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Caboolture Calls for Community to Conjure Up a Halloween Haunt

Calling All Ghouls and Goblins! The Caboolture Historical Village is conjuring up a frightfully fun Halloween extravaganza and needs your help to transform the sprawling 12-acre site into a spine-chilling “Village of the Damned.”

With roaming zombies, interactive displays, trick-or-treating, food stalls, and a Halloween mini-market, this year’s event promises to be a spooktacular night for families.

Saskia Huismans, Events and Marketing Manager at the Village is eager to make this year’s Halloween bigger and better. With over 70 buildings to decorate, she’s calling on locals to join in the fun and help bring the village to life.

Halloween Haunt Competition

The popular Halloween Haunt Competition is back. It invites community groups, not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, and anyone else interested to choose an area or building to transform into a terrifying spectacle. Participants can dress up, scare visitors, compete for cash prizes, and use buildings exclusively for future events.

Last year’s winner, the Rotary Club of Caboolture, set the bar high with a gruesome hospital, complete with a screaming baby in the nursery. Huismans believes the competition is a great way to unite the community and create a memorable family experience.

book ticket

Fright Night Festivities

The Halloween event will take place on October 31st from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress up and enjoy the interactive displays, trick-or-treating, mini market, and a special zombie walk through the village.

The first hour will be scare-free, catering to younger children. From 6:00 p.m. onwards, the village will come alive with frights and scares.

Event Details and Tickets

Special event entry fees apply: $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-16, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are already available at Trybooking.com

The Caboolture Historical Village is ready to welcome all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins for a Halloween night to remember.

Published Date 04-September-2024

Photo Credit: trybooking

Burpengary East Retirement Community Launches State-of-the-Art Sports Hub

Halcyon Promenade, a retirement community in Burpengary East, recently opened its new Sports Hub. The grand opening was marked by an Olympic-themed event that brought residents together for a day of fun, friendship, and friendly competition.

Read: Caboolture Aged Care Service Paves the Way for Innovative Dementia Study

The new Sports Hub in Burpengary East is part of Stockland Halcyon Promenade’s commitment to fostering an engaging and active lifestyle for its residents. Boasting an impressive array of facilities, the hub includes:

Three pickleball courts
Two billiard tables
A state-of-the-art golf simulator
Outdoor tennis tables
A spacious dance floor
An arts room for creative pursuits
A bar and kitchen for social gatherings
A community garden for green-thumbed enthusiasts
A barbecue pavilion for outdoor dining
An outdoor deck for relaxation
A community courtyard complete with a cosy fire pit

These new additions complement the community’s existing amenities, which include a lap pool, gym, sauna, and yoga lawn, as well as popular features like the dog park and Spratt Park.

Burpengary East — Ribbon cutting at Stockland Halcyon Promenade Sports Hub grand opening event with Andrew Astorquia (Stockland Halcyon Communities Project Director), Denise Drysdale (special guest and Australian television presenter), Gary Pearce (Halcyon Promenade homeowner), Jo-Anne Mbouche (Stockland Halcyon Community Manager/Photo credit: stockland.com.au

The grand opening celebration embraced an Olympic theme, dividing guests into teams for friendly competitions across the various sporting facilities. The atmosphere was electric with camaraderie as residents tried their hand at pickleball, billiards, golf, and table tennis.

Gary Pearce, a retired police officer who moved to Halcyon Promenade in March, shared his enthusiasm for the new Sports Hub. “Seeing so many people come together to enjoy the new sports hub is incredibly exciting,” Mr Pearce said. “It’s fantastic to have a place where we can all gather for some fun and friendly competition.”

For Mr Pearce, the Sports Hub is more than just a recreational facility; it’s a key to maintaining an active retirement.

“Having recently retired from the police force, staying active is a priority for me, so the sports hub means a lot,” he explained. “Hopefully, I’ve still got another 15 or so years of a very active lifestyle ahead, and having this space means I can keep up my daily exercise routine and have a lot of fun doing it.”

