Talobilla Park Archives - Redcliffe Today

Kippa Ring Club Secures New Lease In Major Boost For Local Baseball

A long term home for community baseball in Kippa Ring moved a step forward after the Peninsula Padres received a new lease that locks in the club’s place at Talobilla Park for the years ahead.

Lease Strengthens Stability For The Club

The group secured certainty for its upgrade plans with a new 10 year peppercorn lease at one dollar a year. The agreement formalises the Padres’ long presence in Kippa Ring and gives members stable access to their grounds during major works.

Officials said the arrangement supports clubs with strong community involvement. The Padres have played at Talobilla Park since the early 2000s and now have more than 400 participants.

Temporary Space Helps Day To Day Operations

Council support also includes a demountable building that will hold storage, meeting space, a larger canteen and an umpire room. The structure came from a Council depot and is expected to be in place before the busy summer period. Club leaders said the temporary facilities will support games, training and fundraising while the main clubhouse is built.

The added canteen space is expected to lift food service capacity on game days. The extra storage and meeting room will help volunteers manage equipment and plan activities without relying on makeshift areas around the park.

New Clubhouse Project Progresses

Work on the new district level clubhouse started after the lease approval, with a project value of 4.8 million dollars funded by the federal government and the Council. Plans include change rooms, an umpire room, a first aid space, a kitchen, storage and a clubroom for events.

The goal is to improve comfort and accessibility for players, officials and visitors. Council statements note the strong community use of Talobilla Park and say the Padres’ size and activity levels supported the investment.

Community Impact And Next Steps

The renewed lease, temporary demountable and new clubhouse work together to support stable operations for a long established club in Kippa Ring. Families using Talobilla Park are expected to see smoother scheduling, better amenities and more space for gatherings. Council leaders say the project reflects a citywide focus on supporting grassroots sport.

Construction will roll out in stages while the Padres keep their normal schedule, with long term tenure and upgraded facilities helping the club plan ahead and strengthen participation.

Published 08-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

Construction Begins on Talobilla Park’s Modern Softball Clubhouse

Redcliffe’s softball community has marked an important moment in November 2025, with a ceremonial sod-turn officially signalling the start of work on a long-anticipated new softball clubhouse at Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring.

Read: Talobilla Park to Become Home of $4.8M Clubhouse for Redcliffe Softball Community

The $4.8 million project has been described by local leaders as a major step forward for the region’s sporting scene. The development is intended to give the rapidly growing Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association the kind of modern, accessible space it has long needed, while paving the way for bigger competitions and community events.

The clubhouse will include dedicated change rooms, an umpire’s room, accessible amenities, a first-aid space, an office, a clubroom, internal storage and a multipurpose kitchen. These features will make the facility suitable not only for club events, but also for larger tournaments requiring inclusive and high-quality infrastructure.

Council representatives spoke at the ceremony about the significance of the upgrade, noting that the city already attracts high-level tournaments and is set to host the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in 2027. They said the new facility will strengthen that reputation and give local athletes, coaches and volunteers a professional-grade environment to work in.

Federal representatives echoed that sentiment, pointing to the project as an example of governments working together to support local communities. They highlighted the role sport plays in creating connection and opportunities, and said the investment through the Thriving Suburbs Program reflects a commitment to helping suburbs continue to grow and flourish.

Photo credit: Facebook/Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association

For the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association — now home to around 700 members — the milestone carries a sense of pride and relief. Club president Carrie Te Wani said the upgrade represents a turning point, giving the association space to grow and ensuring volunteers and players have the facilities they deserve. She emphasised the club’s gratitude for the support provided and said members are eager to see the finished building in use.

Construction is expected to progress quickly, with council indicating that work will continue through next year. Under current plans, the new Talobilla Park Softball Clubhouse is due for completion in 2026.

Read: Redcliffe Prepares for 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup in Olympic Lead-Up

For a sport that has expanded swiftly in Redcliffe and throughout Moreton Bay, the build marks more than just bricks and mortar. It signals confidence in the future of local softball and recognition of the community that keeps it thriving, from long-time volunteers to the new players picking up a glove for the first time.

