Caboolture-educated Kaylee McKeown cements her place in Olympic history as she becomes the first Australian swimmer to win four individual gold medals. At the Paris Olympics, McKeown successfully defended her 200m backstroke title, adding to her earlier victory in the 100m backstroke.
McKeown’s latest triumph elevates her above other Australian Olympic greats. With four individual golds, she surpasses the likes of Ian Thorpe, Dawn Fraser, and Betty Cuthbert, who each hold three. This feat places McKeown in a league of her own among Australian Olympians.
The 23-year-old Queenslander’s victory in the 200m backstroke comes in an Olympic record time of 2:03.73. McKeown’s win matches Hungarian legend Krisztina Egerszegi’s record of four Olympic backstroke gold medals, solidifying her status as one of the greatest backstrokers in history.
McKeown’s historic swim caps off a successful night for Australia in the pool. Veteran Cameron McEvoy, 30, claims gold in the men’s 50m freestyle with a time of 21.25, marking Australia’s first-ever medal in this event at the Olympics.
Despite her exhaustion, McKeown qualified for the 200m individual medley final just minutes after her golden performance. With potential medals in two medley relays and the individual medley event still to come, McKeown’s record-breaking run may not be over yet.
Keep your eyes peeled for two local sprinters—Burpengary’s Ella Connolly and Caboolture’s Calab Law—as the athletics portion of the Paris Olympics gets underway and they aim to stake their claim among the world’s fastest.
Ella Connolly in the women’s 100m and 4x100m relay
The 100m dash holds a special place in the world of athletics. As the shortest common outdoor running distance, it is perhaps the most popular and prestigious event in track and field. The winner of this event at the Olympics or World Championships often earns the unofficial title of “the fastest person in the world.”
The 5’9” trackstar faces a tight schedule in her quest for Olympic glory: Preliminary Round: 2 August, 6:35 p.m. Round 1: 2 August , 7:50 p.m. Semifinals: 3 August, 3:50 a.m. Finals: 3 August, 5:20 a.m.
This compressed timeline will test not only Connolly’s speed but also her endurance and recovery abilities. She enters the event facing stiff competition that includes the current women’s world champion, USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson.
Almost a week after her individual event, the 24-year-old will join her teammates for the 4x100m relay: Round 1: 8 August, 7:10 p.m. Finals: 10 August, 3:30 a.m.
Calab Law in the men’s 200m
The 200m dash is a challenging event that attracts world class runners from various disciplines, particularly those who compete in the 100m. It requires a combination of explosive speed and sustained power, making it a true test of an athlete’s capabilities.
This schedule allows for more recovery time between rounds compared to the 100m event, but demands peak performance over multiple days.
Law enters a field of fierce competitors that include the reigning Olympic champion Andre De Grasse from Canada and current World Champion Noah Lyles of the USA. At just 20 years old and standing 6’1”, Law brings youth and promising talent to the competition.
As the Paris Olympics sprinting events approach, Ella Connolly and Calab Law prepare to represent a country itching for athletics glory on the Olympic stage.
Featured Image Photo Credit: Ella Connolly, Calab Law/Instagram
The project, designed by SBA Architects, is set to be located at 407 Pumicestone Rd and 6 Eildon St.
The proposed Officeworks will feature a 1800 sqm retail showroom with a total gross floor area of 5600 sqm. The development also includes a three-storey storage facility standing 11.4m high, to be situated on the western boundary of the Big Fish Centre.
Artist’s impression of Retail Showroom with Storage Facility and Shop (Photo credit: SBA Architects)
“In a wider context, the subject site forms part of the Big Fish Centre, which is a Mixed Industry and Business Centre located south-west of the Bruce Highway and Pumicestone Road junction,” planning documents read.
Photo credit: SBA Architects
The plan encompasses 78 parking spaces to serve both the Officeworks and the storage facility. Access to the storage facility will be via Eildon St East.
“The buildings have been architecturally designed with the end user in mind and have substantial articulation, materials and colour to be visually interesting in the context of the centre,” planners noted.
