Redcliffe Archives - Page 6 of 23

Redcliffe Mourns Young Father Lost in Tragic Road Incident

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/ Facebook

A Redcliffe family and community are grappling with profound grief after a young father tragically lost his life in a fiery motorcycle collision just metres from where his wife waited for him at the Redcliffe jetty.

The heartbreaking incident occurred on Tuesday, 16 June, 2025, shortly after 9:30 p.m.

Tragic Accident Details

Redcliffe — *Photo Credit:* *Queensland Police Service/ Facebook*

Luke Irwin, 26, was returning home to gather more bait for a fishing trip with his wife, Jade Hatcher, when his black Suzuki RF900 motorcycle collided with a white Mitsubishi Fuso minibus at the intersection of Anzac Avenue and Oleander Street in Kippa Ring. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 9:33 p.m. Following the impact, the minibus, which was reportedly being used as a residence, erupted in flames and subsequently rolled into a parked vehicle on Oleander Street.

Mr Irwin, a Rothwell resident, suffered critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 51-year-old Clontarf man driving the Mitsubishi sustained minor burns and was transported to Redcliffe Hospital for treatment. The Forensic Crash Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

Family’s Heartbreak

Ms. Hatcher was fishing just 600 metres away when she heard sirens, later expressing that a part of her died at that moment. She described rushing to the crash site and seeing her husband, overwhelmed with a sense of hysteria. Ms Hatcher emphasised how integral Luke was to their family, stating that he was “our world” and that she could not imagine life without him. She recounted how Luke had been by her side during a previous serious accident she had experienced.

The couple became engaged in August 2017 and married in April 2019, soon after welcoming twin sons, Luca and Liam. Ms Hatcher detailed that both boys have disabilities, with one being autistic and the other having ADHD, an intellectual impairment, and being non-verbal. She explained that his sons were “his life” and he adored them. Luke also raised two daughters whom he loved as his own, and his passing has deeply affected many people.

A Father Remembered

Earlier on the day of the tragedy, Luke had spent a “beautiful day” kayaking with his sons and enjoying time with his wife. Luke’s father, Ian Irwin, remembered his son as a “larrikin” and someone loved by all who knew him. He shared the sad news on social media, noting Luke was due to turn 27 in August and left behind a young family. Mr Irwin urged everyone to “take care on the roads” following his son’s death.

Community Support and Call for Footage

In the wake of this devastating loss, Ms. Hatcher has launched a fundraiser to help cover the costs of Luke’s funeral, which is scheduled for July 4. She shared her determination to give him the funeral he deserves and is seeking community support for the family.

Meanwhile, police are appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the crash, or the moments leading up to it, to come forward and contact them as the investigation continues.

Published Date 25-Jun-2025

Jamie-lee Surha Makes Hockeyroos Debut After Redcliffe Success

Photo Credit: Jamie-lee Surha/Instagram

Jamie-lee Surha, a Redcliffe Hockey Club forward, has officially made her international debut for the Hockeyroos during their European tour.

Rising to National Selection

Jamie-lee Surha, originally from Mackay, received a late call-up to the Hockeyroos squad and debuted against the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League. The match took place at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, where she wore the Indigenous uniform for the first time.

This milestone follows Ms Surha’s inclusion in the Australian Development Squad and her earlier appearance in a practice series against India in Perth. She later featured in another international match in London, where the Hockeyroos secured a 2-1 win against India.

Redcliffe Milestone Recognised

Redcliffe Hockey Club marked Ms Surha’s debut as a significant moment in the club’s history. Officials and team-mates expressed pride in her progress, with club president Paul Greentree acknowledging her contribution to Redcliffe’s first Brisbane Women’s Premier League 1 premiership win. Ms Surha joined the club in 2022 and became its top scorer in 2024.

The club formally recognised her selection via social media, noting that she is now among Redcliffe’s growing list of full Australian representatives.

Indigenous Representation on the International Stage

Ms Surha is now the fifth Indigenous woman to represent the Hockeyroos and the eighth Indigenous Australian to play at senior international level. She described wearing the ochre strip as a meaningful experience, especially as a First Nations athlete. Her cultural background ties to the Jirrabul Mamu people of the Yidinji nation.

From Junior Talent to Senior Campaign

Ms Surha was previously named one of Queensland’s top junior hockey players and is a former student of Mackay North State High School. She has competed at state level and earned national titles in age-group categories.

Her standout performance at the 2025 Australian Under-21 Championships led to her selection for the Jillaroos, Australia’s U21 team. Later that year, she debuted for Brisbane Blaze in the Liberty Hockey One League.

