Horizons College, a specialised school for students with learning difficulties and education challenges in Caboolture is urgently seeking a new location as its current site nears demolition and has reached maximum capacity.
The independent special assistance school in the Moreton Bay region caters to 220 students who face learning challenges or have experienced severe bullying. The school provides all necessary supplies, including stationery, textbooks, and food, with no mandatory uniform policy. Parents only pay a $30 weekly resource levy, as the school receives significant funding.
Pressing Need for New Premises
Principal Jane Robinson explained that their current facility, an old butter factory built in 1987, no longer meets their growing needs. With every classroom in use throughout the day, the school has no room for expansion.
The building’s lease expires at the end of 2026, after which the owner plans to demolish it due to persistent roof leaks during rainfall.
Community Support Sought
Horizons College is appealing to the community, local council, and state government for assistance finding a new home. The school is prepared to purchase land and construct a new building if necessary. However, their recent attempt to secure a 10-acre block near their current location could have been more successful due to constraints related to flood-prone areas. A City of Moreton Bay spokeswoman stated that the council’s planning scheme aims to limit development to areas not impacted by floodwaters.
The Department of Education clarified that it does not have jurisdiction over non-state schools’ day-to-day operations. Still, it noted that the Queensland Government is providing $137.8 million in capital assistance for non-state schools in 2024-25.
Independent Schools Australia, the governing body for Horizons College, pledged to continue working with the Federal Government to support schools like Horizons. Chief executive Graham Catt highlighted the growing demand for special assistance schools and their reliance on funding to maintain their important work in the community.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Caboolture State School was forced into a lockdown lasting over an hour after a student climbed onto the roof of the administration building.
The incident began around 2:30 PM, prompting school officials to initiate a precautionary lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Queensland Department of Education confirmed the event, describing it as a “behaviour incident.”
A spokesperson for the Department stated, “The school went into a brief precautionary lockdown yesterday during a behaviour incident in which a student climbed onto the roof of the administration building.” The lockdown was lifted after approximately one hour.
In response to the incident, the school has made counselling and support services available to all students and staff who may require assistance. The Department emphasised their commitment to student privacy and declined to provide further details about the individual involved.
This event highlights ongoing concerns about behaviour management in Queensland schools. A recent School Opinion Survey, released by the Department of Education in January 2024, revealed that 78.4% of Caboolture State School staff agreed that student behaviour was well-managed at their school.
However, the broader 2023 survey results painted a more concerning picture across the state, with over a third of Queensland schoolchildren and more than a quarter of staff believing their schools did not manage behaviour effectively.
The Caboolture State School administration reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe learning environment, stating, “The school continues to work diligently to promote safe and respectful interactions between students and a safe learning environment for everyone in the school community.”
A multi-million-dollar upgrade is planned for Sandstone Point Marina, formerly known as Spinnaker Sound Marina, promising new community facilities and an enhanced waterfront setting for locals and visitors alike.
Development group Ignite Projects, which is in the process of acquiring the marina, aims to revitalise the 40-year-old precinct.
Proposed Improvements
The draft upgrade plans include:
– An expansive waterside deck – New landscaping – Additional outdoor seating – Potential for other community-suggested improvements
Ignite Projects Director Josh Foote emphasised the marina’s significance, stating, “The Sandstone Point marina is the perfect gateway to Moreton Bay with all-weather protection for boats and less than one hour’s drive from Brisbane.”
New Residential Development
Alongside the marina upgrade, plans for a new waterfront apartment complex called Anchorage Sandstone Point were revealed. The development will include:
– 66 apartments across two buildings – 112 resident car parks and 42 secure visitor spaces – Over 250 square metres of recreation areas – A swimming pool – Bicycle parking and watercraft storage
Ignite Projects is expected to lodge a Development Application with the Moreton Bay Regional Council soon. The company also hinted at future plans for a boutique selection of townhomes.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Community Involvement
The upgrade plans were unveiled on Saturday, 13 July 2024, at a community event attended by approximately 180 people. Local residents and boat owners were invited to contribute ideas for improving the marina.
“We were very grateful for the opportunity to speak to the local community and hear their ideas, and we’re already making changes to our plans in response to this feedback,” Mr Foote said, expressing gratitude for the community input.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a developer front end their development. I’ve never seen a developer come to the community prior to lodging a DA (Development Application),” said City of Moreton Bay Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige, who praised the developers’ approach.
