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Mother Sentenced for Elimbah Robbery Scheme Walks Free From Court

A 30-year-old mother of two has walked free from Brisbane District Court after receiving a suspended sentence for her involvement in an armed robbery that took place in Elimbah last year.

Chloe Anne McKeon was sentenced on Tuesday by Judge Vicki Loury KC to four years imprisonment, suspended after serving 248 days, which she had already completed during pre-sentence custody. The sentence comes with an operational period of four years.

The court heard that McKeon played a crucial role in luring the victim to an isolated location in the local Moreton Bay suburb on 19 March 2024, under the false pretence of a romantic date. Her co-accused then allegedly held up the victim at gunpoint to collect a drug debt.

Judge Loury questioned where McKeon’s teenage children were during the incident, noting the defendant was heavily affected by drugs at the time. Defence lawyer Kate Fuller acknowledged this was a fair concern that had “landed home in a very drastic way” to McKeon during her eight months in custody.

The prosecution outlined how McKeon, who was training as a butcher at the time, encouraged the victim to comply with robbery demands and filmed the encounter on her co-accused’s phone. She also stole the victim’s mobile phone during the ordeal.

Crown Prosecutor Caleb Theunissen described particularly disturbing details of the incident, including how the victim was forced to his knees and made to sing Happy Birthday as a form of humiliation. The victim was also struck twice and had his footwear thrown into nearby bushland before managing to escape to a service station.

McKeon had known her co-accused for just one week before the incident occurred. She was arrested the following day.

The court viewed video footage of the robbery, with Judge Loury stating she was convinced a real firearm was involved, though whether it was loaded remained unknown.

The prosecution had sought a sentence of four-and-a-half to five years, describing it as a very serious example of armed robbery.

Defence submissions revealed that McKeon was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time and had developed an addiction following a miscarriage.

McKeon pleaded guilty to one charge of armed robbery in company with violence.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about drug-related crime affecting local communities in the Moreton Bay region.

Published 2-September-2025

Snakes Push Noosa to the Limit in Dramatic Grand Final

The Caboolture Snakes women’s rugby union team wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a memorable — if agonising — showing in the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union grand final, narrowly losing to the Noosa Dolphins in extra time, 17–14, on Sunday, 31 August at the Noosa Rugby Union Club.

From the first whistle, the match was a test of will. The teams remained deadlocked at 0–0 at half-time, a testament to their defensive intensity and competitive parity.

The breakthrough came 18 minutes into the second half, when Noosa exploited a scrum penalty. Georgie Daniels took a quick tap and, after several hard-fought phases, powered over from close range to give the Dolphins a 7–0 lead.

Caboolture wasn’t deterred. With just four minutes remaining in regular time, they earned a scrum penalty of their own. Taking another quick tap, they busted through the line and crossed over to tie the match at 7–7, forcing 70 minutes of grueling rugby into seven-minute extra-time halves, with no golden point.

Extra time proved to be a roller-coaster. Noosa scored first when Shelbie Beardmore capped off an attacking raid, pushing the score to 12–7. The Snakes, showing no signs of fatigue, hit back soon after with a converted try, swinging the lead to 14–12 and momentarily silencing the home crowd.

However, the drama wasn’t over. With time nearly expired, Noosa worked hard for field position. After a quick tap followed by strong phase work, Lydian Alo-Emile seized the final opportunity, diving over in the dying seconds to seal a 17–14 victory for the Dolphins.

This final was nothing short of extraordinary — a gripping display of grit, endurance, and skill. This result signals one of the most notable seasons for the Snakes in recent years, reinforcing their emergence as a genuine force in regional women’s rugby.

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As the club turns to 2026, the lessons learned from this performance — along with the confidence gained in pushing a formidable opponent to the limit — will undoubtedly serve as fuel for the Snakes’ next chapter.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Trevor Gensch

Published 2-Sept-2025

Caboolture Snakes’ $9M Clubhouse Build Set to Kick off in Early 2026

Construction on Caboolture Snakes Rugby League Club’s new $9 million clubhouse is scheduled to begin in early 2026, marking the next step in redeveloping the club’s ageing home in Morayfield Rd.

Read: Former Caboolture Snakes Star Ryan Smith in Wallabies Squad

The upgrade for the Caboolture Snakes Rugby League Club will be delivered in two stages, with detailed design work nearing completion. Stage One will focus on the main operations building, delivering fully accessible changerooms, a referee room, first aid space, administration offices, retail shop stores, a gym, and a modern score and media booth.