Proposed site plan (Photo credit: SBA Architects)
According to the development application, the project aligns with the area’s economic needs and is expected to complement existing businesses in the Big Fish development. While the retail showroom wasn’t initially envisioned in the SunGATE Masterplan, developers argue that its size and scale are consistent with other large-format buildings in the centre.
“The retail showroom is well suited to the premises due to its prominence when viewed from the street and accessibility from the internal access road,” planners stated.
JCP Construction and Development Pty Ltd submitted the development application, which is currently awaiting approval from Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Featured image: Perspective of new Officeworks at Sungate Business Park (Photo credit: SBA Architects)
Born in Redcliffe and educated in Caboolture, 23-year-old Kaylee McKeown defied the bookies by beating American Regan Smith and the rest of the 100m backstroke field in 57.33 seconds.
Kaylee turned in 4th with a 28.08 split but powered past Kylie Masse of Canada, and Regan Smith and Katherine Berkoff of the USA. Current world record holder Regan Smith was considered the favourite in the event.
Having won Olympic gold Number 4, Kaylee’s medal prospects continue to look promising, with the 200m backstroke (arguably her strongest event) coming up, and the 200m individual medley as well.
It has been an eventful series of competitions so far for elite swimmers competing in the Paris Olympics pool, which athletes have pointed out to be shallower than what they’re used to in training and other competitions, a detail they believe to be causing slower swim times overall.
At 2.15m, the Paris pool is above the minimum standard of 2m approved for the Paris Olympics but is now below the new World Aquatics recommended minimum of 2.5m. Experts believe deeper pools maximise performance and result in faster times by minimising the turbulence caused by water displaced by swimmers bouncing off the bottom of the pool.
Road to Greatness
The talented swimmer’s world-class performance has been honed from a junior at Australian Crawl in Burpengary under coach Jodie Morgan. Chris Mooney also worked with her for many years until she joined the Griffith University Swim Club under Michael Bohl.
It was her sister, Taylor, however, that inspired her to greatness.
Taylor began competitive swimming at the age of nine and by 15 years old, she had won the national 100m and 200m breaststroke titles. Two years later, she won gold in the 2014 Commonwealth Games 200m breaststroke final, beating fellow Aussie Sally Hunter in Glasgow.
In 2015, Taylor helped the 4x100m medley relay team to win a World Championship bronze. By 2016, they went one better in the Rio Olympics where Taylor and the team finished second in the 4x100m medley relay.
2016 was a big year for the McKeown sisters. While Taylor performed and won a silver in the biggest stage of all, Kaylee was in Hawaii at the Pan Pacific Junior Championships, her first major international competition representing Australia. She won the 200m backstroke; finished 3rd in the 100m; and 17th in the 200m medley.
Within a year, Kaylee made the jump to senior competition and helped secure a silver medal in the World Championships in Budapest for the 4x100m mixed medley relay. She also finished 4th in the 200m backstroke, as well as 16th in the 400m medley.
Her coach, Chris Mooney, had a long term plan for Kaylee. Rather than push her too hard during her final year at St Paul’s Lutheran in Caboolture, he gave her room to complete her studies by setting a weekly routine of five training schedules rather than the standard ten.
This meant 2018 saw limited improvement for a while. Even by 2019 Kaylee’s performances were similar to 2017, though silver in the 2019 World Championship 200m backstroke was a major breakthrough.
In August 2020, Kaylee’s dad, Sholto, died after fighting brain cancer for two years. “I’ll always be with you” was tattooed on her foot as a permanent reminder of her dad. It became her biggest motivator.
The delayed Tokyo Olympics did not suit most athletes but for Kaylee, it seemed to have been an extra year of training and growth.
She absolutely nailed Tokyo, winning the 100m backstroke in a new Olympic record, becoming the first Australian female gold medalist in backstroke. She then won the 200m backstroke and then completed her hat-trick of gold medals by swimming the backstroke leg of the 4x100m medley relay.
Three Olympic medals at the age of 20; now four at the age of 23. Could that become five or six in 2024?
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through time as the Caboolture Historical Village flings open its gates for the much-anticipated Heritage Day extravaganza! This is your chance to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories that shaped the region’s vibrant past.
