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Bolton Clarke Fernhill Connects Generations Through Play In Caboolture

At Bolton Clarke Fernhill in Caboolture, something simple yet powerful is happening, elderly clients and local children are building friendships across generations, side by side with crayons, games and laughter.

A Regular Connection That’s Growing Stronger

Since late 2023, older adults at Fernhill Day Therapy Centre and children from Casia House childcare have met every second month to play, talk and build connections that support emotional, social and physical wellbeing.

*Photo Credit: Bolton Clarke Fernhill, Caboolture/Facebook*

Fernhill lifestyle coordinator Leah Ryan said the visits help bridge the age gap and bring joy to clients who rarely see young children. She said it’s now a valued part of the centre’s routine.

Clients Look Forward To Visits

For long-time client Colin Embery, the visits have made a big difference. When the program began, he was quiet and unsure. Now, he chats easily and looks forward to the children arriving. Staff say his experience is common, with many participants showing more confidence and cheerfulness after the sessions.

The children, too, have grown more comfortable. At first shy and reserved, they now join in with enthusiasm. Staff at both centres report the relationships are building steadily, with children learning patience and kindness, while clients feel more energetic and valued.

Building Bridges, Reducing Loneliness

The Caboolture program reflects a wider push to create intergenerational experiences as a way to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing. The timing of the most recent session tied in with Global Intergenerational Week, which highlights how bringing young and old together can benefit everyone.

For aged care clients, the program offers something different from usual therapy routines. For the children, it gives a sense of responsibility and warmth. Staff from both centres say it’s a win for the whole community, not just the participants.

Community-focused Aged Care

Bolton Clarke Fernhill is finding new ways to connect with the wider Caboolture community. The intergenerational visits are one of several efforts to build trust and improve quality of life through simple, shared moments.

The program has become a quiet success story in Caboolture, showing that meaningful change can happen when people of all ages come together with care and intention.

Publishes 5-May-2025

Caboolture Hub Tree Grows with Messages of Hope for DFV Prevention

A jacaranda tree at Caboolture Hub is drawing the community together, one coloured flower at a time, as locals contribute messages of support and hope to raise awareness of domestic and family violence. The purple-flowered display is part of a new community project helping people talk about an issue that affects nearly 40 per cent of Australians during childhood.

A Visual Message with a Deeper Meaning

The Tree of Healing, created by Act for Kids, is a community art project at Caboolture Hub inviting locals to colour a flower, add a message, and place it on a jacaranda tree. It offers a simple way to support children and families impacted by domestic violence and spark conversations about healing.

The tree’s purple flowers reflect the international colour for domestic violence awareness. Its roots honour lives lost, the trunk shows community strength, and the leaves symbolise healing.

Community Spirit at the Centre

Local support brought the tree to life, with Moreton Bay City Council providing materials and Act for Kids counsellor and artist Marta Ponti volunteering her time. The installation has become a space for reflection and sharing, especially for children affected by domestic violence.

Act for Kids shared on social media their pride in seeing the tree bloom with coloured messages, encouraging more people to visit Caboolture Hub in May, add a flower, and share photos online.

A Widespread Issue with Lasting Effects

Act for Kids says over 80 per cent of the families they support each year have experienced domestic violence. CEO Dr Katrina Lines noted that nearly four in ten Australians faced it as children, and projects like this help raise awareness and drive change.

The tree not only stands as a creative symbol, but as a way for children and adults to express feelings, show support for others, and learn about what it means to live free from violence. It’s also designed to be a safe, welcoming space where difficult conversations can begin.

How Locals Can Get Involved and Seek Help

The Tree of Healing will be at Caboolture Hub throughout May for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Visitors can colour a flower, leave a message, and share photos online tagging @actforkids to help raise awareness.

For more information about the Safe Families program by Act for Kids, click here.

Support is available for anyone impacted by domestic or family violence:

DVConnect Womensline (24/7): 1800 811 811
DVConnect Mensline (24/7): 1800 600 636
Kids Helpline (24/7): 1800 551 800

The project team hopes the growing flowers will show the community’s support for a safer future for children, turning the tree into a symbol of connection and healing.

