Unitywater is replacing hundreds of ageing water meters this month across Burpengary, Kallangur and Morayfield, where meters are reaching the end of their expected 10 to 15-year life cycle.
Since July, Unitywater crews have been upgrading ageing water meters across Burpengary, Kallangur and Morayfield to improve accuracy and reduce service issues. The works are part of a region-wide program that has seen more than 11,400 meters replaced across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa in the past financial year.
Replacing older meters helps prevent faults and supports more accurate billing and leak detection. Each installation takes under an hour, with residents receiving a notification card at least 48 hours before work begins. A final reading is left on-site so customers can verify their usage on the next bill.
Work Scheduled Across Busy Residential Pockets
Unitywater is focusing this month’s upgrades on suburbs with older infrastructure and rapid residential growth, including Burpengary, Kallangur and Morayfield. Thousands of households are scheduled for meter replacements through a rotating schedule.
Similar work is also under way in Buderim, Mountain Creek, Nambour and Sippy Downs. While brief water supply interruptions may occur, no action is needed from residents unless they have concerns. Technicians complete the work on-site without needing to enter homes.
Supporting Long-term Water Network Renewal
This work is part of Unitywater’s $400 million network renewal program, which feeds into a broader $2 billion investment over five years to maintain and improve water and wastewater systems. The meter replacements are just one part of ongoing upgrades designed to keep services running smoothly for households and businesses across the region.
The meter renewal program targets devices installed more than a decade ago, which are now at higher risk of failure or inaccurate recording. By updating these units, Unitywater aims to reduce long-term repair costs and prevent service disruptions for customers.
What Households Should Expect
Residents receiving a notice card can expect a short visit from a Unitywater technician, with work typically completed in under 60 minutes. Water service may be briefly paused, but it will resume as soon as the installation is done. The final reading card left behind allows residents to compare usage before and after the replacement.
Unitywater has advised that residents do not need to be home and no further paperwork or bookings are required. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Unitywater directly.
In support of National Diabetes Week 2025 (13–19 July), Priceline Morayfield is joining over 300 locations nationwide in offering free health checks to help tackle Australia’s growing type 2 diabetes epidemic.
The self-service checks, conducted via digital health stations inside participating Priceline stores, are quick, easy, and completely free. In just five minutes, individuals can assess their risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and other metabolic health concerns — with instant results provided on the spot.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign led by Diabetes Australia to improve early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes, which now affects 1.3 million Australians. Alarmingly, another half a million people are thought to be living with the condition without knowing it, while two million more are at high risk.
Health advocates say simple health checks like these could be lifesaving. Early intervention not only allows people to manage or delay the onset of diabetes but also helps avoid serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and vision loss. While genetics and family history play a role, up to 58 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.
Photo credit: Diabetes Australia/Facebook
Priceline Pharmacy’s National Pharmacy Support Manager Mel Gannon said pharmacies remain one of the most accessible healthcare entry points in the country. “It all starts with knowing your numbers,” she said, referring to the blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose readings provided by the health stations.
One example of how early diagnosis can change lives is Sydney resident Lee Chinprahust. At just 29, Lee was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes following a routine GP visit after feeling unusually fatigued. The diagnosis led to immediate lifestyle changes, and today, at 34, he keeps his condition under control with medication, diet, and regular exercise. He is now a strong voice for prevention.
National Diabetes Week 2025 launch (Photo credit: Diabetes Australia/Facebook)
The push for early diagnosis comes amid new research revealing the true cost of diabetes in Australia. Diabetes Australia’s latest economic modelling estimates all forms of diabetes now cost the health system around $9.1 billion annually — nearly three times more than previous estimates. Every eight minutes, another Australian is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and projections suggest that figure could soar to 3.2 million by 2050 if action isn’t taken.
Diabetes Australia is calling for greater national focus on diabetes, including better food labelling, school-based prevention programs, and more funding for community-level awareness campaigns. While initiatives like the free health checks are an important step, experts say a coordinated, long-term strategy is needed to stop the epidemic from spiralling further.
Residents of Morayfield and surrounding areas are encouraged to drop by Priceline Pharmacy Morayfield this week to take advantage of the free health check and learn more about their risk factors.
