Two Morayfield Parks Merges to One, Major Road Works Begin

Morayfield residents will soon see their community take shape in new ways, with two neighbouring parks officially merged under one name and preparatory work underway for a significant road widening project.

The City of Moreton Bay has formally adopted the name Nairn Park for two adjoining green spaces previously known as Nairn Road Park and Adelong Court Park. The decision, approved by councillors at a general meeting on 28 January, recognises that locals already treat the areas as a single park despite them being separated by a road reserve.





Mayor Peter Flannery said the change would make the park easier to locate and better reflect how the community uses the space.

“Although separated by a road reserve, the two parks function as a single open space,” Mayor Flannery said, according to a council statement. “Having one name better reflects how locals and visitors use the park, and what they typically call it.”

Division 12 Councillor Tony Latter, who pushed for the change after hearing from residents, said the unified name references Nairn Road, where both park areas are situated.

The name change followed community consultation between 12 November and 9 December last year.

Night works to include building demolition

Meanwhile, night-time construction work has begun at the corner of Morayfield Road and William Berry Drive as part of preparations for the $81 million Caboolture River Road widening project.

The work, running from 7pm to 5am, includes demolishing a vacant building at 193 Morayfield Road. Other activities involve installing fencing, removing an existing concrete slab, clearing waste material and laying new pavement.

Councillor Adam Hain said the main roads would remain open during the works, with one westbound lane of William Berry Drive staying accessible to traffic in both directions. Vehicle access to nearby businesses will continue via William Berry Drive and Morayfield Road.

The demolition and site preparation are part of enabling works for the larger Caboolture River Road upgrade, which will widen the 1.2-kilometre stretch between Morayfield Road and Grant Road from two lanes to four.

According to council documentation, other preparatory activities this month include landscaping and the completion of a new 60-space car park for Morayfield State School, which features a dedicated student drop-off and pick-up zone with an internal zebra crossing.

The main road construction is scheduled to begin later this year and finish in 2028. The project, jointly funded by the Queensland Government and City of Moreton Bay as part of the SEQ City Deal, will also include additional turn lanes at key intersections, new traffic lights at Amy and Kenneth streets, and upgraded signals at Grant and Morayfield roads.

New cycling and pedestrian paths will be installed on both sides of the road, whilst access at Ben Street and Lorebury Drive will be changed to left in/left out only.

Published 31-January-2026

Chris Paterson of Caboolture Receives Citizen of the Year from Moreton Bay

Chris Paterson has been named Citizen of the Year in the City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards for founding Bamboo Projects, a charity that employs people with disabilities to clean Caboolture and Pine rivers.



The Caboolture waterway restoration program combines environmental clean-up with inclusive employment, using accessible boats that accommodate workers living with disabilities or mental health challenges. Paterson’s team has removed over 80 tonnes of marine debris from local rivers while providing meaningful work and dignity to people often excluded from traditional employment.

Cleaning Caboolture River While Creating Jobs

Chris Paterson’s Bamboo Projects operates along the Caboolture and Pine river corridors, removing debris that accumulates in waterways while employing people who face barriers to standard employment. The accessible boats allow workers with varying physical abilities to participate in restoration work.

Chris Paterson of Bamboo Projects
Photo Credit: Chris Paterson/LinkedIn

The program has cleared over 80 tonnes of rubbish from local rivers, restoring water quality and riverbank health across Moreton Bay waterways. Beyond environmental benefits, the work provides employees with regular income, structure and purpose that traditional workplaces often fail to offer people with disabilities.

Paterson personally volunteers more than 30 hours weekly through Bamboo Projects, mentoring participants and supporting community members facing difficulties. His approach draws from lived experience, creating genuine belonging rather than token inclusion.

The charity demonstrates how environmental restoration can solve multiple community challenges simultaneously. Cleaner waterways benefit everyone using Caboolture and Pine rivers, while employment opportunities support people society frequently marginalises.

What This Means for Caboolture

The City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards recognise locals strengthening communities through sustained volunteer work and innovation. Unlike national honours, these council awards celebrate grassroots contributions happening within Moreton Bay’s suburbs and waterways.

For Caboolture residents, Chris Paterson’s Citizen of the Year recognition highlights how local environmental challenges can become opportunities for social inclusion. The Caboolture River clean-up directly benefits everyone who lives near, fishes in, or recreates along the waterway, while simultaneously addressing unemployment among people with disabilities.