Queensland-based Murphy Builders are spearheading the project, following their recent completion of two other complexes in the area totaling 30 homes.
The development is designed with accessibility as a priority. Of the 24 units, three will meet Platinum standards, nine will meet Gold standards, and 12 will meet Silver standards under Queensland’s Livable Housing Guidelines. This ensures the homes will be suitable for people with disabilities and seniors with mobility needs.
Photo credit: Meaghan Scanlon MP/Facebook
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Homes for Queenslanders plan is getting more shovels in the ground and tradies on the tools to build the homes Queenslanders need.
Mark Ryan, Member for Morayfield, highlighted the project’s additional benefit: “One-bedroom units such as the ones we’re building here also provide an opportunity for seniors to downsize their home, freeing up larger social homes for families in need.”
Murphy Builders Director Mark Berry expressed pride in the company’s involvement, stating, “Murphy Builders are proud to be working with the Queensland Government on this worthwhile project.”
“The demand for housing throughout Queensland is well documented and my organisation is thrilled to be associated to and building a solution for this issue,” Mr Berry added.
The complex is expected to be completed by mid-2025, barring any weather or construction-related delays. This project is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at addressing housing needs in the region.
Individuals requiring housing assistance can contact the Caboolture Housing Service Centre on 5432 0700 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
This project would complete the newly developed precinct, joining EG Fuel, Oporto, and Carl’s Jr at 80 Morayfield Road. The Zarraffa’s Cafe, spanning 60 square metres, would feature nine vehicle queuing spaces and two remote order points, ensuring efficient service.
The proposal outlines reconfiguring the existing layout to accommodate the cafe and its dual drive-through lanes. Access to the Zarraffa’s would be through the shared driveway with Oporto and Carl’s Jr., while a new footpath connection to Frank Street is also planned.
Despite the increased scale, the developer asserts that the change could be more substantial, considering the site’s existing approval for a service station and three food outlets. The proposal highlights the service station’s role in supporting the growing residential area, with its various tenancies catering to the community’s needs.
Having opened in March, Carl’s Jr and Oporto already mark the precinct’s success. The addition of a 24/7 Zarraffa’s Cafe would further solidify Caboolture’s reputation as a thriving food destination.
A massive new city called Waraba, set to house 70,000 residents over the next 40 years, has broken ground in the Moreton Bay region, marking a significant milestone in addressing the lack of housing in South East Queensland.
The first sod was turned on 9 February 2024, signalling the start of construction at Lilywood Landings, the largest new residential community in Waraba’s first suburb, Lilywood.
Background of Waraba
Waraba, formerly known as Caboolture West, is a long-term development project aimed at creating a self-contained city. “Waraba” (pronounced wa-ra-ba) is borrowed from the Kabi Kabi language and means “burn.” This name refers to traditional land management practices carried out by the Kabi Kabi People as they care for the country. Traditional burning brings new life and enhances the health of the land and its people. The new city aspires to offer residents a fresh beginning where people care for each other and for the country.
Key Features of the Development
Population and Housing:
– Expected to house around 70,000 people – Plans for approximately 30,000 homes – Comparable in size to Mackay
Infrastructure and Amenities:
– Schools, parks, and sporting fields – A town centre – Extensive green spaces and conservation areas
Lilywood: The First Suburb
Lilywood, Waraba’s first suburb, draws its name from the Blue Flax-lily (Dianella caerulea), an evergreen perennial that flourishes along the waterways, including the Caboolture River. These native plants, known for their blue-green leaves, star-shaped blue flowers, and edible deep blue to purple berries, symbolise the aspirations for the new community: attractive, vibrant, hardy, resilient, and well-connected.
Lilywood Landings, developed by Lennium Group, serves as the gateway to the new city of Waraba. Spanning about 70 hectares, this project will provide a total of 705 lots, offering a range of housing options for the growing region. The development boasts 1.74 kilometres of Caboolture River frontage and over 23 hectares of parks and open spaces, creating a blend of natural beauty and urban living. Plans also include convenient amenities such as a local convenience store and childcare centre, catering to the daily needs of future residents.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Affordability and Market Response
In response to the housing crisis, Lilywood Landings offers affordable land options, starting from $280,000 for a 315 square metre block. These lots are suitable for building 3-4 bedroom family homes, providing an accessible entry point into the new home market. The development has already generated significant interest, with Lennium Group reporting 1,000 registrations of interest from potential buyers. The first land release, known as Merryvale, is being offered to VIP customers through a special pre-launch opportunity, highlighting the strong demand for housing in the area.
