Redcliffe Archives - Page 3 of 23

Champion Spirit: Celebrating Graham Higham, Redcliffe’s First Olympian

Photo Credit: Pictorial History Of Redcliffe and Moreton Bay Page/Facebook

Boxing brought Redcliffe to the world stage in 1948 when local athlete Graham Higham represented Australia in the London Olympics.

Redcliffe’s Pride on the Global Stage

Redcliffe produced its first Olympian when Graham Nathaniel Higham stepped into the boxing ring at the 1948 London Olympics. Representing Australia in the middleweight division, Higham faced the world’s best at the post-war “Austerity Games,” held at the Wembley Empire Pool.

His participation marked a historic moment for the local community, highlighting Redcliffe as a town capable of producing athletes who compete at the highest level.

Early Life and Rise in Boxing

Born on January 24, 1928, in Margate, Queensland, Higham began boxing at age 13 after losing his first bout. Under the guidance of coach Jack O’Brien, he quickly climbed the ranks, claiming the Queensland middleweight championship at just 17.

*Photo Credit: Pictorial History Of Redcliffe and Moreton Bay Page/Facebook*

By 19, he had won 61 of 65 fights, and his amateur career eventually reached 101 victories from 107 matches by the time he retired in 1952. Higham also held the Australian middleweight title from 1945 to 1949, establishing himself as one of the nation’s top boxers.

Olympic Challenge and Achievements

At the 1948 Olympics, Higham competed in the men’s middleweight boxing event but was eliminated in the opening round. The bout took place in a temporary floating ring in the Wembley Empire Pool, which had not been drained after swimming competitions.

Despite the early loss, his presence at the Olympics brought international attention to Redcliffe, inspiring young athletes in the region to pursue competitive sports.

Life After Boxing

Higham turned professional in 1953, fighting four matches in New Zealand before retiring in 1954. He and his wife, Ailsa, ran a bed and breakfast in Redcliffe, later moving to Dayboro in 1964. Ailsa was also a notable athlete, representing Redcliffe and Queensland in hockey.

Higham passed away on December 19, 1988, but his achievements are remembered on Redcliffe’s Wall of Fame in the Jetty Arcade, celebrating his contribution to the town’s sporting history.

Legacy in the Community

Graham Higham remains a figure of local pride, symbolising Redcliffe’s ability to nurture sporting talent that reaches international levels.

His story continues to encourage young athletes across the Moreton Bay region to aim for excellence and pursue their ambitions with dedication and resilience.

Published 3-October-2025
Updated 17-Dec-2025
Previously published as Redcliffe Celebrates Its First Olympian: Graham Higham’s Legacy in Boxing

New Award Validates Push for Specialized Toilet Access in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Visitors to Redcliffe can now enjoy public spaces with greater confidence thanks to a council strategy that prioritizes specialized sanitary facilities for people with high support needs.

For many Australians, a standard accessible toilet does not provide the necessary space or equipment to use the bathroom safely. This lack of infrastructure often forces people with severe disabilities to stay home, limiting their ability to socialize or run errands.

The Changing Places facilities solve this by providing height-adjustable adult change tables, ceiling hoists, peninsular toilets, and privacy screens, with some locations even offering showers. This equipment removes the barriers that prevent residents from fully participating in community life.

A State-Recognized Strategy

specialized — *Photo Credit:* *Changing Places Network Plan*

The City of Moreton Bay was recently honored for its efforts to fix this gap in public infrastructure. The Planning Institute of Australia presented the council with the Wendy Chadwick Encouragement Award at the Queensland Planning Excellence Awards. This accolade recognizes the council’s Changing Places Network Plan, which stands as the first time a local government in Australia has developed such a comprehensive strategy.

Mayor Peter Flannery stated that the award highlights the innovative planning behind the network. He emphasized that these facilities are vital for ensuring that public spaces remain inclusive for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

Preparing for a Growing Need

The push for better facilities is driven by data that suggests a significant increase in demand over the coming decades. Planners predict that by 2041, the region will be home to 52,000 people living with profound or severe core activity limitations. To prepare for this, the council is expanding beyond the current sites in Redcliffe, Albany Creek, and the South Pine Sports Centre.