Paterson’s 30-plus weekly volunteer hours demonstrate commitment beyond running a charity. His hands-on mentoring approach means participants receive genuine support rather than just employment paperwork, creating lasting relationships that help people rebuild confidence alongside cleaning rivers.



Published 28-January-2026.

Bellmere Land Deal brings 1000-lot Ambury Estate to Waraba Development Area

Property investment company CFMG Capital has acquired a 23.5-hectare site at 510 Bellmere Road for $19 million, expanding its holdings in the Waraba Priority Development Area and paving the way for a 1000-lot residential community.


Read: Bellmere Strawberry Farm Loses Millions After Heavy Queensland Rains


The Bellmere Road site was purchased from a local family and sits adjacent to CFMG’s existing land parcels in the area. The acquisition adds to the company’s earlier purchase of a 178.1-hectare site on Stern Road, which it bought for $50 million in early 2025. Combined, the sites bring CFMG’s total investment in Waraba to more than $100 million.

The Ambury development

Photo credit: LinkedIn/CFMG Capital

The newly acquired Bellmere Road property will form part of Ambury, a masterplanned community now spanning more than 200 hectares. The development is scheduled for launch later in 2026 and will deliver approximately 1000 residential lots over the coming years.

In a LinkedIn post announcing the acquisition, CFMG Capital stated the purchase “takes our total pipeline in the Waraba Priority Development Area to more than 1,700 lots across two projects, with a combined end value of over $700 million.”

Ambury sits within the Waraba Priority Development Area, formerly known as Caboolture West. The 2900-hectare PDA was declared in August 2024 by Economic Development Queensland, with development applications to be assessed by Moreton Bay Council.

Waraba is a 3480-hectare major expansion area within the Shaping SEQ Regional Plan. The broader PDA is expected to ultimately provide land for around 30,000 dwellings and accommodate approximately 70,000 residents over the next 40 years.

The development area is positioned between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, placing it within reach of both centres.

Infrastructure and facilities

Residents of the future Ambury community will have access to existing local infrastructure. Bellmere State School and Bellmere Early Education Centre are located three kilometres from the site.

Morayfield Shopping Centre, Caboolture Square and East Caboolture Village are all within six kilometres of the development, along with various recreational facilities. Caboolture Hospital is situated approximately 9.2 kilometres to the east.

Developer’s regional expansion

Photo credit: LinkedIn/CFMG Capital

CFMG general manager Andrew Thomson noted that Brisbane’s growth has historically been concentrated in the Logan and Ipswich areas, but indicated the northern corridor is expected to see increased development over the next decade.

Thomson pointed to the region’s existing infrastructure and its accessibility to both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast as factors in the area’s development potential.

The company stated it has already invested $100 million in the region and expects to invest at least that amount again over the next decade as it develops Ambury and its other project in the area, Bells Pocket.


Read: Nautipunk: A Unique Fusion Unveiled in Bellmere


With this acquisition, CFMG’s portfolio now includes more than 3000 lots in the pipeline across Queensland and Victoria. The company’s projects include Millwood Rise (Nambour), Farriers Creek (Burpengary), Arbourwood (Morayfield), Sovereign Estates (Rochedale), Riverleigh (Logan Reserve), Mayfair Lane (II) (Rochedale), Park Lane (Rochedale) and Bellmere (Waraba).

The Waraba Priority Development Area continues to take shape as one of South-East Queensland’s designated growth corridors.

Published 28-January-2026

Red-Bellied Black Snake Hitches Ride from Caboolture to Sunshine Coast

A night at the Caboolture rodeo took an unexpected turn for Sunshine Coast resident Mark Emsden when he discovered a two-metre red-bellied black snake clinging to his vehicle’s bonnet as he travelled home along the Bruce Highway.



Emsden spotted the reptile whilst driving at 110 kilometres per hour on the highway. The snake had apparently hitched a ride from Caboolture and crawled along the bonnet before appearing at the windscreen.

“It was a fantastic night but this was definitely unexpected on the way home,” Emsden said, describing how the snake stretched the entire length of the bonnet with its head at the windscreen while its tail remained wrapped over the bull bar.

Despite the shock of seeing a venomous snake on their moving vehicle, Emsden and his passengers were struck by the sight of the reptile’s distinctive bright red belly scales.

In an effort to avoid harming the animal, Emsden reduced his speed to approximately 40 kilometres per hour and maintained this pace for between five and 10 kilometres, hoping the snake would safely depart from the vehicle.

