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Headspace Caboolture Receives Grant for Youth Services

To ensure that young people can access mental health services where and when they need them, a total of $26 million in grant funding will be given to headspace services across Australia, including the one in Caboolture.

Read: Distracted Driving: Secret Cameras to Catch, Penalise Erring Drivers to Stay

Around 40 headspace centres located in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory will benefit from grants of up to $1.8 million each. The additional funding will help headspace services that are experiencing high demand across the country to:

expand services, improving access to high quality, youth-friendly mental health support
refurbish, expand or relocate headspace facilities to increase service capacity and make them more welcoming
deliver new strategies such as triage and a walk-in single session approach, workforce training, and access to more group activities.

headspace provides free or low cost youth-friendly support in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support. It offers a safe, welcoming place where young people can get non-judgmental professional help and peer support, so they can tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them.

Aside from Caboolture, four headspace locations in Queensland –Cairns, Toowoomba, Taringa, and Woolloongabba will also receive the funding from the Government.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said these investments will ensure better social and health outcomes for young Australians, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential in life.

“The funding reinforces our Government’s strong commitment to achieving better mental health for all Australians, and will complement the existing investment of $6.5 billion in mental health services in 2021-22,” Minister Hunt said.

About headspace

headspace provides a range of services to improve the health and wellbeing of young people aged between 12 to 25 years. Their services cover four core areas: mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services.

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health. It is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.

To learn more about headspace services, visit headspace.org.au. If you’re in Caboolture or nearby, you may call 07 5428 1599 or call in to see them at the Lakes Centre. headspace Caboolture is located at Suite 38, The Lakes Centre, 8/24 King St, Caboolture.

Find Out What Makes Life A Bit Easier For This Woman With Spina Bifida

Moreton Bay local Madonna O’Brien is living with spina bifida, but she continues to provide care and support in her work as a wildlife carer, getting by and thriving with support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Read: New Caboolture Watchhouse Opens in Moreton Bay

Madonna, a retired teacher from Ocean View, has spina bifida – a neural tube defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.

She has been receiving support from NDIS since 2019. With help from a support worker who assists her to complete her role, she’s able to look after the animals, such as marsupials, possums, gliders, wallabies, and kangaroos. – a passion that started more than 25 years ago.

“My support worker helps me clean out the cages, will pick up the animals for me when I get a call out for a rescue and will take them to the vet for me if I can’t get there,” she said.

Madonna is using a four-wheel-drive wheelchair to enable her to easily get around her rural property. It allows her to access her mailbox up the road without having to walk or drive or even get out on walks to national parks with her husband, like to Girraween, Mount Archer, Mt Mee, and Mary Cairncross.

She has worked all her life and was a teacher for 21 years. She said she didn’t have any help at all because she used to pay for everything herself, until a couple of years ago, when she was invited to apply for NDIS through Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordinator.

Kimberley, her Local Area Coordinator, helped her to develop her goals of maintaining her independence and continuing as an active member of her community. LACs are people who work for their partners in the community and they help people with disabilities find and use services and support.

“The NDIS has been an absolute godsend; to not have to pay for everything out of my own pocket now is fantastic,” she said.

About NDIS

Photo credit: National Disability Insurance Scheme/Facebook

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is an Australia-wide scheme that pays for support and services for people with disability. This can include help with daily life, aids and equipment, and help to meet their goals and do the things they want to do.

To be eligible, one has to be under 65 years old, living in Australia, and has a permanent disability or significant disability, meaning it affects the way they live their day-to-day life.

The NDIS is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency, which is part of the Australian Government. To know more about how NDIS works or how to apply, visit their website.

Distracted Driving: Secret Cameras to Catch, Penalise Erring Drivers to Stay

Bruce Highway in Caboolture, one of the 10 worst crash hotspots in Queensland, has been the site of numerous crashes due to distracted driving. Cameras catching drivers using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts, previously deployed on trial, will now roll out permanently beginning 26 July, with hefty fines to be imposed beginning November 2021.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed that the cameras, trialled from July to December 2020, will remain in place as the State Government establishes its $1.69 billion road safety plan.

