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Ella Connolly: Sprinting Sensation from Burpengary Heading to Paris Olympics

The pride of Burpengary, Ella Connolly, a 23-year-old sprinting star, has secured her place in the Australian team for the Paris Olympics, showcasing her impressive talent and determination.

Early Beginnings

Ella Connolly was born in Rockhampton and raised in Burpengary. She began her athletics journey at the age of 10 and quickly made a name for herself by winning the 100m at the 2010 National Primary School competition. After joining Deception Bay Little Athletics, Ella’s passion for the sport flourished.

In her teenage years, Ella’s speed caught national attention. She won multiple national junior sprint titles and represented Australia at the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas, earning medals in the 200m and 400m events. Her performance in the 400m, with a time of 52.72 seconds, was faster than Cathy Freeman at the same age. This achievement led to her selection for the Australian senior team at the 2017 World Championships in the 4x400m relay.

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A post shared by Ella Connolly (@ellaconnollyyy)

Overcoming Setbacks

Ella faced a significant challenge in 2018 when a hamstring injury prevented her from competing in the Commonwealth Games. Despite this setback, she bounced back later that year, finishing fourth in the 400m at the World U20 Championships.

Focusing on the 100m and 200m events in recent years, Ella achieved remarkable times, including personal bests of 11.25 seconds in the 100m and 52.28 seconds in the 400m in 2021. She consistently performed well, winning both national titles in April 2022 and representing Australia at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Road to Paris

Ella’s dedication paid off in 2023 when she broke the national 60m record and helped the Australian 4x100m relay team secure a place at the Paris Olympics by breaking the 24-year-old national record. Her achievements continued as she claimed the Oceania 100m title in June 2023.

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A post shared by Ella Connolly (@ellaconnollyyy)

The Team Behind the Success

Ella’s journey to the Paris Olympics has been supported by a dedicated team. Her coach, Andrew Murphy, has been instrumental in refining her technique and preparing her for international competitions. Training alongside other elite athletes at her senior club in Epping, NSW, Ella benefits from a supportive and competitive environment.

The Australian 4x100m relay team, of which Ella is a key member, has shown remarkable synergy and determination. The team’s recent successes, including breaking national records and securing a spot in the Olympics, highlight their collaborative effort and hard work. The camaraderie and shared goals within the team have been vital in pushing each member to their best performance.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) recently announced the selection of 55 track and field athletes, including Ella, for the Paris Olympics. This brings the total athletics squad to 75, making it the history’s second-largest Australian Olympic Athletics team. The team includes a mix of debutants and experienced athletes, all set to compete in various events.

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Community Pride

From a young athlete in Burpengary to an Olympian who represents the spirit and determination of the Caboolture community, Ella’s achievements inspire local aspiring athletes and highlight the importance of dedication and resilience.

As Ella Connolly prepares to compete on the world stage in Paris, the Burpengary community stands proudly behind her, eager to see her shine and bring home glory for Australia.

Published 11-July-2024

Caboolture Among Moreton Bay Parks Receiving Life-Saving Defibrillators

Wallace Street Park in Caboolture is one of nine locations across the Moreton Bay region to receive a potentially life-saving Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) as part of a successful pilot programme.

The initiative, a collaboration between the City of Moreton Bay, Urban Play, and Stryker, aims to enhance community safety by providing readily accessible AEDs in public spaces.

Mayor Peter Flannery emphasised the significance of the programme, stating that the devices could significantly improve survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a condition affecting roughly 90 Australians daily, with 95% not reaching a hospital alive.

The 12-week pilot, which concluded successfully, saw AEDs strategically placed in various parks and outdoor areas, including Wallace Street Park, based on demographic factors such as age, health considerations, and proximity to hospitals. Thanks to the partnership with Urban Play and Stryker, the devices were installed at no cost to ratepayers and will remain accessible at the selected sites.

Mayor Flannery underscored the user-friendly nature of the defibrillators, highlighting their ease of use and safety, even for those with minimal training. Clear instructions, along with visual and voice prompts, guide users through the resuscitation process until professional help arrives.

Given the positive outcome of the pilot, the City of Moreton Bay is now exploring the possibility of extending the programme to new major park upgrades and existing district and regional parks with high visitor numbers.

This move aligns with Urban Play’s mission to create spaces that promote healthier and more active lifestyles and solidifies Stryker’s commitment to advancing medical technology for the betterment of public health.