The reptile remained on the bonnet for about five kilometres before the driver was able to pull over at a McDonald’s restaurant. However, by the time the vehicle stopped, the snake had vanished, presumably into the engine bay.

“There’s obviously quite a few little nooks and crannies for it to have got into, but we couldn’t believe such a big snake just disappeared,” Emsden explained.

The family opted to leave the vehicle parked on the street overnight rather than in their garage and conducted further checks the following day, though the snake’s whereabouts remained unknown.

For Emsden’s passengers, who are new residents to the Sunshine Coast, the encounter served as an eye-opening introduction to local wildlife.

Red-bellied black snakes are commonly found throughout eastern Australia and typically inhabit areas near water sources such as rivers, creeks and wetlands. The species generally grows to between 1.5 and 2 metres in length and is distinguished by its glossy black upperparts and characteristic red or pink belly.



While the species is venomous, it is not typically aggressive and usually retreats when approached by humans. According to Australian Geographic, there have been no recorded human fatalities from red-bellied black snake bites in Australia.

Published 26-January-2026

Citizenship Ceremony Welcomes 450 New Australians In Moreton Bay

A citizenship ceremony in the City of Moreton Bay saw 450 residents formally become Australian citizens, representing almost 50 nations.



Citizenship Ceremony Held On Australia Day

The ceremony was held on Australia Day and formed part of local celebrations recognising new Australian citizens across the City of Moreton Bay. The 450 participants came from a wide range of countries, including Montenegro, Venezuela, Rwanda and Nepal.

The event marked a formal milestone for residents who have chosen to make their lives in the region, joining one of the country’s fastest-growing and most diverse urban areas.

new Australian citizens
Photo Credit: Supplied

Cultural Diversity Across Moreton Bay

The City of Moreton Bay was described as having a significant overseas-born population, with approximately one in five residents born outside Australia. The area was also described as encompassing at least 118 nationalities and more than 88 languages.

This diversity was reflected in the backgrounds of those sworn in, highlighting the broad cultural mix now present across the region.

Countries Of Origin Represented

Information released with the ceremony identified the top five countries of origin for new citizens in Moreton Bay as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, India, the Philippines and Nepal.

New Zealand accounted for the largest number of new citizens, followed by the United Kingdom and India. Smaller but notable numbers were recorded from the Philippines and Nepal.

Moreton Bay citizenship
Photo Credit: Supplied

Local Areas And Attractions Highlighted

New citizens were encouraged to explore Moreton Bay’s natural and cultural attractions. References were made to the region’s waterways, hinterland areas and beaches, as well as the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

The marine park was described as home to wildlife including humpback whales, dugongs and turtles. Cultural destinations such as art galleries, museums, historical walks and community markets were also highlighted as part of the local experience.

Australia Day Awards



Australia Day awards were also scheduled to be announced in connection with the ceremony, including Citizen of the Year and the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award.

Published 24-Jan-2026

Photo Credit: ChrisWhitingMP/Facebook

Moreton Bay Boy in Glass House Mountains Emergency Acknowledged by QAS

An 11-year-old Moreton Bay boy is being recognised for extraordinary bravery after stepping in to help during a medical emergency on a hiking track in the Glass House Mountains, where his calm actions supported others in a moment that stunned experienced adults.



The incident occurred during a bushwalk in the Glass House Mountains on 12 October 12 2025. Izak was hiking with his father, Karl, when they came across a man who was unconscious on the trail. The man was not part of their group. 

Karl contacted Triple Zero (000), while Izak remained with the patient and began CPR, drawing on his Scouts training. Other hikers, including members of the DC Hikers group and a fellow walker named John, arrived shortly after. Those present later described Izak as calm, focused and steady as he helped guide bystanders through chest compressions while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Despite the efforts of everyone on scene, the man sadly did not survive. Hikers said the man was not alone in his final moments and was surrounded by people who acted quickly and with care.

Recognition from Paramedics

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics who attended the scene later acknowledged Izak’s actions, saying his confidence and willingness to step forward stood out in a high-pressure situation. 

Izak was formally presented with a Certificate of Bravery and a Queensland Ambulance Service teddy bear at Narangba Ambulance Station. His family attended the presentation, which recognised his leadership and composure during the emergency.

Community Praise and Support

Members of the DC Hikers community later shared their reflections, saying Izak’s behaviour showed maturity beyond his years and left a strong impression on everyone present. They also expressed ongoing sympathy for the man who passed away and his family, noting the compassion shown by those who responded on the track and by emergency crews.