“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away,” the minister said.

Highlights

Camera detection of drivers on their phones or not using seatbelts will become permanent beginning 26 July 2021.
The collection of fines will start on 1 Nov 2021.
Drivers caught using their phone will incur four demerit points and a $1,033 fine.
Drivers caught using their phone will incur three demerit points and a $413 fine.

“Using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.

“We successfully trialled these cameras last year, and have been talking about them coming to Queensland roads for two years.”

Proper Mobile Phone Use on the Road

Per the TMR site, “it will be illegal to hold a mobile phone in your hand or have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap, when driving. This applies even if you’re stopped in traffic.”

To properly use a mobile on the road and avoid distracted driving, drivers have to find a place to park and stop their car and then make their calls or text. TMR will allow mobile phones on cradles attached to the car to allow the drivers to navigate GPS apps, play music, accept a phone call, or accept/finish a trip (for rideshare drivers). Cradles provide drivers hands-free use of their phones while driving but it should be positioned in a way that will not obscure the driver’s view.

Drivers can hold their phones, while safely stopped, for the following instances:

pay for goods and services, for example at a drive-through
gain access to or from a road-related area, such as a car park
present a digital driver licence or other document to police when asked
get a card or money out of a phone wallet for the above purposes

Penalties if Caught by Camera

Some of the cameras are going to be portable and mobile, moving in different secret spots to catch erring drivers who could be “caught anywhere, anytime, whether they’re driving in the city or on a regional highway.”

distracted driving — Photo Credit: Queensland Government

However, TMR will start collecting the $1,033 fine and four demerit points by 1 Nov 2021. Double demerit points will apply for subsequent offences committed within a year of the first offence.

In addition to the mobile phone use penalty, drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt will also be fined $413 and three demerit points.

“Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, the risk is the same and so are the penalties. Drivers can also be fined and lose points for every passenger in the vehicle who isn’t buckled up, regardless of their age,” Mr Bailey said.

For more information on road safety, visit Street Smarts.

New Caboolture Watchhouse Opens in Moreton Bay

Following a year-long construction, the new Caboolture watchhouse with bigger and more modern facilities has opened in Moreton Bay.

Unveiled in mid-June 2021, the new Caboolture watchhouse is expected to boost the capabilities of the Caboolture Police Station and Moreton District Office in ensuring the safety of the community.

The former watchhouse had just 14 beds but the new building could now accommodate 40 individuals at a given time, who will be monitored with state-of-the-art tools and equipment.

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

“The rapid growth of this region in recent years means police facilities need to keep pace with the requirements of the local community,” Mark Ryan MP, Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, said during the opening ceremonies, which was also attended by Commissioner Katarina Carrol. “With the population increasing in suburbs north of Brisbane, modern facilities like this one are vital to maintaining community safety.”

Commissioner Carol said that this $14.4 million building will allow the police to continue their work to uphold a high standard of service. The new Caboolture watchhouse is also home to the police’s support staff from the Caboolture Prosecution Corp, Domestic and Family Violence Unit, Moreton District Youth Co-Responder Team and the Moreton District Tasking and Coordination Unit.

“Housing important specialist units within this building ensures our officers are available where they are needed throughout the Moreton District.”

Meanwhile, Terry Young MP had the chance to tour the facilities as well and said that whilst it was unfortunate they needed to expand the facilities to accommodate more prisoners, the completion of this project will be a big help to the police units.

According to the Queensland Police Service, about 4,000 and 5,000 prisoners are processed annually at the Caboolture Watchhouse.

Kmart Caboolture Holds Major Sale Before Closing for Good

After 34 years of trading, the popular Kmart outlet at the Caboolture Square Shopping Centre is closing down permanently. However, before the doors are locked for good, Kmart Caboolture is slashing down the prices of its last remaining items.

Kmart Caboolture will no longer trade by 12 June 2021. In January, a spokesperson for the company confirmed that the store will close as they have opted not to renew the lease at the Caboolture Square Shopping Centre. Following the confirmation, Kmart posted signs around the store to inform the shoppers, stating that the Kmart Morayfield or Kmart Burpengary outlets will be their nearest options.