Construction Progress and Timeline
Construction of Lilywood Landings is progressing rapidly, with work on the first 228 blocks of land well underway. The developers anticipate that the first homes will begin construction by early 2025, marking a swift transition from planning to reality. Looking ahead, a display village is planned to showcase 30 new homes from 17 different builders, providing inspiration and options for future residents. This display village is scheduled to open in 2025, further cementing Waraba’s position as a growing residential hub.
Lilywood Landings places a strong emphasis on creating a balance between urban development and environmental preservation. The project features a 3.25-hectare central green spine and 20 hectares of parklands along the Caboolture River, offering residents ample green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The riverfront areas will provide opportunities for activities such as kayaking while also serving to protect the region’s biodiversity and habitat values.
In a nod to the area’s history, the Merryvale precinct takes its name from the Merryvale Jersey Stud, a farm owned by the pioneering Newton family. This approach of honouring the local farming legacy will continue across the nine planned precincts, creating a strong sense of place and community connection within Waraba.
A quest for closure continues for a family in Caboolture as they call for a full coronial inquest into the mysterious disappearance of Sandrine Jourdan. The family has launched a change.org petition, pressing for a deeper investigation into her case’s events.
Nakita Bull, who was only 12 when her mother vanished, has been a driving force behind the renewed push for answers. The Queensland coroner’s office has reopened the case, evaluating whether new evidence warrants a full inquest. This decision has rekindled hope for the family, who urge anyone with information, however minor it may seem, to come forward.
The case has gained renewed attention thanks to a podcast by Redcliffe’s Graeme Crowley, a retired police detective, and an “Under Investigation” episode with Liz Hayes aired earlier this year. These platforms have played a crucial role in encouraging individuals to share information, adding new leads to the investigation.
Sandrine Jourdan was last seen on July 13, 2012, at a property owned by a friend on Tomlinson Rd, Caboolture. Twelve years later, her family remains steadfast in their search for truth. Nakita and her older siblings, Sam and Jessie, and other family members continue to seek closure.
A 2016 coroner’s report delivered an open finding suggesting Sandrine’s disappearance was likely a suicide. Her family, however, strongly disputes this conclusion. Despite Sandrine’s mental health struggles, Nakita insists her mother was planning for the future and would not have willingly left her family behind.
The Jourdan family’s resolve is evident as the anniversary of Sandrine’s disappearance approaches. They implore the public to come forward with any details that might shed light on what happened. Nakita’s belief in the power of community support is unwavering, and the family remains hopeful that new information will surface.
Nakita describes her mother as a free spirit; Nakita recalls Sandrine’s friendly nature and deep dedication to her children. Despite her struggles, Sandrine was organised, keeping detailed journal entries until her disappearance. Nakita emphasises that mental health issues do not define a person entirely, and it is inconceivable to her family that Sandrine would have taken her own life.
Sandrine Jourdan’s family’s journey for answers continues as they strive to uncover the truth and the closure they desperately seek.
Gary Thompson, a renowned butcher from The Squealing Pig in Burpengary Plaza, is set to showcase his skills on the international stage at the World Butcher Wars.
This prestigious competition, part of the Smoke and Fire Festival at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, UK, will take place from 20-21 July 2024.
With over four decades of experience under his belt, Thompson will face off against 23 other contestants from 18 countries in a high-stakes challenge. He and Sydney butcher Brett Laws will be the sole representatives from Australia.
Photo credit: The Squealing Pig/Facebook
Competitors will have just 30 minutes to transform a saddle of pork and a side of lamb into as many products as possible, testing their creativity, technique, and speed under pressure.
Photo credit: The Squealing Pig/Facebook
The judging panel boasts industry heavyweights, including Keith Fisher, CEO of the Institute of Meat, and Stuart Louttit, a site operations manager overseeing the production of 1.4 million kilos of retail-ready meat weekly.