The Glass House Mountains are a popular destination for bushwalkers from Moreton Bay and surrounding regions.



Featured Image Credit: QAS/Facebook

Published 16-Jan-2026

What’s Next for Caboolture Warplane Museum’s Precious Collection?

Photo credit: Simon Hoby/Google Maps

As the dust settles on the closure of Caboolture Warplane Museum, questions are emerging about the fate of the precious artefacts, medals, and memorabilia that told three decades of Australia’s aviation history.


Read: End of an Era: Caboolture Warplane Museum Closes Doors After 30 Years


The museum’s collection, which included everything from WWII-era aircraft to personal effects of legendary aviators, will be redistributed to museum partners and historical organisations. But for some community members, concerns linger about whether these items will remain accessible to the public or disappear into storage vaults.

Photo credit: Steve/Google Maps

In their closure statement last month, the museum announced that “our collection, memorabilia, and the stories entrusted to us will live on through carefully selected museum partners and historical organisations.” Initial steps are now being taken to fulfill that promise.

Items Finding Their Way to National Institutions

Photo credit: Facebook/CWPMuseum

The Australian War Memorial has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring items from the collection, including memorabilia belonging to Leonard Waters. The Waters family has been contacted about where his display items and medals will be relocated, with decisions still being made about the final destination of these historically significant pieces.

The consultation with the Waters family reflects the museum’s commitment to handling these personally and culturally significant items with care and respect, ensuring that families have input into where their loved ones’ legacies will be preserved.

The Story of Len Waters

Caboolture Warplane
RAAF pilot Len Waters (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Waters, Patrick (2005-07-08)

Among the museum’s most significant exhibits was the tribute to Leonard Waters, Queensland’s first Aboriginal fighter pilot and the only Indigenous Australian to serve as a fighter pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.

According to community discussions following the museum’s closure, Waters’ family has been contacted and a decision will be made regarding where his display items and medals will go. The Australian War Memorial is interested in obtaining his collection, and it appears most likely it will be transferred there.

Among Waters’ honours was the Oorlogsherinneringskruis (Netherlands War Cross). His story at the Caboolture museum introduced many visitors to his groundbreaking achievements as Australia’s first Aboriginal military aviator.


Read: Caboolture Watchhouse Murals Reflect Local Culture


A Collection Built on Volunteers and Donations

Caboolture Warplane
Photo credit: Facebook/CWPMuseum

The Caboolture Warplane Museum’s collection represented 30 years of volunteer labour, donations, and community support. As a non-government institution, every item was acquired and maintained through the dedication of members who believed in preserving Australia’s aviation heritage for future generations.

The museum’s holdings included iconic aircraft such as the North American T-6 Texan, a Gipsy Moth, and a Huey helicopter, alongside the DC-47 Dakota that once served dignitaries including Sir Winston Churchill and King George VI. Beyond the aircraft, artefacts from WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam era told the human stories behind Australia’s aviation history.

The museum closed on December 19 after its hangar was sold and lease extension options expired, despite a petition by Federal Member for Longman Terry Young to save the institution.

Legacy Takes Flight

While the physical museum has closed, the careful distribution of its collection aims to ensure that the stories it preserved continue to educate and inspire. The museum’s commitment to selecting partners carefully offers hope that Australia’s aviation heritage will remain accessible to future generations.

For families like the Waters family, the transition represents both an ending and a continuation—ensuring that the sacrifices and achievements of their loved ones are preserved in institutions equipped to protect them for decades to come.

Published 15-January-2026

Bribie Island Boaties Warned as Biosecurity Campaign Targets Giant Invasive Oyster

Photo credit: Facebook/Biosecurity Queensland

Boaties launching from Bribie Island and across Moreton Bay are being met with stark biosecurity warnings this summer as authorities ramp up efforts to contain an invasive oyster species that first appeared in local canal systems 18 months ago.


Read: Kangaroo Rescued from Bribie Island Canal After Seven-Hour Ordeal


Large billboards have been erected at boat ramps and marinas throughout the region, urging vessel owners to clean their boats, trailers and fishing gear to prevent the spread of the Suminoe oyster during the peak summer boating season.

Photo credit: Facebook/Biosecurity Queensland

The signage campaign comes as a marine biosecurity alert remains active for waters where the pest has already been detected, including Bribie Island’s canal network, Boggy Creek near Pinkenba, and Kedron Brook in Brisbane.

