Caboolture residents experiencing mental health struggles will soon be able to walk into a dedicated support centre without needing an appointment, referral or even a Medicare card.
By July 2025, Caboolture will be home to one of four new Medicare Mental Health Centres planned for North Brisbane and Moreton Bay. The centres will also be located in Redcliffe, Strathpine and Brisbane’s inner north.
These services are designed to give people immediate mental health care, without the common barriers that stop them from seeking help.
How the Centres Will Work
The Caboolture centre, run by Stride, will offer face-to-face support from nurses, social workers and peer workers, with extended hours to ensure easier access to help.
Anyone aged 18 and over can walk in without a GP referral or Medicare card to get support for anxiety, depression, stress or other mental health challenges. The focus is on early care to prevent conditions from escalating.
Federal and State Backing
The Federal and Queensland Governments are jointly funding the centres with $8.5 million, while $29.9 million will support nationwide access to on-call specialist care.
As part of the national Medicare Mental Health Centre program, 61 centres will be rolled out across Australia, including 19 in Queensland. The focus is on areas with the greatest need, especially communities facing high levels of disadvantage, housing stress and unemployment.
Focus on Community Needs
The Caboolture centre removes barriers like referrals or appointments, making early support easier. It offers a safe space to talk and access ongoing care.
People can find out more about the program by visiting health.gov.au/medicare-mental-health or calling 1800 595 212, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Did you know that Caboolture Historical Village has Australia’s only dedicated war pigeon memorial, honouring the remarkable carrier pigeons whose wartime message-carrying saved countless soldiers’ lives during World War I and II?
The special bronze plaque commemorating these feathered heroes was formally presented in 2014 September during an event attended by around 1500 people at the Caboolture Historical Village. This site also hosts the South Pacific Rim’s only war pigeon museum. The Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO), led by President Nigel Allsopp, played a key role in establishing the memorial.
During the presentation, Mr Allsopp highlighted war pigeons’ incredible achievements and life-saving missions. AWAMO also provided a plaque honouring all war animals and donated posters for the museum’s display, reinforcing the community’s recognition of animal contributions to defence efforts. National Day for War Animals, observed each year on 24 February, further marks the deeds and sacrifices of these animals.
Homing pigeons possess an amazing natural ability to find their way back to their home loft over vast distances, a skill vital in wartime. While not fully understood, scientists believe they might use the Earth’s magnetic field, keen eyesight and memory for landmarks to navigate. However, they struggled to fly in darkness or heavy fog. In conflict situations, pigeons offered numerous advantages.
They were small, easy to transport, required little food, and flew quickly, averaging speeds around 90 kilometres per hour over moderate distances. Unlike human messengers or dogs, they were less likely to be distracted and, if captured, offered no clues about their origin or destination. Messages were typically carried in small containers attached to their legs or in pouches on their backs.
Carrier pigeons were used extensively during World War One, proving especially useful for sending messages from front-line trenches back to headquarters when other communication methods failed or were unavailable. The British Expeditionary Force managed a Carrier Pigeon Service, keeping birds in fixed lofts built in sheds or houses or in mobile, vehicle-drawn lofts that could be moved with the troops.
Handlers followed strict feeding and training routines. Important messages were often sent using two separate birds released a minute apart to increase the chances of success. Highly secret information was written in code, as pigeons faced dangers, including being shot down by enemy soldiers, getting lost in bad weather, or succumbing to exhaustion.
Although advancements in technology like radar and wireless existed by World War II, the military soon realised these systems could fail, especially in difficult conditions. This led to the reinstatement of message-carrying pigeons. Facing a potential invasion threat, Australia established the Australian Corps of Signals Pigeon Service in 1942 after successful trials showed pigeons could provide reliable alternative communication.
Civilian pigeon fanciers largely staffed the service. A nationwide appeal resulted in patriotic Australians donating over 13,500 homing pigeons. Initially used for communication between Australia’s coastal defences and observation posts, the service expanded significantly.