*Photo Credit: Caboolture Snakes Rugby League Club*

Council is also funding the development of “The Hill”, a new seating area stretching from one end of the field to the other that will be fully accessible.

Stage Two will build on this foundation with community-focused facilities designed to enhance the game-day atmosphere. Features will include a large kitchen and clubroom, indoor formal seating with a generous viewing platform, and an outdoor alfresco area overlooking the gardens at the northern end of the field.

The clubhouse design also incorporates fully accessible commentators, scoring and filming booths, as well as family-friendly tiered seating that will boost capacity by 280, taking the total to 405 seats.

Photo credit: Caboolture Snakes Junior Rugby League Club/Facebook

Cr Adam Hain has shared a first look at the rendered design, describing it as a modern facility that will support players, officials, and spectators.

Read: Caboolture Snakes U-17 Coach Zeke Field Named QRL Community Coach of the Year

The project is backed by Australia’s Investing in Our Communities Program. Once complete, the clubhouse will sit close to the $11.4 million regional playground and zero-depth water play space, creating a precinct well suited to both sport and family recreation.

Featured image credit: Cr Adam Hain/Facebook

Published 2-September-2025

Local Artisans in Caboolture to Showcase Rare Lapidary Skills at Annual Gem Fest

The intricate craftsmanship of more than 95 local artisans will be the main attraction for the Caboolture community at the Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club’s annual Gem Fest, a vital fundraising event featuring dozens of vendors and interactive displays at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre.

This celebration of local talent and geological treasures is scheduled for the weekend of September 13-14. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, giving the community ample opportunity to attend.

A Celebration of Skill

Gem Fest — *Photo Credit:* *Bribie Island Gem Club/ Facebook*

The festival serves as the primary showcase for members of the Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and teaching lapidary arts. Throughout the year, members hone specialised skills such as faceting gemstones, silversmithing, casting, and wax carving to turn raw stones into fine, wearable jewellery. The Gem Fest is the culmination of this work, offering a rare glimpse into the detailed processes of these unique crafts.

Attendees can expect to see these skills firsthand through live demonstrations and gold platting activities. A showroom will be filled with jewellery created by club members, available for purchase alongside a vast collection of rocks, minerals, and gemstones from the club’s own stand.

Inspiring Future Generations

Beyond the displays and sales, the event is designed to foster a passion for the craft in all ages. A key attraction is the children’s fossicking area, where young attendees can sift through material to try their luck at finding a gem or two to take home. This hands-on experience is aimed at inspiring a new generation of gem enthusiasts and artisans.

The event will host between 50 and 60 different vendors, offering a wide array of lapidary supplies, unique minerals, and finished jewellery, ensuring there is something to capture everyone’s interest, from seasoned collectors to curious newcomers.

Supporting a Community Hub

This annual festival is the club’s main fundraising initiative. According to club President Sandra Moran, the money raised is essential for maintaining the specialised equipment the members rely on to pursue their craft. The support from the community directly contributes to the club’s ability to continue operating as a creative hub.

The event will be held at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre at 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach. Entry for adults is a gold coin donation, with a minimum of $2 for those using a credit card. Admission is free for all children aged 15 and under. Refreshments and food will also be available.

Published Date 02-September-2025

Photo Credit: Bribie Island Gem Club/ Facebook

Brothers Face Murder Charges Over Fatal Shooting in Railway Parade

Two local brothers have appeared in Queensland courts facing murder charges following the shooting death of 23-year-old Chloe Jade Mason on Railway Parade, Caboolture, in December last year.

Codye Ian Thomson, 29, and Kaine Raymond Thomson-Gleeson, 32, were arrested in January after allegedly fleeing to NSW following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of 22 December 2024.

Court Proceedings Reveal Details

During Supreme Court hearings in August, details emerged about the events leading to Ms Mason’s death. The court heard that Ms Mason had arrived at the brothers’ residence armed with a rifle, following what police describe as an escalating neighbourhood dispute.

CCTV footage captured the confrontation, showing Thomson approaching Ms Mason whilst she was armed outside the property, followed by Thomson-Gleeson who was carrying a machete. The court was told that after Ms Mason’s rifle apparently misfired twice, Thomson grabbed the weapon and it discharged without causing injury.

The Crown alleges that Thomson-Gleeson then physically assaulted Ms Mason, knocking her to the ground before Thomson fired the remaining rounds from the rifle. Ms Mason sustained three gunshot wounds and was declared deceased at the scene despite police efforts to provide emergency medical care.

