Round up the little monsters and come dressed in your scariest costumes for a fa-boo-lous Festival of Frights at the Redcliffe Markets! This spook-tacular night of fun will be packed with activities for young and old souls looking for a ghouly good time.
Happening Saturday, 30 Oct 2021, the Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights will run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan Markets on Redcliffe Parade.
Guests can expect the following fun things to do and try to entertain and delight all the ghouls and boys!
Trick Or Treating for the little monsters
Explosive display of Fireworks
Sideshow Alley for wicked prizes
Spooky decorations and stalls
Fiendishly good Street Food
Halloween inspired Jumping Castle & Face Painting
Live Music and entertainment
This is a free and safe event but you will need to register for the tickets. Paid parking will be accommodated at Pearson Park or Klinger Road.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Meanwhile, the regular Sunday market will continue at the Redcliffe Markets from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. From December to February, the summer markets will open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Redcliffe has shown impressive double-digit growth in the past 12 months ending June 2021, a sure sign that this Moreton Bay suburb 40 km north of Brisbane, long viewed as up-and-coming, has arrived. With its laid-back, family-friendly lifestyle, Redcliffe offers first-rate bayside living in a high-growth location that’s still relatively affordable, compared to other waterfront suburbs.
Over the years, Redcliffe’s property market has had a steady increase as more people seek the seaside and migrate to coastal towns. This peninsula, which has been undervalued for so long, is slowly coming into its own as an enviable lifestyle residential community that’s no longer just appealing to retirees. Even families and first home buyers are moving into this growing area.
From July 2020 to June 2021, the housing market in Redcliffe has performed at an impressive rate, making the property more valuable with the median house price exhibiting a 21 percent rise, according to Property Market Updates.
The uptick shows the median house price above the half-million mark at $530,000, up from $438,000 in the previous year. Redcliffe’s house listings stayed an average of 51 days on the market as an active interest in listings shook up buyers and investors.
A five-bedroom beachfront home on Prince Edward Parade was the most expensive property sold during the period ending June 2021 at $2,150,000. This lavish house with plantation shutters and an upstairs verandah overlooking the bay evokes a resort vibe.
Unit Price Growth
Redcliffe’s unit market also performed very well as the median unit price jumped by 12.50 percent, sitting at $450,000 for the period from July 2020 to June 2021. There were 247 units sold with listings staying an average of 94 days on market.
Though most buyers prefer houses over units in Redcliffe, sales activity for apartment living is still remarkable because of a sizeable market for downsizers.
Redcliffe used to be a popular beach hideaway decades ago. As other suburbs laid claim to the stature in recent years, this seaside location evolved into a residential locale, with rapidly changing infrastructure, facilities, and amenities.
Although it’s a good 40 minutes away from the bustling nightlife and other recreation or entertainment found in Brisbane’s inner-city suburbs, Redcliffe has plenty of good seafood restaurants and cafes for laidback leisure dining for families and couples.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The suburb has several bike paths and walkways, a handful of foreshore swimming pool facilities (Dolphins Fitness and Aquatic), and the beautiful Scarborough Beach Park for outdoor play with the kids.
“We moved here from Sydney 10 years ago and couldn’t be happier. It’s like living in paradise. We’ve got a water view from our unit – such affordable luxury would be out of our price range anywhere else.”
Stella Burnell, Homely
“I fell in love with Redcliffe over 20 years ago, the first time coming over the bridge. I didn’t get the chance to move here until 10 years ago, and couldn’t be happier. I love the well-maintained foreshore, beautiful lagoon area, the restaurants, and the people.”
Linda Peters, Homely
“The Government has invested heavily into the Redcliffe peninsula and this has lead to rapid gentrification over the last decade. This has encouraged developers to build waterfront luxury apartments and small business owners to open up their cafes and restaurants.”
Looking for a safe but fun event to do with your family at the Brisbane Festival? Drive down to Pelican Park for the Redcliffe Kitefest, a low-cost outdoor activity that will surely keep the whole family engaged.
Happening on 11 and 12 Sept 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Redcliffe KiteFest will feature colourful kite displays from international and local kite flyers. Soak in the fresh air and connect with nature as you watch those dazzling and majestic kites up in the air.
The event will also feature a kite-making workshop, which will give guests the chance to learn from the experts about the proper designs and the tricks of the trade. Flying a kite can be such a relaxing activity, especially for the children, who will need to focus on what they’re doing whilst their kites fly across the open, blue sky.
