Redcliffe Archives - Page 7 of 23

Easter Welcomes Record RCIA Intake in Redcliffe Parish

Redcliffe parish recorded its highest number of new Catholic entrants in years, with 15 individuals received into the faith during this year’s Easter celebrations.

Rise in Faith Engagement

Redcliffe’s Catholic community marked a significant increase in participation during Easter, as 12 catechumens and three candidates were formally received into the Church. This intake, described as the largest in recent memory, follows the addition of five other individuals who joined the parish in November.

The program through which they entered, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), offers a structured path for those seeking to join the Catholic Church. Carried out within the local parish, the process involves regular sessions that support personal formation within the faith community.

Catholic Parish — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Structured and Supportive Formation

Deacon Tim Shanahan, who has overseen the RCIA process alongside parish priest Fr Bob Harwood, noted that interest in the program has grown unexpectedly over the past year. Participants ranged in age, with several being young people.

Rather than delving deeply into every topic, the Redcliffe RCIA team aimed to provide accessible teachings supported by additional resources, allowing participants to explore further on their own. The parish focused on maintaining a welcoming environment, which leaders considered key to the program’s success.

Addressing Misconceptions

One of the recurring challenges identified among participants was confronting misinformation or prior teachings from other Christian traditions. According to Deacon Shanahan, several individuals had previously explored other denominations, and sessions that covered Church history were particularly impactful in offering clarity.

Parish and Community Support

The success of the RCIA program was attributed not only to parish leadership but also to support from figures such as Brigidine Sister Janette Marsh and other team members. The parish community’s encouragement was also evident online, where members welcomed the new entrants and reflected on their own RCIA experiences.

Several social media posts described the Easter Vigil as a moving and uplifting celebration. Fellow parishioners shared words of support and congratulated the group on their commitment.

Signs of Hope Amid Decline Elsewhere

At a time when many parishes across Australia are reporting declines in Mass attendance, Redcliffe’s growing numbers have been seen as a hopeful sign. Leaders viewed this renewed interest in the Catholic faith as an encouraging outcome for their local ministry.

Published 19-May-2025

Dolphins Will Need to be At Their Best Against Warriors with Fisher-Harris Back

Kristian Woolf will be delighted with the Hammer’s last minute heroics a week ago, a try saving tackle that got the Dolphins over the line against the Eels. However, hosting the Warriors at Suncorp will likely be a much tougher job.

Tries from Jack Bostock, Connelly Lemuelu and Herbie Farnworth got the Phins into a winning position at Commbank Stadium but when Mitch Moses threw the long cut out pass that Josh Addo-Carr turned into a 2 on 1 it looked like a horror movie for Phins fans, but the Hammer’s marshalling in defence to control Dylan Brown’s weaving run ended the game.

The Dolphins are unchanged with the Warriors having James Fisher-Harris back to start. He has been out since April 13 with a pectoral strain. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joins the reserves after two months out with a hamstring injury.

The Warriors also back up from a nailbiter last week. The 15-14 win, with a 69th minute Luke Metcalf field goal holding off the dogged Dragons.

Erin Clark’s 52 tackles the standout along with a 92% completion rate by the Warriors. The heavy carries and strong post-contact metres with limited errors outweighing a lack of line breaks and flair. The Dolphins will need to be ready for the attritional offence that the Warriors bring.

The Warriors in second with a 7-win, 2-loss record will be favourites but the Dolphins love the underdog tag.

The game kicks off at 3:00 pm on Saturday, 17 May, at Suncorp and if you can’t get to the game, it’s broadcast live on Kayo and Foxtel.

Redcliffe Locals Slam Inaction as Unit Block Faces Flood Crisis Again

Photo Credit: Pexels

Residents at a flood-affected unit complex in Redcliffe are demanding immediate intervention after repeated inundation has left their homes uninhabitable and at risk of becoming uninsurable.

Renewed Flooding Sparks Public Outcry in Redcliffe

Residents of a unit block at 20 Grant Street in Redcliffe are calling for urgent assistance after being inundated by floodwaters for the third time in three years. The most recent event in April 2025 has intensified concerns over the lack of visible infrastructure upgrades and the growing impact of repeated storm events.