Published Date 08-July-2024

Large Childcare Centre and Swim School Planned for Morayfield

Developers have lodged plans for a 150-place childcare centre and swim school at Oakey Flat Rd, Morayfield, to address the growing demand for childcare in Moreton Bay.

Morayfield Projects Pty Ltd has submitted a development application (DA/2024/1887) in May 2024.

The proposed site fronts a major thoroughfare and aims to serve children up to five years old. The centre will include a reception area, two nursery rooms, three spaces for children aged two to three, and three spaces for children aged three to five.

Additional facilities include an office, kitchen, laundry, staffroom, and service rooms. Operating hours are planned from Monday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Swim School

The proposed swim school will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and related structures. It will be open Monday to Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Classes will include beginners, rehab, children’s swimming, water gymnastics, learn to swim, stroke correction, squad training, aqua aerobics, hydrotherapy, and occasional in-house competitions. Four to eight children per class are expected, with class times at 7:30am, midday, 3pm, and 6pm. The swim school will employ 15-20 staff.

Morayfield Childcare Centre — *Photo Credit: DA 2024/1887*

Design and Safety

The 1115-sqm childcare centre and swim school will be housed in single-storey buildings with 82 car spaces for both facilities. The design features large windows, weatherboard cladding, feature battens, and timber-look cladding to complement nearby houses on Jonkers Ct.

“The development activates under-utilised land that forms the gateway to the residential estates on Oakey Flat Rd and the large format retail centres on Morayfield Rd,” according to the DA.

The DA acknowledges that the site is affected by flooding from Jonkers Creek, with the northwestern section falling within high and medium-risk flood hazard zones. Measures will be taken to mitigate flooding risks and ensure the safety of the facility.

Community Benefits

The development will utilise vacant land at the gateway to residential estates on Oakey Flat Rd and retail centres on Morayfield Rd.

“The vast open play area is oriented northwest to reduce noise on the neighbouring residential site to the south,” the DA stated.

The site’s strategic location near Morayfield Shopping Centre and Morayfield State High School will enhance economic and social activity. It is bordered by Jonkers Creek and Jonkers Creek Park, with easy access via Morayfield Rd and the Bruce Highway. Public transport is available from Morayfield train station.

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

Last week, Adventure Park, a $1.3 million playground that seamlessly blends natural beauty with cutting-edge play design, officially opened at the Caboolture Region Environment Education Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary.

Read: Construction Begins on Burpengary East Shopping Centre

This space, the first of its kind in Moreton Bay, has already captured the hearts of both young and old. Smiling faces abound as visitors explore the myriad features designed to engage, educate, and entertain.

At the heart of the playground stands an impressive embankment play area. Children race to conquer the peak using climbing ropes and sandstone blocks, their efforts rewarded with a unique macadamia nut-inspired play hut. This whimsical structure offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and features two curvy slides for a thrilling descent.

Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

For the more adventurous, an agility course winds through the space. It challenges visitors with balancing and climbing activities, interspersed with moments of relaxation on a swaying hammock. Adding to the local flavour, totem poles adorned with depictions of local flora and fauna bring the course to vibrant life.

The playground doesn’t stop there. In-ground trampolines invite bouncing fun, while swings sway gently in the breeze. Sand and water play areas offer tactile experiences, ensuring a diverse range of activities for all preferences. Importantly, interconnecting pathways throughout the space ensure accessibility for strollers and scooters, making it truly inclusive.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked, with ample shade sails protecting visitors from the Queensland sun.

SLR Consulting, the lead designers, aimed to create a harmonious relationship between fun, adventure, and nature. Their vision extends beyond mere play, promoting intergenerational interactions and supporting educational opportunities that complement CREEC’s mission.

Nikita Burns, Senior Play Consultant at Urban Play, which collaborated on equipment selection, emphasised the playground’s unique approach.

“Our goal was to create a nature playground that goes beyond the traditional ‘sticks and stones’ approach,” Ms Burns explained. “Each element was hand-picked to immerse children in nature and develop their physical, social, cognitive, and creative skills.”

Read: Youth Foyer Coming to Caboolture: Housing and Education Support for At-Risk Young People

The new Adventure Park at CREEC is poised to become a beloved destination for families, offering a perfect blend of education, adventure, and pure fun in the heart of Moreton Bay.

Published 5-July-2024

Former Caboolture Snakes Star Ryan Smith in Wallabies Squad

New Wallabies Coach, Joe Schmidt, has looked to youth to bring an impact in his first training squad and ex-Caboolture Snakes star, current Queensland Reds star, Ryan Smith has caught his eye.

