credit: MoretonDaily
QFRS quickly dispatched three crews to the scene, followed by their scientific response team. Initial testing revealed the substance as “benign” though its exact nature remains unknown. The affected area, initially covering about 5 square metres, appeared to result from something washing into the waterway.
After preliminary assessments, QFRS handed the situation to the Moreton Bay City Council for further investigation.
Ongoing Analysis
Council officers have inspected the stormwater system within a 400-metre radius of the affected area to identify the substance’s origin. Additional tests are being conducted to check for significant pollutants, including heavy metals, though results may take up to seven days.
As of Tuesday morning, the council reported that the spill remained localised with little overnight dispersion. They advised the public to avoid contact with the water while testing continues.
The council is considering options to manage the situation, including dispersing the substance by flushing the system or pumping out and disposing of the contaminated water.
Photo Credit: MoretonDaily
Community Involvement
This incident occurs against the backdrop of increased community engagement with Humpybong Creek. The Rotary Club of Redcliffe Sunrise and the local chapter of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) ‘adopted’ the creek in 2023, aiming to improve its water quality.
Colin Scobie from ESRAG expressed their long-term commitment: “It’s a five-year journey, if not longer. The goal is to make it swimmable.”
Robbie Chilcott and his wife Heli recently moved to Redcliffe, settling into an apartment 50 metres from the Redcliffe Snooker & Billiards Club. Within four weeks of arriving in Redcliffe, Robbie had joined the “Redcliffe Tigers” team and entered the Queensland State Billiards Championship. Despite limited preparation, he won his first state championship title, at 53 years of age.
In January 2024, after a successful battle with skin cancer, Robbie and his wife Heli sold their belongings and embarked on a road trip around Australia, culminating with the fateful move to Redcliffe that helped Robbie achieve a lifelong ambition.
“I felt like an imposter, but I’m here in Queensland to promote and grow the game,” Robbie said in his victory speech. “With talented young players on the rise, I’ll gladly accept the state title while I can.”
Robbie plans to run junior billiard workshops locally and help grow the sport. The Redcliffe Snooker & Billiards Club will host the Queensland Open Billiards Championship in November 2024, featuring world number one Peter Gilchrist.
Robbie expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “There is no other amateur sport in the world where ordinary players have the opportunity to play against and alongside a world champion.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Early Beginnings in Tasmania
Robbie Chilcott’s journey in cue sports began at 17 at the Ulverstone RSL in Tasmania, where his father Perry worked. Perry would sneak Robbie in during quiet times to practice on the large billiard tables. Robbie’s talent was evident early on when he held his own against experienced players on the smaller 8-ball tables in Strahan, Tasmania. Recognising his son’s potential, Perry encouraged him to hone his skills on full-size billiard tables.
Within five years, Robbie had won the North West Coast of Tasmania title and captained the Tasmanian snooker team in 1993. After moving to Hervey Bay in Queensland, where he met his wife Heli, Robbie stepped away from the game for a few years.
Rising Through the Ranks in Geelong
In 2000, Robbie and Heli moved to Geelong, and he reignited his passion for cue sports. Robbie’s return to the game saw him win multiple Geelong Singles Snooker & Billiards Championships, including 13 consecutive Singles Billiards titles until his departure in early 2024.
A pivotal moment came in 2016 when former Australian Champion David Collins encouraged Robbie to compete in larger competitions. Robbie joined the Victorian Snooker & Billiards Association and played for the Yarraville Club, quickly rising to the top position in his team. He fell in love with billiards, eventually focusing exclusively on this discipline. Since then, he has made three Australian quarter-finals and is currently ranked sixth nationally.
Redcliffe’s community eagerly anticipates Robbie Chilcott’s contributions to local sports and his efforts to inspire the next generation of billiards players.
A vintage gramophone once used by Queensland’s first radio station has been brought back to life by volunteers at the Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula before returning to ABC Brisbane.
The gramophone, estimated to be about 100 years old, originally belonged to 4QG, Queensland’s first radio station and a predecessor to ABC Radio Brisbane. In the 1920s, it was likely used to broadcast music to home listeners.
Restoration Efforts
When the gramophone’s condition deteriorated, ABC Radio Brisbane content director Matthew Connors reached out to the Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula for help. A team of skilled volunteers took on the challenge of restoring the historic piece.
The volunteers from the Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula spent numerous hours restoring the century-old gramophone used by Queensland’s first radio station, 4QG, in the 1920s.
Here’s how they did it:
Cleaning and Degreasing: The gramophone was found to be constructed from components sourced from different countries, including the US and Switzerland. Roger Veall, a volunteer with expertise in repairing vintage clocks, handled the technical aspects. He disassembled the parts, which had gathered grease and dirt over the years, in order to clean and reassemble them.