The spokesperson also said that they are pushing for online orders and assisting customers with their purchases on the Kmart website, especially for shoppers who would like to avoid the commute to the shopping centre.

Photo Credit: Alexander Williams/Google Maps

The staff at the Caboolture outlets will get to keep their jobs as they will be re-assigned to Kmart Group’s other shops. The company has plans to open at least 80 redeveloped and reconfigured stores across the country in 2021.

During COVID-19’s first wave, Kmart Caboolture was the first Queensland outlet to close for an indefinite period, as it became an online fulfilment site for essential orders like grocery items and medical care.

Meanwhile, some sections of Kmart Caboolture have been nearly empty since shoppers got wind of the major discounts. However, bargain hunters can still peruse through the stationery and books section, the clothes department, as well as the toy corners.

On the other hand, the management of Caboolture Square Shopping Centre has not yet revealed the new tenant that will take over the space vacated by Kmart but there are indications that the area will be subdivided for smaller tenancies.

Construction of Caboolture Medical Hub Underway on McKean Street

Changes are underway at the site of former McKean Kidz Childcare on McKean Street across the Caboolture Public Hospital as the construction of a new Caboolture medical hub has begun.

Soon, locals will be able to avail of various medical services at the McKean Medical Centre, which will have 13 different tenancies catering to people’s health and wellness issues.

As it is, I-MED Radiology Network and Medicross Medical Practice have confirmed their tenancies ahead of the construction but the site will also have a general practitioner, a dental clinic, and services like radiology, pathology and physiology.

Photo Credit: Development Tracker/Moreton Bay Council

This Caboolture medical hub is projected to open in late 2021 and is in line with the $394.6 million redevelopment of the Caboolture Public Hospital, which will finish in four years. The Caboolture Private Hospital is also a few metres away from McKean Medical Centre thus offering health groups and specialists the opportunity to become part of this growing medical precinct.

Keymax Property Group submitted plans to build the hub in July 2020 (DA/40891/2020/V2H) with some 75 new jobs created for the tradies during the construction phase.

Mayor Peter Flannery said that this development is a win-win for the Caboolture region since, alongside the creation of new jobs, residents will soon have more options for specialised health care, especially in the COVID-19 crisis.

Ausbuild Adds Childcare Centre in Warner Residential Development

A childcare centre has been added to the controversial development plans of Ausbuild in Warner, where the company has received approval to build a residential community.

The developer lodged DA/2021/1400 with Moreton Bay Regional Council in April 2021 to reconfigure the lot to its home community plans and accommodate a childcare facility for 142 kids.

The said site will also include a playground and park for children and their families. The application is still awaiting Council’s decision.

In 2019, Ausbuild submitted a development application (DA/38356/2019/V2L) to build a 129-home community on the adjacent lot on Warner Road. Residents, however, opposed the development with more than 75 percent saying that they want to preserve the rural area.

Moreton Bay Regional Council rejected Ausbuild’s application but the developer appealed the case with the Planning and Environment Court. The rejection was overturned in late 2020 on the condition that Ausbuild implements the following in the construction:

A much-needed upgrade of Warner Road to Q100 flood immunity at Conflagration Creek
Riparian Reserve rehabilitated and enhanced to 10 hectares
Green corridors re-established for fauna protection and preservation
Creation of a fauna crossing under Warner Road that will help to ensure animals can move safely and thrive
A new local park
An important intersection upgrade at Coorparoo Street/South Pine Road to make this junction safer.

An important intersection upgrade at Coorparoo Street/South Pine Road to make this junction safer.

Meanwhile, Ausbuild has yet to reveal its plans for another lot within the property. Reports stated that the developer might build a retail centre that could have heaps of food and drink outlets as well as a healthcare facility.

Council Approves Controversial 5-Storey Bribie Island Beachfront

An approved development application to transform an old cottage on the Bribie Island beachfront has been receiving many questions from the residents.

Lodged with the Moreton Bay Regional Council in October 2020, DA/42055/2020/V2M details the transformation of one of the oldest cottages on South Esplanade in Bongaree into a five-storey dwelling with eight three-bedroom units.