Indigenous athlete — *Photo Credit: Jamie-lee Surha/Instagram*

Looking Ahead

The Hockeyroos are currently continuing their Pro League campaign, with upcoming fixtures in England and Germany. Ms Surha remains part of the travelling squad as she continues her progression in international hockey.

Published 25-June-2025

Kaylee McKeown to Lead Australia at World Swimming Championships

Photo Credit: Kaylee Mckeown/Facebook

Kaylee McKeown, born in Redcliffe and raised in Caboolture, will lead Australia’s charge at the 2025 World Swimming Championships in Singapore, anchoring the national team with her world-class backstroke performances.

From Caboolture to the World Stage

Kaylee McKeown was born in Redcliffe and raised in Caboolture, where her passion for swimming first took shape. After years of dedication, she made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, claiming three gold medals and setting a new standard for Australian backstroke.

Now 23, she trains with the USC Spartans and credits her early community support for laying the foundation of her success. At the 2025 national trials in Adelaide, McKeown won the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke events, all well under the qualifying times. Her performance confirmed her spot at the top of Australia’s team for the World Championships.

A Dramatic Start to the Trials

Her rise from local lanes to global headlines continues as she prepares to defend three world titles this July. McKeown’s selection wasn’t without drama, as she was initially disqualified in the 50m backstroke heats for a false start.

A review overturned the decision, confirming she had reacted to movement near the blocks. She bounced back to win the final in 27.33 seconds, well under the 27.74 qualifying time.

McKeown also claimed victories in the 100m and 200m backstroke, showcasing her consistency across all distances. She still holds world records in the 50m and 200m backstroke and remains one of the few to sweep all three events at a single World Championships.

Eyes on Singapore and Beyond

The 2025 World Swimming Championships will be held in Singapore from 27 July to 3 August. McKeown enters as the reigning world champion in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke events. Her focus will be on defending those titles while sharpening her form ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Under coach Michael Bohl, she continues to train for speed and technique across all backstroke distances. The team will stage in Darwin before heading to Singapore, with McKeown playing a key leadership role in Australia’s campaign.

Community Pride Runs Deep

McKeown’s success continues to inspire pride across Moreton Bay, with both Redcliffe and Caboolture closely tied to her story. Local coaches and swim clubs still follow her progress, knowing she began in the same community pools young swimmers use today.

Though she now trains with a national high-performance squad, McKeown often credits her hometown roots for shaping her early journey. Her achievements highlight the depth of regional talent in Australia. They also remind young athletes that world-class careers can start in local lanes.

Published 25-June-2025

Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Progresses in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A major redevelopment project in Redcliffe is progressing under the City of Moreton Bay’s 2025–26 budget, with $14.5 million allocated to upgrade the Suttons Beach Pavilion.

Pavilion History and Project Origins

Suttons Beach Park has long served as a community hub on the Redcliffe foreshore. In late 2023, City of Moreton Bay initiated a national design competition to shape a new vision for the area. Lahznimmo Architects, in collaboration with Plummer & Smith, was selected to deliver a refreshed, accessible pavilion precinct, following demolition works and community consultation.

Redevelopment Scope and Funding

The redevelopment of the Suttons Beach Pavilion is backed by $14.5 million in funding spread across two years. The project includes multiple hospitality venues, public amenities, rooftop and event spaces, and improved accessibility throughout the site. The City of Moreton Bay is co-funding the project in partnership with the SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund. A development application was lodged in December 2024, and construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025.

City of Moreton Bay budget — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Infrastructure Rollout Includes Redcliffe Upgrades

While some allocations are city-wide, several infrastructure and service improvements include direct benefits to Redcliffe and surrounding Division 6 suburbs. Works planned for Redcliffe and surrounding suburbs cover a separated cycle path along the Woody Point foreshore, new shelter and amenity upgrades at Margate Beach Park, and seawall replacements at both Charlish Park and Crockatt Park. Drainage upgrades are also scheduled for the Cox Street catchment in Margate.

Project Timing and Contractors

Design development began in mid-2024 and remains ongoing, with refinements focused on structural elements, civil works, stormwater considerations and materials. Council called for tenders from food and beverage providers in May 2025. The tender process for the building contractor closed on 21 May 2025.

Suttons Beach Pavilion — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Funding Support and Broader Budget Context

The broader 2025–26 budget, adopted on 13 June 2025, marks Moreton Bay’s first $1 billion budget. The capital works program, valued near $400 million, supports population growth and infrastructure demands across the region. Redcliffe’s pavilion project is included in this rollout, with funding contributions from both council and external government programs, including the SEQ City Deal.