Background to the Incident

The shooting appears to have stemmed from an ongoing neighbourhood feud. Court documents indicate that prior to the fatal incident, fuel had been thrown on Thomson-Gleeson’s vehicle, prompting retaliation that damaged another car belonging to an associate of Ms Mason.

Messages between the parties showed Thomson-Gleeson had agreed to pay for the vehicle damage. However, tensions escalated when one of Ms Mason’s associates rode past the brothers’ home earlier that evening, making threatening statements.

Legal Arguments and Bail Decision

Thomson-Gleeson’s legal team argued for bail in August, claiming their client acted in self-defence when he believed Ms Mason was attempting to shoot him. His solicitor has maintained that Thomson-Gleeson was protecting his home and family.

Justice Ryan acknowledged significant weaknesses in the Crown’s case, describing it as not particularly strong. However, she refused bail, citing concerns about Thomson-Gleeson’s potential to interfere with the course of justice and his demonstrated ability to evade police.

The court heard both brothers initially told police they had seen or heard nothing on the night of the shooting. However, in later formal interviews, Thomson-Gleeson admitted he thought Ms Mason was trying to shoot him and claimed his brother disposed of the weapon using acid.

Community Impact

The tragic incident has deeply affected the local community. Ms Mason’s death prompted an outpouring of support from friends and family, who remembered her for her loyalty and compassion.

A funeral service was held at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Redcliffe in January, where mourners gathered to pay their respects. Those who knew Ms Mason described her as having a bubbly personality who would always speak directly rather than behind people’s backs.

The case has also highlighted ongoing concerns about neighbourhood disputes and the tragic consequences that can arise when conflicts escalate.

Current Status

Both brothers remain in custody as the legal proceedings continue. The case has attracted significant attention due to the violent nature of the incident and the complex circumstances surrounding the neighbourhood dispute.

The matter will proceed through the court system, with both defence and prosecution teams preparing their cases for trial. The community continues to process the loss of a young life in what Justice Ryan described as a case with significant legal complexities.

Published 28-August-2025

Street Spotlight: Old Toorbul Point Rd, Caboolture

Long before the morning school run became part of its daily rhythm, Old Toorbul Point Rd carried a different kind of traffic. This well-established thoroughfare has evolved from a quieter connector road into a vital artery for the Caboolture community, particularly for families whose lives revolve around the school calendar.

Today, the street is perhaps best known for its role in the daily routines of Australian Christian College Moreton families. Year 8 students have taken part in community service activities along this stretch, engaging in local projects and stewardship initiatives that strengthen their connection to the neighbourhood. It’s the kind of quiet civic engagement that often goes unnoticed, yet speaks volumes about how a street can become part of a school community’s identity.

The road has also been the subject of significant infrastructure attention. Staged upgrades, intersection improvements, and duplication projects have gradually transformed Old Toorbul Point Road as part of the broader Caboolture-Bribie corridor works. These changes—new roundabouts, upgraded signalisation, widened lanes—have altered bus routes and school drop-off patterns, the kinds of adjustments that parents and students navigate each term as the landscape around them shifts.

Property sales along the road tell their own story of transformation. In the early 1990s, homes changed hands for figures that now seem remarkably modest: $135,000 in March 1992, $115,000 later that same year, $80,000 in April 1993. Fast forward to December 2024, and a single property at 115 Old Toorbul Point Road sold for $2 million—a figure that captures not just price growth, but the fundamental reshaping of Caboolture’s residential character over three decades.

Old Toorbul Point Rd, Caboolture Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 36 houses, 22 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 16 years and 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 69%

Old Toorbul Point Rd, Caboolture – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON OLD TOORBUL POINT RD, CABOOLTURE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
115 Old Toorbul Point Road, Caboolture	$2,000,000	Dec 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON OLD TOORBUL POINT RD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
294 Old Toorbul Point Road	$80,000	Apr 1993
530 Old Toorbul Point Road	$115,000	Nov 1992
230 Old Toorbul Point Road	$135,000	Mar 1992

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2025 was $700,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2021 was $365,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2021: $335,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2025 was $775,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2021 was $435,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2021: $340,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2025 was $934,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Caboolture in 2021 was $598,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2021: $336,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2025 was $570,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Caboolture in 2021 was $282,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN CABOOLTURE SINCE 2021: $288,000

If you know Charles St, Caboolture well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 28-August-2025

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics Planned for Brisbane and Burpengary

Two new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are being established in Brisbane and Burpengary, offering bulk-billed urgent care services to ease pressure on nearby hospitals.

Background

On 14 August 2025, registrations of interest opened for providers to operate new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs) in Brisbane’s inner north and in the Narangba–Burpengary area. These sites form part of a wider rollout of 50 additional clinics announced in the 2025–2026 Federal Budget.