Photo Credit: Redcliffe Kitefest/Instagram
Apart from the kite event, Redcliffe Kitefest will also have aerobatic displays, jet ski stunt shows, and stage performances to delight kids of all ages. Characters like Bluey and Bingo will be dancing live on the stage.
A special Kidz Zone will be installed to feature BrizBricks Lego display and workshops, face painting, jumping castles, merry-go-round, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
Photo Credit: Redcliffe Kitefest/Instagram
As with the previous Redcliffe Kitefest, market stalls and food vendors will be setting up shop at the venue.
Work has started on a new apartment complex in Marine Parade, Redcliffe that features a breathtaking view of the ocean and heaps of amenities to assimilate a resort-like lifestyle.
The 124-unit complex, which will be called Mirada Suttons Beach at launch, will be divided across two eight-storey towers directly opposite Suttons Beach. The apartments have been designed with three bedrooms and a balcony for each unit.
Whilst the beach is nearby, residents may also enjoy a dip in the 25-metre swimming pool on the ground floor. Mirada Suttons Beach has been designed with various communal facilities like a gym, games room, barbecue pavilions, and lounges for socialising among the apartment neighbours.
Photo Credit: DA Tracker/Moreton Bay CouncilPhoto Credit: MiradaSuttonsBeachPhoto Credit: MiradaSuttonsBeach
Moreton Bay Regional Council first approved the Marine Parade block for development in 2017 but the community expressed concerns for the proposal, such as issues like traffic, noise, and privacy. After some amendments and a change in the developer, Council signed off on the plans (DA/37680/2018/VCHG/1) in 2019.
Almost 60 percent of the units have been sold with 95 percent of the owners intending to move in once the construction has finished in late 2022. Construction will be simultaneous for the two towers to limit the disturbance within the community.
Save the date and book some seats! On the 15th of May 2021, Observatory Theatre’s all-new production “Utopia! And the Caravan Calamity” will be played at Redcliffe Museum. The best part? It’s all free!
Featuring a curious combination of tap dancing, interactive performers, gypsy jazz music, slapstick comedy, and dramatic eye-popping visuals, “Utopia! And the Caravan Calamity” aims to take full advantage of Redcliffe Museum’s new steampunk-themed exhibit, aptly titled “Brain Child”, which celebrates outlandish inventions and sheer imagination.
Co-director Rory Cooper remarks that the world created within the show offers a heart-warming story of mateship and cooperation that will immerse the audience and rope them into the experience.
“Audiences should expect to be immediately immersed into the world as some very skilled and enthusiastic actors embark on this journey,” says Mr Cooper. “The performance will take audiences on an adventure that is fun for the whole family.”
The story follows a group of oddballs on a faraway planet traveling aboard a rickety caravan towards paradise. Things don’t go as planned as the caravan collapses en route and the group is left stranded in a desolate wasteland. The only way out is to work together.
Photo credit: Observatory Theatre
Observatory Theatre director Lachlan Driscoll and choreographer Kara Fisher created “Utopia! And the Caravan Calamity.” The production also features set design by The Black Box Collective.
Book a free ticket for the show on the 15th of May 2021 by visiting this website. The performance will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Observatory Theatre is an up-and-coming theatre company that aims to create meaningful and vibrant experiences for the audience in ways that conventional theatres do not. They specialise in transporting the audience into the world of their productions, making for interactive and immersive experiences that bend the boundaries of traditional theatre. To learn more about Observatory Theatre, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on deals, dates, events, and other special announcements concerning their productions.
Award-winning Brisbane patisserie Flour & Chocolate is bringing its delicious breads, cakes, and desserts to Redcliffe, marking its third location in the Brisbane/Moreton Bay area.
Flour & Chocolate has been a staple in Morningside for 10 years with its first location along Wynnum Road. Following the success of its Morningside store, the owners opened a second location along Old Toombul Road in Northgate a couple of years ago.
Owners Lachlan and Kylie Scott chose Redcliffe because it’s a family-friendly outing spot. Taking over the space once occupied by Bikini Beach Cafe, the Redcliffe location will feature an on-site kitchen, service area and some outdoor seating.
The opening of Flour & Chocolate at Suttons St in Redcliffe is welcome news for locals, who would eventually need to head to the artisan bakery’s Northgate location when they want a quick fix. All the desserts they love will soon be enjoyed at the new Redcliffe store, from the heavenly chocolate croissants to the much talked-about mini bar cakes.
Everything will be made in-house, except the range of breads that will be baked daily from the team’s kitchen in Northgate. They will also be serving cups of Mocoan Coffee that perfectly match their cakes and tarts.