Published 2-May-2025

Illegal Pig Hunting in Bribie Island National Park Results in $9K Fines

Two individuals were penalised over $9000 for unlawfully pursuing feral pigs within Bribie Island National Park, a designated conservation zone in Queensland.

Surveillance Evasion Leads to Detection

Queensland Police and the Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) located the two individuals following reports of unusual activity and repeated vehicle access to Bribie Island National Park. Investigators stated the pair removed their vehicle number plates to avoid park surveillance cameras, accessed restricted roads, and brought in pig-hunting dogs.

Following a coordinated investigation, officers tracked down the men and issued a combined $9032 in fines under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Queensland’s transport legislation.

*Caption: Feral pigs on Bribie Island (2024)*
*Photo Credit: Alex Caruana/Facebook*

Protected Area Breach Raises Conservation Concerns

Bribie Island National Park is designated for wildlife protection and ecological preservation. Although feral pigs are classified as a pest in Queensland and can be controlled on private properties under regulated conditions, hunting within national parks is strictly banned.

QPWS representatives confirmed the illegal activity interfered with formal pest control programs. Authorities warned that unauthorised hunting may damage sensitive landscapes, threaten native species, and undermine environmental management.

Feral Pig Management Is Ongoing

QPWS has existing pest control programs in place to address the presence of feral pigs on Bribie Island. These operations are structured to ensure minimal environmental disruption while targeting invasive species effectively.

The department reiterated that national parks are shared public spaces and not to be used for recreational or unauthorised hunting, regardless of intent.

Bribie Island pig hunting — *Caption: Feral pigs on Bribie Island (2024)*
*Photo Credit: Alex Caruana/Facebook*

Online Commentary Divided

Public responses on social media reflected mixed reactions. While some commenters criticised the fines as excessive given the environmental damage caused by pigs, others questioned the effectiveness of existing park management strategies. Several called for licensed culling programs, while a number defended the protection laws in place.

A few respondents also compared the penalty with unrelated legal outcomes, expressing concern over inconsistency in enforcement. Others raised issues regarding perceived cultural and legal inequities.

Reporting and Enforcement Continue

Authorities encouraged members of the public to report illegal activity within Bribie Island National Park or other protected areas. Both QPWS and Queensland Police stated that monitoring operations will continue, supported by surveillance equipment and regular patrols to deter illegal activity.

Published 2-May-2025

Photo Credit: Fishmongerel/Reddit

Have Your Say: Elimbah Community Challenges Latest Moreton Motorway Alignment

Nearly nine out of ten surveyed Elimbah residents oppose the latest proposed route for Stage 4 of the Moreton Motorway, as the community contests state government plans impacting homes and businesses along the corridor north of Brisbane.

New Route Proposal Draws Concern

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has identified a new proposed path for Stage 4 of the future Moreton Motorway, a 12.6-kilometre section planned between Beerburrum and Moodlu.

This latest proposal marks the third attempt to define a route for this northern section after TMR dropped two previous options, which ran through the middle of Elimbah, following strong community opposition over 12 months.

TMR is inviting public feedback on the current proposed alignment, with the submission deadline extended to 5:00 p.m. on 14 May, 2025. Local campaigners welcomed the extension, stating the initial timeframe was too short for preparing effective submissions.

Residents Seek Route Shift

Community dissatisfaction remains high despite the new route being positioned further west of the Elimbah township than previous options. An online survey indicated 88 per cent of respondents were “not happy at all” with the proposal. Campaigners, including spokesperson Kim Litchfield, have indicated that while the need for infrastructure to support regional growth is understood, the community wants the best outcome for the area.

This includes pushing for the motorway’s path to be moved further west, outside the current urban footprint, to reduce the impact on existing homes, farms, and businesses. Some residents commenting via a community Facebook page echoed this, suggesting the route should go further to avoid properties entirely or that the existing M1 highway should be widened instead.

The campaigners do not see the current proposal as the final route, even though TMR information has suggested that options further west were previously ruled out. Submission support workshops are being held for affected community members.