Replacing Missing Parts: The crank handle was absent, for example, and volunteer George Mock employed a 3D printer to create doorknobs for the cabinet. To replicate the original appearance, they fashioned a handle for the crank handle by bending a piece of rod and adding a handle to it.
Polishing and Refinishing: The team invested a lot of time refining and refurbishing the gramophone to bring it back to its original condition. They utilized paint, scrapers, sandpaper, adhesive, lubricants, degreaser, rust remover, wood filler, polish, leather, felt, and brass rod during the restoration.
Les Barkla, the head of the Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula, commended the dedication of the volunteers. Roger Veall, skilled in the restoration of vintage timepieces, addressed the inner workings of the device, and George Mock utilized a 3D printer to produce new components.
After months of painstaking work, the restored gramophone was officially unveiled at the ABC Brisbane open house event at South Bank. The volunteers’ dedication and skills helped preserve this piece of history for future generations to appreciate.
Origins of the Gramophone
The gramophone, also called the phonograph, was created in the late 19th century. Despite Thomas Edison being the inventor of the first practical phonograph in 1877, utilizing a rotating cylinder covered in tinfoil, it was Emile Berliner who introduced the disc format in the late 1880s. Berliner’s innovation substituted the cylinder with a flat disc, enabling easier mass production and playback of music. This disc-based system laid the groundwork for modern record players and differentiates the gramophone from earlier recording devices.
Established in 1925, 4QG was the first radio station in Queensland and a forerunner to what would eventually become part of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The gramophone played a vital role in the station’s operations, enabling it to broadcast music and other audio content to listeners. During its use at 4QG, operators would connect the gramophone to microphones to transmit music over the airwaves, thus making recorded music accessible to the public in their homes.
Transition to Family Heirloom
The gramophone, once used at 4QG, transformed from a broadcasting instrument into a beloved family treasure. In 1930, it was presented as a wedding present to Anne-Maree Falzon’s grandparents and was subsequently returned to the ABC following extensive renovation. This transition from a professional broadcasting tool to a cherished family keepsake underscores the emotional importance and historical relevance of the gramophone.
Repair Cafe Redcliffe Peninsula regularly meets for monthly workshops. Previous meetings were held at the Redcliffe Uniting Church, 1 Richens Street.
These are run by a group of passionate volunteers who dedicate their time to repairing your favorite items, giving them a second life and keeping them out of landfills.
Former Redcliffe PCYC standout Cortnee Vine made her Olympic debut for the Matildas in their Paris 2024 opening match on Friday, 26 July. Despite Vine’s 58-minute contribution, Matildas vs Germany finished 0-3 at Marseille Stadium. Redcliffe State High School alumna Teagan Micah was also on the bench for the match.
Germany’s victory came through goals from Marina Hegering (24’), Lea Schuller (64’), and Jule Brand (68’). The German side demonstrated a solid set-piece strategy, limiting the Matildas’ opportunities throughout the match and scoring two of their own via corners.
Despite equal possession, Germany outshot Australia significantly, putting 4 of 17 attempts on target compared to the Tillies’ 2 of 8.
Redcliffe PCYC’s Cortnee Vine featured in the match, playing for 58 minutes before being substituted. The Victoria-born winger, who recently secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League, showed flashes of the form that saw her contribute 10 goals and 6 assists for Sydney FC last season—averaging a whopping 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes.
Goalkeeper Teagan Micah sat behind Matildas regular Mackenzie Arnold. The Redcliffe State High School alumna is fresh off a season with Liverpool in the Women’s Super League where she maintained three clean sheets in seven appearances.
Olympics outlook
The 3-0 loss places Australia in a challenging position early in the tournament. Australia’s next match is on Monday, 29 July against Zambia, followed by their final group stage game against the powerhouse USA on Thursday, 1 August. Both matches are scheduled at 3:00 a.m. AEST.
The top two teams in each of the three groups alongside the two best third-placed teams will progress to the knockouts. Given this format, goal difference could prove crucial in determining the final group standings.
The Dolphins face a crucial match against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday, July 28, as they fight to keep their finals hopes alive. Following a tight golden point defeat to the defending champions, Wayne Bennett’s squad aims to cement their top-eight position against a Titans team facing challenges. Dolphins vs Titans kick off 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite losing 28-26 to the Penrith Panthers, the Dolphins showed they can compete with the league’s elite, leading for much of the game. They took an early lead courtesy of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s first-half double and Isaiya Katoa’s effort. Halftime came with the Dolphins up 18-12.