Read: Explore, Learn, Play: Adventure Park Opens at CREEC in Burpengary

As the Sports Hub springs to life with the laughter and energy of its residents, it stands as a shining example of how retirement communities can promote active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyles for seniors. The Halcyon Promenade Sports Hub is not just a collection of facilities; it’s a vibrant heart of the community, pumping vitality and joy into the golden years of its residents.

Featured image credit: stockland.com.au

Published 4-September-2024

Burpengary Jets Claim Undefeated Season with Grand Final Victory

The Burpengary Jets have capped off an undefeated season, defeating the Wests Arana Hills Panthers 24-18 in a thrilling Rugby League Brisbane Open 1 grand final at Emerson Park on Tuesday, September 3. The victory marks the end of a perfect campaign for the Jets, who had already secured the minor premiership earlier in the season.

Led by former NRL talent Luke Capewell, who was named man of the match, the Jets overcame a star-studded Panthers lineup that included ex-Broncos players Sam Thaiday, Josh Hoffman, and Korbin Sims. Capewell’s brilliance was on full display, orchestrating several key plays that proved decisive in the outcome.

The match began with an auspicious sign for Burpengary, as jets soared overhead during the players’ entrance, coinciding with Brisbane’s Riverfire event. Despite this, it was the Panthers who struck first, with Hoffman crossing the line in the tenth minute.

Burpengary’s response came through winger Nathan Tunufai, who finished off a slick backline move. The Jets then took control, with Capewell setting up tries for Jonathon Fatamai and Liam Georgetown, the latter coming from a clever chip and chase.

Chris Aiton, another former NRL player in the Jets’ ranks, combined well with Capewell to extend their lead to 18-6 at halftime. However, the Panthers fought back after the break, with tries to Callum Stewart and Connor Claridge levelling the scores at 18-18.

In a dramatic finish, Jets fullback Inga Limoni intercepted a pass and raced 70 meters to score the winning try with just a minute remaining on the clock. The touchdown sent the Burpengary supporters into a frenzy and sealed a memorable victory for the local side.

The win not only secures the Open 1 premiership for Burpengary but also cements their status as the dominant force in the competition this season. The Jets’ blend of experienced former NRL and Hostplus Cup players, combined with local talent, proved too strong for their opponents throughout the year.

This triumph marks a significant achievement for the Burpengary community, with the Jets showcasing the depth of rugby league talent in the area. The team’s success is likely to inspire the next generation of players in the region and further strengthen the club’s position within the Rugby League Brisbane competition.

Published 3-September-2024

Police Arrest Man for Wilful Damage at Caboolture Cemetery

A 50-year-old man from Caboolture has been arrested and charged with the vandalism of nine gravestones at Caboolture Cemetery.

Read: Caboolture Made: Locals Unite to Showcase Region’s True Potential

The arrest took place on August 26 after Police Liaison Officers spotted the suspect from the Caboolture Police Station.

Authorities allege that the man randomly damaged nine tombstones in the cemetery. The police are currently working to locate and inform the relatives of the affected graves about the damage.

The suspect faces nine charges of wilful damage and was scheduled to appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court on August 27.

Caboolture Cemetery — Photo credit: Queensland Police

Under Queensland’s criminal code, wilful damage to cemetery graves or memorials is considered a severe offence, carrying a potential maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment.

Local law enforcement continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the authorities. If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

About Caboolture Cemetery

Established in 1885, the Caboolture Cemetery, also known as King Street Cemetery is a historic burial ground in Caboolture. It’s renowned for its monumental graves and serves as the final resting place for many of the area’s early settlers.

Read: Caboolture Aged Care Service Paves the Way for Innovative Dementia Study

While the cemetery no longer has room for new burials, it does allow for the reopening of existing graves. For those choosing cremation, the cemetery offers columbarium walls nestled under large, shady trees for the placement of ashes.