Pigeon sections were sent to support operations overseas, including the 8th Australian Pigeon Section, which was dispatched to Port Moresby in December 1942 for the Kokoda Trail campaign. They proved valuable in the challenging jungles of New Guinea, operating in areas like Tarakan, Bougainville, and New Britain.
Army lofts were established locally to breed pigeons suited to the difficult tropical environment, which included mountainous terrain, heavy rain, mist, and feather lice. Pigeons were fed a specific diet and regularly treated with DDT pesticide to combat lice. Personnel across different units, including infantry and water transport schools, were trained in pigeon care.
The bravery shown by war animals was formally recognised through the PDSA Dickin Medal, established in the United Kingdom in 1943 by Maria Dickin. Often called the “animals’ Victoria Cross,” this bronze medal honours “conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty.” Between 1943 and 1949, an impressive 32 pigeons received this award, more than any other animal group (compared to 18 dogs, 3 horses, and one cat).
Two Australian pigeons were among the Dickin Medal recipients. Blue Bar Cock Pigeon No. 139 earned the award for a flight during a severe tropical storm near Madang, New Guinea, on 12 July 1945. It carried a crucial message from a sinking army boat carrying valuable supplies and flew 64 kilometres in just 50 minutes.
The message, “Engine Failed. Wash on to beach… Send help immediately,” allowed a rescue ship to salvage the vessel and its cargo. This pigeon had already completed 23 operational flights. The bodies of the two Australian Dickin Medal winners were later returned to Australia for display at the Australian War Memorial.
Other pigeons also performed heroically without receiving the medal. In another incident on Bougainville in July 1945, Captain Stuart McDonald’s company was cut off by enemy forces with communication lines severed. On the third day, they released two pigeons carrying a message requesting artillery support.
The pigeons successfully delivered the message, leading to the crucial shelling of the enemy position and enabling the company’s survival. Captain McDonald was subsequently awarded the Military Cross for his actions during this engagement. These stories demonstrate the vital communication link pigeons provided, often under extreme danger.
A new community health and support centre in Caboolture is helping locals connect with vital services through hands-on programs, support networks and inclusive activities. The centre, run by Wholesome Solutions Pty Ltd, a disability services provider, is focused on building strong, everyday support for people with disability and their families in the Moreton Bay region.
The official opening is on Saturday, 12 April, at 2 Industry Drive. The event will bring community members, families, and carers for a day of free activities, a sausage sizzle, and a lucky door prize.
Photo Credit: Wholesome Solutions/Facebook
Focus on Practical Support
Wholesome Solutions is a registered NDIS provider offering individualised services such as community nursing, high-intensity support, and clinical coordination. Their new Caboolture location includes a purpose-built space that allows clients to participate in skill-building programs like cooking, gardening, creative arts, and social groups. These activities are designed for people aged 13 and over, encouraging independence and community participation.
According to the organisation, the goal is to support people in building confidence and life skills while staying closely connected to their local area. Staff work closely with clients and families to ensure services are tailored to personal needs.
An Event Rooted in Community
The Open Day is not just about celebrating the new space. It also gives residents a chance to learn more about the organisation and meet the team behind the services. Volunteers and staff will speak with attendees about what’s on offer, while others can enjoy the community activities.
This will be a hub for locals, shaped by the people who use it. Wholesome Solutions’ expansion into Caboolture marks a step forward in making disability support more accessible in the northern corridor of Moreton Bay. The organisation’s emphasis on capacity-building reflects a growing interest in proactive, community-based support rather than reactive care.
A devastating crash at a Caboolture intersection Sunday evening has left two women dead and a one-year-old boy fighting for his life, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The catastrophic crash occurred around 6:40pm at the intersection of King Street and Bellmere Road when a Hyundai i20 collided with a Coles delivery truck. The impact was so severe that the car was propelled 15 meters from the point of collision, according to police reports.
Tragically, two female passengers in the Hyundai, aged 35 and 50, were pronounced dead at the scene. A child’s car seat was ejected onto the roadway during the collision, and the one-year-old boy who had been secured in it was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Local residents described the collision as being like “a bomb exploding,” with many reporting that the impact physically shook their homes. CCTV footage captured from a nearby residence shows what appears to be a vehicle travelling at high speed moments before the devastating crash.