Grant Street flooding — *Photo Credit: Rachael Greany/Facebook*

Residents Still Paying for Past Disasters

The complex was previously flooded twice in one day in 2022, with water levels rising above 1.2 metres. The April 2025 flooding caused further extensive damage. Residents now face a $100,000 insurance excess for repairs and have been warned that their building will become uninsurable by 24 May 2025.

Since the 2022 floods, residents report continued financial pressure from lost belongings, inflated premiums, and difficulty securing insurance. While some recall earlier assurances of future flood mitigation, no specific changes to stormwater systems have been confirmed.

Stormwater System Again Under Scrutiny

Residents believe that stormwater infrastructure failed again in April, as water appeared to back up through drains during heavy rainfall and high tide. There are concerns that existing drainage cannot handle the combined effects of weather and ongoing urban development.

Redcliffe flood damage — *Photo Credit: Rachael Greany/Facebook*

The City of Moreton Bay stated that 47mm of rain fell within 30 minutes, a level exceeding the 1 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability. The affected site sits at one of the street’s lowest points and has been identified as flood-prone in studies dating back to 2000.

Council maintains that increased population density has limited impact on the drainage network and that routine maintenance, including culvert clearing, is conducted in the area.

Community Raises Concerns Over Council Response

Some residents say they received strong assistance after the 2022 floods, which occurred close to election time. One resident described early support such as clean-up services and skip bin provision, followed by years of what they viewed as inaction.

Comments posted publicly by affected locals express disappointment with the council’s continued handling of the issue. Multiple residents claim they raised concerns after the first flood but received responses indicating no further action would be taken.

Redcliffe flooding — *Photo Credit: Rachael Greany/Facebook*

Vulnerable Residents Impacted

During the April 2025 flood, an 80-year-old resident required emergency assistance to leave her unit. Her family reported that nearby stormwater drains were obstructed by debris from recent tree removal. She is now seeking alternative accommodation.

Limited Avenues for Relief Remain

Council confirmed that it continues to correspond with affected residents but noted that the Voluntary Home Buy-Back scheme ended in June 2023. Insurance arrangements remain at the discretion of private providers.

Residents are now exploring legal options to pursue structural mitigation or compensation. Calls for further government involvement continue, as many in the Redcliffe area report ongoing uncertainty over flood resilience.

Published 7-May-2025

Lace Up for a Cause: Memory Walk & Jog Returns to Redcliffe

Redcliffe, it’s time to lace up! The Memory Walk & Jog is back for 2025, bringing the community together on Saturday, 24 May at Scarborough Beach Park for a morning of movement, fun, and purpose.

Read: Redcliffe Hosts Walking Off The War Within to Support Veterans and First Responders

From 7:30 am, locals will walk, jog, or run along the beautiful Redcliffe foreshore to raise funds and awareness for Dementia Australia.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, donning a fancy dress costume, or just out for a stroll with friends and family—including the dog!—there’s something for everyone. With multiple distances to choose from and a dog-friendly course (just don’t forget to register your pooch!), the event promises a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere that supports a vital cause.

Why it matters

More than just a fun run, the Redcliffe Memory Walk & Jog is part of a national movement helping to beat dementia. In Queensland alone, nearly 82,270 people are currently living with dementia. Across Australia, that number is estimated at 433,300—and growing.

Funds raised at the event support Dementia Australia’s essential work, including support services for individuals and families, education programs, and world-leading research into treatment and prevention.

Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people impacted by dementia, including those living with the condition, their families, and carers. The organisation provides support services across the country, delivers education and information to the aged care sector, and advocates for improved outcomes through evidence-based policy. Dementia Australia also partners with leading researchers to drive innovation in care, treatment, and the search for a cure.

Read: Major Seawall Renewal Begins Along Redcliffe Foreshore

By signing up, spreading the word, and fundraising, participants play a powerful role in raising awareness and improving the lives of people affected by dementia.