Published 21-November-2025

Redcliffe Prepares for 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup in Olympic Lead-Up

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/LinkedIn

Redcliffe will stage the 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, with the international tournament set to boost Queensland’s sporting profile in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Background and Context

Australia will host the Women’s Softball World Cup for the first time since 1965, when the inaugural event was played in Melbourne and won by the national team. More than six decades later, the 2027 Finals are confirmed for Talobilla Park in Redcliffe.

The announcement strengthens the sport’s case for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Queensland has committed to covering costs if softball is added, as hosts are responsible for funding sports outside the International Olympic Committee’s 28 core disciplines.

Women’s Softball World Cup 2027 — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/LinkedIn*

Event Details

The Women’s Softball World Cup Finals will be held from April 5 to April 11, 2027. Eight of the world’s top national teams will compete, with organisers scheduling six days of competition across that seven-day window.

The tournament is regarded as the benchmark global softball event before the sport’s return to the Olympic program at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. While some describes it as part of the Olympic qualifying pathway, others frame it as the lead-up event ahead of LA 2028.

Temporary seating will be brought in for the 2027 tournament, alongside upgrades at Talobilla Park such as a new clubhouse. While no new venue is required, more extensive infrastructure may be needed if the sport is confirmed for Brisbane 2032.

Brisbane 2032 Olympics — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/LinkedIn*

Economic and Tourism Impact

The event is forecast to generate about $6.3 million in economic activity and more than 10,500 visitor nights. A global broadcast audience of roughly 60 million is anticipated, particularly from softball-strong nations such as Japan, South Korea and the United States.

The expected influx of visitors and media coverage is seen as a boost for local businesses and an incentive for further hotel investment in the Moreton Bay region before 2032.

Community and Sporting Growth

Hosting the World Cup provides the national women’s team, the Aussie Spirit, a chance to compete at home for the first time in over half a century. Former champions from 1965, including Margaret Swan, noted the significance for athletes chasing Olympic selection.

Softball Australia emphasised the opportunity to inspire the next generation of players, lift grassroots participation and highlight Redcliffe’s role in Australia’s sporting future.

Outlook

Redcliffe’s hosting of the 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals positions the city as a key stop on the pathway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, combining international competition, economic benefits and community impact.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Softball Queensland Masters Begins in Kippa-Ring and Clontarf

Photo Credit: Softball Queensland

Kippa-Ring and Clontarf are hosting matches in Queensland’s largest softball tournament as the 25th annual Softball Queensland Masters begins across the Moreton Bay region.

Background and Regional Significance

The Softball Queensland Masters Tournament is marking its 25th edition from Friday 1 August to Sunday 3 August 2025, drawing over 1,800 players, officials and supporters. Since 2019, the event has been held in partnership with the City of Moreton Bay, and is scheduled to return again in 2026.

The tournament rotates through key regional venues, with this year’s event based in Kippa-Ring, Clontarf, and Caboolture. Future expansions are targeting additional teams from New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand.

Tournament Scope and Logistics

A total of 114 teams are participating across 17 women’s divisions and 6 men’s divisions, with over 350 games scheduled across three days. Matches begin daily at 8:00 a.m., with all grand finals set for 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Venues include:

Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring, home to the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association and Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club
Ray Frawley Fields in Clontarf, used by the Redcliffe Junior Rugby Union Club
Dances Road Sports Ground in Caboolture, home of the Caboolture Sports Softball Association

Entry and Umpire Requirements

Team entries opened on 30 January and closed on 7 April, with confirmation of team lists by early July. Each team was required to register a minimum of nine players, nominate a team umpire, and complete payment to be accepted.

Teams are expected to supply umpires competent in both plate and base duties. Umpires must hold relevant Play by the Rules certifications and a valid Blue Card if over 18. Penalties apply for failing to meet assigned umpire responsibilities.

An umpires meeting was scheduled for 7:00 a.m. on 1 August.

Draw and Divisional Breakdown

Matches are being held from 1–3 August across all divisions. Women’s divisions range from 1 to 17, while the men’s divisions include 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Draws and results are available online via the tournament platform.

