Frustration is growing among residents in Burpengary after two people wearing balaclavas looted e-scooters from a local storage facility still reeling from a major fire that destroyed nearly 200 units.
The community’s patience is wearing thin following a brazen theft at the fire-damaged Storage King site on Old Gympie Road. Affected unit holder Judy Wilson-Hewitt has voiced her deep disappointment with the handling of the incident. She stated that a lack of transparency, poor communication, and questionable decision-making by site management have only added to the distress and anger experienced by many locals. She believes all those who lost property in the initial blaze deserve answers and fair treatment, not what she described as secrecy and neglect.
The original fire tore through the facility on Wednesday, 11 June, completely destroying 188 storage units and leaving the site blocked off to the public. The cause of that blaze remains under investigation.
The subsequent looting has raised serious questions about the security of the property. CCTV footage captured two individuals walking into one of the damaged units and riding away on the stolen e-scooters. In a statement released to unit holders on 3 July, Storage King Burpengary confirmed the theft occurred at around 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, 26 June.
Management said the matter was immediately reported to police and that all CCTV footage had been provided to assist with the investigation. The company also noted that an on-site security presence has been in place since the fire and will remain until perimeter fences and gates are fully operational again. They added that the site has active alarms and that security measures have been reviewed and adjusted following the breach.
A Queensland Police Spokeswoman confirmed they are investigating the theft. Police reports indicate that two people gained access to a storage shed at the address around 10:50 pm before removing the two e-scooters and fleeing the area.
The incident has also brought the facility’s storage policies into focus. While Storage King’s terms and conditions forbid storing hazardous, dangerous, or flammable goods, e-scooters are not explicitly named on the prohibited items list. Police are now appealing for anyone with information about either the fire or the subsequent theft to come forward as their investigations into both matters continue.
When 12-year-old Nakita Bull said goodbye to her mum at a rural property in Caboolture, she never imagined it would be the last time. Sandrine Jourdan, 37, disappeared later that day in July 2012, and despite her personal belongings being found near a secluded front gate, no trace of her has ever been found. What started as a missing persons case was quickly closed by police, who labelled it likely suicide. Now, more than a decade later, her family is leaning on artificial intelligence (AI) and renewed public attention to uncover insights that can lead to the truth and gain some closure on what they believe really happened.
“It is inconceivable to us that she would have taken her own life”
For over a decade, Nakita, along with her siblings Sam and Jessie, have continued the quest for answers.
Nakita said, “My mother was a loving and devoted parent, and her whole world revolved around us children.” She added, “It is inconceivable to us that she would have taken her own life.”
Sandrine was known for writing detailed journal entries right up until her disappearance, and she had recently completed a healing course to address her mental health. Despite her struggles, the family emphasises she was planning for the future and in no way prepared to walk away from her children.
Sandrine had been visiting John Bim’s property in Caboolture that day. It was secluded, set on five acres, surrounded by thick bushland and wetlands. John told police he left for motocross around 5:30 p.m., just minutes after Sandrine walked toward the front gate. He claimed she was gone by the time he drove down.
A neighbour, Jan Martin, told investigators she heard three loud gunshots on the property that day. She says she reported the noise to police, but there’s no record that her report was followed up.
Six months later, Sandrine’s ex-partner received a four-page letter in the post. It was signed by someone named Rosetta Bunton — a person no one in the family has ever known or found. The letter was personal, cruel, and included specific knowledge of the family that raised serious alarm. It implied that Sandrine was unstable and promiscuous, though psychologists later described the tone as character assassination rather than insight.
Even more unsettling was what came next.
In 2015, three years after her disappearance, a private investigator working for the family found items of women’s clothing at the back of a neighbouring property, just three doors down from where Sandrine was last seen. The clothes matched what she was reportedly wearing that day: black pants, a purple top, and a handbag. They were wrapped in plastic and carpet, discovered after floods had shifted debris across nearby properties.
The police dismissed the items as unrelated. The family says they were never given a proper chance to view them. Eventually, the evidence was destroyed.
Technology steps in where the system left off
Frustrated by dead ends and what they believe was a rushed conclusion, Sandrine’s family has turned to new tools. A new podcast, AI Investigates: Sandrine Jourdan, is now re-examining the case using artificial intelligence.