Don’t miss this meaningful day out by the bay. Register now at www.memorywalk.com.au and be part of something bigger in Redcliffe.

Published 1-May-2025

Edu Space Special Assistance School Marks Milestone in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: RAYS/Facebook

Edu Space, a special assistance school based at Redcliffe Area Youth Space, has marked its first year supporting vulnerable young people through tailored education.

Background: Redcliffe’s Response to Educational Disengagement

Edu Space was established at Redcliffe Area Youth Space in response to years of evidence showing that mainstream education often failed the region’s most vulnerable students. Over 15 years of observations at RAYS highlighted the gap in available support, leading to the launch of Edu Space as a special assistance non-state school for students in Years 7 to 10.

The school provides free education and support to young people experiencing complex challenges, including trauma, disengagement, mental health issues, domestic violence, and youth justice involvement.

The Edu Space Approach: A Different Model of Schooling in Redcliffe

Edu Space delivers education aligned with the Australian Curriculum through a project-based, person-centred model. The approach is strongly informed by Paulo Freire’s Social Justice Pedagogy, focusing on restorative outcomes rather than punitive experiences.

The school maintains a maximum population of 30 students, with a high staff-to-student ratio of 1:4. The team includes four student and family wellbeing officers, two qualified teachers and access to frontline youth workers from RAYS.

Small class sizes and trauma-informed practices are at the core of the school’s design, allowing each student to engage through a structured continuum of Knowing, Growing, Showing and Going. The curriculum and support are tailored to recognise the uneven learning profiles and developmental needs of each student.

Edu Space Redcliffe — *Photo Credit: RAYS/Facebook*

Community Engagement and Celebration

To mark its first anniversary, Edu Space hosted an Open Hour event, inviting community representatives involved in referring students to the school. Visitors were guided through a Learning Walk to experience the Edu Space classroom environment firsthand and understand the unique model of education offered.

The school’s commitment to cultural inclusion, restorative education, and comprehensive mental health support was a key feature presented during the celebration.

Edu Space first anniversary — *Photo Credit: RAYS/Facebook*

The Redcliffe Community’s Ongoing Need

Edu Space continues to address an urgent need in Redcliffe, where many young people face systemic and personal barriers that hinder their access to education. Through its connection to the Redcliffe Area Youth Space, which has operated since 2002, Edu Space is uniquely positioned to offer integrated educational and wellbeing support.

By providing an alternative pathway, the school offers opportunities for students to develop their identity, find their voice, and discover academic capabilities in a safe and empowering environment.

Future Outlook for Edu Space in Redcliffe

Edu Space remains committed to expanding its support for marginalised students across the Redcliffe Peninsula and surrounding Moreton Bay Region. With a proven model rooted in community engagement and trauma-informed education, the school plans to continue offering transformative learning experiences for young people facing complex challenges.

Published 26-Apr-2025

Major Seawall Renewal Begins Along Redcliffe Foreshore

Photo Credit: CrKarlWinchester/ Facebook

A significant $2.3 million renewal of the aging seawall at Charlish Park, Redcliffe, has commenced. The aim is to protect this popular section of foreshore from coastal hazards for the next century.

Project Details and Purpose

Work on the foreshore protection project started in March and involves replacing and upgrading about 90 metres of the reinforced concrete seawall located on Redcliffe Parade. The project also includes extending the sloped rock armour section of the wall and improving the shared path used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Council officials noted the upgrade was necessary as the original seawall, built over 70 years ago in the 1950s, is nearing the end of its functional life due to deterioration from the harsh marine environment and impacts from past weather events.

The Redcliffe Peninsula locals value their natural environment, prompting Council to run an extensive program to ensure coastal areas are future-proofed. So the renewed seawall is designed to provide 100 years of protection for the foreshore in front of Charlish Park, shielding the area from erosion and reducing the impact of wave overtopping.

The design also allows for future modifications to handle projected sea-level rises and more severe weather, ensuring long-term resilience.