Three July home games against Wales and Georgia on consecutive Saturdays will need a large squad, giving the uncapped Smith hope of running on in the green and gold.

Back in 2007 as a Caboolture Snake junior he was on the sidelines at Suncorp, dreaming of plying for the Reds which happened a decade later. He returned to the club a couple of years ago for a club function

and again in 2024:

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Having played for his school, St Patrick’s in the AIC, Smith stamped his authority as a leader when he captained the school swimming team and the track and field team.

In 2023, former Wallabies Coach, Eddie Jones, included Smith in a 33-man training squad at Sanctuary Squad.

His journey with the Reds had a massive start when he was voted Rookie of the Year in their 2021 Super Rugby Championship win. Having topped the tackle count ladder both for the Reds and amongst all Super Rugby Locks in 2024, Joe Schmidt may well give him a run to see if his intense defence may add an extra dimension to the Wallabies backrow.

The Reds Lock has already represented Australia A four times.

Published 22-June-2024

Series of Break-ins at Burpengary Shopping Centre

On June 17, 2024, a local shopping centre on Buckley Road, Burpengary fell victim to a series of break-ins, resulting in significant property damage and theft. Queensland Police are currently investigating three separate incidents that occurred around 3 am at the location.

According to police reports, the alleged offender was captured on CCTV footage at the scene. The perpetrator gained access to the rear of the shops through a wooden gate and attempted to conceal their actions by covering a CCTV camera with a mop. In a calculated move, the suspect then cut power to all external lighting by manipulating switches in the outdoor electrical box.

Three businesses were targeted in the break-ins:

The first store suffered damage to its rear door. Once inside, the offender disabled the power and proceeded to damage the cash register and printer, stealing employee tip money.
A second business had its rear timber door damaged in an attempted entry. When this proved unsuccessful, the perpetrator resorted to smashing the front glass door to gain access. Four bum bags containing cash floats for delivery drivers were stolen from this location.
The third target was a vacant store, where the rear door was damaged to facilitate entry.

Local business owners are now grappling with the aftermath, facing considerable repair costs in addition to the stolen cash.

Queensland Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact Policelink by submitting details through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Investigators have assigned the following reference numbers to these cases: QP2401025590, QP2401025514, and QP2401026414.

Published 21-June-2024

Construction Begins on Burpengary East Shopping Centre

Construction has officially begun on the new Burpengary East Shopping Centre, with the developers marking the occasion with a sod-turning ceremony on June 13.

Read: Fast-Growing Moreton Bay Seeks More Infrastructure to Handle Population Growth

In a recent social media post, the Lancini Property Group shared their excitement, stating, “Over the coming weeks and months look out for the site to really start to take shape with concrete pouring now underway and construction of the roof planned to begin around August.”

Photo credit: Burpengary East Shopping Centre/Facebook

Situated at the corner of Buckley and Uhlmann roads, Burpengary East Shopping Centre will feature a full-line Woolworths supermarket as its anchor tenant, supported by 12 specialty stores. The design and amenities of the centre are tailored to meet the needs of the community, including:

Al fresco dining area
Children’s play space
238 car spaces
Landscaped plaza and community meeting place
Centre amenities, including a Parent’s Room and disabled facilities.
Free Centre Wi-Fi

The Woolworths store will offer a Direct to Boot drive-through service, allowing customers to have their groceries picked, packed, and delivered directly to their cars by Woolworths staff.

The construction and subsequent operation of the shopping centre are expected to create approximately 260 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. The centre will also offer opportunities for new businesses and services, with proposed spaces for food and beverage operators, retail services, and health or wellbeing services.

Accessibility and Traffic Management

Proposed Masterplan (Photo credit: burpengaryeast.com.au)

Lancini Property Group has proposed access arrangements designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing local road network. In collaboration with the Moreton Bay Regional Council, improvements and upgrades to the intersection will be made to ensure efficient traffic flow and safe access for all users.

Read: Investor Snaps Up Carl’s Jr in Caboolture for $5.1M

The shopping centre represents a $20 million investment in the community. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.

Published 20-June-2024

Moreton Police District Honours Officers for Exceptional Service and Bravery

The Moreton Police District held its annual Medal Presentation today at Sports Central in Caboolture, recognising outstanding bravery and long-term exceptional service of several officers.

The ceremony, attended by the Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan, showcased the dedication and bravery of Queensland’s law enforcement personnel.