Caboolture Cemetery is located at 148 King St, Caboolture. Visiting hours are Monday to Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Featured image credit: Queensland Police

Published 31-August-2024

Caboolture Made: Locals Unite to Showcase Region’s True Potential

A grassroots initiative aimed at boosting Caboolture’s image is gaining momentum, with supporters gearing up to intensify their efforts in the coming months. The campaign, aptly named “Caboolture Made,” is calling on proud locals to rally behind its mission of showcasing the town’s potential and challenging long-standing misconceptions.

Read: Heritage Day in Caboolture: A Journey Through Time

Originally launched as a Moreton Bay City Council project, Caboolture Made is evolving into a community-led movement focused on driving success for local businesses and champions.

The initiative’s steering committee, which includes Greater Caboolture Chamber of Commerce President Carla Melbourne and Business and Professional Women (BPW Moreton Bay) President Vicki Wood, is spearheading efforts to transform public perception of the area.

Ms Melbourne acknowledged that while Caboolture has been the subject of many jokes, the reality is quite different. She describes the area as a boom town experiencing rapid growth and development, with significant government investment at all levels.

The campaign aims to highlight Caboolture’s strengths, including its vibrant local assets, high quality of life, and thriving business community. Ms Wood emphasised the importance of community participation, noting that they’re relying on the broader business community to help spread their message, particularly through social media channels.

How You Can Get Involved

The success of this initiative relies heavily on community participation. The campaign organisers have outlined several ways for locals to support the initiative and contribute to changing the narrative about Caboolture:

Amplify positive messages: Residents are encouraged to follow the campaign’s on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. By sharing posts and using the hashtag #CabooltureMade, individuals can help spread the word about local successes and achievements.
Focus on community achievements: The campaign urges locals to counter negative comments by highlighting the positive aspects of Caboolture and the community’s accomplishments.
Participate in local events: Attending and supporting local events and activities is seen as a crucial way to foster community spirit and showcase Caboolture’s vibrancy.
Support local businesses: Shopping locally and encouraging others to do the same is emphasised as a key way to boost the local economy and demonstrate community pride.
Display campaign materials: Business owners are invited to print and display Caboolture Made posters in their shop fronts or offices to increase visibility of the campaign.
Share personal stories: The campaign encourages residents to share their positive experiences and observations about Caboolture, helping to build a collection of authentic, local narratives that reflect the true spirit of the community.

Read: Caboolture Set for 36 New Luxury Townhouses

The initiative is supported by prominent local businesses, the Greater Caboolture Chamber of Commerce, BPW Moreton Bay, and the City of Moreton Bay Council.

As the campaign gains traction, organisers hope to create a positive momentum that will sustain and grow organically, driven by the collective enthusiasm of the Caboolture community. With no cost to participate and open to all businesses, this campaign is poised to redefine the narrative surrounding this rapidly developing hub in the City of Moreton Bay.

Featured image credit: Caboolture Made/Facebook

Published 30-August-2024

Man Shot in Bellmere Home Invasion, Suspects at Large

A man was shot during a home invasion in Bellmere in the early hours of Thursday morning, August 29, 2024. Queensland Police are currently on the hunt for three male suspects who fled the scene.

At around 1:20 AM, emergency services responded to reports of a shooting at a residence on Peggy Road. According to initial investigations, three unidentified men forcibly entered the home and opened fire on one of the male occupants before fleeing in a small black vehicle.

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was promptly transported to Caboolture Hospital. Hospital staff report that he is in stable condition. Unconfirmed reports suggest the man may have sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Queensland Police have launched an extensive investigation into the incident. While they assure the public that there is no broader threat to community safety, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Law enforcement officials are particularly interested in any surveillance footage that may aid in identifying the suspects or their vehicle. Residents in the Bellmere area with CCTV or dash cam recordings from the early hours of August 29 are encouraged to review their footage.

As the investigation unfolds, police are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. All information will be treated confidentially.