In the first episode, aired 14 July 2025, host Rachael Vickers explains how AI tools flagged inconsistencies in the statements of people Sandrine interacted with just before she vanished, including gaps in timelines and contradictions in witness accounts. Natural language processing is also being used to compare Sandrine’s handwritten journals with the tone and phrasing of the anonymous “Rosetta Bunton” letter, which was sent to her ex-partner months after she went missing. Analysts are checking whether the letter’s language matches anyone known to the case.
Digital forensics experts also examined Sandrine’s laptops — one of which contained encrypted software typically used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. A second device revealed access to a website previously flagged in human trafficking investigations. This kind of activity, revealed through AI-enhanced scanning, added disturbing new dimensions to the case, particularly given Sandrine’s expressed fears that she was being followed or targeted.
The team behind the podcast argues this isn’t science fiction or sensationalism. These are tools now being used in fraud, counterterrorism, and even health systems, applied here to a rural Queensland case once dismissed as “just another suicide.” For Sandrine’s family, AI is not a miracle fix but it’s a way to get questions asked that were never even considered in 2012.
This tech-driven approach follows years of groundwork laid by retired detective Graeme Crowley. His podcast, Bring Home Sandrine, first drew national attention to the case. He’s been working closely with the family and other experts to revisit key pieces of evidence.
Photo Credit: Missing Sandrine Jourdan/Facebook
Public pressure mounts for answers
An episode of Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, which aired to an audience of over 1.1 million viewers, prompted renewed calls to Crime Stoppers and gave the family its most significant exposure to date. Nakita said the program helped open doors they had been knocking on for years.
With growing support, the Queensland Coroner’s Court has reopened Sandrine’s case and is considering whether enough new information exists to justify a full inquest.
Nakita has launched a petition on Change.org, calling for further investigation and public backing. The family’s message is simple: they are not looking for blame. They are looking for the truth.
“This year marks 13 years since she went missing, 13 years of sleepless nights and unanswered questions. My mum deserves justice, and with your support, we may be able to make this happen.”
Brisbane Roar will begin their 2025–26 pre-season campaign in Caboolture, facing local club Caboolture Sports FC at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.
Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s squad is set to open its pre-season schedule against Caboolture Sports FC. The fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 15 July, will be held at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex in Burpengary with a 7:30 p.m. kick-off. This match marks the first of over 10 planned pre-season games ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
The pre-season opener in Caboolture follows the club’s community-focused strategy, continuing Roar’s tradition of regional engagement. The match coincides with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Brisbane Roar’s first-ever A-League fixture in August 2005.
Community Engagement Activities Planned
The fixture will involve several community-oriented activities. These include pre-game coaching sessions with Brisbane Roar players, a signing session, half-time entertainment, and a merchandise tent. Attendees will also be able to register for the 2025–26 club membership on-site.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Roar FC/Facebook
Facility and Local Club Support
Caboolture Sports FC has welcomed the opportunity to host the match, citing the event as a chance to promote its facilities at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The club views the event as a key moment to connect with members and the broader football community.
Wider Football Development Goals
Football Queensland, a partner in the fixture, has endorsed the event as part of its broader effort to link grassroots and professional football. The organisation emphasised the value of these fixtures in showcasing regional talent and deepening connections across Queensland’s football structure.
Following the Caboolture clash, Brisbane Roar will continue their pre-season against Holland Park FC on 23 July and St George Willawong on 29 July. Additional fixtures are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
A 19-year-old man from Bellmere has lost his life following a collision between a motorbike and utility vehicle at a main Caboolture intersection on Saturday evening.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene at Pumicestone Road and Argyll Street around 6pm after receiving reports of the serious crash. The young man was riding a KTM dirt bike northbound along Pumicestone Road when the collision occurred with a white Ford Ranger at the intersection.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the utility vehicle, a 62-year-old Caboolture resident who was alone in the vehicle, escaped physical injury.
The intersection where the tragedy unfolded is part of a network of roads that has seen ongoing safety improvements in recent years. The Department of Transport and Main Roads has undertaken safety improvement works at nearby intersections along Pumicestone Road, including signal-controlled dual right-turn lanes and improved pedestrian crossings.
Specialist officers from Queensland Police’s Forensic Crash Unit have taken over the investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal collision. The unit examines physical evidence from crash scenes and reconstructs the sequence of events to understand how such incidents occur.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant footage to come forward. This includes drivers with dashcam recordings or property owners with CCTV that may have captured the incident or the moments leading up to it.
