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

Photo credit: pcyc.org.au

PCYC Caboolture has reached a significant milestone, recording 10,000 attendances at its After Dark program since launching in 2023. The achievement represents 10,000 occasions where young people have chosen to spend their evenings playing sport, building friendships, and connecting with mentors in a safe, supervised environment.

Read: $17.5M PCYC Caboolture Project Brings Sport And Support Together

The milestone comes as PCYC Caboolture prepares for another major development, with a new facility on King Street set to open early next year. However, the successful After Dark program will continue operating from its current location at Dickson Park, directly across from Morayfield Shopping Centre.

Program manager Sergeant Mark Haestier says the numbers reflect the trust young people have placed in PCYC as a consistent, supportive space. While the program targets 12 to 19-year-olds, it’s not unusual for older participants to drop by simply to maintain connections and stay involved with the community they have built.

They come here for connection, Sgt Haestier notes, emphasising that there’s no typical attendee. The program attracts sporty kids playing touch footy, music lovers, and many young people who haven’t found their place elsewhere but feel they belong at PCYC.

The program has been supported by five Queensland Police Service officers who patrol the shopping precinct and surrounding areas. These officers have developed positive relationships with young people whilst helping to prevent incidents, contributing to what Sgt Haestier describes as a significant cultural and behavioural shift towards positive change.

PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz has commended the program’s success, highlighting how After Dark creates an inclusive space where young people can genuinely belong. The community’s support has been instrumental in making the program what Sgt Haestier calls the most safe space for young people.

About the After Dark Program

After Dark was established in 2023 in direct response to concerns from police and the community regarding youth anti-social behaviour at Morayfield Shopping Centre. Rather than simply moving young people along, the program offers them somewhere constructive to go.

The free, weekly program is designed for young people aged 12 to 18 who may be experiencing some level of disengagement from community, family, or school. It uses sport as a tool to empower participants by improving their physical health and wellbeing, emotional resilience, self-esteem, and confidence.

After Dark operates after hours at PCYC facilities, offering basketball, boxing, touch footy, and six other endorsed sports in a safe, structured peer environment. Young people can participate in activities, make friends, and engage with program mentors under Queensland Police Officer supervision.

The program’s impact extends beyond just providing activities. Since its launch, there has been a significant reduction in incidents at the shopping centre, demonstrating the positive impact of creating opportunities for young people.

The success of After Dark at PCYC Caboolture shows what’s possible when community, police, and youth services work together to create genuine solutions. With consistent program delivery and a commitment to always being there for young people, PCYC has built something that clearly resonates with local youth.

Read: Regional Reset Program Brings New Opportunities for At‑Risk Youth in Caboolture

As PCYC Caboolture moves most of its operations, including youth programs, gymnastics, and a 24/7 gym, to the new King Street facility in the new year, the decision to keep After Dark at Dickson Park reflects the program’s mission. Accessibility matters, and staying close to where young people gather ensures the program can continue serving those who need it most.

Published 31-December-2025

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

Did you know that after three decades of preserving Australia’s aviation heritage, the Caboolture Warplane Museum, which until last month was Queensland’s only operational warplane museum, closed a week before Christmas?

Read: Caboolture Students Take Top Honours at Queensland Aerospace Awards

The museum’s final day was on 19 December, giving visitors one last chance to walk through the hangar, hear the stories behind the aircraft, and experience the history shared by dedicated volunteers. Used books from their library and DVDs were also made available for purchase—many of them for the very last time, with all merchandise offered at half price.

In a post-closure message posted on their Facebook page, the museum expressed gratitude to everyone who supported their mission over the years. “Although our doors have now closed, our story does not end,” the museum stated.

“Like the cycle of life—what has been cherished continues to offer new purpose—our collection, memorabilia, and the stories entrusted to us will live on. Through carefully selected museum partners and historical organisations, the artefacts and knowledge we have protected will continue to educate, inspire, and enrich future generations. In this way, the legacy of our museum takes flight once more, carried forward by institutions equipped to share it with the world.”