Next Steps

Progress continues on the Suttons Beach Pavilion redevelopment in Redcliffe, with design refinement underway and construction anticipated to begin in late 2025. The upgrade forms part of a wider effort to support growing coastal communities in Moreton Bay through infrastructure renewal and amenity enhancements.

Published 18-June-2025

Rare Seal Delights Redcliffe, Prompts Local Wildlife Awareness

Photo Credit: iLicence Brisbane/ Instagram

Newport recently played host to an unexpected and charming visitor: a seal, whose presence immediately captivated locals and initiated important discussions about respecting and protecting marine life in our coastal communities.

Staff from iLicence, a local business specialising in boat and jet ski training, captured footage of the seal near a pontoon at a waterfront residence in Newport.

While not an everyday occurrence, seals are occasionally observed in Queensland’s waters, particularly when the weather turns cooler. Our waters have seen various species, including the Subantarctic fur seal, New Zealand fur seal, Australian fur seal, and even the formidable Leopard seal.

A Welcome, Yet Vulnerable, Guest

The social media post sharing the seal’s visit quickly garnered attention, with many residents expressing their delight at the rare sight. Some community members even recalled similar sightings around this time of year in the past.

However, a closer look at the footage revealed what appeared to be marks consistent with a shark encounter, a sobering reminder of the natural perils these animals face in their habitat. Thankfully, Sea World teams are understood to have attended to and retrieved the seal on Friday, ensuring its welfare.

Redcliffe’s Growing Connection to Marine Wanderers

This recent encounter adds to a series of fascinating seal visits along the Queensland coast, underlining the region’s increasing significance as a temporary home for these ocean travellers. Just last year, a young long-nosed seal made headlines when it became disoriented and entered Lake Orr on the Gold Coast.

Despite the lake being known for bull sharks and located kilometres inland from the ocean, the resilient creature survived for several weeks before Sea World experts successfully intervened and guided it back to its natural environment. Closer to home, in 2018, a juvenile seal was observed resting peacefully on the foreshore near Redcliffe’s Settlement Cove Lagoon, suggesting a periodic attraction to our local shores.

Embracing Our Role in Coastal Conservation

These delightful, yet occasional, visits reinforce the community’s shared responsibility towards wildlife conservation. It’s crucial for everyone to remember the guidelines established under the Nature Conservation Act, which mandates a safe distance of 40 metres from any seal found on land.

Disregarding this rule can lead to substantial fines, reaching up to $17,250. The message is clear: observe these incredible animals from a respectful distance. Should any member of the public encounter a seal that appears unwell or injured, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) Hotline is the correct point of contact at 1300 130 372 for professional assistance.

Published Date 17-June-2025

Australian Supercross Championship Returns to Redcliffe for 2025 Season Opener

Photo Credit: AUSX Supercross Championship

Redcliffe will host the opening rounds of the 2025 Australian Supercross Championship, marking the return of the event to Kayo Stadium for a second year.

Event Secured Until 2027

Redcliffe will again feature as the Queensland venue for the Australian Supercross Championship, as Kayo Stadium prepares to host a double-header season opener in October 2025. The event will span two days and marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between the championship organisers and Moreton Bay City Council, locking in the region as a key host through to 2027.

AUSX 2025 — *Photo Credit: AUSX Supercross Championship*

Successful 2024 Round Prompted Return

The 2024 round in Redcliffe drew a sell-out crowd and led to the decision to expand the event to two consecutive rounds for 2025. This follows strong community attendance and growing demand for Supercross in the Moreton Bay area. Both championship and freestyle elements are returning, with the venue set to welcome national and international riders once more.

Full Weekend Schedule at Kayo Stadium

Competition will be held across 11 and 12 October. On Saturday, racing activities begin at 12:00 p.m. with pit access, followed by VIP entry and early shows in the afternoon. Main gates open at 5:00 p.m., with the Main Event starting at 6:00 p.m. Sunday’s second round will follow a similar format, with activities beginning from 10:00 a.m. and the Main Event scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. start.

Classes include SX1, SX2, SX3, and the 85 Cup. Riders from Australia, the United States, Europe, and New Zealand are expected to compete, including returning AUSX champions and a field of emerging international talent.

Supercross Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: AUSX Supercross Championship*

Fan Engagement and Entertainment

The weekend will feature more than on-track racing. Entertainment offerings include live music, food trucks, partner activations, and a dedicated Fan Fest with rider signings and sponsor giveaways. Freestyle motocross shows will run alongside the championship heats, delivering aerial stunt displays between races.