A fourth facility is expected to be finished at Woorim Beach in late 2025, allowing specialized access to the foreshore. Further plans include a site at the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre in 2026, alongside future locations identified for Suttons Beach, Centenary Lakes, and Pine Rivers Park.

Published Date 11-December-2025

Kippa-Ring Secures Global Spotlight as Host for Women’s Softball World Cup

Photo Credit: WBSC/ Instagram

Kippa-Ring has secured its place on the international stage with the official confirmation that Talobilla Park will host the deciding matches of the XVIII Women’s Softball World Cup.

World-Class Softball Returns to Queensland

Women’s Softball World Cup — *Photo Credit:* *WBSC/ Instagram*

The World Baseball Softball Confederation announced that the bayside region, located just outside Brisbane, will welcome the planet’s best players from 5 to 11 April 2027. This selection places the local community at the heart of the sport’s most prestigious tournament. While the early stages of the competition will span three continents in 2026, the journey for the championship trophy will ultimately end on Australian soil.

Talobilla Park is set to host the finals, where the top teams will battle for the biggest prize in women’s softball. The tournament follows a two-stage format, meaning teams must first survive intense group play overseas before they can book their ticket to Queensland. Only the top two nations from each of the three groups, along with two wild card entries, will earn the right to compete in Kippa-Ring.

The Long Road Through 2026

Before the action reaches Australian shores, the competition will kick off next year with the Group Stage. The governing body has split the participating nations into three pools to be played in Czechia, Peru, and the USA.

Group A will start the global tour in Prague from 16 to 20 June 2026. This group features the Australian national team, currently ranked number 10 in the world. They will face stiff competition against fourth-ranked Canada, Chinese Taipei, Italy, the host nation Czechia, and Cuba.

The attention will then shift to South America for Group B action in Lima, Peru, from 14 to 18 July. This pool includes the defending Olympic champions, Japan, who claimed the title after defeating the USA in the 2024 final. They will compete against Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Venezuela, Peru, and Uganda at a venue that previously hosted the Pan American Games.

The final group will play in Oklahoma City, USA, from 12 to 16 September. Group C includes the second-ranked United States team, along with the Netherlands, China, Mexico, New Zealand, and South Africa. This leg of the tournament will take place at Devon Park, which is also the designated venue for the softball competition during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

A Major Win for Local Sport

The decision to bring the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals to Kippa-Ring highlights the region’s capacity to handle major international events. Hosting the final eight teams will bring significant attention to the area, similar to when Prague and Lima hosted major softball events in previous years. With Japan looking to defend their crown and Australia aiming to perform well on home turf, local fans can expect a week of high-stakes competition right in their backyard.

Published Date 10-December-2025

Changes Taking Shape on Sutton Street in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A series of developments and the ongoing Coastal Building Design Review are shaping the future of Sutton Street in Redcliffe, with multiple projects advancing across the precinct.

Sutton Street’s Evolution in Redcliffe

Sutton Street has continued to change since the 1860s, beginning with early subdivision that enabled commercial uses. It later operated as a partial mall during the late 1980s before reopening in 1997.

The street functions as a main route to Redcliffe’s centre, connecting businesses and the foreshore through several arcades.

Coastal Building Design Review in Progress

The Coastal Building Design Review covers the Redcliffe Peninsula, Deception Bay and Bribie Island. It aims to guide future development outcomes in coastal communities.

Earlier engagement occurred from May to June 2023, followed by a Community Reference Group process in late 2023. A draft report will be released for public feedback in 2026, with the final report scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027.

The review examines elements such as setbacks, building separation, overshadowing and subtropical design features. It seeks to ensure new buildings respond to existing coastal character while supporting long-term housing needs.

coastal design — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Insights Into Sutton Street’s Precinct Potential

An urban designer involved in local discussions described Sutton Street as a complementary space to Redcliffe Parade, noting its sheltered position and its network of connecting arcades.

Comparisons were made to precincts known for laneways and small-scale activation. Concepts raised included improving links between Sutton Street and the foreshore, future opportunities around Humpybong Creek, the possibility of a plaza, and jetty-related upgrades.