The museum thanked visitors, volunteers, donors, veterans, families, and friends for ensuring that the achievements, sacrifices, and innovations of those who came before would never be forgotten.

Petition to Save the Museum

Federal Member for Longman Terry Young launched a petition to save the museum after its hangar was sold and the lease extension was set to expire in March 2026.

“Without help the museum could be forced to close its doors forever,” Mr Young warned at the time, calling for community support to preserve this piece of local and national heritage.

The campaign highlighted the museum’s precarious position at Caboolture Airfield, where the privately owned lease had ended. According to a media release from Mr Young’s office, the museum faced the difficult choice of relocating, seeking a short-term extension, or finding alternative premises. The museum was ultimately unable to secure a long-term solution to remain operational.

Three Decades of Aviation History

Since opening its doors in 1995, Caboolture Warplane Museum was envisaged as a living institution where restored warplanes would actually fly, setting it apart from traditional static displays. The museum offered visitors immersive experiences, such as sitting in the pilot’s seat of a Huey helicopter and viewing the DC-47 Dakota that once served dignitaries.

As a non-government museum, it relied on money earned from activities, gate takings, sales, donations, and grants—all derived predominantly through the voluntary labour of its members. As a non-government institution, every dollar earned went directly back into preserving the aircraft and educational programs for future generations.

The museum’s collection included iconic aircraft such as the North American T-6 Texan and Gipsy Moth, alongside a Huey helicopter. One of its prized exhibits was the DC-47 Dakota that once served dignitaries including Sir Winston Churchill and King George VI. Beyond the aircraft, the museum featured displays depicting Australia’s flight heritage, with artefacts from WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam era. The museum also told the stories of legendary figures like Leonard Waters, Queensland’s first Aboriginal fighter pilot.

The museum’s impact on the community was recognised through numerous awards, including Tourism Events Queensland’s Best-of-Experiences 2024 and being named Most Popular Kids Activity in Caboolture for five consecutive years from 2020 to 2024.

Read: Caboolture’s Cultural Milestone: Abbey Museum Undergoes Major Expansion

While the physical museum has closed, its legacy will continue through the careful distribution of its collection to museum partners and historical organisations committed to preserving Australia’s aviation history for future generations.

Published 29-December-2025

Young Morayfield Student Wins Two National Medals in Canberra

A Year 5 student from Morayfield has returned from Canberra with two national medals after competing at the 2025 School Sport Track and Field National Championships.

Read: Caboolture Students Take Top Honours at Queensland Aerospace Awards

Bella Samson, aged 10 and a student at Carmichael College, represented Queensland at the national competition held in late 2025. She finished second in the 10-12 years girls’ discus and third in the shot put, earning silver and bronze medals for Queensland.

Bella began participating in athletics two years ago. Since then, she has won state titles in both the discus and shot put through Little Athletics Queensland.

Photo credit: Facebook/Carmichael College

At the national championships, Bella competed against other top junior athletes from around Australia and achieved podium finishes in her age category. Her performance contributed to Queensland’s team at the event.

Bella’s participation in the national championships followed her results at the Queensland School Sport state titles in Townsville. There, she recorded a discus throw of 35.18 metres, and she won the shot put with a personal best of 10.32 metres on her final attempt.

In addition to her success in throwing events, Bella has also competed in race walking with Deception Bay Little Athletics, winning at the state level in both the 1100-metre and 2-kilometre race walk events.

Earlier in her athletics involvement, Bella won every event she competed in at her school sports carnival. She collected multiple first-place ribbons and the age champion award at that event, which led to her joining Deception Bay Little Athletics.

Read: Sydney Investor Backs Morayfield Growth with $24m Purchase

While training with Deception Bay Little Athletics, Bella was noticed by throwing coaches and invited to join a specialised training squad. She continues to compete in shot put, discus and race walk events.