The initiative is supported by the Brisbane North Primary Health Network, which is managing the selection of general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to host the new facilities.

Burpengary Medicare Urgent Care — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Service Model

Medicare UCCs provide walk-in care for urgent but not life-threatening conditions. They are bulk-billed and operate with extended hours every day of the year. Patients do not require appointments or referrals.

The clinics are staffed by medical professionals and are designed to deliver accessible care for all, including young people and vulnerable groups. Patients receive a discharge summary and, where applicable, their regular GP is informed of the visit.

Reducing Hospital Pressure

The Burpengary and Brisbane clinics are expected to reduce demand on local hospitals, including Caboolture Hospital and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. By handling urgent presentations in a general practice setting, the clinics will allow hospitals to focus on more critical cases.

Nationally, 90 Medicare UCCs have already opened since 2023, recording more than 1.8 million presentations. In Queensland alone, 16 existing clinics have seen more than 350,000 visits. Nearly one-third of those presentations occurred outside normal business hours, with a significant proportion during weekends and evenings.

urgent care clinics — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Access

For families, the clinics are intended to provide more timely access to urgent healthcare, particularly outside standard business hours. Data from Queensland’s existing sites shows over one in four visits have involved patients under 15 years of age.

Next Steps

The registration process for interested providers will close on 25 August 2025, followed by a formal tender process. Once established, the new Brisbane and Burpengary Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will operate seven days a week, extended hours, with all services bulk billed.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Lagoon Road Mountain Bike Trails Set to Open in Burpengary

Burpengary’s bushland is about to become a new hub for riders, with construction of the Lagoon Road Mountain Bike Trails set to finish next month.

Read: Planning Underway for Caboolture West and Burpengary East Schools

The $700,000 project will deliver three kilometres of purpose-built tracks right next to the Grogan Road Park Precinct, offering a mix of flow, jump and climbing trails. Designed to suit riders of all skill levels, the course will feature wooden berms, dirt jumps, boardwalks, rollers and tabletops.

Concept plan (Photo credit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au)

The main trailhead will be located at the corner of Morayfield Road and Graham Road, giving locals and visitors easy access to the site. Once open, the space is expected to encourage outdoor activity and provide a safe and exciting spot for the growing mountain biking community in Moreton Bay.

The City of Moreton Bay began work on the project earlier this year, after delays caused by heavy rainfall and unexpected logistical challenges. Construction teams have been working weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with the timeline now on track for completion.

Local councillor Mark Booth has described the project as particularly meaningful, reflecting his own childhood experiences of riding through Narangba, Burpengary and Morayfield. He said he was eager to see the community come together and create new memories on the trails.

When the final touches are complete, the Lagoon Road Mountain Bike Trails will add to the region’s growing network of outdoor recreation spaces, designed to get people active while highlighting the natural bushland of Burpengary.

Read: Priority Development Area Planned for Burpengary East to Boost Housing Supply

Beyond the riding experience, the project is also expected to deliver broader benefits to the local community. With easy access from the Bruce Highway and nearby suburbs, the trails have the potential to attract visitors from across South East Queensland, boosting local businesses and putting Burpengary on the map as a destination for adventure sport and recreation.

Featured image credit: Cr Mark Booth/Facebook

Published 27-August-2025

Record-Breaking Ride: Young Bull Rider Makes History at Caboolture Invitational

At just 11 years old, Singleton’s Sonny Heffernan is already riding his way into the record books. This Saturday (August 30) in Caboolture, the young bull rider will become the first rider in Australia to compete in 50 PBR Junior Academy events, a milestone many seasoned professionals never reach.

Read: $20m Motorsport Park Proposed Near Caboolture

For Sonny, it’s not just about numbers. Over his 50 events, he’s covered 33 bulls and made the whistle more than two-thirds of the time, with 30 of those rides finishing in the top five. They’re statistics that even world-class riders would envy.

And he’s only getting started. The day after Caboolture, Sonny will trade his cowboy hat for a boarding pass, flying out to Ogden, Utah, to compete at the International Mini Bull Riding Association (IMBA) World Finals from September 3–6. It won’t be his first time representing Australia on the global stage. In 2019, at just five years old, he competed in Las Vegas and placed 11th.

Bull riding in the blood

Photo credit: PBR Australia Can-Am Junior Academy/Facebook

Sonny’s family name is already well known in the sport. He’s the nephew of PBR NSW Origin coach and two-time National Champion Cody Heffernan, and he’s carving out his own list of achievements, including the 2024 Peewee Australian Title and playing a part in New South Wales’ memorable Origin victory in 2025.