The property became controversial when nearly 40 residents opposed the development, citing lose of cultural significance. Members of the Council also discussed the size and scale of the planned transformation that could violate the planning scheme and affect future developments.

Following the Council meeting, however, officials voted to approve the project on the condition that the developer redesigns the top unit to comply with the regulations.

Barry Clark, the founder of Bribie Island Historical Society Inc, said that the approved development will mean the demolition of some of the original cottages at the Bribie Island beachfront.

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council

Mr Clark said that South Esplanade was one of the first Bongaree streets to be surveyed for subdivision development in 1912 and the house that could be demolished, because of this approved application, was the former home of a resident who helped build the Bribie Island bridge.

“Bribie has experienced many inappropriate developments in recent times that impact the valued heritage and environment. Councils continued acceptance and destruction of the current and future “Value” of the island’s unique features, is short-sighted,” Mr Clark wrote to Council.

Council approved the development application on 28 April 2021. GM Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd and P3 Projects Pty Ltd are involved in the project.

Get Ready! Crossfire Gelball to Open in Morayfield

Morayfield, are you ready for some exciting action and adventure? Crossfire Gelball, a new indoor gelball blaster arena, will open at the site of a former supermarket in Heritage Plaza.

Expected to fire up in May 2021, Crossfire Gelball is from paintball enthusiasts and siblings Nathan and Aaron Barroqueiro. After planning and transforming what was once the Golden Circle Warehouse in the last 18 months into a shooting arena, the brothers are now gearing up for the big launch.

The new venue is opening at the right timing, when there has been a growing number of gel blaster enthusiasts in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast in the last couple of years. However, Nathan and Aaron noticed a lack of an indoor venue for this sport so they decided to pool their resources and set up their own.

As the final touches to the Crossfire Gelball are coming together, the brothers are quite eager to finally see their hard work and vision come to life. They are also enthusiastic about helping new players practice and master safety protocols, as well as educating players on the proper way to engage with gel blasters, as part of the Queensland Government’s Stop and Think campaign.

Crossfire Gelball is proudly an all-inclusive space, where families can play together. The site is wheelchair-accessible as well, as the brothers have thought of giving veterans who have taken to gel blasters as their fitness routine, a proper arena for recreational shooting.

In the future, the venue might also include a special competition for women only since Nathan and Aaron have noticed that the number of ladies hooked on this sport is also growing.

Meanwhile, after the opening of the Crossfire Gelball, a gel blaster store will also set up a shop next to the site. There will be no food and drinks in this section of the Heritage Plaza as the Barroqueiro brothers want the players to support the existing food and drinks businesses.

New RSPCA Report: Caboolture Remains the Cruelest Suburb to Animals

Based on a 2020 report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Caboolture is once again the suburb with the highest number of incidences of animal cruelty in Queensland.

With 178 cases and complaints according to the RSPCA’s Animal Cruelty Hotspots report 2020, Caboolture has been revealed to have the worst record among Brisbane’s suburbs in terms of animal cruelty.

The suburb also secured the number one spot in the 2019 Hotspots Report with over 200 cases. The 2021 report showed a reduced number of cases compared to the 2020 figures.

Brisbane as a whole experienced a reduction in animal cruelty over the past two years, with statewide cases decreasing from 18,692 in 2019 to 17,146 the following year — numbers dropping by a little over 8 per cent.

Some of the most common complaints included animals with poor living conditions brought about by insufficient food and water, neglect and lack of exercise, abandonment, heat, lack of healthcare and veterinary treatment, and abuse and cruelty.

An estimated 1,116 emergency calls made to RSPCA Queensland were about animals suffering from heat stress, either by being left in a hot car or being tethered to the yard and unable to reach shade and water. Cars can reach up to 73 degrees Celsius in summertime — fatal for pets if left unattended, even if the vehicle is in shade with the windows rolled down.

As part of the RSPCA’s report, an interactive map was created which allows users to pinpoint their suburbs and discover how many reported cases of animal cruelty there were in the past year.