Bella’s medals at the 2025 national championships represent her first national podium finishes in inter-school competition.

Featured image credit: Facebook/Carmichael College

Published 22-December-2025

Construction Tender Awarded For Caboolture Clubhouse Upgrade

New clubhouse facilities at Caboolture Rugby League Club are moving closer after a construction tender was awarded for a staged redevelopment of the club’s facilities.

From Render To Tender

In a September 2025 update, City of Moreton Bay committed to helping deliver a new clubhouse for the Caboolture Snakes Rugby League Club, with plans described as set to kick off in early 2026.

By 16 December 2025, a tender had been awarded for the project, which is valued at $14.5 million and will be delivered across two stages.

Caboolture Rugby League Club — *Photo Credit:* *Caboolture Snakes Junior Rugby League Club*/Facebook

What The Build Will Include

The staged redevelopment is set to deliver a range of new facilities. The December 2025 project scope includes club offices, change rooms, public amenities, kitchen and canteen facilities, and tiered outdoor seating for spectators.

Earlier plans released in September 2025 also detailed stage one works including a main operations building with changerooms, first-aid space, referee room, club offices, a retail store, and a modern score and media booth.

Stage two was described as including a kitchen and clubroom, an internal formal seating area with a game-day viewing platform, and an outdoor alfresco area.

Infrastructure And Shared Use

The December 2025 update states the project includes water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, intended to benefit co-located clubs and enable future expansion of the precinct.

The same update indicates the upgraded amenities and other facilities are expected to benefit not only the rugby league club, but also other local sporting groups that use the site, including table tennis and boxing.

*Photo Credit:* *Caboolture Snakes Junior Rugby League Club*/Facebook

Accessibility Features

The December 2025 project description includes accessibility measures intended to support people with disability, including accessible public amenities, seating, kitchen facilities and a scoring booth.

The redevelopment also includes fully accessible change rooms described as better catering for female teams.

Funding And Timeframes

The project includes $3 million in funding through the Investing in Our Communities (IiOC) program. Stage 1 is due for completion in early 2027, while Stage 2 is expected to be finished in mid-2028, weather permitting.

What Happens Next

With the tender awarded, the December 2025 updates indicate construction will soon begin on the new clubhouse facilities in Caboolture.

Published 19-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: AdamHain/Facebook

Major Roadworks to Transform Morayfield State School Frontage

A major funding injection will see Caboolture River Road widened to four lanes and Morayfield State School receive a brand new car park to tackle local congestion.

Upgrading School Safety

The changes at Morayfield State School aim to fix long-standing issues with the ageing car park. City of Moreton Bay Council has confirmed that the school will receive a transformed facility to help families navigate the busy morning and afternoon periods. The plan includes a new car park with 60 spaces and a dedicated zone for student drop-offs and pick-ups. Planners have designed the area to include an internal zebra crossing and a new path, ensuring that children and parents can walk to their vehicles without dodging traffic.

Adam Hain, the councillor for Division 3, noted that it was practical to include the school upgrades within the broader road project. He explained that widening the road meant repurposing some land along the school frontage, which created an opportunity to fix the parking situation at the same time. Hain highlighted that the new design includes accessible parking bays and tactile indicators for the vision impaired, making the school more inclusive for all families.

Wider Road Improvements

Beyond the school gates, the project targets congestion on a 1.2-kilometre stretch of Caboolture River Road. The upgrade will widen the road from two lanes to four between Grant Road and Morayfield Road, adding a central median strip to separate traffic. This section of road is a key route for locals, and the expansion is designed to handle the increasing number of vehicles in the area.

Changes to traffic flow are also part of the plan. Crews will install new traffic lights at the intersection of Amy and Kenneth Streets and upgrade the existing signals at Grant Road and Morayfield Road. Drivers using Ben Street and Lorebury Drive will see access changes, with turns restricted to left-in and left-out only. To support active transport, new paths for cyclists and pedestrians will be built on both sides of the road.