The loss of such a young life has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through both the Bellmere and Caboolture communities. Road safety remains a critical concern for residents, particularly at busy intersections where multiple traffic flows converge.
Investigations into what happened on Saturday evening are expected to continue as authorities work to piece together the full picture of this tragic incident.
St Eugene College in Burpengary has emerged as a standout in this year’s BCE Rugby 7s Carnival, claiming the Under 12 Boys championship title in one of the region’s most competitive school sporting events.
Held across multiple regions including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane North and South, and the Gold Coast, the 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education Rugby 7s Carnival welcomed more than 1,600 students from 146 schools.
Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only
Organisers noted that this year’s turnout was the biggest since the carnival began in 2019, with increased school involvement and a notable rise in female player participation.
At the Sunshine Coast regional event, St Eugene College delivered strong results across all divisions they entered. While their Under 12 Boys team secured the top spot, their Under 10 Boys and Under 12 Girls teams both finished as runners-up, further reinforcing the school’s depth in the sport.
Support From Schools And Sporting Bodies
The Queensland Rugby Union continued its support for the event, working closely with Brisbane Catholic Education to deliver the program. Regional coordinators were also praised for their role in organising the logistics across five key locations.
Greg Casey from BCE said participation has continued to climb steadily over recent years. He also acknowledged the increased energy brought by female players and recognised the efforts of schools, students, and coaches for their commitment to the carnival.
Burpengary’s Sporting Pride
For the Burpengary community, St Eugene College’s performance has become a source of pride. The results not only reflect strong coaching and student dedication but also point to a well-rounded program that encourages teamwork, fitness, and positive competition.
The school’s effort in multiple age groups, including the younger Under 10 division, shows a promising future for their rugby program. With a focus on inclusion and development, the college continues to support its students in reaching new goals, on and off the field.
Looking Ahead To 2026
As the 2025 Rugby 7s Carnival wraps up, planning is already underway for next year’s event. Organisers are hoping to build on this year’s success by expanding participation even further and refining support across regions.
After two rounds of competition, Jamie Winning-Kermond, riding Tulara Wat Colblensky over the David Sheppard designed course, topped the FEI World Cup Qualifier held at the Festival of Showjumping in Caboolture.
Riding Tulara Wat Colblensky, the combination delivered two clear rounds and posted the fastest second-round time to secure the FEI World Cup Qualifier win. This result provided valuable points towards overall standings and highlighted the mare’s consistency in high-pressure events.
World Cup Qualifier Overview
The FEI World Cup Qualifier in Caboolture attracted 24 combinations. Winning-Kermond and Tulara Wat Colblensky were one of only two combinations to produce double clear rounds.
Their time of 48.28 seconds narrowly edged out Jennifer Wood and Ipod, who finished on 48.51 seconds. Billy Raymont and Caprino placed third as the fastest of the four-fault combinations. The event drew strong entries from experienced and up-and-coming riders across the country.
Background on the Competition
The Caboolture leg marked the third event in the ten-round Australian FEI World Cup series for the season. The earlier two rounds were claimed by Gemma Creighton.
Team Effort and Podium Moment
Following the event, Winning-Kermond highlighted the contribution of her support team to the successful performance. She also acknowledged the significance of sharing the podium with a lifelong friend.
Other Festival Results
Jamie Kermond won the David Overton Memorial Cup Future Stars with BSI Candyman. Gabi Chugg secured the Mini Prix title. Cody Tincknell took out the Stal Tops Young Rider class, while Tanner Robinson and Annalise Cooper-Morgan claimed the Junior and Children’s Championships respectively. Airlie Robinson won the Amateur Tour Championship.
The Caboolture event contributed valuable points toward the FEI World Cup standings in Australia. Competitors will now turn their attention to upcoming qualifiers as the series continues.
The new five-storey Caboolture Hospital Clinical Services Building has won Queensland’s most prestigious award for public architecture, earning recognition for a community-focused design developed through close consultation with First Nations people.
The project received the esteemed FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Awards ceremony. In addition to the premier honour, the building was also awarded this year’s Social Impact Prize and received a commendation for its interior architecture.
The awards jury praised the building for achieving an outstanding “integration of community, culture and clinical health services.” A key factor in its success was the deep consultation with the local First Nations community, which shaped the final design.
Jonathan Goh, co-chair of the Institute’s Queensland chapter, stated that the architects at the development company Jacobs did a remarkable job of breaking down what can often be a large and intimidating hospital environment. He noted that the design makes the facility feel more approachable and welcoming for patients and their families. This approach brings the local landscape and character into the heart of the hospital.