Published 29-August-2024

Caboolture Riders Unite for Cancer Research in Eighth Annual Ride for Red

Caboolture is preparing to rev its engines to support the eighth annual Ride for Red, a charity motorcycle ride.

On Saturday, 5 October 2024, the event will begin with a briefing at 8:30 a.m. at the BP Caboolture Northbound truck stop car park and aim to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The Ride for Red is a well-established tradition in the area, known for drawing significant community support. This year’s ride is organised with Cancer Council Queensland, with all proceeds going to cancer research. Since its inception in 2016, the Gronks Social Riders Club, which founded the event, has raised nearly $60,000 for this vital cause.

Participants are encouraged to wear red, a symbol of solidarity against domestic violence. The ride will include several stops, offering opportunities for community engagement, raffles, and learning more about domestic violence prevention and support services.

First Stop: Kilcoy Yowie Park at 10:00 AM for a raffle.

Second Stop: Dag Hotel, D’Aguilar at noon for lunch and another raffle.

Final Stop: Bribie Hotel for dinner, raffles, and auctions. Participants are invited to stay overnight.

At the last stop, BBW Boat Hire Bribie Island and Bribie Hotel will donate prizes for a sizable raffle.

For further details about the event or to register, contact Blakey at 0407 570 651. The Ride for Red promises a day of community, compassion, and crucial fundraising for cancer research.

Published Date 21-August-2024

Photo Credit: Ride for Red Annual Charity Motorbike Ride/ Facebook

Caboolture Aged Care Service Paves the Way for Innovative Dementia Study

An innovative research programme utilising artificial intelligence to enhance the mealtime experience for dementia patients is underway at St Paul’s Aged Care in Caboolture.

This landmark study, spearheaded by researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of Sunshine Coast in collaboration with Lutheran Services, explores AI’s potential to create visually appealing meal prompts that evoke positive food memories. It aims to combat the heightened risk of malnutrition associated with dementia.

Harnessing the Power of AI for Enhanced Wellbeing

At the forefront of this research is Dr Tricia King, a lecturer in photography at UniSC, who is employing AI to generate a series of meal images designed to stimulate appetite and encourage residents to partake in their meals.

The pilot study, which initially commenced at Immanuel Gardens Aged Care before expanding to other Lutheran Services locations, is making encouraging progress. Dr King has been actively engaging with participants, exploring their meal preferences, food memories, and reactions to images of meals prepared according to Aged Care Standards. The invaluable insights gathered during these interactions, such as preferred table settings and image styles, will inform the development of AI-created visual prompts in the coming months.

The ultimate goal is to create an AI-generated visual menu to facilitate communication and empower individuals with dementia to participate actively in their meal choices.

A Focus on Resident Wellbeing

This groundbreaking research aligns seamlessly with Lutheran Services’ commitment to resident well-being and providing exceptional dining experiences. AI-generated meal images are a significant advancement, eliminating the need for laborious preparation and photography of multiple meal variations.

Tricia Davis, Lutheran Services’ executive lead for Aged Care and Quality, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of this technology to enhance the lives of residents despite the challenges of dementia. She emphasised how this research complements their ongoing efforts to address the increased risk of malnutrition in individuals with cognitive decline.

Dr King, passionate about the potential of photography in aged care settings, is excited to bring her expertise to this study. Witnessing the rapid shift towards AI, she saw an opportunity to leverage AI-generated images to connect with individuals experiencing varying levels of cognitive impairment.

The “What Would You Like to Eat? Supporting Residents with Dementia to Participate in Mealtime Decisions” research programme represents a promising step towards harnessing technology to improve the quality of life for those with dementia.

Published Date 15-August-2024

Photo Credit: Lutheran Services/ Facebook

Bellmere Strawberry Farm Loses Millions After Heavy Queensland Rains

Heavy rain in South East Queensland has wreaked havoc on strawberry farms, with millions of dollars worth of fruit lost. Bellmere’s Taste ‘n’ See Strawberries, a family-run farm near Caboolture, has taken a brutal hit.

