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Urgent Call for Caboolture Mums: Donations Needed to Address Breast Milk Shortage

Caboolture and other hospitals in Queensland are facing a pressing shortage of donated breast milk for premature and low birth-weight babies, causing an urgent announcement from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to call for more donors to aid the shortage.

The call that was made on Thursday, the 10th of April 2024, revealed that the supply of donated breast milk in Queensland has fallen to less than only two weeks’ worth, putting hospitals in Caboolture and other neighbouring hospitals in Queensland in need.

As these hospitals face a shortage of donated breast milk, this brings out an alarming situation for premature and low birth-weight babies since breast milk serves as an essential key for their growth and development at their age.

“Currently, supply for Queensland is down to just two weeks of raw milk to send out to the hospital,” said Chris Sulfaro, Lifeblood’s Milk Service Manager.

“No babies are currently missing out but we are moving milk around to ensure there’s an adequate supply of raw milk that we can then make into pasteurised donor milk so we can continue to supply the hospitals,” she added.

Lifeblood, in collaboration with Queensland hospitals, operates a crucial network for collecting, processing, and distributing donated breast milk.

Photo Credit: *Polyn Reondanga/Facebook*

Donors are encouraged to contribute more than three litres of frozen or expressed milk, which is less than ten weeks old, to help meet the growing demand.

Residents of Caboolture who are interested in donating breast milk can find more information on eligibility criteria and registration procedures on the Lifeblood website.

After ensuring one’s eligibility, donations are collected from donors’ homes or hospital locations by Lifeblood’s dedicated milk donor coordinators, who offer guidance and support throughout the donation process.

The processing hub at Lifeblood’s Kelvin Grove centre in Brisbane oversees logistics to ensure a smooth supply chain to partner hospitals, including those donations from Caboolture.

Donated breast milk plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of premature and sick infants, providing essential nutrients and promoting healthy growth. By donating excess breast milk, individual mums can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable newborns and their families in Caboolture and surrounding areas.

Published 26-April-2024

Photo Credit: Red Cross Lifeblood Website

New Dog Laws Put to the Test: Burpengary Attack Leaves Woman Injured

Burpengary residents are reeling after a vicious dog attack left a woman in her 60s hospitalised with serious injuries.

Emergency services were called to a private residence in Burpengary at around 6:30 am on Tuesday. Queensland ambulance paramedics treated the woman for significant wounds to her arm and hand before transporting her to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a serious condition.

Moreton Bay Council removed the desexed American Staffordshire Terrier (Blue) from the premises after confirming it was the attacking dog. The dog is currently in council custody.

While the breed isn’t currently banned in Queensland, the incident raises concerns about dog safety just days after the state parliament passed stricter legislation targeting dangerous breeds.

“The incident was on private premises,” a council spokesperson said. “The dog has been removed and is being held by Council. Investigations are continuing and any further actions are contingent on the outcome of this investigation.”

This attack comes on the heels of the Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 passing the Queensland Parliament last week.

The new legislation increases penalties for owners whose dogs inflict serious injuries or death on a person, with a maximum sentence of three years in jail and a fine of $108,000. Previously, dog owners faced a maximum penalty of $45,000.

The stricter laws specifically target five breeds: the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Presa Canario, all of which are now banned in the state.

Published Date 26-April-2024

Photo Credit: Pexel

Moreton Bay Community Rallies as Young Mum Battles Terminal Brain Cancer

A young mother of a one-year-old child was recently diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 brain cancer, prompting an outpouring of community support in Moreton Bay as she confronts this life-threatening challenge.

Brie Huhse, 28, and her family are grappling with a dire prognosis after a sudden and unexpected brain surgery revealed an apple-sized tumour, initially diagnosed as Stage 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma. This devastating situation worsened when the diagnosis escalated to Stage 4 Glioblastoma, drastically reducing her expected lifespan to just 12-18 months.

Brie begins an intensive treatment regimen, including daily chemotherapy and radiation five days a week in six-week cycles.