Funding and Future Growth

This infrastructure boost is a joint effort between the Queensland Government and the City of Moreton Bay. The state government is contributing $71 million, while the council is adding $10 million. Jarrod Bleijie, the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, stated that the government is backing the project to support the rapid population growth in the region. He emphasised that local communities need infrastructure that keeps pace with development.

The project was described as a crucial update for the city’s road network. The council and the Department of Education worked together to ensure the school transit facility meets modern standards. Safety around the school was a main priority during the design process, and the feedback from the school community helped shape the final plan.

Construction timeline

Work on the project is scheduled to begin in December 2025. Contractors plan to use the summer school holidays to complete as much of the school car park construction as possible, aiming to finish that portion by early 2026.

This schedule is intended to reduce disruption for students and teachers. Following the school upgrades, service relocation works will take place in the first half of the next year. The major road construction is expected to start in late 2026, with a target completion date in 2028.

Published Date 18-December-2025

Story Dogs Program Supports Young Readers In Burpengary

Children attending Burpengary Library are taking part in a literacy support program that pairs young readers with a trained dog, offering a calm and supportive environment to practise reading aloud.

A Supportive Reading Environment In Burpengary

The Story Dogs program has been operating through libraries across the region, focusing on children who may struggle with reading or lack confidence. The program encourages children to read aloud to a trained dog, helping reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed reading experience.

At Burpengary Library, the program has attracted strong interest from families, with sessions regularly reaching full capacity. The approach is designed to support literacy development while making reading a positive and enjoyable activity.

Burpengary Library Story Dogs — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

How The Sessions Work

Each Story Dogs session runs for 15 to 20 minutes and is delivered on an individual basis. Children are given the opportunity to read at their own pace while sitting alongside the dog, without pressure or judgement.

Scout, a five-year-old Border Collie, takes part in the sessions. He has been trained to remain calm and attentive, allowing children to focus on their reading while interacting with him. The sessions are often booked weeks in advance, reflecting ongoing demand from families.

At the conclusion of each session, children are able to choose a Story Dogs bookmark and a Scout sticker as a small keepsake.

Experience Beyond The Library

Scout began his Story Dogs journey in June at Narangba Valley State School, where he supported students during reading activities. He is also a regular visitor to aged care facilities and a disability home, experiences that have helped him remain comfortable in busy and varied settings.

His familiarity with children extends to school pick-up environments, where he has been present since he was a puppy.

Program Availability

Story Dogs reading sessions are currently offered at Burpengary, Bribie Island, Deception Bay and North Lakes libraries. The program continues to provide families with an additional literacy support option in a welcoming library setting.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Caboolture Waterways Reveal Thriving Platypus Population

Recent environmental testing has confirmed that the elusive platypus is thriving in unexpected numbers across the Caboolture region and surrounding urban waterways, proving these unique animals are more resilient than experts initially believed.

Widespread Discovery

A thorough monitoring project focused on local water catchments has changed the way environmentalists view the local platypus population. Through the use of Environmental DNA, also known as eDNA, researchers identified the presence of these animals in the Caboolture, North Pine, South Pine, Stanley, and Maroochy River catchments. This advanced testing method allows scientists to detect the animals by testing water samples during breeding season, which occurs in July and August. This approach is preferred because it does not disturb the animals or their habitat.

The scope of the platypus population has surprised local officials. Mayor Peter Flannery noted that the results indicate the species is much more widespread than the council first anticipated. The study found positive results in at least 37 creeks and rivers across all major water catchments.

Surviving in the Suburbs

What makes these findings particularly interesting for residents is where the animals are choosing to live. The data shows that platypuses are persisting in highly urbanised environments, not just in secluded bushland. Positive DNA samples were returned from Conflagration Creek, which is located near a major industrial area. This suggests the species has a strong ability to adapt to city living and man-made waterways.