A former high-achieving school captain has been sentenced to four years imprisonment, suspended after ten months, over a fatal crash on Old Gympie Road that claimed the life of a British tourist and seriously injured his friend.
Joshua David Halverson, 33, appeared in Brisbane District Court on Tuesday where he was sentenced for dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm following the May 21, 2023 incident near Burpengary.
The court heard that British tourist Darren Wright was killed and his friend Matthew Jennings suffered severe injuries when Halverson’s vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane, striking two of three motorcyclists who were returning from a day ride through the hinterland.
According to court proceedings, Halverson failed to notice a vehicle ahead slowing as the speed limit changed from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. When he realised the danger, he braked hard but swerved across solid white lines into oncoming traffic to avoid a rear-end collision.
Mr Wright died at the scene, whilst Mr Jennings sustained what the court described as “horrific injuries” requiring surgery and years of rehabilitation. A third motorcyclist, Neil Mendham, narrowly escaped being struck.
In his victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Jennings described how the three friends had spent the day exploring the scenic hinterland on their motorcycles. He told the court that Mr Wright had said it was one of the best days of his Australian trip just hours before the crash.
The court was told that Halverson had an extensive driving record, accumulating 53 traffic offences since 2010, primarily for speeding. He had received enough demerit points to be suspended on eight occasions, though had no previous dangerous driving charges.
Crown prosecutor Toby Corsbie argued that given Halverson’s driving history, such an incident was inevitable.
Judge Michael Burnett was critical of Halverson’s driving record during sentencing, noting his “complete disregard for the welfare of other road users” and describing his speeding violations as “beyond a joke”.
The court heard that Halverson had struggled with drug addiction following a 2016 incident where three people died at a music festival he was involved in running. His barrister, Marin Longhurst from Sibley Lawyers, told the court his client had transformed from a successful businessman to someone using 1.5 grams of ice daily.
While methamphetamine was found in Halverson’s system, he was not deemed to be under its influence at the time of the crash, the court heard.
Judge Burnett found that whilst the offending was more than momentary inattention, it was not significantly greater. He noted that Halverson’s decision to revoke his own bail and begin serving his sentence early in the year demonstrated genuine remorse.
Halverson was sentenced to four years imprisonment suspended after ten months, followed by three years parole. He has been permanently disqualified from holding a driver’s licence, with 47 days of pre-sentence custody counted as time served.
Outside court, Mr Jennings expressed disappointment with the sentence, stating that ten months imprisonment did not reflect the severity of the crimes and their lasting impact.
The crash occurred on a stretch of Old Gympie Road known to locals as a transition zone where speed limits change, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the Burpengary area.
Frustration is growing among residents in Burpengary after two people wearing balaclavas looted e-scooters from a local storage facility still reeling from a major fire that destroyed nearly 200 units.
The community’s patience is wearing thin following a brazen theft at the fire-damaged Storage King site on Old Gympie Road. Affected unit holder Judy Wilson-Hewitt has voiced her deep disappointment with the handling of the incident. She stated that a lack of transparency, poor communication, and questionable decision-making by site management have only added to the distress and anger experienced by many locals. She believes all those who lost property in the initial blaze deserve answers and fair treatment, not what she described as secrecy and neglect.
The original fire tore through the facility on Wednesday, 11 June, completely destroying 188 storage units and leaving the site blocked off to the public. The cause of that blaze remains under investigation.
The subsequent looting has raised serious questions about the security of the property. CCTV footage captured two individuals walking into one of the damaged units and riding away on the stolen e-scooters. In a statement released to unit holders on 3 July, Storage King Burpengary confirmed the theft occurred at around 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, 26 June.
Management said the matter was immediately reported to police and that all CCTV footage had been provided to assist with the investigation. The company also noted that an on-site security presence has been in place since the fire and will remain until perimeter fences and gates are fully operational again. They added that the site has active alarms and that security measures have been reviewed and adjusted following the breach.
A Queensland Police Spokeswoman confirmed they are investigating the theft. Police reports indicate that two people gained access to a storage shed at the address around 10:50 pm before removing the two e-scooters and fleeing the area.