Ticket options range from general admission to VIP packages and corporate suites. Children under three can attend free with a paying adult. All tickets include access to the Fan Fest and other entertainment zones.

*Photo Credit: AUSX Supercross Championship*

Strategic Regional Partnership

Council support for the event is part of a broader strategy to reinforce Redcliffe’s place on the national sporting calendar. The three-year agreement reflects confidence in the economic and cultural value the event brings to the region.

Further announcements regarding participating riders and additional entertainment will be made in the lead-up to the October weekend.

Published 17-June-2025

Dolphins Charge Back to Suncorp for Crucial Clash with Dragons

Dolphins fans will have plenty to look forward to on Friday night as their team take on the St George Illawarra Dragons in a must-win match for both sides. With just two competition points separating them, this Round 14 showdown could catapult the Dolphins into the top eight — a significant milestone in their push for finals footy.

Flying High After Belting the Bulldogs

The Dolphins roll into this game on the back of their most emphatic performance of the season — a stunning 44-8 win over the Bulldogs in Sydney. Missing key playmakers due to Origin duties and injury, the side delivered a ruthless display that showcased depth, unity, and serious attacking strike power.

Jamayne Isaako led the charge, racking up 20 points from a try and eight conversions, pushing his season tally past the century mark. Herbie Farnworth added another try to continue his six-game streak, while Jack Bostock and Harrison Graham also crossed in a match where nearly everything stuck. Kurt Donoghoe, who returned bravely from a nasty head knock, sealed the deal with a gutsy final try.

It was a statement win — not just for the scoreboard, but for belief.

Dragons Digging In — But History’s Against Them at Suncorp

The Dragons have also found some mid-season form, notching up back-to-back wins including a solid 20-6 victory over the Knights last weekend. However, their track record at Suncorp tells another story, just two wins from their last ten visits suggests this ground hasn’t been kind to them.

St George Illawarra will also be without hard-hitting second-rower Jaydn Su’a, ruled out with an ankle injury. Luciano Leilua will start in his place, while Christian Tuipulotu returns to the wing. Coach Shane Flanagan has managed to steady the ship in recent weeks, but the Redcliffe faithful know Suncorp is a different beast.

Match-Ups That Could Swing It

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins): The Hammer has an outstanding record against the Dragons, notching four tries in just two games. Backed by his trademark speed, he’ll be a danger every time he touches the ball.

Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins): The young playmaker continues to grow in confidence, with smart kicking and crisp passing key to unlocking defences. He’ll play a crucial role in controlling the tempo.

Ben Hunt (Dragons): The former Broncos halfback has the ability to turn a match on its head. With his kicking game and experience, the Dolphins can’t afford to give him time or space.

Points Scored: Dolphins 44, Bulldogs 8
Tries: 7 total — scored by Isaako, Farnworth, Bostock, Graham, Donoghoe, and more
Tackle Efficiency: Strong across the board, with limited missed tackles despite personnel changes
Completion Rate: High, reflecting discipline and focus under pressure

The Road Ahead

With Origin selections affecting line-ups and the competition ladder tightening, every match now carries extra weight. A win for the Dolphins at home would reaffirm their finals credentials.

Kristian Woolf’s men are beginning to find their rhythm, and if they can repeat their clinical showing from Round 12, they’ll be hard to stop.

For Redcliffe fans, Friday night isn’t just another round. It’s a chance to watch their team step up, right here in Queensland heartland.

Published 5-June-2025

Reconnect 2025 Brings Housing Support Services to Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Reconnect MBR/Facebook

Redcliffe will host a free community event aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness or housing distress through access to local services and resources.

Annual Initiative Targets Homelessness

Reconnect 2025, a homelessness support event coordinated by the Moreton Bay Housing and Homelessness Network, will take place at the Redcliffe Hockey Fields on Thursday, 12 June from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is open to all individuals and families facing housing insecurity in the Moreton Bay region.

Redcliffe homelessness services booth — *Photo Credit: Reconnect MBR/Facebook*

Broad Range of Services On-Site

More than 30 organisations, including government, non-government, business, community, and volunteer groups, are expected to attend. These providers will offer free information, referrals, and resources related to housing, health, family services, and emergency relief.

Attendees will have access to a range of free services such as health checks, vaccines, haircuts, food, coffee, toiletries, clothing, and bedding supplies. A barbecue and live music are also planned as part of the event’s program.

Moreton Bay Housing and Homelessness Network — *Photo Credit: Reconnect MBR/Facebook*

Growing Demand for Support in the Region

Encircle Community Services, a major event partner, reports growing demand for outreach support. Its Homeless Outreach Access Team is currently working with 396 client groups, while 866 more await assistance. Nearly half of those waiting are female. The team conducts regular joint outreach with the Department of Housing’s Critical Response Team and independent outreach in known hotspots across the region.

