QLD Expands Electronic Monitoring for Juvenile Offenders to Three New Locations

Ankle-worn electronic monitoring devices are being implemented for juvenile offenders as part of efforts to combat youth crime, with the initiative set to expand to three more cities in the region: Toowoomba, Cairns, and Mount Isa.


Read: New Data Reveals Top Causes Of Crashes In Redcliffe And Its Neighbouring Suburbs


The ankle-worn electronic monitoring devices were first introduced in 2021 as a way of keeping track of juvenile offenders. Initially, these devices were made available to 16- and 17-year-old repeat offenders in youth crime hot spots such as Townsville, North Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan, and the Gold Coast.

Only eight juvenile offenders were ordered to wear the trackers during the original 16-month trial period. The number has increased to a total of 16 since then. 

Photo credit: Kindel Media/Pexels

To ensure community safety, an additional $4 million in funding has been allocated for an extended trial that will include offenders from 15 years old and up.

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

Queensland’s Police Minister Mark Ryan clarified that the electronic monitoring condition is only imposed when a person is granted bail. It is important to note that fewer offenders are being granted bail, further emphasising the significance of the GPS trackers. 

These devices will be continuously monitored by Queensland Corrective Services, an agency with extensive experience in utilising this technology.

Queensland Youth Crime

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

According to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office in April 2023, youth offenders and adult offenders have reached the lowest level ever recorded, a development that many consider promising. 

The report, which analysed crime statistics from the 2021/22 financial years, highlights the continuing decline in the rate of unique child offenders, further solidifying the positive trend observed over the past decade. 

The latest figure stands at 1,926.4 per 100,000 persons aged 10-17 years, representing a significant milestone in 10 years.

Mr Ryan, addressing the findings of the report, acknowledged that whilst the rates of unique youth offenders and unique adult offenders have shown a decline, there remains a persistent core group of recidivist offenders who must be held accountable. 


Read: Mystery Solved! Kippa Ring Woman Comes Forward as New Millionaire


Despite the overall positive trend, he believes it is crucial to address the challenges posed by this specific group to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Published 23-June-2023

Coming Soon: GR8 Buns To Bring Delicious Desserts To Redcliffe

Heads up, Redcliffe! A new dessert bar is coming to town. Expect some GR8 Buns at the Bluewater Square Shopping Centre.


Read: Hotel Development Eyed at Bluewater Square Shopping Centre in Redcliffe


According to owner Michael Pulvirenti, Gr8 Buns goes beyond the traditional concept of a doughnut shop. It is a unique dessert bar that specialises in a variety of delectable treats such as doughnuts, croissants, cannoli, and milkshakes. In addition, they will also offer a delightful lunch menu featuring wraps and gourmet pies.

Having dedicated himself to the retail industry since the age of 19, Mr Pulvirenti, now 58, brings a wealth of experience to the business. 

Photo credit: GR8 BUNS/Facebook

Over the past two decades, he has focused specifically on working in and operating various food businesses, honing his expertise in the culinary field.

Photo credit: GR8 BUNS/Facebook

After successfully running a smaller takeaway dessert bar at the DFO Brisbane Airport shopping centre as a trial since June 2022, Mr Pulvirenti has made the decision to open a dedicated store. 

His new Redcliffe dessert bar will operate seven days a week and will feature a comfortable dining area, creating a relaxed atmosphere that caters to people of all ages.

Photo credit: GR8 BUNS/Facebook

In addition to its diverse menu, GR8 Buns will also offer a selection of gluten-free and vegan-friendly items.

Mr Pulvirenti expressed his confidence that there will be no discernible taste difference between the vegan and non-vegan options. This means that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, can indulge in GR8 BUNS’ delicious treats without compromising on flavour.


Read: New Local Hangout: Indigo’s Cafe Opens on Margate Pde in Redcliffe


The grand opening day of the Redcliffe store will be on 20 May 2023 and to celebrate the occasion, every customer will receive two free doughnuts, regardless of whether they make a purchase or not. Don’t miss out on this sweet opportunity to indulge in some delectable treats!