One couple living near the intersection stated: “It literally shook the house. It was like an explosion and we heard a scream. It was horrific, it was very brutal and confronting. This is honestly the worst possible outcome.”
Neighbour Minish Pillay, who was watching television when the crash occurred, described the sound as “like a bomb exploding.” He noted that while accidents at the intersection are not uncommon, this was “the worst one I’ve seen.”
Pillay expressed concern about ongoing traffic issues in the area, saying: “There are a lot of near misses, and you get people doing burnouts here as well. Something has to be done about it.”
The 26-year-old driver of the Hyundai reportedly escaped with minor injuries, while the 42-year-old truck driver was uninjured but taken to hospital as a precaution. The collision caused significant damage to the delivery truck, including a dislodged front tire and items scattered across the roadway from its cargo area.
Coles has confirmed they are providing support to staff involved in the incident.The Forensic Crash Unit is now investigating the circumstances of the collision. Police have issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward as they work to determine the cause of this tragic accident.
The Morayfield Sport and Events Centre will host the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic this Sunday, drawing riders from across the country for a unique equestrian-style event.
Hobby Horses Take Over Morayfield in Family-Friendly School Holiday Event
A quirky and fast-growing sport is taking centre stage in Morayfield as the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic arrives at the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre. This Sunday, riders from across Australia will compete using handmade stick horses in events inspired by traditional equestrian disciplines.
A New Spin on Horse Riding
The event is hosted by Queensland Hobby Horse Riders, run by Matty Sormani from Belli Park and Coralie Kedzlie from Mothar Mountain, who helped grow the sport nationally. Hobby horse riding blends creativity, fitness, and performance, with competitors using decorated stick horses in routines like showjumping and dressage.
While playful in concept, many riders train seriously, young competitors from Murgon and One Mile, NSW, will be among those taking part.
Something for the Whole Family
The event, hosted by Queensland Hobby Horse Riders and led by Matty Sormani and Coralie Kedzlie, celebrates the growing sport of hobby horse riding. Young riders from places like Murgon and One Mile, NSW, will compete in showjumping-style routines.
Families can get in on the fun with an obstacle course and a record-breaking attempt at the largest hobby horse parade. Bring your own horse (no broomsticks!) for free entry, or hire a trained one on the day.
Growing Sport, Growing Community
Hobby horse riding began in Finland and has grown across Europe, the US, and now Australia. It offers young riders without real horses a fun way into traditional horse sports. Supported by the City of Moreton Bay, the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic celebrates movement, creativity, and community for all ages.
A remarkable property in Caboolture featuring its own motocross track has captured the attention of Queensland homebuyers, becoming the most-viewed listing on realestate.com.au this week.
The 19.59-hectare estate at 1-59 Spratt Road combines luxury living with rural enterprise, featuring three separate dwellings and a working berry farm that’s currently leased until August 2025.
While no price guide has been provided by listing agents Melissa Brooker and Tahlia McCosh of Harcourts Connections, records show the property last changed hands for $1.54 million in 2020 – significantly above Caboolture’s current median house price of $726,000, which itself has risen 14.3% over the past year.
The standout feature visible from aerial photographs is an extensive motocross track with specialized dirt paths, challenging turns, and varied elevation changes carved into the landscape.
The main residence boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and premium finishes throughout. It features an award-winning 25-meter lap pool, recognized as Queensland’s best in both 2023 and 2024. Entertainment options include a state-of-the-art media room and a striking games lounge complete with sandstone bar and distinctive trophy head decorations.
Two additional dwellings – a two-bedroom granny flat and a separate two-bedroom cottage – offer versatile accommodation options for extended family or potential rental income.
The property’s commercial potential is enhanced by two large sheds, a spring-fed dam, and rainwater storage facilities supporting the operational berry farm.
This Caboolture property exemplifies the growing appeal of the Moreton Bay region, which continues to attract buyers seeking spacious rural properties with proximity to Brisbane.