The second half saw the Dolphins extend their lead to 26-14, with Jack Bostock scoring and Jamayne Isaako adding a penalty goal. However, the Panthers mounted a comeback, capitalising on Josh Kerr’s sin-binning in the 74th minute to level the score and force a golden point.
Despite the eventual 28-26 loss, sealed by Nathan Cleary’s 42-metre drop goal, the Dolphins’ performance against the premiers has raised their stock considerably. Their ability to push the Panthers to the limit in enemy territory bodes well for their finals aspirations.
Dolphins vs Titans
The Titans, six points outside the top eight, enter the match after a loss to Manly, breaking a three-game winning streak that included a commanding 66-6 victory over the Warriors.
The Dolphins hold a perfect record against the Titans, winning all three of their previous encounters. Their most recent matchup saw the Dolphins overcome a slow start to claim a 30-14 victory, with Jack Bostock scoring his first career try double.
Currently sitting seventh on the ladder with a 9-8 record, the Dolphins have lost three of their last four matches. However, their competitive showing against Penrith suggests they’re hitting form at the right time.
The Titans, despite their recent struggles, boast a strong record at Suncorp Stadium, having won three of their past four games at the venue.
The matchup pits two experienced coaches against each other, with Wayne Bennett holding a 21-11 head-to-head advantage over Des Hasler. Bennett’s recent record is particularly impressive, having won his last six games against Hasler-coached teams.
As the regular season enters its final stages, this clash holds significant implications for both teams. The Dolphins aim to solidify their finals position in just their second NRL season, while the Titans look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
While Australia has welcomed many explorers, few have matched the achievements of Matthew Flinders. He is widely credited with bestowing Australia its name, a legacy that Redcliffe proudly shares as the namesake of his “Red Cliff Point.”
Flinders’ maritime journey began in his hometown of Donington, Lincolnshire, England. He joined the Royal Navy at age 15 and rose quickly through the ranks, inspired by stories like Robinson Crusoe. His adventurous spirit led him to New South Wales aboard HMS Reliance in 1795, where he forged a lifelong friendship with surgeon George Bass.
By 1798, Lieutenant Flinders, commanding the sloop Norfolk, circumnavigated Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) with Bass, naming the strait between them “Bass Strait.” In 1799, Flinders’ thirst for discovery led him north, exploring the coast aboard the Norfolk, accompanied by his brother Samuel, Kuringgai man Bungaree, and his loyal cat, Trim.
Although Captain James Cook had named Moreton Bay in 1770, Flinders was the first English explorer to venture into its waters. On 16 July 1799, the Norfolk anchored off the Redcliffe Peninsula, and the following day, Flinders made landfall at Woody Point. His meticulous mapping of Moreton Bay, which included Redcliffe and Bribie Island, paved the way for John Oxley’s exploration in 1823, which in turn resulted in the establishment of a penal colony in Redcliffe in 1824—an event that Redcliffe would soon commemorate in September.
A Voyage of Discovery and Circumnavigation
Flinders’ exploration continued north to Hervey Bay before returning to Sydney. Promoted to commander in 1801, he embarked on a groundbreaking mission aboard HMS Investigator: to chart the entire coastline of New Holland, beating his French counterpart, Nicholas Baudin, to the feat. By 1803, Flinders had achieved this monumental task, becoming the first to circumnavigate and identify Australia as a continent.
Flinders’ return to England aboard HMS Cumberland was challenging, including a six-year detainment on the Isle de France (Mauritius) during wartime. Despite this setback, he dedicated himself to documenting his findings, solidifying the name “Australia” or “Terra Australis” for the continent.
Returning to England in 1810, Flinders battled ill health while tirelessly working on his magnum opus, “A Voyage to Terra Australis.” Sadly, he passed away the day after its publication in 1814 at 40.
Honouring Flinders’ Enduring Impact
Matthew Flinders’ legacy is etched across Australia, with numerous locations, statues, and monuments bearing his name, paying tribute to his pivotal role in mapping the continent. Redcliffe’s commemoration of Flinders’ landing 225 years ago serves as a poignant reminder of the intrepid spirit and thirst for knowledge that shaped the nation’s history.
Redcliffe stands as a living testament to Matthew Flinders’ enduring legacy. The town’s name, a direct evolution of his “Red Cliff Point,” honours his pivotal role in its history. As Redcliffe marks this historic anniversary, residents and visitors are reminded of the spirit of exploration and discovery shaping this beloved community.
The Dolphins aim to halt their recent slide as they host the in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Round 19 clash this Thursday, July 11. Dolphins vs Rabbitohs kick off 7:50 p.m. at Kayo Stadium.