They will be operating on the site formerly occupied by Kebab Express at Bluewater Square. Follow their Facebook page for more details.

Published 11-May-2023

Suttons Beach Pavilion To Be Torn Down And Replaced

Suttons Beach Pavilion has played host to countless weddings and parties for decades, but did you know that this iconic, art deco-style building will likely be demolished following the release of an independent report suggesting that its renovation would be impractical?


Read: Engineering Firm Tasked to Investigate Structural Integrity of the Iconic Suttons Beach Pavilion


A structural investigation report prepared by independent experts Covey Associates revealed that repairing the pavilion would be inappropriate due to the “significant remediation and rectification works required to meet current building compliance and serviceability.” 

Both the Pavilions 1 and 2 had a history of water ingress issues, which means it will require extensive removal of the building’s structural elements to facilitate the access necessary to complete the repairs.

Suttons Beach Pavilion
Photo credit: ThatGuy/Google Maps

The 600-page report also highlighted that there’s “no guarantee of extended durability and residual life” if the renovations are carried out. 

Moreton Bay Regional Council will be looking at options for replacing the building, which will be discussed in a meeting in April 2023.

Suttons Beach Pavilion
Photo credit: Haddie Middleton/Google Maps

As early as now, there are already some suggestions from the community including a new structure reflecting the original 1930s but with a restaurant or food outlet. There have also been calls to retain the rotunda which was used as backdrop for many weddings over the years.

“It is expected that after these options are presented the public will have their opportunity to help determine what new structure will replace the Pavilion for future generations to appreciate and enjoy, back to its roots as a true community use facility for all residents of our region to enjoy equally and fairly for decades to come,” said Councillor Mark Booth.

History of the Suttons Beach Pavilion

Suttons Beach Pavilion
Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries

The original pavilion, which consisted of a bathing pavilion and kiosk for beachgoers, was built in 1934. The pavilion was designed by architect George Brockwell Gill.

The former Redcliffe Town Council opened a new two-storey pavilion on the site in 1937, based on the design of architect Clifford E. Plant. Mr Plant also owned a property in Redcliffe, which allowed him to personally oversee its construction. 

Significant alterations were done over time, including the addition of a rotunda in 1998. The current pavilion, which served as a function centre was constructed in 2002.

Photo credit: Trent B/Google Maps

Suttons Beach Pavilion was acquired by the Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2006. An assessment done in 2018 revealed that very little of the original pavilion survived over time.


Read: Moreton Bay Reclassification From Region to City Now Under Review


According to the Council, what people see today, which is the faux art deco style, is not a true reflection of the original build form, but how it’s used when the building was extended and modified.

To read more about the testing and findings, visit Council’s website.

Published 8-March-2023

Hotel Development Eyed at Bluewater Square Shopping Centre in Redcliffe

Redcliffe’s busy Bluewater Square shopping centre has been primed for a transformation and improvement with the planned addition of a hotel and rooftop bar to boost the recreational activities of bayside locals.



In December 2022, Elanor Investors Group Ltd lodged a development application (DA/2022/5128) to construct a seven-level 142-room hotel atop the existing shopping complex at the corner of Sutton St and Anzac Ave.

The site will also boast a rooftop entertainment area with function or party rooms that open to the beautiful panoramic views of Moreton Bay.  Once opened, the hotel’s function rooms will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. every day.

Interworks Architects designed the hotel plans as a medium-density facility, which will be built on the southeast corner of Bluewater Square. The development will also include a hotel pool, rooftop kitchen and a restaurant.

 

Bluewater Square
Photo Credit: DA/2022/5128/MoretonBayCouncil

A foyer entrance will be built on Sutton St whilst 62 basement car parking spaces will be gated for the hotel guests’ exclusive use. About a dozen car parking spaces would be removed and replaced with structural columns for the mid-rise building.