Opportunity for Service Provider Collaboration

Reconnect 2025 also serves as a networking platform for service providers to strengthen their understanding of the regional support landscape. The event helps providers identify referral pathways and improve coordination in responding to homelessness and housing-related challenges.

Event Supported by Community and Government Stakeholders

The event is backed by Encircle Community Services, City of Moreton Bay, Workforce Australia, Redcliffe Hockey Club, and The Breakfast Club Redcliffe. It is also supported by the Queensland Government.

Published 5-June-2025

Redcliffe Joins Expanded DFV Response with Specialised Police Team

Photo Credit: QPS

The Serious Crime Investigation Team, a new police unit in Redcliffe, has been formed, with a mission to work with high-risk victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Targeted Police Response Expands in Redcliffe

The Moreton District Domestic Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit has launched a new investigative team to improve its handling of domestic and family violence (DFV) cases in Redcliffe and surrounding suburbs. The Serious Crime Investigation Team (SCIT) began operating in January 2025 as part of reforms following the Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) DFV response.

Background of the New Initiative

The creation of SCIT was a direct response to the findings of the Commission of Inquiry, which recommended structural changes to the way QPS approaches DFV. The unit is housed within the Moreton District and works closely with other specialist teams and community-based services.

*Photo Credit: my Police Moreton/Facebook*

Role and Focus of SCIT

SCIT detectives are trained to work with high-risk victim-survivors of DFV, aiming to improve trust and engagement through consistent, tailored interactions. Their role includes identifying barriers that may prevent individuals from contacting police and offering more personalised support. The team also targets repeat offenders, prioritising early legal intervention to prevent further harm.

The approach taken by SCIT includes addressing various forms of DFV beyond physical abuse—such as coercive control, financial pressure, and psychological manipulation—through holistic investigations and long-term monitoring.

Community Support in Redcliffe

The QPS presence at the Moreton Bay Says No to Violence march in Redcliffe on 30 May 2025 reflected broader community backing for DFV prevention efforts. The event included participation from local schools, service organisations, and government agencies.

The QPS Mounted Police Unit and the Pipes & Drums led the march, underlining police commitment to public engagement alongside operational reforms.

Collaborative Response Needed

While SCIT represents a significant shift in policing practice, QPS continues to emphasise that reducing DFV requires collective effort from the broader community. Authorities stress the importance of reporting and early intervention, supported by partnerships with external agencies and dedicated helplines.

What’s Next?

The introduction of SCIT marks a shift toward more victim-focused DFV policing in Redcliffe, aligning with wider reforms and public outreach initiatives. Ongoing community cooperation and sustained engagement are viewed as essential to the success of the district’s response.

Published 4-June-2025

Community Unites for Dementia Support in Scarborough

Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog/Facebook

Redcliffe residents gathered at Scarborough Beach Park to take part in the 2025 Memory Walk & Jog, supporting people impacted by dementia.

More than 620 people from the Redcliffe community participated in the Memory Walk & Jog. They raised $97,700 for Dementia Australia. The event, held on Saturday, 24 May, welcomed individuals of all fitness levels, with options to walk, jog, or run along the coastal course.

Ongoing Awareness Efforts

The Redcliffe event formed part of a national series of 28 Memory Walk & Jog events held in 2025. These events aim to promote brain health through physical activity while supporting people impacted by dementia. Dementia Australia reports that approximately 82,270 people in Queensland are currently living with dementia, contributing to a national estimate of over 433,300.

Dementia Support in Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog/Facebook*

Funds raised are used to support Dementia Australia’s services. This includes education programs, family and carer support, and ongoing research into treatment and prevention.

Community Participation and Volunteer Support

Volunteers played a key role in delivering the Redcliffe event. Organisers acknowledged their efforts as essential to its operation. Community involvement was also evident through participants arriving in fancy dress and taking part with their dogs, with the course accommodating a wide range of participation styles.

dementia awareness — *Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog/Facebook*

Options for Broader Involvement

For those who were unable to attend the Redcliffe event, the Memory Walk & Jog program offers a “MyWay” option. This enables individuals or groups to organise their walk or jog at a preferred time and location while continuing to raise awareness and funds.

Event Summary

The Redcliffe Memory Walk & Jog reported participation of over 620 people and a total of $97,700 raised. The event formed part of a larger national effort to support individuals and families impacted by dementia, with more opportunities available through the wider program.

Published 31-May-2025