Community Impact and Access

Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted that the city’s extensive coastlines and estuaries are major attractions, and their maintenance is a key part of the Council’s long-term coastal protection strategy for future generations. He acknowledged that the investment in the Charlish Park Seawall near the Redcliffe Jetty is vital for its longevity.

Council understands the work will cause some temporary inconvenience. The boardwalk and beach area immediately affected by the construction are closed to the public. Pedestrians needing to pass the area can use the footpath on Redcliffe Parade to detour around the worksite and still access Charlish Park.

Construction is expected to be completed later this year, depending on weather and site conditions. After the project is finished, Foreshore users will benefit from a new, safer footpath.

Future Foreshore Protection Plans

The Charlish Park project is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade foreshore areas across the Peninsula. Following the completion of the current works, Council has scheduled the renewal of the seawall at Crockatt Park in Woody Point to begin in the late 2025-26 period.

Published Date 18-April-2025

Redcliffe Softball Community Scores Major Clubhouse Upgrade

Photo Credit: SenAnthonyChisholm/Facebook

Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association will soon benefit from a $4.8 million clubhouse at Talobilla Park. Construction is set to deliver upgraded facilities for hundreds of players, volunteers, and visitors across the region.

The new clubhouse will be built at Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring, with construction expected to commence by mid-2025. Jointly funded by the City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Government, each contributing $2.4 million, the project was supported by the Thriving Suburbs Program—an infrastructure initiative supporting urban and suburban communities nationwide.

Significant Sporting Hub for Redcliffe and Beyond

The Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association currently supports over 700 members, and the new clubhouse is designed to enhance the experience for players, officials, and spectators alike. The facility will include two changing rooms, an umpire room, amenities, a first aid room, internal storage, a clubroom, an office, and a kitchen.

Talobilla Park is already considered a vital sporting precinct for Redcliffe and the broader Moreton Bay region. Officials say the facility is not only important for local residents who are passionate about softball but also acts as a drawcard for teams visiting from outside the area.

The project is expected to increase Redcliffe’s capacity to host high-profile sporting events and strengthen its role as a key location for softball and baseball competitions across South East Queensland.

Backed by All Levels of Government

Federal official Anthony Chisholm reinforced the importance of community sports infrastructure in fostering local engagement. He noted that facilities like Talobilla Park provide space for residents and visitors to come together, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of community sport.

Thriving Suburbs Program — *Photo Credit: SenAnthonyChisholm/Facebook*

City authorities have also said the delivery of this infrastructure will support the sustainability of grassroots clubs, enable larger-scale events, and attract even more people to the sport.

Construction Timeline and Completion

The build is expected to take approximately 12 months, with completion anticipated by mid-2026. Once open, the upgraded facility will serve as a regional hub for community sport and a boost to Redcliffe’s growing profile in competitive softball.

Published 11-Apr-2025

Redcliffe Prepares for Good Friday Pop-Up Market Celebration

The Redcliffe community is preparing for a large-scale Easter celebration this Good Friday. Redcliffe Markets hosts special two-day events along Redcliffe Parade featuring numerous stalls, food options, family entertainment, and race-viewing opportunities.

Event Details

Organisers have planned market days for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, providing ample opportunity for residents and visitors to join the festivities. Both market days will run from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm along Redcliffe Parade. The location also offers vantage points for viewing the start of the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race as the vessels head out on Good Friday.

Market Attractions

Over 200 stallholders are expected across the two days, showcasing a diverse range of products. Shoppers can explore handmade goods from local artisans, including bespoke fashion items, unique homewares, and potential Easter gifts.

Alongside the artisan stalls, a wide selection of gourmet food and street eats will be available. Food trucks will offer savoury options like Korean-style corn dogs, gourmet sausages, South American empanadas, and Philly cheesesteaks. Sweet treats will also be plentiful, with choices such as fairy floss, specialty sodas, home-baked cookies, soft serve ice cream, and various chocolate delights.