The incident has also brought the facility’s storage policies into focus. While Storage King’s terms and conditions forbid storing hazardous, dangerous, or flammable goods, e-scooters are not explicitly named on the prohibited items list. Police are now appealing for anyone with information about either the fire or the subsequent theft to come forward as their investigations into both matters continue.
When 12-year-old Nakita Bull said goodbye to her mum at a rural property in Caboolture, she never imagined it would be the last time. Sandrine Jourdan, 37, disappeared later that day in July 2012, and despite her personal belongings being found near a secluded front gate, no trace of her has ever been found. What started as a missing persons case was quickly closed by police, who labelled it likely suicide. Now, more than a decade later, her family is leaning on artificial intelligence (AI) and renewed public attention to uncover insights that can lead to the truth and gain some closure on what they believe really happened.
“It is inconceivable to us that she would have taken her own life”
For over a decade, Nakita, along with her siblings Sam and Jessie, have continued the quest for answers.
Nakita said, “My mother was a loving and devoted parent, and her whole world revolved around us children.” She added, “It is inconceivable to us that she would have taken her own life.”
Sandrine was known for writing detailed journal entries right up until her disappearance, and she had recently completed a healing course to address her mental health. Despite her struggles, the family emphasises she was planning for the future and in no way prepared to walk away from her children.
Sandrine had been visiting John Bim’s property in Caboolture that day. It was secluded, set on five acres, surrounded by thick bushland and wetlands. John told police he left for motocross around 5:30 p.m., just minutes after Sandrine walked toward the front gate. He claimed she was gone by the time he drove down.
A neighbour, Jan Martin, told investigators she heard three loud gunshots on the property that day. She says she reported the noise to police, but there’s no record that her report was followed up.
Six months later, Sandrine’s ex-partner received a four-page letter in the post. It was signed by someone named Rosetta Bunton — a person no one in the family has ever known or found. The letter was personal, cruel, and included specific knowledge of the family that raised serious alarm. It implied that Sandrine was unstable and promiscuous, though psychologists later described the tone as character assassination rather than insight.
Even more unsettling was what came next.
In 2015, three years after her disappearance, a private investigator working for the family found items of women’s clothing at the back of a neighbouring property, just three doors down from where Sandrine was last seen. The clothes matched what she was reportedly wearing that day: black pants, a purple top, and a handbag. They were wrapped in plastic and carpet, discovered after floods had shifted debris across nearby properties.
The police dismissed the items as unrelated. The family says they were never given a proper chance to view them. Eventually, the evidence was destroyed.
Technology steps in where the system left off
Frustrated by dead ends and what they believe was a rushed conclusion, Sandrine’s family has turned to new tools. A new podcast, AI Investigates: Sandrine Jourdan, is now re-examining the case using artificial intelligence.
In the first episode, aired 14 July 2025, host Rachael Vickers explains how AI tools flagged inconsistencies in the statements of people Sandrine interacted with just before she vanished, including gaps in timelines and contradictions in witness accounts. Natural language processing is also being used to compare Sandrine’s handwritten journals with the tone and phrasing of the anonymous “Rosetta Bunton” letter, which was sent to her ex-partner months after she went missing. Analysts are checking whether the letter’s language matches anyone known to the case.
Digital forensics experts also examined Sandrine’s laptops — one of which contained encrypted software typically used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. A second device revealed access to a website previously flagged in human trafficking investigations. This kind of activity, revealed through AI-enhanced scanning, added disturbing new dimensions to the case, particularly given Sandrine’s expressed fears that she was being followed or targeted.
The team behind the podcast argues this isn’t science fiction or sensationalism. These are tools now being used in fraud, counterterrorism, and even health systems, applied here to a rural Queensland case once dismissed as “just another suicide.” For Sandrine’s family, AI is not a miracle fix but it’s a way to get questions asked that were never even considered in 2012.
This tech-driven approach follows years of groundwork laid by retired detective Graeme Crowley. His podcast, Bring Home Sandrine, first drew national attention to the case. He’s been working closely with the family and other experts to revisit key pieces of evidence.
Photo Credit: Missing Sandrine Jourdan/Facebook
Public pressure mounts for answers
An episode of Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, which aired to an audience of over 1.1 million viewers, prompted renewed calls to Crime Stoppers and gave the family its most significant exposure to date. Nakita said the program helped open doors they had been knocking on for years.