Beyond the scientific data, physical sightings have backed up the laboratory results. There have been reports of platypuses in farm dams and residential areas. In one instance, a council environment officer observed a platypus crossing Forest Hills Drive near Morayfield. While eDNA is highly effective, it is not the only tool used. Camera traps and reports from the community have confirmed the animal is present even in some locations where the water samples came back negative.

Tracking for the Future

The monitoring program has grown significantly over the last two years. A pilot version of the project ran in 2023, where 36 out of 84 sites tested positive for platypus DNA. In 2024, the program expanded to 155 sites, yielding 71 positive detections. In the most recent round of testing, that number rose again to 90 positive results.

While the numbers are higher, officials are cautious about claiming the population is definitely growing. The Mayor stated that it is too early to determine if the population is increasing, but described the results as promising for the region. The primary goal of this ongoing work is to help the council protect platypus habitats. By establishing a baseline now, they can track trends over time and manage the environment to support the long-term survival of the species.

Published Date 11-December-2025

Changing Places Network Plan Guides New Facilities in Caboolture and Nearby Suburbs

An award-recognised accessibility plan is guiding new Changing Places facilities across Caboolture, Burpengary, Bribie Island and South Pine to support residents with higher support needs.

Recognition for Regional Accessibility Planning

City of Moreton Bay’s Changing Places Network Plan was publicly acknowledged in November 2025 for its approach to improving access for people with high support needs. The plan was developed through consultation with community members, service providers and specialists and is the first of its kind prepared by a local government in Australia.

Changing Places facilities — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Why These Facilities Matter

Changing Places amenities support people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. Each facility includes specialised features such as a height-adjustable adult change table, ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet, privacy screen and, in some instances, a shower.

The facilities address concerns including restricted fluid intake, prolonged use of soiled clothing, changing on bathroom floors and unsafe manual lifting, which may affect both individuals and carers. Findings from national reporting highlight higher rates of social isolation, loneliness and access difficulties among people with disability, reinforcing the need for appropriate public amenities.

disability access — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Existing Network Including South Pine

As of July 2024, three Changing Places locations were operating across the region: South Pine Indoor Sports Centre, Redcliffe Library and Albany Creek Aquatic and Leisure Centre. These form the base of a long-term rollout guided by the network plan.

New Facilities for Caboolture, Burpengary and Bribie Island

Several future locations have been identified:

Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre, with completion planned for 2026
Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, proposed to open by late 2025
Caboolture Pool and Fitness Centre
Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre

Additional future facilities are planned for Centenary Lakes, Pine Rivers Park and Suttons Beach.

Changing Places Caboolture Burpengary — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Planning for Future Demand

The plan responds to a projected increase in residents with profound or severe disability, with estimates reaching 52,000 people by 2041.

Expanding access in Caboolture, Burpengary, Bribie Island and South Pine supports long-term participation in sport, recreation, education and community events.

Next Steps

The network plan will continue to guide staged delivery of new facilities, with Bribie Island’s Woorim Beach site scheduled for completion in late 2025 and Burpengary following in 2026. Caboolture locations remain in development as part of broader accessibility upgrades across the region.

Published 11-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Caboolture Child Injury Case Ends In Guilty Verdict For Mother

A mother has been found guilty in a District Court ruling over a Caboolture child injury case after the court determined she caused serious harm to her seven-month-old daughter while the infant was in her care.

Judge Finds Force Caused Infant’s Injuries In Caboolture

A Caboolture mother has been found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to her seven-month-old daughter after a four-week judge-only trial. The incident occurred on 24 July 2015 at Caboolture, when the baby was alone in her mother’s care.

The court found that a deliberate accelerative and decelerative force was applied to the infant’s head, consistent with violent shaking. Extensive medical evidence showed the child suffered a subdural haemorrhage and retinal haemorrhaging as a result of that force.

infant brain injury — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Medical Response At Caboolture Hospital And Lady Cilento

The mother took the baby to Caboolture Hospital just after 4:10 p.m. The child was described as pale, breathing fast and shallow, and unresponsive to stimulus. Scans revealed skull fractures and a subdural haemorrhage.