Family Fun and Entertainment

The Easter markets aim to provide a fun experience for all ages. The Easter Bunny is scheduled to make special appearances on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for meet-and-greets, offering families a chance for photos. A returning favourite, the Redcliffe Markets Easter Scavenger Hunt, will challenge participants to follow clues or gather stamps from different stallholders.

Completing the hunt gives entry into a draw for a prize. Live music and other entertainment will contribute to a lively market atmosphere throughout the events, and children’s arts and crafts activities are also planned, particularly for the Good Friday market. Organisers encourage the community to gather family and friends for what they describe as an exceptional weekend event.

Published Date 11-April-2025

New Lighting Upgrade Enhances Racing Safety in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Racing Queensland

Redcliffe has unveiled a major lighting upgrade at its Paceway, delivering improved visibility and enhanced safety for horses and participants.

Redcliffe Paceway is now operating under new broadcast-quality lighting, following a $6 million infrastructure upgrade funded by the State through the Racing Infrastructure Fund. The improvements are expected to enhance both safety and visibility at one of the State’s busiest harness racing venues.

Redcliffe Paceway lighting upgrade — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Key Venue for Queensland Racing

The Redcliffe Harness Racing Club, known for its distinctive ‘Triangle’ track, hosts nearly half of Queensland’s annual harness racing meetings. The site accommodates approximately 300 horses for training and trials each week, with racing under lights being a signature feature of the venue.

The lighting upgrade is part of a broader strategy to modernise racing facilities across the state. Authorities have pledged to carry out what it describes as the most comprehensive review of racing infrastructure in Queensland’s history.

Technical Improvements and Industry Impact

The state-of-the-art lighting aims to improve the quality of night race broadcasts and support safer trackwork during early morning hours. The State highlighted the broader economic significance of the industry, noting that harness racing contributes $232 million to the Queensland economy.

The state spokesperson said the lighting upgrade would not only improve animal and participant welfare but also strengthen the reputation of the Redcliffe facility as a premier harness racing venue.

Redcliffe Harness Racing Club President Mark McNee described the lighting as a “game changer”, emphasising the improvement in safety conditions for both horses and trainers.

Part of Statewide Review into Racing

The upgrade aligns with the broader Queensland Racing Review, which launched in 2025. The independent review aims to ensure long-term sustainability of the state’s three racing codes—thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound—while upholding integrity and animal welfare standards.

Key focus areas of the review include financial sustainability, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement. Industry stakeholders are invited to provide feedback through a public discussion paper, with submissions open until 7 April 2025.

*Photo Credit: Redcliffe Harness Racing Club/Facebook*

HAVE YOUR SAY

Looking Ahead: Major Events at Redcliffe

Redcliffe is set to host several high-profile events in the coming months, including the Trot Rods series in April and the premier race meeting of the Queensland Constellations in June. Featured races will include the $100,000 Group 2 Redcliffe Gold Cup, alongside the Redcliffe Derby and Oaks.

Published 29-Mar-2025

Jukebox Jet Ends Long Drought with Emotional Win

Photo Credit: Racing Queensland

In a significant result from Redcliffe’s Monday racing card, eight-year-old gelding Jukebox Jet returned to the winner’s circle after a nearly four-year drought, giving hobby trainer Jeff Regazzoli and his daughter Racheal Stanton a win to celebrate.

The Caboolture-based father-daughter training team has shown remarkable patience with the pacer, maintaining faith despite Jukebox Jet going winless since June 2021. Their perseverance paid off with a breakthrough victory at the Redcliffe “Triangle” track on Monday evening.

“It was good, we enjoyed it as it was a long-time coming,” said Regazzoli. “It was excellent.”

The win carries added significance as Jukebox Jet’s previous victory—in late June 2021—came on the very night Regazzoli purchased the horse from former trainer Ron Sallis, with Lachie Manzelmann driving on that occasion.

The victory marks just the third win in Jukebox Jet’s 71-race career, highlighting the challenges of racehorse ownership and the rewards that come with development.

For the Regazzoli-Stanton stable based in Caboolture, this win represents more than just a racing result—it’s a testament to their partnership and dedication through challenging times.

Published 26-March-2025