Two officers, Senior Constable Amy Dallimore and Senior Constable Randall Jurd, were awarded the prestigious Queensland Police Valour Medal for their exceptional bravery during a dangerous incident in 2019. The officers responded to a stabbing call at Endeavour Caravan Park in Deception Bay on March 18, 2019, where they encountered an armed offender. Despite the high-risk situation, which resulted in Senior Constable Jurd sustaining a knife wound, the officers’ courageous actions protected the community and residents of the caravan park.

Senior Constable Jurd expressed his pride in receiving the award, stating, “You don’t join the police service for recognition, but to protect your community and I am proud that our efforts were able to do so that day and every day.”

Detective Inspector Phil Hurst was honoured with the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal for his outstanding work as the Officer in Charge of the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU). His unwavering commitment to child protection and professionalism were noted as exceeding expectations.

The ceremony also recognised long-term service, with three officers receiving clasps for 30 years or more of service to the Queensland Police Service. Two 35-year clasps and one 30-year clasp were presented, along with second National Medals.

Additional recognitions included the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate, Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate Detective Certificate and Badge, and the District Officer’s Certificate.

Minister Mark Ryan congratulated the recipients, saying, “We have heard some remarkable stories of bravery, ingenuity, and dedication today, where officers have put themselves and their safety second to the community serve.

“Every one of you should be incredibly proud of the role you have and will continue to play in your community.”

Published 19-June-2024

Caboolture Students Embrace Water Conservation Through Interactive Theatre

Caboolture East State School students learned the importance of water conservation through a lively theatre performance by Walter Smart and Friends.

On Friday, the 14th of June, the halls of Caboolture East State School were filled with excitement as the Walter Smart and Friends troupe took to the stage.

This unique educational experience, part of Unitywater’s ongoing Education Program, was designed to teach students the vital role of water efficiency in a fun and memorable way. The program is aligned with the Australian curriculum, ensuring the lessons are educational and applicable.

A Collaborative Effort for Water Awareness

The performance resulted from a collaboration between Unitywater, The Water Conservancy, and Gibber Education. Joshua Zugajev, Unitywater’s Executive Manager of Strategic Engagement, highlighted the investment in the program as a key strategy to engage young minds.

“We’ve chosen to bring ‘Walter Smart and Friends’ to our students because it introduces them to the value of water in our community and our environment in an enjoyable and effective manner,” he explained.

Expanding Reach Across Communities

Over three weeks, the program will visit 27 schools across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa regions, reaching a wide audience of primary school students. The initiative not only educates but also inspires students to become ambassadors of water conservation in their own homes.

Chris Philpot, CEO of The Water Conservancy, stated that the Walter Smart and Friends initiative began as a social media campaign to inspire young Australians to adopt water-efficient behaviours.

“Our objective with this program is to make all Australians conscious of their relationship with water, helping them to understand, value, and use it efficiently,” Mr Philpot noted.

Vicky Blackburn, Director of Gibber Education, mentioned the effectiveness of drama-based training to foster positive changes in attitude and behaviour towards water usage.

“Our performers are thrilled to deliver this bespoke production for Unitywater and engage with enthusiastic, water-wise students,” Ms Blackburn said.

The program’s innovative approach to environmental education is expected to have a lasting impact on the students and their families, potentially leading to more sustainable water practices at home. As Unitywater continues to support the region’s growth, such educational initiatives are essential in promoting long-term sustainability and community well-being.

Published 19-June-2024

Break-ins Hit Moreton Bay Businesses

In the early hours of Thursday, June 13, 2024, a series of break-ins struck three businesses across Moreton Bay, prompting a police investigation into possible connections between the incidents.

The first reported break-in occurred shortly after midnight at a tobacco shop on Morayfield Road, Morayfield. According to police, two individuals allegedly forced entry into the premises and made off with an undisclosed quantity of cigarettes and cash. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a black sedan before authorities arrived.

Approximately 50 minutes later, at around 12:50 AM, police responded to another break-in at a service station along the D’Aguilar Highway in D’Aguilar. In this incident, three individuals allegedly entered the premises, stealing cash and technology items from the counter. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects leave in a black BMW sedan.

The third incident took place at 1:10 AM at a service station on King Street in Caboolture. Food and drinks were reportedly stolen from this location.

Given the proximity in time and location, as well as similarities in the modus operandi, police are investigating potential links between these three break-ins. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information, especially those who may have CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the surrounding areas between midnight and 1:30 AM on the night in question.

The string of break-ins has raised concerns among local business owners about security measures and the recent uptick in property crimes in the area.

As the investigation continues, police are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the local police department or Crime Stoppers.

Published 13-June-2024