However, based on the pre-lodgement meetings, the loss of parking spaces will not significantly impact visitors to the shopping centre. 

Bluewater Square
Photo Credit: DA/2022/5128/MoretonBayCouncil

Per the application, “The proposed Short-term Accommodation, Function Facility and Bar utilises the existing shopping centre, whilst incorporating uses that will be highly beneficial to the local area. Additionally, the proposal will seamlessly integrate with the existing development.” 



People Urged to ‘Stay Hydrated’ As Redcliffe Temperatures Soar During Heatwave

A plea to “stay hydrated” has been issued by the Queensland Ambulance Service as temperatures in Redcliffe reached the highest minimum at 25.8 degrees at night whilst the rest of Brisbane was at 24.9 degrees.



Residents could expect the temperature to hit 34 degrees from Saturday to Sunday, the 4th and 5th of February 2023, as the winds coming down from the north are running over the warm waters of the Coral Sea. The Bureau of Meteorology said that the combination of warm temperatures and moisture could bring discomfort to coastal residents and could be fatal for some people who are at risk of heat stress. 

Thus, Queensland Ambulance Service Clinical Director Tony Hucker reminded the public to have cold water accessible at all times and sip this regularly to avert the risk of heat-related health issues. He discouraged drinking cold beer as cold water is best for dealing with the unusual temperature.  

Mr Hucker also advised avoiding mid-afternoon runs or slowing down at work if people are going to be on the field when it’s hot outside because even those with fit bodies may be at risk. If going outside is unavoidable, the experts suggested wearing loose-fit clothes and sunnies, slapping on a hat, putting on sunscreen, and then seeking shade or cooler spaces as often as possible.

Residents are also urged to check on their friends, family members and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the hot temperature. Even pets are at risk if they are outside even for just a short period. 

Tracy Maltby of the Redcliffe Community Noticeboard asked pet owners not to walk their dogs this weekend anymore.

“You have shoes on so have no idea of how hot the ground is. We are already at level 4/5 at 6.30am,” she wrote



The signs of heat stress or heat stroke may include sweating, dry and hot skin, weakness and confusion. Mr Hucker warned that the signs can be subtle as someone in distress may not even sweat.

Bungalow Seafood Bar & Grill Opens at Former Hog’s Breath Redcliffe Site

Did you know that Bungalow Seafood Bar & Grill has taken over the site of Hog’s Breath Redcliffe along Redcliffe Parade?



Owner Johnny Allsopp announced on Facebook that he and his business partner have opened the newest seafood bar and grill in town, and have slowly been setting up their online presence.  

Bungalow Seafood Bar & Grill’s official Facebook page announced that they will deliver “outstanding customer service, mouth-watering seafood and steaks, amazing cocktails and those cool waterfront vibes.” 

Mr Allsopp has yet to share their menu or photos of the food and venue online, but initial renews from the first few diners during their soft opening have been positive. 



Meanwhile, the owners of Hog’s Breath Redcliffe officially closed on the 15th of December 2022. On their website, the owners said that they are working on plans behind the scenes to reopen “in the future” but have not indicated the next location. 

Locals who patronise the Redcliffe eatery may want to visit the next nearest location in Morayfield, where the staff continues to serve diners their favourites. 



Halloween Promises to be Frightfully Fun at the Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights!

Photo Credit: Supplied

Redcliffe, are you all set for some eats and beats to go with the tricks and treats at the jetty this Halloween? Dare to join a freakish fright night in your scari-best costumes?



If you’re game for a spooky good time, then make your way down to the Redcliffe foreshore on Saturday, the 29th of October 2022, for the Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights. The fun starts at the witching hour of 4:00 p.m. and will end at 9:00 p.m. 

Halloween Redcliffe
Photo Credit: Supplied

This night promises to be a frightfully fun evening featuring the region’s best street eats, live entertainment and family activities. You could also start shopping for holiday presents as there will be over 200 fa-boo-lous stalls!