Project Background and Purpose

The focus on Stage 4 is part of the early planning for the larger Moreton Motorway, a key long-term initiative previously known as the Bruce Highway Western Alternative. This future motorway is planned to span approximately 50 kilometres from Beerburrum down to Bald Hills.

TMR is undertaking this project to support forecast population growth in the region. The department states the motorway aims to provide a vital new transport link connecting communities to homes, jobs, and services, improve the resilience of the transport network, ease congestion, and help maintain the Bruce Highway’s function as the primary route for freight and long-distance travel.

The land corridors for the first two stages of the motorway, covering 22 kilometres between Moodlu and Narangba, have already been identified and protected. Stage 3 planning between Narangba and Bald Hills will proceed after Stage 4 is finalised.

Planning Considerations and Timeline

In developing the current Stage 4 proposal, TMR stated that significant consideration was given to waterways, native vegetation, and cultural heritage sites. The department also noted the route avoids Mount Elimbah (The Saddleback) and Mount Miketeebumulgrai. The current plans include bridges at Whittington, Child, Brucknell, Old Gympie, Twin View, and McDougall Roads, along with overpasses at Beerburrum Road and across the railway line.

While planning and corridor protection are underway, TMR anticipates that construction of the Moreton Motorway is still more than a decade away. Protecting the necessary land now is intended to provide certainty for the community and industry, ensuring the land is available when needed for future construction.

Published Date 30-April-2025

Photo Credit: TMR

Teen Charged After Stabbing at Burpengary East Party

A 17-year-old boy faced Caboolture Children’s Court on April 30 on serious assault charges following a stabbing incident at a large party in Burpengary East.

Police were called to Crichton Court at approximately 12:15am on April 27 where they found a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man with serious but non-life-threatening injuries reportedly caused by an edged weapon.

According to police reports, the victims were allegedly assaulted by multiple people during a physical altercation at the party. Investigators believe additional attendees may have been injured during the incident.

Following a search warrant executed at a Burpengary East residence on Tuesday, April 29, officers arrested the 17-year-old suspect. He was subsequently charged with one count each of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding.

Police refused bail for the accused, who appeared in Caboolture Children’s Court on April 30.

Detectives from the Moreton District are continuing their investigation and have issued an appeal for anyone with information, video footage, or who may have sustained injuries during the incident to contact authorities.

Published 30-April-2025

Caboolture Area Gears Up for Annual Medieval Festival

The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology annually transforms a field near Caboolture into a bustling medieval world, offering the community a unique chance to experience European and Middle Eastern history from 600 to 1600 AD.

Journey into the Past

Each year, the Abbey Medieval Festival provides an immersive step back in time, recreating life centuries ago without the hardships of the Middle Ages. According to the organisers, the event in the Moreton Bay Region focuses on the period between 600 and 1600 AD in Europe and the Middle East.

The source material indicated a previous festival ran over a weekend from Friday, 13 July to Sunday, 15 July, showcasing a packed programme of events. Central to the experience are dedicated re-enactors who share their passion for history and demonstrate medieval daily life, including traditional music, craftsmanship techniques, and games. Visitors can also interact with animals that were common during the era.

Festival Highlights and Tournaments

A major draw for attendees is the series of tournaments held throughout the weekend. Champions are crowned on a Sunday afternoon following intense competitions. The Joust Championship sees skilled Australian jousters compete in a style approximating a 15th-century tournament. Archery skills are also put to the test in a dedicated competition.

Furthermore, the festival features traditional Turkish oil wrestling, presented with careful attention to authentic Ottoman Empire rituals and customs. This includes wearing traditional leather trousers known as Kispet, which are imported specially for the event.

Family Fun and Marketplace

The festival caters to all ages, with Friday designated as a Family Fun Day. This offers a sensory-friendly experience with smaller crowds and fewer loud activities, such as cannon fire demonstrations. Families can enjoy children’s plays, shield painting, and a kids’ archery range.