Balancing daytime activity and evening options was identified as part of creating a lively precinct, particularly for younger adults.

urban renewal — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Community Engagement in Coastal Areas

Engagement undertaken as part of the design review focused on preferred building forms and design outcomes. The Community Reference Group assisted planners in understanding local views during workshops held in 2023.

Further input will be sought when the draft report is released in 2026. Approved developments made under existing planning arrangements will not be affected by this review.

building review — *Photo Credit: Crown Properties*

Development Activity Along Sutton Street

Several projects are underway or approved along Sutton Street and nearby:

4–8 Sutton Street: Essence on Sutton, an eight-storey development with 26 three- and four-bedroom apartments, has recorded strong off-plan sales.
25, 27 and 29 Sutton Street: Three adjoining lots totalling 1778sqm are marketed as a potential development site. They are code assessed for six storeys, with marketing noting surrounding precedent for eight storeys.
77 Sutton Street: A nine-storey, 65-apartment development was approved in October.
1 Redcliffe Parade / 82 Sutton Street: One Redcliffe recorded more than 70 per cent of residences sold. Stage one is expected to take two-and-a-half years, followed by an 18-month second stage.
99 Sutton Street: A new social and affordable housing complex delivered 82 homes.
165–169 Redcliffe Parade / Sutton Street: An approved application allows for a food and drink venue with rooftop dining.
167 Sutton Street: Work is expected to start early next year on an 18-apartment, nine-storey development, with completion planned for February 2027.
Corner of Sutton Street and Anzac Avenue: A 2023 approval allows a 142-room hotel above the existing Bluewater Square structure. The centre was sold in September, and plans are being reviewed.

Next Steps

Development work will continue according to individual project timelines. The Coastal Building Design Review will progress toward further consultation in 2026, with the final report due the following year.

Published 9-Dec-2025

Giant Hail Smashes Redcliffe as Storms Sweep Through Brisbane’s North

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Residents say the sky darkened without warning before giant hailstones slammed into homes and cars in Redcliffe and nearby suburbs, putting the Moreton Bay region at the centre of a fierce storm outbreak that cut power to tens of thousands across south-east Queensland.

On Monday, 24 November, the Bureau of Meteorology reported hail as large as 11 centimetres in several suburbs as a powerful storm front swept from the New South Wales border through Brisbane, Redcliffe, and the rest of Moreton Bay, then further north to the Sunshine Coast. Destructive winds and intense lightning brought down hundreds of powerlines as the system moved towards Caboolture, Strathpine, Redcliffe, Maroochydore and Caloundra.

Life on the peninsula as the storm arrived

In Redcliffe, the storm rolled in fast. The air felt heavy and strange, and many people stepping outside for a moment saw the sky shift colour before the first stones fell. Some residents watched hail the size of golf balls bounce down their driveways before larger chunks began smashing into cars and windows. Others hurried to move vehicles under cover, but the worst of the storm arrived too quickly for many to prepare.

As the storm peaked, videos and photos posted online showed lawns turning white and gutters overflowing with hail. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that the northern edge of Brisbane and the coastal strip through Redcliffe and Caboolture sat directly in the path of the strongest storm cells. Moreton Bay logged some of the highest numbers of damage calls as families worked late into the evening trying to limit further water damage to their homes.

Across the region, emergency crews moved rapidly between jobs, but the number of calls from Redcliffe, Deception Bay, Strathpine and Caboolture quickly built up. Residents said the sound of hail hitting metal roofs was so loud that some struggled to hear each other indoors. When the gusts hit, they pushed branches against windows and sent loose items skidding along footpaths.

Warnings that came long before the first hailstone

Earlier in the day, the Bureau of Meteorology posted a public alert warning that very dangerous storm-producing giant hail was pushing north through Brisbane towards Caboolture. The message said severe thunderstorms were already affecting the Brisbane CBD, Redcliffe, Strathpine, Maroochydore and Caloundra. Many in Moreton Bay who saw the alert later said they did not expect the storm to escalate as quickly as it did.