The infant was transferred to Lady Cilento Hospital, where a consultant paediatric neurosurgeon operated on her. The judge found the child would likely have died without the medical intervention by staff at both Caboolture Hospital and Lady Cilento Hospital.

Court Rejects Alternative Explanations

In reaching the verdict, the judge rejected suggestions that an unknown person may have harmed the baby while the mother inspected potential rental accommodation earlier in the day. The court also dismissed the possibility that ambulance officers or hospital staff caused or contributed to the injuries.

The judge concluded the infant had no pre-existing abnormality, disease or disorder that may have caused or contributed to the subdural haemorrhage. The mother’s partner, the child’s two-year-old sister and any accidental or self-inflicted mechanism were also excluded as possible causes.

Community Reaction To Caboolture Child Injury Case

Social media users have responded strongly to the Caboolture child injury case. Commenters expressed anger and distress over the baby’s injuries, questioned why help was not sought earlier, and raised concerns about the mother’s fitness to care for children. Many called for significant penalties and emphasised the vulnerability of infants in such situations.

Sentencing To Follow In December

The mother has been remanded in custody pending sentence on 19 December. The District Court’s decision formally confirms that the child’s injuries were caused by deliberate force applied while she was in her mother’s care in Caboolture.

Published 11-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Beachmere Foreshore Updates Aim to Balance Recreation and Shorebird Protection

The Beachmere foreshore has been a popular place for dog walkers, horse riders and families, and from 1 December 2025, updated recreation zones took effect to better balance everyday use with environmental protection.

Read: Beachmere Water Meters Get Major Upgrade As Unitywater Moves To Improve Accuracy

The changes followed community feedback, environmental assessments and consultation with the Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation. Local officials said the updated layout aimed to safeguard important roosting and foraging areas for migratory shorebirds while still keeping the foreshore accessible for recreation.

One of the main updates was the introduction of a 13-hectare Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) at the southern end of Biggs Avenue. Moreton Bay said this dedicated year-round area formed part of a broader plan to reduce disturbance to sensitive habitat zones.

Photo credit: Darren Collier/Google Maps

A seasonal DOLA at Bayside Drive also came into effect. Dogs are permitted off-leash there from 1 May to 31 July each year, and the area becomes on-leash from 1 August to 30 April. Council said this seasonal approach reflected shorebird protection requirements, particularly during periods when migratory species use the foreshore.

Local officials noted that dogs can disturb shorebirds’ feeding and resting patterns, and the seasonal structure was designed with this in mind. The updated signage, installed ahead of 1 December, was intended to help clarify where dogs could be off-leash or on-leash.

Beachmere Foreshore — Photo credit: Sam Bailey/Google Maps

For horse riders, dedicated exercise areas between Beachmere Conservation Park and Louise Drive were retained. Council said this ensured continued access for riders while still supporting environmental protections in nearby areas.

On-leash dog recreation areas between Biggs Avenue and Prince Street were also maintained. Council described these sections as a middle ground that allowed families to bring their dogs while supporting the updated management approach along the foreshore.

The messaging around the changes emphasised practical reasons—particularly the importance of protecting endangered migratory shorebirds that travel long distances to reach Moreton Bay each year. Council said maintaining suitable habitat was essential for both the birds and the region’s environmental responsibilities.

City officials acknowledged the community’s role in shaping the final plan, noting that local feedback helped guide the size and position of the revised recreation areas. The City of Moreton Bay reported that consultation highlighted a desire for clearer boundaries and improved communication about environmental considerations.

Read: Facility Upgrades Support Growing Equestrian Community in Burpengary

Signage installation began ahead of the December changeover, and the City of Moreton Bay prepared community education activities to help residents and visitors understand the updated layout. The aim, according to the city’s officials, was to encourage a shared approach where recreation and conservation could coexist effectively along the Beachmere foreshore.

Featured image credit: Clement Briancon/Google Maps

Published 8-December-2025