They will be joined by Luciana Berry, an ambassador for Brazilian cuisine in the UK, Shannon Walker, an Australian butcher and cookbook author, and Alana Empson, a butcher and meat enthusiast.
Photo credit: Theticus/Google Maps
Thompson’s journey to the world stage hasn’t been without its challenges. When he opened The Squealing Pig in Burpengary Plaza back in 2017, the shop’s name initially raised a few eyebrows. However, Thompson’s skill and dedication have since won over the community, which is now rallying behind him for this international competition.
Photo credit: The Squealing Pig/Facebook
“For me, the best part of competitions is the camaraderie of the contestants, the knowledge you gain, and the friendships you make along the way. They will last a lifetime!” Thompson shared, highlighting the personal growth that comes with these events.
The Burpengary butcher’s ambitions don’t stop at the World Butcher Wars. Thompson has also secured a spot in the World Butcher Challenge in Paris next year.
As Gary Thompson prepares to carve out his place on the global stage, the entire Burpengary Plaza community is cheering him on. His participation not only showcases his individual talent but also puts Burpengary on the map in the world of artisanal butchery.
The Caboolture Sports Club has officially opened its new cricket nets at the Grant Road Sports Complex, marking a significant improvement in local cricket facilities. This development is expected to enhance participation opportunities for the community.
The project, which replaced the old 3-lane outdoor nets with new 5-lane outdoor nets, was made possible through a $250,000 grant from Round 1 of the Queensland’s Minor Infrastructure Program (MIP). The funding aimed to improve the quality and safety of cricket facilities at the club.
The MIP, administered by the Department of Tourism and Sport, is designed to support Queensland’s active industry in delivering new, upgraded, and end-of-life infrastructure projects. In its first round, the program distributed a total of $16.36 million across 91 shovel-ready projects throughout the state.
Building on the success of Round 1, Queensland combined Round 2 of the MIP with the $30 million Inclusive Facilities Fund, resulting in a substantial $45 million investment in community sport and active recreation infrastructure projects.
This initiative aligns with the 10-year Activate! Queensland strategy, which aims to encourage more Queenslanders to engage in physical activity more frequently.
The completion of this project at the Caboolture Sports Club represents a positive step towards achieving the strategy’s goals, providing improved facilities that may inspire increased cricket participation in the local community.
At just 19, Calab Law is a young athlete with a meteoric rise in Australian athletics. The Caboolture native, hailing from the Wakka Wakka tribe near Cherbourg, burst onto the scene in 2022, shattering records and solidifying his place as Australia’s premier 200m sprinter.
Law’s journey started when he was a young child, spurred on by Cathy Freeman’s legendary victory at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Sharing Freeman’s Indigenous heritage, Law found hope and motivation in the Olympian’s achievements, fueling his own Olympic aspirations.
Initially drawn to track and field through family connections, Law’s natural talent quickly became evident. He advanced quickly under the guidance of his aunt and coach Andrew Iselin, dominating the junior ranks and, at the age of 18, earning a spot on the Australian senior team.
2022 proved to be a breakthrough year for Law. He achieved a remarkable bronze medal at the World Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, clocking an impressive 20.42 seconds—tantalisingly close to the Australian record. This victory marked the first global medal for an Australian male in the 200 m for three decades.
Law’s success continued as he secured qualification for the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, becoming the youngest Australian male in 11 years to achieve this feat. He showcased his immense potential by reaching the semi-finals, setting a personal best in the process.
Despite facing setbacks, including a stress fracture in early 2023, Law’s determination remained unwavering. He bounced back with gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, carrying his form into 2024 with a national 200m title victory and securing Olympic selection as part of the Australian 4x100m relay team.
Law’s impact extends beyond the track. He is a proud ambassador for the Share a Yarn initiative, connecting athletes with First Nations communities to foster cultural understanding and share knowledge within the sporting world.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Law’s ambition is clear: to emulate Cathy Freeman’s success on home soil and etch his name in Australian sporting history.
Calab Law’s story is one of talent, determination, and cultural pride. It’s a story that resonates with Australians, showcasing the power of inspiration and the unwavering spirit of a young athlete chasing his Olympic dreams. As Law continues to make strides on the track, his journey promises to be one to watch for years to come.