By late afternoon, Energex had more than 600 fallen powerlines and more than 525,000 lightning strikes had been recorded. Around 95,000 homes and businesses were still without electricity the next morning, with Moreton Bay among the worst affected.

The storm left families stepping into yards covered in debris, listing damaged roof tiles and branches scattered across lawns. Neighbours checked in on one another, sharing torches, blankets, and updates as crews worked late into the night. Volunteers offered help online, helping households patch windows, move broken items and clear driveways so people could leave for work the next day.

Published 25-Nov-2025

Homeless Charity Issues Urgent Call for Support in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc/Facebook

A Redcliffe homeless support charity is appealing for urgent donations as rising demand, increased costs and reduced contributions place pressure on its services.

Growing Demand at the New Redcliffe Site

The Breakfast Club Redcliffe has seen community need rise sharply since relocating to the corner of Portwood Street and Oxley Avenue about four months ago.

The organisation previously served about 700 meals a month at Clontarf but is now providing about 1400 meals a month from its new facility. This includes more than 300 meals a week, along with hundreds of sandwiches offered through its drop-in service.

Operating since 2003, the group has long supported people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, limited income, isolation and housing instability, while also offering social connection and access to trained volunteers.

*Photo Credit: The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc/Facebook*

Rising Costs Add Pressure to Services

The organisation has linked its urgent appeal to increased food prices, higher service demand and fewer donations over the past 12 months. Volunteers are also preparing for the annual Christmas hamper program, with plans to pack 200 boxes beginning next week.

The Breakfast Club Redcliffe is awaiting its first electricity bill for the new facility, expected to be substantial. As a volunteer-run organisation funded entirely by community donations, these rising operational costs have increased pressure on service delivery.

homelessness support — *Photo Credit: The Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc/Facebook*

Christmas Hampers in Need of Supplies

Donations for the Redcliffe Community Care Network’s 2025 Christmas Appeal have begun to arrive but not at the same pace as previous years.

The organisation requires about 200 of each non-perishable and Christmas-specific item listed in the appeal to complete the hampers.

Non-perishable needs include cereal, UHT milk, pasta, sauces, baked beans, spreads, biscuits, rice, noodles, tinned fruit and vegetables, tuna, soup, tea, coffee, sugar, juice and jelly. Christmas items requested include puddings, mince pies, cakes, lollies, wrapping paper, decorations and toys for children from birth to 16. Chocolate is excluded due to storage limitations.

Items can be delivered before December 10 to multiple locations across Redcliffe, Kippa-Ring and Clontarf during specified dates and times. All donations are tax-deductible.

Volunteers Called to Assist With Hamper Packing

Registrations are open for those wishing to assist with packing the hampers, with details available via the Redcliffe Community Care Network Facebook page. The charity continues to rely heavily on volunteers and donated goods to sustain its meal programs and community support services.

Community Christmas Day Lunch Announced

The Breakfast Club Redcliffe will host a community Christmas Day Lunch on Thursday, 25 December, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Peninsula Support Hub at the corner of Portwood Street and Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe.

Continuing the Appeal

The organisation is maintaining its call for food and financial contributions to support its meal services and complete the Christmas hamper program. Donation details remain publicly available through the appeal information.

Published 24-Nov-2025

99.7 Bridge FM to Honour Don Gailer with Station Naming Proposal

Photo Credit: 99.7 Bridge FM/Facebook

Community radio station 99.7 Bridge FM has been recognised for almost twenty years of dedicated volunteer service, as Moreton Bay Council moves to name its Redcliffe base after long-time leader and broadcaster Don Gailer.

A Local Voice That Stayed On Air

Since joining the station in 2006, Don Gailer played a major role in building 99.7 Bridge FM into a stable, trusted voice for the peninsula. When he returned in 2013, the station was struggling with nearly $400,000 in debt.

Within two years, his leadership helped clear the financial burden and restore operations. He went on to serve four terms as president and hosted The Hump Show, which aired more than 500 times over 12 years.

Community Impact Beyond Radio

Under Gailer’s leadership, Bridge FM backed major local fundraisers including Raise It for Redcliffe Hospital, which brought in more than $220,000 for healthcare upgrades.