The award-winning building is the centrepiece of the Queensland Government’s $400 million Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, part of a state-wide Building Better Hospitals programme. The government invested $352.9 million specifically for the new clinical services building.
This major upgrade provides residents with a significantly expanded Emergency Department and numerous new or enhanced specialised units. These include a 10-bed Intensive Care Unit, a 10-bed Palliative Care Unit, a 14-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit, and an 8-bed Cardiac Care Unit. The project also adds two new operating theatres and a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit, directly improving the community’s access to critical health infrastructure.
The FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture is considered a premier honour in the state, celebrating projects that enrich the public realm. The award is named for Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, who served as the Queensland Colonial Architect from 1872 to 1881 and designed many of the state’s most significant historical buildings. This recognition places the Caboolture Hospital project among Queensland’s most impactful public structures.
Bribie Island is set for a transformative period with significant funding allocated for a new bridge and substantial upgrades to vital community and recreational facilities, aiming to deliver enduring improvements for residents.
The 2025-26 Queensland Budget includes a substantial $757 million allocation for the Bribie Island Bridge Upgrade, a generational infrastructure project designed to improve transport access for the growing population.
The preferred option for the bridge involves constructing a new bridge featuring two eastbound traffic lanes and dedicated cycling and walking paths, while the existing bridge will be reconfigured to carry two westbound traffic lanes.
This project is currently in the post-business case stage, with final costs and timelines to be confirmed following market engagement and procurement processes. Initial funding of $5.2 million for planning was committed in the 2022-23 Budget.
Beyond the major bridge project, Bribie Island’s community infrastructure is also receiving significant investment. The Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre is set for a $4.7 million redevelopment to completion, forming part of a broader state-wide initiative to enhance these crucial community support hubs.
These centres are essential for combating isolation and providing services such as emergency relief and financial resilience programs, with the Bribie Island building already under construction as of the 2024-25 budget.
Recreational and educational facilities on the island are also earmarked for improvements. The Bribie Island Movement & Strength Club will receive $920,000 for an expansion, allowing for improved facilities for their Olympic Weightlifting and general strength training programs, which cater to both children and adults in a family-friendly environment.
Additionally, the Bribie Island Netball Club is set to benefit from $170,500 for court resurfacing, an upgrade intended to provide modern, safe, and accessible courts for members and promote active lifestyles.
For the older adults in the community, U3A (University of the Third Age) Bribie Island has been granted $100,000 to assist in securing a new home, supporting their mission to offer educational, social, and recreational opportunities for retired and semi-retired individuals.
The investment in Bribie Island forms part of a broader “fresh start” for the Moreton Bay region within the 2025-26 Budget, as stated by the Crisafulli Government. Premier David Crisafulli affirmed that the budget is designed to address issues such as youth crime, health, housing, and cost of living.
Key investments across Moreton Bay include upgrades to the Redcliffe police facility and the expansion of POLAIR airborne law enforcement operations. The Redcliffe Hospital is slated for an expansion that will deliver at least 210 new overnight beds, alongside additional Stage 1 car parking spaces.
Furthermore, the Caboolture Hospital will receive $367.7 million for redevelopment, including an additional 130 beds and a dedicated Paediatric Outpatients area. The budget also introduces cost of living relief programs, such as a $100 “Back to School Boost” and a $200 “Play On! Sports Vouchers” program.
Hundreds of individuals have been left grappling with immense personal loss after a catastrophic fire at a Storage King facility in Burpengary led to the destruction of over a hundred units and significant damage to many more.
The massive blaze erupted last week, engulfing the large storage facility north of Brisbane. Nearly 120 storage units were utterly destroyed, with an additional 258 units potentially impacted by heat, smoke, and water damage. The Queensland Fire Department arrived on site within seven minutes of the fire breaking out; however, the extent of the inferno proved devastating.
For many families, the fire means the loss of nearly all their worldly possessions. Norah Abraham and her family, who had been living in emergency accommodation since early January, lost the entire contents of a four-bedroom house, including all their children’s belongings. They had recently received news of a potential new home, only to discover they now had nothing to furnish it with. Judy and Gwynne Hewitt are mourning the loss of over $100,000 worth of furniture, describing the experience as emotionally devastating for everyone affected.