Alongside the performances and re-enactments, a vibrant marketplace operates throughout the festival. Attendees can browse stalls selling various goods, from candles and herbs to costumes and hats. Food vendors offer medieval-inspired refreshments, including venison pie, German sausage, ale, and mead.

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Planning Your Visit

The festival occurs at Abbeystowe, an open field adjacent to the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. For those travelling by car from Brisbane, the journey is approximately 45 minutes via the Bruce Highway, taking the Caboolture-Bribie Island exit (152A) and following signs to Old Toorbul Point Road.

Festival organisers state that visitors who drive must purchase a parking pass and their entry tickets. Alternatively, public transport is available via train to Caboolture station. From there, free shuttle buses run every 15 minutes to the festival site. Visitors using the shuttle should note that the last bus departs from the festival grounds at 5:15 p.m.

Published Date 29-April-2025

Photo Credit: Abbey Medieval Festival/ Facebook

Teen Girl Injured by Lightning During Fierce Storms Near Burpengary

A 17-year-old girl was injured when lightning struck her home north of Burpengary as violent storms swept across southeast Queensland, shaking local communities and leaving another woman with burns.

Teen Caught in Lightning Strike While on Phone

Bloom Kermode, 17, was using her phone at her Sunshine Coast home when lightning struck, sending a surge through the device. The blast left her arm numb, sparked fires in her bedroom and caused part of the ceiling to collapse. She escaped with her dog and was treated at Nambour Hospital for neck pain, where she remained in a stable condition.

*Photo Credit: 10 News First Queensland/Facebook*

The incident happened as storms drenched southeast Queensland with more than 200mm of rain. While Bloom’s injuries were not life-threatening, the damage to her home highlighted the risks of using electronic devices during storms.

Burpengary Woman Injured in Separate Lightning Incident

In Burpengary, a woman suffered minor burns when lightning struck her property, sparking a fire. Paramedics treated her before she was taken to Caboolture Hospital in stable condition.

Authorities said the woman’s quick actions stopped the fire from spreading, while emergency crews were praised for handling multiple callouts across the storm-hit region.

Severe Weather Triggers Emergency Response

The Bureau of Meteorology issued urgent warnings before the storms brought heavy rain, flash flooding and damage across southeast Queensland. Floodwaters cut off roads and forced the cancellation of several Anzac Day services.

Emergency crews responded to dozens of incidents overnight, including water rescues and fallen trees and powerlines. In areas like Mooloolah Valley and Nambour, rising floodwaters caught drivers and residents off guard.

Communities Begin Recovery After Day of Destruction

As the storm moved offshore, clean-up began. Energy crews restored power to thousands, while SES volunteers cleared debris and helped residents.

In Burpengary and nearby areas, locals were urged to avoid flooded roads, unplug electronics and stay indoors during lightning. With Bloom and the Burpengary woman recovering, the community remains alert as more storms loom.

Published 28-April-2025

The Coffee Patch On Hasking Crowned Champion Café Of 2025

A small café tucked away in Caboolture has beaten thousands of others across the country to win a top national prize. The Coffee Patch on Hasking has been named Champion Café at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards, standing out among 25 finalists from across Australia.

A National Title For Caboolture’s Favourite Spot

The announcement came during a formal ceremony at The Star in Sydney in late March. Business owner Angie Moore said she was still in disbelief a week later, after returning home with the trophy.

*Photo Credit: The Coffee Patch on Hasking/Facebook*

With more than 5,000 nominations across all award categories, the win has brought pride to regulars who call the café their second home.

Celebration Shared With The Community

Locals gathered on Friday, April 4, from 4pm to 6pm to celebrate the award with Moore and her team. She thanked the community, who she refers to as “Patchers,” for supporting the business every step of the way.

A relaxed gathering was held at the café with nibbles, a tea and coffee station, and a bring-your-own approach to drinks.

It’s More Than Just Coffee

For many in the Caboolture area, The Coffee Patch on Hasking is more than just a café, it’s a regular meeting spot, a place for friendly chats, and a hub for locals to connect.