A major housing development has officially begun construction in Upper Caboolture, where more than 2,000 new homes will be built as part of Stockland’s new masterplanned community, Rivermont.
The site is located at 1 Litherland Road in the emerging suburb of Waraba, within the Upper Caboolture area. Set across 175 hectares, Rivermont is expected to become home to around 2,050 households once completed. The development is projected to inject approximately $573 million into Queensland’s economy, helping meet demand for housing in one of the state’s fastest-growing corridors.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Stockland says the community is being planned with a focus on long-term sustainability, green space, and family living. Positioned just nine kilometres from Caboolture and six kilometres from Morayfield, Rivermont offers a mix of rural atmosphere and city access.
A sod-turning ceremony took place on Thursday, 27 March 2025, with local and state representatives in attendance.
Shovels Action: Adrian Allen (Stockland), Peter Flannery (Moreton Bay), Jarrod Bleijie (DP), David Laner (Stockland) | Photo Credit: Supplied
Transport and Connectivity
The development is close to existing transport networks, with the Translink 656 bus route operating nearby on Caboolture River Road and easy access to the M1 motorway. Residents will also be able to reach major train lines at Caboolture and Morayfield, connecting them to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Rivermont’s design reflects the local landscape, with views of the Glasshouse Mountains, rolling hills, and the Caboolture River running through the site. Around 47 hectares of green space are included in the plans, featuring six parks, walking and cycling paths, and a landscaped nature reserve. Twenty-eight hectares will be reserved as conservation land.
Stockland aims to support a healthy, active lifestyle within the neighbourhood, with infrastructure to encourage walking, cycling, and outdoor play. Educational options for families are nearby, including Minimbah State School and a number of schools in surrounding suburbs.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Celebrating Local Heritage
While new homes are being built, the project will also incorporate design elements and open spaces that reflect the area’s Indigenous, agricultural, and equine history. Stockland has expressed its intent to create a connected and inclusive community that respects the region’s past while planning for its future.
Rivermont is part of a wider growth strategy for the Moreton Bay region, especially in Waraba, which has been designated a priority development area. The community is one of several new developments aimed at easing housing pressures and supporting the growing population.
The hospitality group behind Sandstone Point Hotel is urging visitors to maintain their travel plans and support the Moreton Bay region as it rebounds from the disruptions caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The storm left a severe financial impact on many hospitality venues across Queensland, including Sandstone Point Hotel, one of Comiskey Group’s venues. The pub suffered a sharp decline in occupancy rates and experienced cancellations amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Photo credit: Sandstone Point Hotel/Google Maps
Now, more than a week later, the region has made a swift recovery. Cleanup efforts have been completed, power has been restored in most areas, and businesses are once again ready to welcome guests. Accommodation providers, restaurants, and entertainment venues are fully operational, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy the experiences that make Sandstone Point a popular destination.
A Destination Ready to Welcome Guests
Photo credit: Sandstone Point Hotel/Google Maps
According to Rob Comiskey, Director at Comiskey Group, the hotel is open and looks great, and visitors can expect the same high-quality experience as before. The team assured travellers that the resort and surrounding attractions are fully prepared to offer their usual standard of hospitality and entertainment.
Photo credit: Sandstone Point Hotel/Google Maps
Tourism is a key driver of Moreton Bay’s economy, with many small, family-run businesses relying on a steady stream of visitors. The recent downturn has been a challenge, but local operators are optimistic about a strong rebound. With Easter fast approaching, they are urging travellers to honour their bookings and consider planning new visits to help boost the local economy.
Beyond the financial impact, the region remains as inviting as ever. The stunning coastline, vibrant hospitality scene, and well-loved attractions continue to offer an excellent getaway for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. The message from local businesses is clear: Moreton Bay is open, thriving, and ready to welcome visitors once more.
By keeping their travel plans, visitors play a crucial role in supporting the recovery of Sandstone Point and the wider region. Now is the perfect time to explore, relax, and be part of the resurgence of one of Queensland’s most cherished holiday destinations.