With growing support, the Queensland Coroner’s Court has reopened Sandrine’s case and is considering whether enough new information exists to justify a full inquest.
Nakita has launched a petition on Change.org, calling for further investigation and public backing. The family’s message is simple: they are not looking for blame. They are looking for the truth.
“This year marks 13 years since she went missing, 13 years of sleepless nights and unanswered questions. My mum deserves justice, and with your support, we may be able to make this happen.”
Brisbane Roar will begin their 2025–26 pre-season campaign in Caboolture, facing local club Caboolture Sports FC at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.
Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s squad is set to open its pre-season schedule against Caboolture Sports FC. The fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 15 July, will be held at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex in Burpengary with a 7:30 p.m. kick-off. This match marks the first of over 10 planned pre-season games ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
The pre-season opener in Caboolture follows the club’s community-focused strategy, continuing Roar’s tradition of regional engagement. The match coincides with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Brisbane Roar’s first-ever A-League fixture in August 2005.
Community Engagement Activities Planned
The fixture will involve several community-oriented activities. These include pre-game coaching sessions with Brisbane Roar players, a signing session, half-time entertainment, and a merchandise tent. Attendees will also be able to register for the 2025–26 club membership on-site.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Roar FC/Facebook
Facility and Local Club Support
Caboolture Sports FC has welcomed the opportunity to host the match, citing the event as a chance to promote its facilities at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The club views the event as a key moment to connect with members and the broader football community.
Wider Football Development Goals
Football Queensland, a partner in the fixture, has endorsed the event as part of its broader effort to link grassroots and professional football. The organisation emphasised the value of these fixtures in showcasing regional talent and deepening connections across Queensland’s football structure.
Following the Caboolture clash, Brisbane Roar will continue their pre-season against Holland Park FC on 23 July and St George Willawong on 29 July. Additional fixtures are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
A 19-year-old man from Bellmere has lost his life following a collision between a motorbike and utility vehicle at a main Caboolture intersection on Saturday evening.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene at Pumicestone Road and Argyll Street around 6pm after receiving reports of the serious crash. The young man was riding a KTM dirt bike northbound along Pumicestone Road when the collision occurred with a white Ford Ranger at the intersection.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the utility vehicle, a 62-year-old Caboolture resident who was alone in the vehicle, escaped physical injury.
The intersection where the tragedy unfolded is part of a network of roads that has seen ongoing safety improvements in recent years. The Department of Transport and Main Roads has undertaken safety improvement works at nearby intersections along Pumicestone Road, including signal-controlled dual right-turn lanes and improved pedestrian crossings.
Specialist officers from Queensland Police’s Forensic Crash Unit have taken over the investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal collision. The unit examines physical evidence from crash scenes and reconstructs the sequence of events to understand how such incidents occur.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant footage to come forward. This includes drivers with dashcam recordings or property owners with CCTV that may have captured the incident or the moments leading up to it.
The loss of such a young life has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through both the Bellmere and Caboolture communities. Road safety remains a critical concern for residents, particularly at busy intersections where multiple traffic flows converge.
Investigations into what happened on Saturday evening are expected to continue as authorities work to piece together the full picture of this tragic incident.
St Eugene College in Burpengary has emerged as a standout in this year’s BCE Rugby 7s Carnival, claiming the Under 12 Boys championship title in one of the region’s most competitive school sporting events.
Held across multiple regions including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane North and South, and the Gold Coast, the 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education Rugby 7s Carnival welcomed more than 1,600 students from 146 schools.
Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only
Organisers noted that this year’s turnout was the biggest since the carnival began in 2019, with increased school involvement and a notable rise in female player participation.
At the Sunshine Coast regional event, St Eugene College delivered strong results across all divisions they entered. While their Under 12 Boys team secured the top spot, their Under 10 Boys and Under 12 Girls teams both finished as runners-up, further reinforcing the school’s depth in the sport.
Support From Schools And Sporting Bodies
The Queensland Rugby Union continued its support for the event, working closely with Brisbane Catholic Education to deliver the program. Regional coordinators were also praised for their role in organising the logistics across five key locations.