While no confirmed sightings have been reported in the bay’s southern reaches, biosecurity officials are particularly concerned that increased vessel movements over the summer holidays could carry the species into new locations around Redland and other previously unaffected areas.

Legal Obligations for Boaties

Under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014, waterway users face legal obligations to prevent the oyster’s spread. The Suminoe oyster is classified as a biosecurity matter, placing a legal duty on boaties to take reasonable and practical steps to stop its movement between waterways.

The signage rollout is designed to reinforce legal compliance at a time when boat ramps, marinas and anchorages across Moreton Bay are experiencing their busiest period of the year.

Boat hulls, anchors, ropes, fishing equipment and trailers have been identified as the most likely pathways for the oyster to spread, particularly when vessels move between different locations without thorough cleaning between trips.

What is the Suminoe Oyster?

The invasive oyster also known as Suminoe Oyster (Photo credit: Facebook/Biosecurity Queensland)

The Suminoe oyster, scientifically known as Magallana ariakensis and also called the Chinese river oyster, is a large invasive oyster that can grow up to 240mm in length. The species may be difficult to distinguish from native oysters until it reaches maturity.

First detected in Australian waters in June 2023 in the Bribie Island canal system, the oyster has since been confirmed in several waterways including the Brisbane River, Kedron Brook and Boggy Creek. The discoveries prompted a coordinated response from state and federal biosecurity authorities.

The species is illegal to take, consume or use as bait in Queensland. Biosecurity officials warn the oyster can accumulate heavy metals and other pollutants as it filters water, particularly in urban waterways.

Biosecurity Queensland has determined the oyster cannot be eradicated from affected areas and is instead pursuing a containment and monitoring strategy that relies heavily on boatie cooperation and compliance with biosecurity protocols.

Federal Support and Research

The federal government is supporting Queensland’s response through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which oversees the National Introduced Marine Pest Information System. CSIRO is conducting genetic sequencing of the Suminoe oyster through the National Biodiversity DNA Library, work designed to improve detection capabilities using environmental DNA surveillance methods.

National guidance on managing invasive marine bivalves has been published by the department in conjunction with the Marine Pest Sectoral Committee. The Consultative Committee on Introduced Marine Pest Emergencies has provided technical advice to Queensland authorities throughout the response.

Federal officials acknowledge that while Queensland has not reported any observed commercial impacts to date, marine pests can have wide-ranging consequences for Australia’s unique marine ecosystems, the blue economy including aquaculture and fisheries, and social amenities.

The department has emphasised that although the full impacts of the Suminoe oyster are not well understood, further spread should be minimised to mitigate potential environmental, economic and social consequences.


Read: Bribie Island Erosion Project Moves Forward with Key Milestone Achieved


What Boaties Should Do

Anyone who spots a suspected Suminoe oyster should report it to Biosecurity Queensland. The agency is asking all waterway users to thoroughly clean boats, trailers and equipment between trips, particularly when moving between different waterways.

With summer in full swing and boat ramps across the region experiencing peak activity, the containment strategy relies on the local boating community taking biosecurity precautions.

Published 14-January-2026

Caboolture Police Officers Transform Family’s Garden After Father’s Life-Changing Accident

Photo credit: Facebook/myPolice Moreton

A simple garden project between a father and son has become a symbol of hope and community spirit in Caboolture, thanks to the extraordinary kindness of local police officers.


Read: PCYC Caboolture ‘After Dark’ Program Celebrates 10,000 Attendances Milestone


When Ayden Ryan and his young son transformed their front yard with plants and fresh mulch following a trip to Bunnings, neither could have imagined the heartbreak that lay ahead. Just months later, in February 2024, a motorcycle accident would change everything for the Caboolture family.

The 34-year-old father of two was riding home from a job interview—elated at landing a position as a realtor—when his motorcycle was hit by a car. The collision left him with severe leg injuries that have fundamentally altered his life. Now reliant on a cane and unable to run or play with his eight-year-old and two-year-old children, Ayden describes losing the sense of life he once had.

But from tragedy emerged a friendship that would help restore the family’s faith in humanity.

Sergeant Amanda Bourne was the first officer to arrive at the accident scene. While Ayden has no memory of that day, Sgt Bourne stayed beside him as paramedics delivered life-saving treatment on the roadway. She also broke the devastating news to Ayden’s wife, Simone.

Sgt Bourne recalled that those first interactions made it clear the Ryans were an exceptionally close family. The connection she felt with them that day sparked a lasting relationship built on genuine care and support.