Coming off a bye week, the Dolphins face significant lineup changes as they prepare to tackle the Rabbitohs. Head coach Wayne Bennett has been forced to reshuffle his pack due to injuries and suspensions. Max Plath steps into the crucial hooker role, filling in for the sidelined Jeremy Marshall-King.
In a milestone match, Kenny Bromwich will make his 250th NRL appearance, slotting into the lock position.
The Dolphins receive a boost with the return of Jack Bostock on the wing after clearing concussion protocols. The prolific try-scorer, with 11 tries this season, aims to bolster the team’s attacking prowess. Tevita Pangai Junior earns his first start for the club in the front row, while Ray Stone and Sean O’Sullivan return to provide impact from the bench.
However, the Dolphins will miss the services of Origin stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi, who are on Queensland duty for the decider.
On the other hand, the Rabbitohs enter the match riding a wave of confidence, having secured five consecutive victories, notching up 28 tries to 12 in those games. However, they too will be without key players, including captain Cam Murray (NSW Origin duty) and fullback Latrell Mitchell (foot injury).
Recent dip in form
The Dolphins are looking to reverse their fortunes after a challenging period. Their last outing before the bye week resulted in a 26-6 defeat to the St. George Illawarra Dragons. In that match, the Dolphins struggled with discipline, conceding nine penalties and losing players to injuries and a sin-bin.
Coach Wayne Bennett emphasised the need to reduce mistakes, stating, “We just lost our way. It was our mistakes, they had 26 sets in the second half to our 13 and nine penalties to our three, so you can’t play in the NRL with that many mistakes.”
The clash between the Dolphins and Rabbitohs marks a critical juncture for both teams as they navigate through injuries, suspensions, and the absence of Origin players in their quest for a spot at the finals.
The state-of-the-art facilities will be home to over 450 players, marking a significant investment in local sport and community well-being.
The project, a collaboration between Moreton Bay City Council and the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Programme, has transformed the courts into a premium sporting hub. Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association President, Mark Kitson, expressed his gratitude to both levels of government, highlighting their shared commitment to further enhancing the association’s programmes and facilities.
Mayor Peter Flannery underscored the importance of supporting the growing netball community, stating that the upgraded courts offer players top-tier facilities. He emphasised that investments in modern, safe, and accessible sporting infrastructure contribute to the community’s health and well-being while nurturing local athletes’ talent and passion.
Yvette D’Ath, State Member for Redcliffe, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, stating that the Queensland Government was proud to contribute $1,194,000 to the project as part of the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Programme. She also took the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the Redcliffe Leagues Netball Association’s members and volunteers.
Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) celebrated the court renewal as a major win for local netballers, noting that the upgraded facilities will cater to players of all levels, whether they play for fun or have professional aspirations.
In 1966, Oxley Lodge, considered the very first apartment block in town, was constructed in Redcliffe. This pioneering project, situated at the corner of Steven Street and Prince Edward Parade, introduced 10 luxury home units to the Peninsula skyline.
With the help of W.H. Stokes and Sons Pty Ltd. and Kevanne Pty Ltd., Corbett, Ryan, and Walsh of Redcliffe’s architectural prowess, Oxley Lodge set a new standard in residential living, offering four distinct floorplans with prices ranging from $13,500 to $16,250.
The Redcliffe Herald of the time highlighted the immense interest, with reports of 20 daily enquiries about the units, which were sold upon completion rather than off the plan.
Market Hesitations and Realisations
John Barnes of Goldsworthy Real Estate, who managed property sales, initially had reservations about the rapid sale of the units, citing Redcliffe’s unfamiliarity with such developments.
However, he underscored the value offered, noting that buyers needed time to assess their options. The units, constructed from clay cavity bricks with plaster walls, featured sliding aluminium windows and fly screens. Each unit boasted two bedrooms and offered breathtaking bay views.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
Innovative Features
Prominent in the promotion was the complex’s proximity to the Redcliffe business centre, beachfrontage, and panoramic vistas. Each unit was a comprehensive home, complete with back and front entrances, and individual car accommodations, and was specially wired to accommodate television sets without the need for multiple antennas.
The typical layout included two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a lounge-dining room, kitchen, pantry, bathroom, toilet, laundry facilities, and external balconies, complemented by ample cupboard space.
The Redcliffe Herald reported on March 16, 1966, that additional modern conveniences included electric stoves, hot water units, stainless steel sinks, automatic clothes drying cabinets, and electric food waste disposal units.
After site preparations commenced, following the issuance of a building permit by the Redcliffe City Council, completion followed not long after. The building was named after John Oxley, maintaining its prestigious location overlooking Queens Beach to this day.