This news has rallied her family and the wider community to ensure she can focus on her family rather than financial burdens.

The Huhse family’s life has been turned upside down. Brie, her husband, Sean, and their one-year-old son, Mack, have moved back to Sean’s parental home in Caboolture for additional support.

Sean, a concrete pumper with unpredictable hours, now shoulders the full financial responsibility after Brie lost her job due to her condition. The family, known well throughout the Moreton region, faces not only the emotional and physical challenges of Brie’s illness but also the escalating medical and living expenses.

The local and online communities have come together to support the Huhse family through a GoFundMe campaign organised by Kasanndra Rotolone, Brie’s sister-in-law. The campaign aims to alleviate the financial pressures so the family can focus on making memories and managing Brie’s intensive treatment regimen.

Donations can be made through their GoFundMe page, and sharing their story within your networks can also make a significant difference. There is no fixed goal for the fundraising; the primary aim is to provide as much support as possible to allow Brie, Sean, and Mack to cherish their time together.

Published 25-April-2024

Caboolture Woman Adds To Rising QLD E-Scooter Crash Cases

A Caboolture woman is the third person in Queensland to suffer serious injuries from an e-scooter crash in a week in Queensland.

The crash took place on Merino St just before 7:49 p.m. on Wednesday, 17 April 2024, according to Queensland Ambulance Services.

Paramedics promptly arrived at the scene and provided immediate medical attention to the woman. She was later transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for further treatment.

This incident follows another serious e-scooter accident on a Gold Coast road just two days prior, where another woman was seriously injured in a collision involving two cars and an e-scooter.

Earlier this month, a tragic accident in Bundaberg claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy. The boy suffered critical injuries when his e-scooter collided with a Suzuki Baleno at an intersection on Maynard St in Norville on 3 April . Despite the best efforts of medical professionals at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, the boy succumbed to his injuries one week after the crash.

These incidents highlight the growing safety concerns surrounding the use of e-scooters in Queensland. Authorities are urged to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of e-scooter users and the public.

Published 20-April-2024

$7-M Expansion Underway at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex

In an exciting development for the local community, Stage 2 of the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex in Burpengary is now underway.

Read: New PCYC Caboolture Facility Underway, Set to Finish in Mid-2025

This $7-million project will bring significant improvements to the complex, including the creation of three brand new fields, enhanced field lighting, and the addition of more car parking spaces.

The project is being funded through a 50/50 partnership between the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities (IiOC) Program and the City of Moreton Bay, with each entity contributing $3.5 million.

The Caboolture Sports Football Club has experienced a dramatic increase in membership since moving to the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The club’s registration numbers have more than doubled, growing from 525 players in 2018 to over 1,100 registered players across 90 teams in 2024. The club has also expanded its staff, now employing four full-time employees.

The expansion of the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex is a significant investment in the local community, providing enhanced sports facilities and opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the region, contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life for residents.

Earlier this month, a ceremony was held to mark the occasion, with Mayor Peter Flannery, Hon Kristy McBain MP (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories), Peter Dutton (General Manager – Football, Caboolture Sports FC) and Craig Thomas (CEO, Caboolture Sports Club Group) in attendance, along with Cr Mark Booth.

*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook*

Read: Shovels Hit the Ground at Sage Burpengary

Cr Mark Booth expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Recognised as one of the premier Football facilities in QLD by FIFA, who selected the grounds to host the Brazilian Women’s team during their World Cup Campaign in 2023, the additional 3 fields will not only help elevate the club further but also provide much needed additional space for their growing membership base and helping kids stay healthy and active!”

Featured image credit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Published 18-April-2024

Meet Karen-Rose Dailly: Caboolture’s Four-Year-Old BMX Prodigy

Caboolture has a new rising star, and she’s only four years old! Karen-Rose Dailly isn’t your average pre-prep student. This pint-sized powerhouse is already a state BMX champion, tearing up the track with skill and determination.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Australian Christian College – Moreton

Karen-Rose’s passion for bikes began early. Her parents, Stephanie Holyoake and George Dailly (a BMX enthusiast himself), introduced her to dirt bikes at a mere six months old. By one year old, she was mastering a balance bike, and by two, she was competing in her first mini-wheeler race.