The station also helped promote Rockin 4 the Homeless, Convoy for Kids, and an annual Christmas Toy Appeal. These projects strengthened ties with families, businesses, and volunteers across the region.

Council’s Naming Proposal

Moreton Bay Council has unanimously supported a plan to name the building at 75 Anzac Avenue in Redcliffe after Gailer, who has lived in the area for 60 years.

The proposal will go through a public notification period before being finalised. If approved, a display board sharing the station’s history and Gailer’s contributions will be placed at the site.

A Station Built on Volunteers

99.7 Bridge FM operates under Moreton Media Group Inc. and is run entirely by volunteers. Since 1992, it has broadcast local news, traffic, and community programs across Brisbane’s northside.

Its “great rock variety” format and strong community focus make it a staple for listeners from the Brisbane River to Caboolture. The station continues to provide a platform for aspiring presenters and gives airtime to non-profit organisations that serve the region.

Published 7-October-2025

Redcliffe Named a Growth Hotspot in McGrath Report 2026

Redcliffe has once again captured national attention, with property expert John McGrath naming the seaside suburb among Queensland’s top picks for growth in 2026. The McGrath Report 2026 identifies Redcliffe as a “standout for both lifestyle and long‑term investment.”

Read: Redcliffe Peninsula Line: A Community on Track for Change

Situated on the Moreton Bay peninsula about 35 kilometres north of Brisbane, Redcliffe is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere and growing appeal among buyers seeking lifestyle and value.

“Located in Brisbane’s highly sought-after Moreton Bay region, Redcliffe offers strong investment potential driven by its coastal lifestyle appeal, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and proximity to Brisbane CBD,” McGrath said in the report.

“Buyers are drawn to its coastal lifestyle, upgraded infrastructure, and affordability relative to inner-city suburbs, driving sustained demand and capital growth,” he added.

A market on the rise

According to realestate.com.au, Redcliffe’s median house price is listed at $900,000, up 11.2 per cent in the past 12 months, with 119 houses sold between November 2024 and October 2025. Despite the price increase, the suburb remains more accessible compared to some inner‑city coastal markets.

Market commentators point to factors such as proximity to Brisbane, beachside lifestyle and increasing buyer activity as reasons behind the trend. The combination of these factors is helping to underpin Redcliffe’s position as a suburb of growing interest in south‑east Queensland.

Local improvements shaping the future

Photo credit: Redcliffe Hospital/Google Maps

Several local facility and service upgrades are underway that support Redcliffe’s ongoing appeal. Documents show that Redcliffe Hospital will be expanded with at least 210 new overnight beds. Also scheduled is a $44 million upgrade to the Redcliffe Police Station. Such improvements to health, community and public service infrastructure contribute to the suburb’s attractiveness for buyers who value amenity as well as location.

The lifestyle advantage

Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

Beyond investment considerations, Redcliffe offers lifestyle features that appeal to many home‑buyers. Morning walks along the foreshore, family outings at Suttons Beach and cafés and boutique retail along the waterfront remain part of the everyday experience. With scenic views across Moreton Bay and direct access to employment centres in Brisbane, the suburb offers a coastal location with city convenience.

Read: Redcliffe Hospital Overhaul: 210 New Beds and Expanded Services Confirmed

Looking ahead

As 2026 approaches, Redcliffe continues to show positive signs of growth and buyer interest. Price strength, buyer activity and infrastructure improvements all point towards sustained confidence in the area. For local residents and prospective buyers alike, Redcliffe’s rising profile reflects both its liveability and its long‑term investment potential.

Published 5-November-2025

Redcliffe to Brisbane by Ferry? Bay Cats and Air Taxis in Bold City Plan

Photo Credit: Wisk Aero

Self-flying air taxis taking off from Redcliffe and high-capacity metros connecting Scarborough are key features of an ambitious new strategy to prepare the City of Moreton Bay for a population of one million.

Redcliffe residents could one day swap their car commute for a “Bay Cat” ferry or a self-flying air taxi under a bold new transport strategy being championed by the City of Moreton Bay.