Moore, who leads the team, has built strong ties with her customers, many of whom showed up for the celebration to share in the success.

A Win Shared By The Whole Town

Moore credited her loyal customers and the Caboolture community for helping the business achieve such an honour. She described the experience of sitting at the awards night, unaware of what was to come, and the overwhelming joy that followed when the café was named winner.

She also said the recognition was not just about the café, but about the people who support it every day, the ones who stop by for coffee, bring their friends, and make the café a part of their routine.

Published 25-April-2025

Community Supports Grieving Burpengary Family After Son’s Death at South West Rocks

A Burpengary family’s yearly holiday trip ended in tragedy when nine-year-old Kaison Greaves died after becoming trapped between rocks during a visit to South West Rocks on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Tragic Accident at Popular Beach Spot

The incident occurred on Easter Sunday afternoon when Kaison, known as Kai, slipped and wedged between rocks off the shore at South West Rocks, north of Port Macquarie. The location is popular with locals and visitors for activities like fishing and playing. Desperate rescue efforts followed, involving Kaison’s father, lifeguards, firefighters, and police.

Responders battled difficult conditions for several hours, including neck-deep water and rising tides. Despite these frantic attempts, Kaison could not be saved and died at the scene. Witnesses described the father trying his best alongside emergency crews while the family watched. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances, believing the rising tide and waves may have contributed.

Mid North Coast Police District Inspector Peter Walton described the event as a “tragic misadventure,” noting that many children likely play on those same rocks daily. A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Family Remembers Adventurous Son

Kaison’s parents, Brook and David Greaves, remembered their son fondly. Ms Greaves described Kaison as an explorer and adventurer who loved being outside and chasing waterfalls. Mr Greaves shared that Kaison was like himself, an outdoor person who copied him in many ways, and felt he had lost his best friend.

He also stated Kaison was an amazing big brother, adding that Kaison’s younger brother Eli remarked it must be raining because the angels were crying for Kaison. The Brisbane-based family considered South West Rocks, where Mr Greaves grew up, a special place they visited yearly, ending this trip in heartbreak.

Community Rallies in Support

The tragedy prompted a large community response. Hundreds of people gathered for a candlelit vigil at South West Rocks’ Main Beach on Tuesday evening to honour Kaison and support his family. Kaison’s parents expressed they were overwhelmed by the huge turnout and deeply grateful for the community’s support.

They also thanked the rescuers, including bystanders who jumped into the water, for their efforts and for ensuring Kaison was not alone. One witness stated they hoped the family could find peace knowing Kaison was cared for and fought for until the end. A close family friend started a GoFundMe page to help the Greaves family cover the costs of bringing Kaison home to Queensland and assist them during their time of grief.

Incident Amidst Deadly Easter Weekend

Kaison’s death occurred during what Surf Life Saving NSW described as the worst Easter weekend on record for ocean drownings. Across the country, seven people lost their lives in coastal waters over the holiday period, with one person still missing at the time of the report.

Published Date 24-April-2025

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Man Faces Court Over Alleged Secret Recordings at Morayfield Shopping Centre

A 30-year-old Burpengary East man faces serious charges after allegedly secretly filming people using a public toilet within a busy Morayfield shopping centre over several months.

Police allege the man recorded people without their knowledge inside the public toilets on multiple occasions. These incidents are said to have happened between July and December last year.

Detectives from Argos and the Redcliffe Child Protection Investigation Unit searched a home in Burpengary East on 12 April this year as part of their investigation. During the search, officers seized several digital devices.

Forensic experts then looked closely at these devices. Police stated that they allegedly found numerous video recordings showing people inside the public bathroom. It is also alleged that child exploitation material, which had been downloaded, was located on the devices.

Following the investigation and examination of the devices, the 30-year-old Burpengary East resident was arrested. He has now been charged with several offences.

These include three counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service. He also faces one count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material and one count of making observations or recordings in breach of privacy.

The man’s first court appearance regarding these charges was set for 17 April at Caboolture Magistrates Court.

Published Date 16-April-2025

Photo Credit: Queensland Police