“She could make motorbike noises before she could talk,” Stephanie laughs, sharing Karen-Rose’s early fascination with all things two-wheeled. “We saw her interest and decided to nurture it.”

Despite being the youngest racer on the track, Karen-Rose’s competitive spirit shines. “She’s incredibly determined,” Stephanie says. “Last year, her legs hadn’t quite caught up yet, but she never gave up. By the end of the year, she was consistently placing on the podium, and often taking first place!”

While her seven-month-old sister isn’t quite ready for the BMX track yet, and her six-year-old stepsister hasn’t caught the bug, Karen-Rose has a strong support system. Her dad, George, is a passionate rider himself, and her cousins on his side of the family share her love for the sport. Together, they form a dedicated team, cheering Karen-Rose on and helping her hone her skills.

Karen-Rose can often be found racing alongside her dad on Friday and Saturday nights, training hard on the tracks around Gympie. She even proudly wears the family’s coveted “55” number, a symbol of both racing legacy and future victories.

Karen-Rose Dailly is a name to remember. This four-year-old champion is just getting started, and with her talent, determination, and supportive family, the future of BMX looks bright!

Published Date 17-April-2024

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Australian Christian College – Moreton

Chantal Fraser ‘The Ascended’ Ascends To Caboolture

Caboolture, mark your calendars! Chantal Fraser, the renowned Sāmoan-Australian artist, is bringing her latest exhibition, The Ascended, to Caboolture Regional Art Gallery.

The Ascended, a collaboration with Griffith University Art Museum, highlights Fraser’s commitment to challenging the status quo. This exhibition is set to be a landmark event in the contemporary art world, reflecting Fraser’s commitment to challenging and broadening our understanding of art and culture.

The exhibition has garnered support from Arts Queensland, Creative Australia, and NorthSite Contemporary Arts.

*Fantômas Gold 2023. Welding helmet, adhesive, acrylic rhinestones, metallic glass shards. Image courtesy of the artist.* *Photo Credit: Louis Lim/Chantal Fraser*

Fraser’s artistry stands out prominently in the contemporary art scene. Her work, a fusion of ritual, adornment, and exchange, exemplifies her unique perspective. From global pop culture to traditional practices, Fraser’s art is a melting pot of influences.

*Photo Credit: Instagram / @shahdualism*

This is a golden opportunity for Caboolture residents to immerse themselves in Fraser’s innovative and thought-provoking artistry.

The exhibition kicks off on 12 June 2024 and runs until 31 August 2024. The gallery welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Published 15-April-2024

New PCYC Caboolture Facility Underway, Set to Finish in Mid-2025

Construction has started on a new Queensland Police Citizens Youth Club or PCYC Caboolture, supported by an additional $10 million in funding.

The project replacing the existing PCYC Caboolture will serve as a new space for a safe and positive environment for at-risk or disadvantaged youth to connect with the local police.

With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity for all, it aims to be utilised for a wide range of activities such as group fitness classes, basketball, gymnastics, and boxing.

On Thursday, 11 April 2024, the Albanese Government announced that it will provide $10 million in funding to partner with the Queensland Government ($5 million) and Moreton Bay Regional Council ($2.5 million).

The $17.5-million project aims to provide a purpose-built facility where young people can engage in various activities.

“PCYC Caboolture has more than 1,000 members and local families that participate in its activities […], and this new space will help them to connect the community like never before,” Kristy McBain, the Federal Regional Development and Local Government Minister said.

Beyond that, the new PCYC will also facilitate various community programs and events designed to strengthen community cohesion, social connections and problem-solving skills.

The construction is set to create around 103 direct jobs, with an additional 11 ongoing jobs to be supported.