This vision is part of the council’s ‘City of Tomorrow’ strategy, a 10-year plan presented at the recent 2025 Moreton Bay Leaders’ Forum in Redcliffe. The strategy aims to address the region’s booming population, which is expected to double to 1 million over the next 30 years. With the 2032 Games on the horizon, the council is asking the State and Federal governments for funding to build critical infrastructure now, noting that, for too long, funding has not kept pace with population growth. Mayor Peter Flannery said the city needs these projects to tackle congestion, create jobs, and unlock housing, arguing that doing nothing is not an option.

Ferries and Flying Taxis

The plan proposes major new travel options centred on the peninsula. One key idea is a Moreton Bay ferry service, dubbed “Bay Cats,” which could link Redcliffe Pier with Brisbane’s Riverside. The council believes this service could offer travel times similar to or even faster than driving on the congested Bruce Highway and would boost tourism. It is seeking $500,000 for a feasibility study and a trial service.

Even more futuristic is the push for advanced air mobility. This would involve using local facilities, such as the Redcliffe Aerodrome, as hubs for all-electric, self-flying air taxis. The council sees this as a serious transport option for the 2032 Games and is already looking at partners like Wisk, a developer of four-seat autonomous aircraft.

Earning Public Trust

Before these air taxis can become a reality, operators acknowledge a major hurdle: winning over the public. Industry insiders state that gaining public trust, both from passengers and from people on the ground, is a firm requirement for the service to begin.

Safety is being called the number one priority. The aircraft are being developed to meet the same high standards as other commercial passenger planes. In Australia, this means a rigorous certification process with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The companies involved hope to build community confidence through this process and, over time, establish a record of safe flights.

Easing the Squeeze on the Ground

While air and sea travel are on the horizon, the strategy’s highest priority is fixing the gridlock on local roads. The council is pushing for an expedited 2032 delivery of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative to divert freight and long-distance traffic.

The plan also calls for new rapid transport to better connect the city from east to west. This includes high-capacity metro lines to link Newport and Scarborough with Kippa-Ring Station, and another from Clontarf and Margate. This push comes with stark warnings: modelling shows that by 2036, boom gates at some level crossings south of Petrie could be down for an entire hour during peak periods if nothing changes. Other projects include a new peak-hour express train from Petrie and a rapid bus from Waraba to Caboolture, which is also slated for a major revitalisation.

The advocacy effort, presented at the recent Moreton Bay Leaders’ Forum, aims to build on past successes. Mayor Flannery noted that a previous forum helped secure $15 million in state funding for the new Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital.

Published Date 04-November-2025

Hand Injury Forces Zac Watson to End AUSX Season in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Zac Watson/Instagram

A hand injury sustained during the opening round of the Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship in Redcliffe has forced SX1 rider Zac Watson to withdraw from the remaining rounds of the season as he continues to recover.

Injury and Season Impact

During the Redcliffe round, Watson crashed in the first final and initially feared a broken scaphoid. Later scans revealed damage to his trapezium, a nearby bone in the hand. The 21-year-old was ruled out of the Sydney round in Cronulla and later confirmed he would sit out both the Melbourne and Adelaide events to focus on recovery.

Watson said limited preparation time and his priority to heal properly influenced his decision. The Redcliffe race marked his final appearance with Rising Motorsports after two years with the team.

Background and Recent Statement

Watson shared on social media that he would step away from the remaining rounds and begin preparing for 2026. He thanked Rising Motorsports for their support and the opportunities provided throughout his time with the team.

Earlier in the season, Watson competed in the MXGP rounds in China and Australia, switching from Triumph to KTM machinery before AUSX. Due to the short turnaround, he had only a few days of supercross training before the Redcliffe event.

AUSX Supercross — *Photo Credit: Zac Watson/Instagram*

Recovery Outlook

Watson initially expected to recover in about three weeks after confirming the injury was not to his scaphoid. However, the timing between rounds and his focus on long-term performance led to his decision to end his AUSX campaign early.

The setback concludes an active year for Watson, who placed fifth in the ProMX standings and is linked to a move to the KTM Racing Team in 2026.

Published 3-Nov-2025