Grim images shared by the farm reveal the scale of the devastation, with four semi-trailer loads and two skip bins full of waterlogged strawberries—the equivalent of 216,000 punnets—sent to other farmers for livestock feed.

This catastrophe is crucial for growers, who typically recoup the costs of establishing their production systems for the winter-spring season. Co-owner Laura Wells estimates the damage equates to a million dollars in lost revenue, as the strawberries were destined for Coles supermarkets. Despite the financial blow, Ms Wells remains optimistic, focusing on her farm’s future and resilience.

*Photo Credit:* *Taste N See/ Instagram*

Two blocks of land have been abandoned for the remainder of the season, a testament to the severity of the damage. Ms Wells acknowledges that few households could withstand such a loss but emphasises that their business has always planned for the long term, working on a seven-year average. Selling second-grade fruit was not a viable option due to the sheer scale of the damage and the additional costs involved in sorting and grading.

The impact of the unseasonal rain extends beyond Taste ‘n’ See. The coming weeks will reveal the extent of plant diseases and flower damage across south-east Queensland, where the bulk of Australia’s winter strawberries are produced.

Queensland Strawberry Growers’ president Adrian Schultz, says it’s too early to determine the full extent of the losses or the effect on retail prices. While an influx of second-grade fruit could drive prices down, the scarcity of high-quality strawberries could lead to price increases.

In the meantime, produce shops and pick-your-own farms are selling second-grade fruit for jams and smoothies. Gary Norris, ‘The Mango Man’ in Noosaville, selling seconds for a small farm, laments the financial toll on farmers, highlighting the disconnect between consumers who complain about produce prices and the harsh realities of farming.

The rain’s impact isn’t limited to strawberries. Raspberries, blueberries, and lettuce grown in the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions have also been affected. Businesses like Rural Earthworms work with packing sheds to utilise the waste generated.

Back at Taste ‘n’ See, Laura Wells finds a silver lining amidst the devastation, expressing gratitude for full dams and the prospect of lush grass. Her focus remains on the future and the farm’s recovery.

Published Date 18-August-2024

Photo Credit: Taste N See/ Instagram

Dine with Rugby Royalty: Caboolture Rugby Union Launches Fundraiser for Youth Development

On Saturday, 24 August, the Caboolture Rugby Union will host a star-studded luncheon, uniting rugby enthusiasts and community supporters for an inspiring afternoon of fundraising. Join them from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. as they rally behind their under-16 team’s transformative 2025 trip to New Zealand.

Read: New Officeworks and Storage Facility Proposed for Caboolture

Caboolture Rugby Union U16’s journey of a lifetime

The planned six-night excursion to New Zealand offers the young athletes a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in rugby culture, compete against local college teams, and gain invaluable exposure to professional training environments.

Beyond just competition, the trip includes a tour of the renowned Blues facility, where the team will witness firsthand the rigours of professional rugby training.

Star-studded fundraising luncheon

To turn this dream into reality, the Caboolture Rugby Union is hosting an exclusive fundraising luncheon on Saturday, August 24. This event features an impressive lineup of rugby luminaries: Wallabies legend George Smith, All Black Hosea Gear, and Caboolture Snakes’ very own Ryan Smith.

These rugby icons will share insights from their illustrious careers and offer attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the sport’s elite.

For $105pp, guests will enjoy not only the company of rugby royalty but also a comprehensive experience including a drinks package, delectable canapes, and the chance to participate in a silent auction. Lucky attendees might even walk away with a door prize, adding another layer of excitement to the afternoon.

Read: Golden Girl Kaylee McKeown Makes Olympic History with Fourth Individual Gold

This initiative is not just about supporting the team; it’s about investing in the future of rugby in the region. Secure your tickets here.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Caboolture Rugby Union Club/Facebook

Published 14-August-2024