Greg Casey from BCE said participation has continued to climb steadily over recent years. He also acknowledged the increased energy brought by female players and recognised the efforts of schools, students, and coaches for their commitment to the carnival.
Burpengary’s Sporting Pride
For the Burpengary community, St Eugene College’s performance has become a source of pride. The results not only reflect strong coaching and student dedication but also point to a well-rounded program that encourages teamwork, fitness, and positive competition.
The school’s effort in multiple age groups, including the younger Under 10 division, shows a promising future for their rugby program. With a focus on inclusion and development, the college continues to support its students in reaching new goals, on and off the field.
Looking Ahead To 2026
As the 2025 Rugby 7s Carnival wraps up, planning is already underway for next year’s event. Organisers are hoping to build on this year’s success by expanding participation even further and refining support across regions.
After two rounds of competition, Jamie Winning-Kermond, riding Tulara Wat Colblensky over the David Sheppard designed course, topped the FEI World Cup Qualifier held at the Festival of Showjumping in Caboolture.
Riding Tulara Wat Colblensky, the combination delivered two clear rounds and posted the fastest second-round time to secure the FEI World Cup Qualifier win. This result provided valuable points towards overall standings and highlighted the mare’s consistency in high-pressure events.
World Cup Qualifier Overview
The FEI World Cup Qualifier in Caboolture attracted 24 combinations. Winning-Kermond and Tulara Wat Colblensky were one of only two combinations to produce double clear rounds.
Their time of 48.28 seconds narrowly edged out Jennifer Wood and Ipod, who finished on 48.51 seconds. Billy Raymont and Caprino placed third as the fastest of the four-fault combinations. The event drew strong entries from experienced and up-and-coming riders across the country.
Background on the Competition
The Caboolture leg marked the third event in the ten-round Australian FEI World Cup series for the season. The earlier two rounds were claimed by Gemma Creighton.
Team Effort and Podium Moment
Following the event, Winning-Kermond highlighted the contribution of her support team to the successful performance. She also acknowledged the significance of sharing the podium with a lifelong friend.
Other Festival Results
Jamie Kermond won the David Overton Memorial Cup Future Stars with BSI Candyman. Gabi Chugg secured the Mini Prix title. Cody Tincknell took out the Stal Tops Young Rider class, while Tanner Robinson and Annalise Cooper-Morgan claimed the Junior and Children’s Championships respectively. Airlie Robinson won the Amateur Tour Championship.
The Caboolture event contributed valuable points toward the FEI World Cup standings in Australia. Competitors will now turn their attention to upcoming qualifiers as the series continues.
The new five-storey Caboolture Hospital Clinical Services Building has won Queensland’s most prestigious award for public architecture, earning recognition for a community-focused design developed through close consultation with First Nations people.
The project received the esteemed FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Awards ceremony. In addition to the premier honour, the building was also awarded this year’s Social Impact Prize and received a commendation for its interior architecture.
The awards jury praised the building for achieving an outstanding “integration of community, culture and clinical health services.” A key factor in its success was the deep consultation with the local First Nations community, which shaped the final design.
Jonathan Goh, co-chair of the Institute’s Queensland chapter, stated that the architects at the development company Jacobs did a remarkable job of breaking down what can often be a large and intimidating hospital environment. He noted that the design makes the facility feel more approachable and welcoming for patients and their families. This approach brings the local landscape and character into the heart of the hospital.
The award-winning building is the centrepiece of the Queensland Government’s $400 million Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment, part of a state-wide Building Better Hospitals programme. The government invested $352.9 million specifically for the new clinical services building.
This major upgrade provides residents with a significantly expanded Emergency Department and numerous new or enhanced specialised units. These include a 10-bed Intensive Care Unit, a 10-bed Palliative Care Unit, a 14-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit, and an 8-bed Cardiac Care Unit. The project also adds two new operating theatres and a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit, directly improving the community’s access to critical health infrastructure.
The FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture is considered a premier honour in the state, celebrating projects that enrich the public realm. The award is named for Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, who served as the Queensland Colonial Architect from 1872 to 1881 and designed many of the state’s most significant historical buildings. This recognition places the Caboolture Hospital project among Queensland’s most impactful public structures.