The emotional toll extends to the irreplaceable; Ellian Price expressed her profound grief at losing her aunt’s ashes and numerous other priceless personal items. Ashton Grohn, reflecting on the shared tragedy, noted the loss of cherished memories like baby and wedding photos, and children’s items, emphasising the difficulty of starting the grieving process without access to the site. Another customer shared the heartbreaking detail of having signed a contract just a day before the fire, losing 100 photo albums without ever having used her keys for the unit.
As the cause of the fire remains under investigation, tensions are high among unit holders who point to an e-scooter business reportedly operating within the facility. Customers allege that Storage King’s contracts explicitly prohibit flammable materials and the running of businesses from the premises.
Ellian Price stated her contract clearly outlined these restrictions and claimed the business operation was known. Unit owner Adam Pringle echoed these concerns, remarking that while Storage King asserts insurance is the customer’s responsibility, the company itself must adhere to its own rules, particularly regarding businesses involving lithium batteries.
Storage King has indicated it is cooperating with police in their ongoing investigation and advised against premature speculation regarding the fire’s cause. A spokesperson for the company affirmed that the storage industry is continually adapting to risks posed by lithium batteries, updating terms and conditions accordingly. The company has communicated with customers via SMS, emails, and FAQs, noting the initial lack of tangible details following the fire.
They established a dedicated call centre and have shared an interim engineer’s report and initial photos, promising more visual evidence for insurance claims as site access improves. Storage King has reiterated that the responsibility for insuring stored goods rests with individual customers. They explained that it is not financially viable for a storage company to insure goods on behalf of all customers or to operate a compensation program for such widespread losses, as each customer’s items are unique in value and sentiment.
A blanket insurance policy, they added, would be impractical and potentially unsuitable for many. They also highlighted that the facility’s state-of-the-art construction, including an extra firewall, prevented two-thirds of the facility from being completely destroyed.
Dozens of emotional Storage King Burpengary customers gathered outside the damaged building, expressing their frustration with communication and their desire for more direct engagement from the company. Ashton Grohn highlighted that customers, despite still paying rent, are unable to access their units and begin processing their losses. She voiced the community’s feeling that generic emails and a remote hotline are insufficient during such a distressing time.
The Queensland Fire Department has classified the fire’s cause as undetermined, while the Queensland Police Service continues its investigation. Access to the site remains restricted due to safety concerns, with parts of the facility scheduled for demolition.
A Facebook group established by tenants for mutual support has rapidly grown to over 300 members, underscoring the widespread impact and the community’s collective need for answers and healing.
Unitywater is replacing thousands of outdated water meters across suburbs in Moreton Bay, including Burpengary, Kallangur and Caboolture, to help households receive more accurate water bills and support future infrastructure needs in the growing region.
Unitywater began replacing old water meters in June 2024 as part of its broader infrastructure renewal plan. The program targets more than 11,000 meters due for replacement by mid-2025, focusing on those worn out from age or heavy use.
Over 9,000 meters have already been swapped across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, including 2,472 in Burpengary and Kallangur. Older meters can become inaccurate over time, which may affect household water bills.
Unitywater says the process takes about 30 to 60 minutes, with only brief water interruption. Residents are notified at least two days ahead and receive a follow-up card showing the old meter’s final reading.
A Major Investment In Local Infrastructure
The water meter rollout is part of Unitywater’s five-year capital program, which includes a $400 million investment in water and wastewater network upgrades. This sits within a larger $1.8 billion infrastructure plan, the biggest in the utility’s history.
In Caboolture, Unitywater is also building a 15-megalitre water tank and several kilometres of pipeline. These works will support Waraba, the future community planned for Caboolture West. That area is expected to grow to around 70,000 residents over the next four decades.
Caboolture Plays A Central Role
The suburb plays a central role in Unitywater’s long-term planning as demand in northern Moreton Bay continues to rise.
Projects like the Waraba wastewater network and the Caboolture River Nutrient Offset are part of this strategy. These efforts include new pipelines, pump station upgrades and riverbank restoration. Together, they aim to support growth while protecting the region’s water health.
Residents Encouraged To Stay Informed
Unitywater recommends that residents visit its website for updates on works in their area and to learn more about the maintenance and renewal program. The utility continues to provide notice before any meter work is carried out and is aiming to make the process as smooth as possible for households.
As the region grows and more homes are built, Unitywater says it is committed to keeping services reliable and infrastructure ready for future generations.