In addition to sweets, Flour & Chocolate will be offering savoury dishes and gourmet sandwiches such as chicken & truffle mushroom, meatball ciabatta, ham & brie baguette, and spag bol jaffle, one of their signature specials.
Since first opening its doors in 2012, Flour & Chocolate has attracted locals craving for some seriously delicious treats. They won Brisbane’s Best Bakery for 2019, beating a group of other well-known bakeries in the city.
The new Flour & Chocolate location is slated to open in April 2020 and will be at 2/77 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram @flourandchocolate_redcliffe for further details about the grand opening.
The awards, hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) were created to recognise and celebrate the towns across the state that offer their visitors amazing experiences. QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind says that the awards showcase Queensland’s diversity.
“With the current focus on domestic tourism, now is the time to draw attention to our regional destinations and to put the spotlight on our tourism operators and communities who keep our regions thriving,” says Mr Gschwind.
Photo credit: CC-BY-SA/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons
From 11 to 26 April 2021, Queensland residents will be able to vote for their favourite tourism towns and enter the running for a chance to win a $2,000 Apollo Motorhome travel package — an incentive to travel across the state and experience some of Queensland’s prime tourist destinations for themselves.
The winning town with a population over 5,000 will receive a $25,000 Strategic Consulting and Capacity Building package from EarthCheck. Redcliffe, among 14 other large towns, have made it into the runnings. Those interested in participating in the awards can cast their vote through this website. Follow the QTIC’s Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements concerning the competition.
Did you know that Kippa-Ring was named after an Aboriginal bora ring near Klinger Road? The ring was nearly destroyed in 1950, but its significance remains up to this day.
The word “kippa” is a Kabi indigenous word that means an “uninitiated man” whilst the ring was a reference to the bora ring, a raised platform of dirt arranged in a circle where most important ceremonies of the Aborigines took place.
Considered as one of the lost rings of South East Queensland, the ring was a double-ring complex and located 30 metres north of Klinger Road West. Moreton Bay Regional Council said it was situated off Anzac Avenue in the vicinity of Boardman Road. To be exact, it was approximately 21 chains east of the Anzac Avenue turn-off and on the crest of a low sandy ridge partly cleared of timber.
Satellite view of Kippa-Ring in 2021, where the bora ring was said to be located (Photo credit: Google Maps)
In his book, “Aboriginal pathways on South East Queensland and the Richmond River,” author John Gladstone Steele wrote that the bora rings, across the top, measured around 24 metres north-south and 22.5 metres east-west.
The ring was also mentioned in “Tom Petrie’s Reminiscence of Early Queensland,” a book published in 1904 and was known as one of the best authorities on Brisbane’s early days. Recorded by his daughter Constance Campbell Petrie, Tom mentioned that remains of the ring were still seen near Humpybong, the former name of Redcliffe, from the Aboriginal word umpi bong meaning “dead houses.”
Tom Petrie is of Scottish descent but his family moved to Australia at a young age. He spent much time with the tribe from his childhood. He mixed freely with Aboriginal children whilst studying in Moreton Bay penal colony (now Brisbane).
Tom, who learnt to speak Turrbal and was encouraged to share in all Aboriginal activities, described the ring as a large saucer-shaped depression in the ground. Tom also went on to say that the circle itself was about 40 or 50 feet (around 12m to 15m), slightly smaller than what Steele mentioned in his book.
“The greater ceremony of kippa-making was carried out in the following fashion and what is known as the ‘bora’ ceremony of other tribes is not unlike it. First a circle – called ‘bul’ by Brisbane blacks and ‘tur’ by the Bribie Island tribe – was formed in the ground, very like a circus ring, the earth being dug from the centre with sharp sticks and stone tomahawks, and carried to the outside on small sheets of bark to form a mound or edging round the ring about two feet high.,” Constance wrote, based on the recollection of his father.
Bora Ring’s Fate
As with many lost Bora rings in Queensland, the Bora ring near Redcliffe is now hidden in the rural scenery. According to T. Houghton, of the Redcliffe Historical Society, it was offered to the Redcliffe City Council. However, the offer was declined and the bora ring was ploughed over, now forming part of farm cultivation. The stone axes and grinding stones found in the surrounding area were turned over to the Redcliffe Historical Society Museum.
Aerial photos taken in 1956 showed that the location of the ring was already cultivated by that time. However, Armchair Histories noted that a closer look would show remnants of the ring. It was also mentioned that the bora may be gone, but it’s still appropriately used by aboriginal community groups.