*Photo Credit: Softball Queensland/Facebook*

Ongoing Planning and Community Involvement

Organisers intend to expand the tournament by increasing team numbers and attracting more interstate and international participation. Continued backing from sponsors and regional partners supports the event’s sustainability and growth in the Moreton Bay area.

The event also draws a wide base of volunteers, families, and supporters, contributing to its operational scale and community presence.

What’s Next?

With hundreds of matches underway and thousands in attendance, the 2025 Softball Queensland Masters Tournament reinforces the role of Moreton Bay suburbs like Kippa-Ring, Clontarf, and Caboolture as key hosts for major community sport. Planning for the 2026 tournament is already in motion, with further expansion under consideration.

Published 31-July-2025

Talobilla Park to Become Home of $4.8M Clubhouse for Redcliffe Softball Community

Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook

A major upgrade at Talobilla Park in Kippa-Ring will deliver a brand-new $4.8 million clubhouse for the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, supporting hundreds of players and volunteers who rely on the local grounds each season.

A Boost for Local Sport

Construction is set to begin in mid-2025 and take around 12 months, with funding shared by the City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program.

*Photo Credit: Senator Anthony Chisholm/Facebook*

The clubhouse will feature change rooms, a clubroom, a kitchen, and other key facilities, creating a central, accessible space for games, training, and events for over 700 members.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the upgrade reflects the region’s growth and the council’s push to keep local sport facilities up to standard, adding it could attract higher-level competitions and boost local business.

Designed for Inclusion and Growth

More than $2.4 million in federal funding has been committed to the project. Senator Anthony Chisholm said the new clubhouse will give people of all ages more opportunities to stay active and socially connected.

Division 5 Councillor Sandra Ruck said the clubhouse will support local clubs as the region grows and recognises the ongoing efforts of weekend volunteers in grassroots sport.

Meeting Community Needs

The project is part of a broader plan to upgrade sport venues across Moreton Bay, with Talobilla Park set to play a key role in meeting current and future demand for softball and baseball.

The Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association, which has served the community for many years, will gain a much-needed upgrade to continue supporting players, families, and the next generation of athletes.

Published 14-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 Red Dragon Boat Club Roar to Victory at State Championships

The Redcliffe Red Dragon Boat Club made waves at this year’s State Championships, securing an impressive haul of five medals.

Read: Five-Storey Redcliffe Healthcare Hub Set for Development Across Moreton Hospital

Golden performance

Leading the charge, the Senior C Mixed team, comprising paddlers aged 60 and over, clinched gold in the 200m final.

The Dragons’ success extended beyond the gold, with other members bringing home two silver and two bronze medals. Notably, the Senior B Women’s 10s team featuring several first-year paddlers alongside the more experienced members secured a bronze medal.

A club spokesperson praised the team’s performance, attributing their success to the “determination and trust” displayed by all members. The Red Dragons’ achievements reflect their dedicated training regimen, with paddlers honing their technique and fitness up to three times a week.

About the Redcliffe Red Dragon Boat Club

Founded in 2005, the Redcliffe Red Dragon Boat Club now boasts 70 members from diverse backgrounds. While primarily catering to the over-50s demographic, the club welcomes paddlers of all ages, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for the sport.

The club takes advantage of its prime location, conducting year-round training sessions in the Redcliffe canals and Moreton Bay. This picturesque setting provides an ideal environment for both competitive training and enjoyable recreational paddling.

For Redcliffe residents looking to join a vibrant community sport, the Red Dragons offer regular come & try sessions. New paddlers can take advantage of the Dragon Pass, allowing a free first month to experience the sport before committing.

Community and inclusivity

The club’s community spirit extends to its affiliation with the Redcliffe Pink Snapdragons, a group supporting breast cancer survivors through dragon boating. This partnership underscores the Red Dragons’ commitment to inclusivity and community support.

Read: Mixed Reactions to Suttons Beach Pavilion Rebuild Plans

For more information about joining the Red Dragons, visit their site here or email them at redcliffedragons@gmail.com.

Published 26-June-2024