Simon Mallory, PBR announcer, said the PBR Can-Am Junior Academy, launched in 2021, has been a game-changer for the sport’s future.

“It’s dedicated to creating pathways for young bull riders to progress all the way to the national and international stage,” he said. “Watching riders like Sonny shine in front of sold-out crowds at the PBR Origin Series has been incredible, and the entire PBR community can’t wait to cheer him on in Caboolture for his 50th junior event and on the international stage.”

The next generation

Sonny will line up in Caboolture alongside 60 juniors, some as young as eight, all competing for the chance to reach the Junior Grand Finals in Tamworth this October. Mallory said the program’s success has also been driven by the commitment of families.

“The success of the program wouldn’t be without the parents who give up their entire weekends to bring their kids from across the country to compete. It’s truly an amazing thing to see,” he said.

Read: Jamie Winning-Kermond Tops FEI World Cup Qualifier in Caboolture

For the young bull rider, Saturday marks more than just another ride. It’s the beginning of his journey onto the world stage. Pint-sized he may be, but with his record and grit, this young cowboy is proving he’s one to watch.

Catch Sonny making history at the PBR Caboolture Invitational, Saturday August 30 at QSEC. Gates open at 4.30 p.m, Junior Academy starts 5.00 pm, Main Event 7.00 p.m.

Featured image credit: PBR Australia

Published 26-August-2025

Five-Star Luxury Resort Planned for Sandstone Point

Locals at Sandstone Point may see big changes soon, as the Comiskey Group lodges plans for a $250-million luxury resort promising jobs, leisure, and tourism growth in Sandstone Point.

A Coastal Destination Reimagined

The Comiskey Group has submitted a $250-million development application for a five-star resort at 1780–1820 Bribie Island Road, Sandstone Point, under DA/2025/3710.

Plans outline more than 200 rooms in two ten-storey towers beside the Sandstone Point Hotel and BIG4 Holiday Resort.

Suites will range from one to three bedrooms, including rooftop penthouses with views over Pumicestone Passage. Facilities include multiple pools, a Mediterranean-style restaurant, wellness centre, gym, event spaces, retail, dining, indoor entertainment, and a Tourism Information Centre.

Driving Local Tourism And Economy

The Comiskey Group projection estimates the development could create around 1,000 jobs and attract over 117,000 visitor nights each year.

Tourism and Events Moreton Bay’s Chief Executive sees the expansion as a timely boost ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, while the Queensland Tourism Industry Council supports it for helping to fill hotel capacity gaps in southeast Queensland.

Local businesses stand to benefit from the development once open, with forecasted annual visitor spending of approximately $143 million to $150 million.

Bryce Hawkins, Principal at Ray White Bribie Island, thinks the development is will bring in major benefits to the region.

“The announcement of Comiskey Group’s $250 million luxury development at Sandstone Point is a game-changer for the Bribie Island region,” he said. “A five-star hotel, premium dining, retail and upgraded entertainment facilities will not only draw visitors from across Queensland but also directly benefit locals by bringing a welcome mix of higher-end services that complement what is already a renowned lifestyle destination.”

“We are already hearing strong enthusiasm from both local and interstate buyers who see this project as a major confidence boost for the area. Large-scale investment of this calibre strengthens buyer demand and underpins long-term property values across the Bribie region,” he added.

Community Context And Expectations

The proposal acknowledges the value of its existing open-air concert grounds and entertainment facilities, planning upgrades, such as a dedicated bus terminal, more basement parking, and better concert infrastructure to manage visitor flows.

Early reaction on social media has been mixed, with some locals excited about the jobs and economic boost, while others raised concerns about traffic and the impact on the area’s laid-back charm. The project has already sparked lively debate, hinting that community sentiment will play a big role in its progress.

What Happens Next

The development application is currently under assessment by Moreton Bay Regional Council, with detailed design and community consultation to follow if it proceeds.

For now, Sandstone Point residents, business owners, and visitors alike will be watching closely, weighing the promise of growth against the desire to preserve the coastal lifestyle that defines the area.

“Bribie Island has always offered a unique balance of relaxed coastal living with strong community spirit, and this development positions us firmly on the map as both a lifestyle and tourism destination. From a property perspective, we expect to see continued demand from buyers who recognise the growth potential, making this an incredibly exciting time for local homeowners and investors alike,” Mr Hawkins added.

Updated 25-August-2025. Published 14-August-2025
Featured Photo Credit: Brisbane/Linkedin