Six months after the accident, the families met again, and Sgt Bourne has remained a pillar of strength for the Ryans ever since.

garden
Photo credit: QPS

In the weeks before Christmas, Sgt Bourne and 11 officers from Caboolture Station decided to give the family an unforgettable gift. The garden that Ayden and his son had once lovingly created together had deteriorated during his recovery—a physical representation of the family’s struggles.

According to the Queensland Police Service Moreton Bay Facebook page, the team spent just over an hour transforming the space with help from a local nursery. They mowed lawns, trimmed edges, replanted flora and spread fresh mulch. The officers also brought Christmas gifts for the family.

Ayden reflected that the garden had become a representation of the family’s state of mind. The restoration has given the family renewed hope heading into the festive season.

For Sgt Bourne, who has served as a police officer for over two decades, the experience was profoundly meaningful. She described it as the most rewarding day of her entire career, calling it a privilege to be part of something so positive.


Read: Caboolture Watchhouse Murals Reflect Local Culture


The gesture exemplifies the deep connections that can form between police and the communities they serve. For Ayden, who admits he’s not someone who readily asks for help, Sgt Bourne has become an unexpected guardian angel during his darkest hours.

As the renovated garden blooms again in their front yard, it stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of community kindness in Caboolture.

Published 12-January-2026

Caboolture Watchhouse Murals Reflect Local Culture

Publicly visible murals and a sculpture at the Caboolture Watchhouse in Caboolture have transformed the King Street building into a site of cultural storytelling and community learning.



How The Artworks Came To King Street

The Caboolture Watchhouse, located on King Street, became a visual landmark in August 2021 following the completion of large-scale artworks on its exterior walls. The artworks were designed to be viewed from the street and form part of the public environment in Caboolture.

Two murals were installed on opposite sides of the building, complemented by a stainless-steel sculpture positioned along the top of the wall.

King Street Caboolture
Photo Credit: QPS

Indigenous Stories Along The Western Wall

The western wall features First Nations artwork created by Indigenous artist James Doyle, who lives locally. The mural incorporates native wildlife and cultural symbols connected to Indigenous lore and shared values within the region.

Imagery includes cranes, black cockatoos, water, vegetation and meeting places, representing stories passed between generations. The artwork was designed to support cultural understanding and identity, with a focus on education and respect across communities.

Caboolture Watchhouse murals
Photo Credit: QPS

Working Dogs Honoured In Mural

On the eastern wall, a separate mural depicts five serving police dogs from the Moreton district. The artwork captures the dogs’ individual characteristics and presents them as working partners within the local policing environment.

One of the dogs featured is Police Dog Reaper, known for his focused and reliable working style. Reaper is depicted as “Mr Serious” in the mural, reflecting his reputation during active service.

Moreton region art
Photo Credit: QPS

Police Dog Reaper’s Retirement

Police Dog Reaper retired from duty in May 2025 after serving with the Moreton Dog Squad since July 2017. Now aged 10, Reaper concluded a career marked by the successful tracking and detention of offenders, as well as locating missing people.

Although not bred as a police dog, Reaper displayed traits that, with development, led to his long service record. Following his retirement, Reaper remains with his handler and family. Of the dogs featured in the Caboolture Watchhouse mural, his retirement leaves Police Dog Gator as the only one still actively serving.

Karbul-Ture And The Name Caboolture

Mounted above the murals is a stainless-steel carpet snake sculpture titled Karbul-Ture. The name reflects the origin of Caboolture, meaning “home of the carpet snake” in local First Nations language.

The sculpture acknowledges the cultural connection between the area and the carpet snake, a symbol long associated with Caboolture and widely recognised within the local community.

public art Caboolture
Photo Credit: QPS

Educational Resource Released In 2022

In July 2022, an additional Indigenous mural and the carpet snake sculpture were formally unveiled during NAIDOC Week. An accompanying educational booklet titled Stories of the Lore and the Law was released later that year.

The publication explains five interconnected stories depicted in the mural and includes language elements from Gubbi Gubbi, Gungarri and Widi. A digital version featuring illustrations and videos was also made available for community and school use.

Outlook



Since their installation, the murals and sculpture at the Caboolture Watchhouse have remained a prominent public feature along King Street. Despite changes to how the building is used, the artworks continue to present local stories, cultural identity and history to the Caboolture community.

Published 6-Jan-2026

Photo Credit: QPS