Featured image credit: Sandstone Point Hotel/Google Maps
A $20 million road rehabilitation project is set to transform D’Aguilar Highway, a vital connection between Caboolture and Kilcoy, with major works planned for sections in Woodford and Bracalba. The project aims to improve safety and road conditions for the 13,000 motorists who rely on this stretch every day, including freight operators and local commuters.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will commence early works in March 2025, with full construction to follow shortly after. The project includes resurfacing 2.3 kilometres through Woodford’s Archer Street, from Peterson Road to Mary Street, and 1.4 kilometres near Bracalba Quarry. These upgrades will address underlying pavement issues, improving durability while reducing the need for frequent repairs.
Construction through Woodford is expected to take around four months, while work near Bracalba Quarry will extend for approximately seven months, depending on weather conditions. Once completed, the upgraded sections will connect seamlessly to a 2.8-kilometre stretch that was resurfaced last year.
Why This Matters for Caboolture
The D’Aguilar Highway is more than just a roadway—it serves as a critical transport link for Caboolture residents, businesses, and industries. As a gateway to the Darling Downs region, the highway plays a key role in freight movement, supporting local agriculture, trade, and tourism.
For Caboolture commuters, the highway provides a direct route to Woodford, Wamuran, and Kilcoy, making travel safer and smoother. The upgrades will not only benefit daily drivers but also reduce maintenance costs, ensuring a more reliable road network for years to come.
Photo Credit: TMR
Community Impact and Next Steps
Local residents and businesses can expect some temporary disruptions, but TMR has assured that efforts will be made to minimise traffic delays. Motorists can check real-time traffic conditions via QLDTraffic or by calling 13 19 40 for updates.
Transport and Main Roads officials have highlighted that this project is part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety and efficiency across the region. Future improvements to D’Aguilar Highway are already being planned, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining Queensland’s state-controlled road network.
Temple of Juniper, a boutique distillery, has officially opened in Caboolture. It offers handcrafted gin infused with unique botanicals. Located at 4/23 Evans Drive, the distillery welcomes visitors to experience its cellar door tastings and small-batch creations.
Temple of Juniper is the creation of husband-and-wife duo Erin and Charles. They have turned their passion for small-batch distilling into a boutique experience. Their journey began with a vision to craft premium gin infused with distinctive botanicals, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern hospitality and Mediterranean flavours.
After navigating the development application process, the distillery has launched its flagship product, Mediterranean Summer Gin. This handcrafted gin blends lavender, lemon myrtle, grapefruit, citrus, crushed cinnamon and angelica root, creating a refreshing profile ideal for Queensland’s warm climate.
Something Special on the Horizon
Alongside its signature Mediterranean Summer Gin, Temple of Juniper is crafting a Middle Eastern Spiced Gin, described as a “true gin lovers’ gin.” The distillery hopes to launch this exciting new release at the Brisbane Gin Festival, which will take place from 4 to 6 April 2025. Gin enthusiasts attending the festival can meet the Temple of Juniper team and sample their handcrafted spirits.
Located in North Brisbane, just off the motorway, Temple of Juniper allows visitors to engage with the makers, tour the distillery, and sample the latest releases. The cellar door is open on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings and learn about the distillation process from the founders themselves.
Temple of Juniper offers nationwide shipping via its online store for those unable to visit in person.
Early visitors have praised the Mediterranean Summer Gin for its well-balanced flavour and high-quality craftsmanship. Customers have described it as “refreshing and complex.” Some compare the experience to a summer getaway. The distillery has also been well-received as a unique addition to Caboolture’s growing small business scene.
In addition to direct sales, Temple of Juniper welcomes corporate orders and boutique stockists who want to feature its handcrafted spirits.
Future Plans and What’s Next
Temple of Juniper aims to expand its product range beyond gin, with future releases already in development. The distillery is also looking to increase local stockists and explore partnerships with hospitality venues.
For those interested in experiencing the Temple of Juniper difference, tastings and purchases can be made at the cellar door or online at www.templeofjuniper.com.