Here’s what the public can expect from the Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights: 

  • Trick or Treating for the little monsters 
  • Explosive display of Fireworks 
  • Sideshow Alley for wicked prizes
  • Spooky decorations and stalls 
  • Fiendishly good Street Food (bone-appétit!) 
  • Halloween inspired Jumping Castle & Face Painting – to entertain all the ghouls and boos
  • Spine chilling live music and roving entertainment
Halloween Redcliffe
Photo Credit: Supplied

Top Tips for a Safe Halloween

Meanwhile, the Office of Fair Trading is reminding families to observe and follow safety advice for the season, especially for kids wearing costumes.

“If you or your children will be wearing black or other dark coloured costumes for Halloween, add glow sticks or a reflective strip to your costumes and carry a torch to ensure drivers and other trick-or-treaters can see you,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said. 

Halloween Redcliffe
Photo Credit: Supplied

“And while it goes without saying to take care around open heat sources such as jack-o-lanterns and heaters, you should also check costume labels for their fire risk and choose those marked ‘flame resistant’ or ‘fire resistant’.



“If you’re completing your look with fake tattoos, face paint, makeup, or fake blood, ensure they come with ingredients labels and keep them handy throughout the night. 

“If someone in your group has an allergic reaction to a product, having a list of ingredients available for doctors can save them vital time when determining how to treat them.

Redcliffe Pensioners Hall to be Rebuilt as a Homelessness Hub

Photo Credit: DA/2022/3848/MBRC

Did you know that a homelessness hub could soon be built at the Redcliffe Pensioners Hall, along the corner of Portwood Street and Oxley Avenue?



DA/2022/3848 was filed on 26 Sept 2022, which proposes to remove the existing facility to make way for a new building for The Breakfast Club. The organisation provides free meals and food assistance to the community and has leased the Redcliffe Pensioners Hall, a 42-year-old community facility, since 2020. 

The new building will have spaces for specialist housing, a dining hall, offices, a commercial kitchen, showers and toilets, and an outdoor community deck. The proposal also includes two other tenancies that will be split as a Community Care Centre and a Community Use facility. 

Redcliffe Pensioners Hall
Photo Credit: DA/2022/3848/MoretonBayRegionalCouncil

Redcliffe Pensioners Hall’s sports and recreational spaces, the hardstand, and the associated buildings will remain the same. The car park arrangements will also not be impacted by the redevelopment.

“The proposed built form has been provided to allow for the formalisation of the community care centre on the subject site and provide for a design which is reflective of the current streetscape and surrounding Redcliffe locality,” DTS, the planner stated in the DA. 

Redcliffe Pensioners Hall
Photo Credit: DA/2022/3848/MoretonBayRegionalCouncil

“The proposal seeks to provide for extensions to the existing built form and do not alter the remaining open space and sport and recreational areas identified on the subject site to the north. The proposed use is not expected to draw a significant increase in patrons to the subject site, merely redeveloping the built form to present an attractive structure to the Portwood Street streetscape and service the local Redcliffe community.”



The project is expected to cost $4.5 million and will be funded by the Queensland Government. 

Mayor Peter Flannery said that the community has been asking for a homelessness hub for years thus the assistance “couldn’t come at a more important time” when more than 1,200 families in Moreton Bay have been experiencing homelessness. 

Redcliffe Creative Showcases Talents at ‘A Red Carpet Night’ for Dreamers

Talented creative Rita Grigutiene, who owns the Redcliffe boutique Modarita, will showcase her original work in “A Red Carpet Night,” a special runway event featuring a diverse array of talents and their creations.



On Saturday, 1 Oct 2022, Ms Grigutiene will be able to debut her creations in a runway show at the CBD after losing 50 of her original designs, materials and sewing machines due to the February floods. Ms Grigutiene was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and could not sell anything at her Redcliffe shop for the last two years.

“This event will hopefully open a few doors, which will lead to bigger dreams and new opportunities,” she said.