The new PCYC Caboolture facility is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

Published 15-April-2024

Photo Credit: Google Maps

$5-million Windfall Changes the Lives of 16 People in Caboolture

Sixteen fortunate shoppers from Caboolture are celebrating a life-changing moment after their syndicate’s $5-million victory.

On the 15th of February 2024, 16 lucky shoppers at The Local Caboolture South bagged the Division One prize amounting to almost $5 million or $4,907,068.89.

Their luck held as their PowerHit entry also brought several divisional prizes that reached $5,164,871.49, making each ticket holder’s bank account richer by $322,804.47 each.

Sandeep Arora, the owner of the The Local Caboolture South where the winning entries were bought, also expressed her happiness over the windfall.

“It will definitely change each person’s life in different ways […] I just want to wish them all the best for the future and I hope they enjoy celebrating this winning news,” Mr Arora said.

The Powerball number was 20 and the winning numbers were 35, 34, 19, 10, 18, 15 and 5.

James Eddy, spokesman for The Lott, said that they will reach out to the registered winners, to deliver the news about their wins.

“Some of these division one winning syndicate members have already begun celebrating their good fortune knowing their bank account is about to be boosted with more than $300,000,” he said.

“While we’ll be reaching out to those winners who are registered, there are still some unregistered syndicate members who may have yet to discover their good news,” he added, calling on those who purchased a share in a syndicate for the draw to check their tickets to see if they won.

“If you purchased a share in a syndicate for the week’s Powerball draw, today’s the day to check it! If you discover you’re holding a winning share, call The Lott on 131 868 to start the prize claim process,” he said.

Published 10-April-2024

Featured Image Photo Credit: Pexels

Keeping the Dream Alive: Restoring the Beaufort Bomber in Memory of Wally Dalitz

In a heartfelt tribute to the aviation legend and World War II hero Wally Dalitz, the team at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (AAHC) is determined to see the restoration of a Beaufort bomber aircraft to flying condition.

Read: Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub Comes to Caboolture

Mr Dalitz, who passed away on 27 March 2024 at the age of 101, was a beloved figure in the Caboolture flying community and a staunch supporter of the Beaufort restoration project.

A Beaufort bomber pilot during WWII, Mr Dalitz had expressed his desire to see the iconic Australian-built aircraft take to the skies one more time before he died. Sadly, the project, which has been in the works for over 40 years, was not completed before his passing.

However, restoration expert Ralph Cusack and his team are now more committed than ever to honouring Mr Dalitz’s legacy by finishing the restoration.

The AAHC launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe last year to restore Mr Dalitz’s Beaufort bomber aircraft and get it flying again. The AAHC has set an initial goal of $250,000 to kickstart the Beaufort restoration project, although the ultimate goal was to raise $1 million to see it through to completion.

“Your donation will help get this aircraft restored and flying. It will be the only flying example in the world!” said Jason Hazell, a committee member at the AAHC. “We will keep a record of all donations and everyone will be invited to that special day it takes to the skies.”

Mr Dalitz, who enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940 when he was 18 years old, learned to fly the Tiger Moth aircraft before transitioning to the Beaufort bomber. He served with the 8th Squadron in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific, participating in the last operational bombing mission of the Beaufort during the war.

Photo credit: Clayfield-Toombul RSL/Facebook

The Beaufort bomber, designed and produced in Australia, played a crucial role in the country’s defence during WWII. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, a third of whom were women, the Beaufort’s production was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Australian people.

Beaufort (Photo credit: adf-serials.com.au)

In a fitting tribute to the remarkable life of Wally Dalitz, his family will hold his final farewell in June at the Caboolture Airfield.

Read: Caboolture Police Calls for Creative Minds: A Community Mural Project

Mr Dalitz’s ashes will board the very same Tiger Moth aircraft he had flown during a media interview just a year prior, fulfilling his request to have his remains scattered over the Bribie Island passage. As the Tiger Moth takes to the skies, it will serve as a poignant reminder of Mr Dalitz’s enduring passion for aviation and the legacy he leaves behind.

Featured image credit: Australian Aviation Heritage Centre – QLD/Facebook

Published 9-April-2024