Near the location of Bora ring (Photo credit: Google Street View)
Global Web Builders, a historic archive, stated that the site is identified as Lot 1 of RP 139809 and is freehold land, meaning the owner can use it for any purposes but in accordance with local regulations.
The article on GWB further claims that the five-acre land was bought by the Clarke family in 1901, with the present generation of the family claiming there wasn’t any evidence that will prove a bora ring existed on the site. The Clarkes then sold it to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brisbane, whose Corporation of Trustees sought rezoning of the area for residential use. Later on, it was acquired by Dellmere Pty Ltd, which planned to develop the site into a housing estate.
In 1997, the late Senator John Herron wrote a letter to former Liberal Party Representative for Brisbane Teresa Gambaro, stating that the site was under serious threat for the proposed development. In the letter, he also wrote that he requested advice from the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) as to whether they would consider purchasing the property on behalf of the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA).
The foundation sought the protection of the area for the purposes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (the Commonweatlh Act). Under section 9 of this act, it was clear that the minister can make declarations to preserve and protect places, areas and objects of particular significance to Aboriginals under the following circumstances:
The Minister receives an application made orally or in writing by or on behalf of an Aboriginal or a group of Aboriginals seeking the preservation or protection of a specified area from injury or desecration
The Minister is satisfied that the area is a significant Aboriginal area; and that it is under serious and immediate threat of injury or desecration
Herron, who was a Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs in the Howard government at the time, said the ILC Board approve the purchase of the property on behalf of the traditional owners and that Dellmere Pty Ltd agreed to sell it.
The former senator, who was known for being a champion of Indigenous Australians, said a condition of the purchase is that the land can’t be developed as it was acquired for cultural reasons and that the land cannot be rezoned without prior approval of the Redcliffe City Council.
Moreton Bay Regional Council is set to open the new art and cultural hub, the Redcliffe Art Gallery and Community Space, on Irene Street this September and will host its inaugural exhibition featuring Deception Bay artist Marc Clark.
Transforming the old and rundown administration building, the new art gallery boasts of a 400 square metre exhibition area, customer service area, workspaces and rooms for group workshops and club activities, an art and crafts shop, and an outdoor courtyard. The Redcliffe Art Gallery and Community Space will replace the art gallery at the Redcliffe Library on Oxley Rd.
The expansive hub will allow for larger community events on the national or international scale to attract more visitors and opportunities in Redcliffe. It comes at a time when Moreton Bay creatives need a boost, to inspire and engage, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This transformation will deliver a new Redcliffe Art Gallery, a cultural destination that will attract locals and visitors alike,” Mayor Peter Flannery said. “We will host an official opening to the public showcasing the amazing new facilities a little later in the year, restrictions permitting.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council set aside $5.5 million for this redevelopment. Construction commenced in May 2019 and was completed this July.
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Council
Meanwhile, Mr Clark’s paintings and sculptures are being prepped for the exhibition at the gallery.
The 96-year-old artist, born in Greater London, honed his skills at the Royal College of Art and had exhibits in Europe. He moved to Deception Bay from Melbourne following his retirement in the 1980s but he said he will never stop creating.
Taking public safety into account, the Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism has decided to cancel the Redcliffe Festival of Sails 2020, which was scheduled this Good Friday, 10 April 2020 at Suttons Beach.
Through a Facebook post, Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism announced that this is in line with Queensland Health and Australian Department of Health’s advice that events and large gatherings of more than 500 people have to be cancelled or postponed.
“We, just like you, are extremely disappointed and saddened by the decision to cancel this much-loved community celebration, however the safety and welfare of festival guests are our critical priority and the decision was made with this at the forefront,” the organisation noted.
This year’s event was designed to be filled with Easter-themed activities like the Easter egg hunt, the Egg & Spoon race held on the sand, and the visit of the sky-diving Easter Bunny. Other activities planned for this year include face painting, amusement rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, as well as sand sculpture and workshop.
The 72nd Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, the highlight of the festival, was also cancelled. It was announced through a press release by Queensland Cruising Yacht Club, the organising authority for the race. Karen Somerville, Race Director of Queensland Cruising Yacht Club, said this is on account of the escalating nature of advisories and measures necessary to contain the pandemic in Australia.
“QCYC looks forward to a steady return to normal life for the whole community over the months ahead and ultimately, we can all look forward to seeing the 2021 race return with the usual health, spirit of competitiveness and passion and public spectacle which it generates,” Ms Somerville said.