Rita Grigutiene
Photo Credit: Hazel Alieu/Supplied

The world-class event is the brainchild of UN delegate and founder of Rich Dreams, Duku Forè, who was also able to secure the support of Brisbane City Council for “A Red Carpet Night.” 

The red carpet will roll out at the exterior of the Brisbane City Hall, celebrating the efforts of dreamers like Ms Grigutiene and Mr Forè who have risen above life’s challenges to pursue their passion.

The main event, which includes a three-course meal, will also take place at the main auditorium of the City Hall from 6.30 to 11.30 p.m.

Born in Uganda, Mr Forè did not know a word of English when he came to Australia at 10. Now at 25, he is an international speaker, inspiring thousands of people across the globe to never give up on their dreams – no matter how big or small.

Duku Forè
Photo Credit: Hazel Alieu/Supplied

Mr Forè said he hatched “A Red Carpet Night” based on his own experience.

“English isn’t my first language and I was born with a speech impediment. The first inspirational video I ever made was in my bathroom with my little brother and the reason we made it in the bathroom was that it had a heater light.

“I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have connections, nor any equipment or professional lighting – but we made the first video and it got three views.

“That’s how I started – and I know what it feels like to have dreams, but not the support needed to achieve them.

“So I thought – why don’t we bring together passionate individuals chasing their dreams, who may lack the platform and connections, and provide them with a world-class venue so they can showcase their talent.”



The inspiring individual said that he wants the multicultural community in Brisbane to be inspired by the talents to be featured at the said event. 

“With Brisbane being the home of the 2032 Olympics, I wanted to create a space where attendees can come and be inspired. I believe Australia is the land of dreamers and it’s time for us to turn our dreams into a reality.”

Something’s Brewing at the Scarborough Harbour Marina and It’s a Hit Among the Locals!

Launched in mid-April 2022, Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. is a hot, new brewery and eatery in Moreton Bay’s dining scene. Discover why this new brewery on the Redcliffe Peninsula is such a hit among the locals. 



Owners Sonia and Guy Schweitzer named the new venue Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. as their way of honouring the location, its history and the community. This was not their first intent, though, but due to issues with an existing trademark, the couple decided to name it after the location where the brewery sits.

Inspired by their travels to some of Canada’s best micro-brewing sites, the couple has since been wanting to open a brewery in the Redcliffe Peninsula. But COVID-19 and other challenges forced them to pause their plans and wait for the right moment to launch the business. 

Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co.
Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / Facebook

And so when the opportunity came, they began searching for the perfect location that later led them to a waterfront site overlooking the Scarborough Harbour Marina. From concept to construction, the process became long and exhausting, but there was no turning back.

In September 2021, the two-level venue underwent a renovation which turned the ground floor area into a brewery and taproom, called The Engine Room. Upstairs is where the Upper Deck or the brewery’s dining space is located. Here, customers can enjoy their scrumptious meals such as fish tacos, sirloin steak with chips, soft shell crab sliders, giant chicken parmi and brewer’s cobb salad or simply admire the astounding harbour view and the Glass House Mountains with a beer in hand.

Giant chicken parmi with chips and slaw
Giant chicken parmi with chips and slaw | Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / Facebook
Sirloin steak with chips
Sirloin steak with chips | Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / Facebook


The venue was opened on 16 April 2022 with Sam Nunnikhoven, formerly of Green Beacon Brewing Co. at the helm of the brewery section. The beer offerings include Reef Point lager, Thirteen Hills XPA, the mid-strength Mariner and The Bay west coast IPA.

What are you drinking today?
What are you drinking today? | Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / Facebook

And every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, customers get treated with live music featuring local artists plus large projectors and TVs showing live broadcasts of games to ensure guests are glued to their seats as they sip their ice-cold beer.

Discover more of what this waterfront venue could offer by visiting their website here

Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. | located at 21 Bird O’ Passage Parade, Scarborough.