On Sunday, 4 August 2024, the village will transform into a bustling activity hub, showcasing yesteryear’s skills and traditions. Reenactors will bring the past to life while local artisans demonstrate their crafts and offer hands-on workshops for all ages. Visitors can wander through the village’s charming buildings, ride the heritage train, and marvel at the collection of vintage cars, tractors, and machinery on display.
Saskia Huismans, Events Manager for the Caboolture Historical Village, promises a day filled with fun, education, and nostalgia. “This is an opportunity to connect with Caboolture’s past and experience what life was like all those years ago,” she says. “There will be something for everyone, from demonstrations of traditional crafts to lively music performances and old-fashioned games.”
One of the highlights of Heritage Day will be the demonstrations by skilled craftspeople, who will share their knowledge of quilting, lacemaking, spinning, weaving, and blacksmithing—Huismans emphasises the importance of preserving these niche skills, which are in danger of disappearing. “We hope that by showcasing these crafts, we can inspire a new generation to learn and carry on these traditions,” she says.
Heritage Day promises a vibrant and diverse programme of events. Visitors can enjoy performances by Dance Kaleidoscope Queensland, listen to classic Aussie songs by the Blarney Stone Celtic and Irish Folk Band, and appreciate the art of bush poetry with readings by the North Pine Bush Poets. The Redcliffe Scottish Pipe-Band will also be on hand to entertain, and Flash Mac, the village’s beloved Clydesdale horse, will appear.
The event features various demonstrations and displays, including those by the Antique Machinery Restoration Society Inc., local blacksmiths, and the Northside Doll Circle. Visitors can enjoy leather crafting demonstrations by the Leathercrafters Association of Queensland Inc. and browse unique wares by Nautipunk in the Vintage Market.
For those seeking nostalgia, there will be penny-farthing rides by the Queensland Penny Farthing and Historical Cycle Club, weaving demonstrations by the Redcliffe Spinners Weavers and Dyers, and lacemaking demonstrations by the Queensland Lacemakers Guild. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-16, and free for children under 5.
The Caboolture Historical Village is a sprawling complex with over 70 buildings and 110,000 museum pieces. It is home to numerous special interest groups that work tirelessly to preserve and share the region’s history. Heritage Day is a testament to their dedication and a fantastic opportunity to experience the living history of Caboolture.
Let the Caboolture Historical Village transport you back in time for a day of discovery, entertainment, and celebration.
Wildlife Rescue Queensland (WRQ) responded to calls from concerned locals who spotted the kangaroo struggling in the water. The rescue team faced significant challenges due to the canal’s steep concrete sides, which prevented the animal from escaping on its own.
Using a small boat, rescuers carefully approached the exhausted marsupial. They managed to grab its arms and guide it through the water before successfully lifting it onto the boat.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 21 July 2024, drawing attention to the dangers posed by steep-sided canals to local wildlife.
Risks and Dangers
WRQ highlighted the serious threats these canals pose to kangaroos. Despite being strong swimmers, kangaroos can quickly tire in such situations. They risk hypothermia, water inhalation, and injuries from sharp oyster shells and barnacles. Without intervention, many unfortunately drown.
After the rescue, the kangaroo received treatment for superficial injuries, shock, and hypothermia. The WRQ trauma team monitored the animal until it regained warmth and strength before releasing it back into the wild.
Community Response
The rescue effort garnered significant public support, with over 400 reactions on WRQ’s social media post. Many community members expressed gratitude for the team’s dedication and skill in saving the kangaroo.
Some residents called for preventative measures, such as the installation of “escape ramps” along the canals. These suggestions aimed to protect not only wildlife but also pets and people who might fall into these waterways.
The incident has sparked discussions about improving safety measures around artificial waterways to prevent similar situations in the future.
Horizons College, a specialised school for students with learning difficulties and education challenges in Caboolture is urgently seeking a new location as its current site nears demolition and has reached maximum capacity.
The independent special assistance school in the Moreton Bay region caters to 220 students who face learning challenges or have experienced severe bullying. The school provides all necessary supplies, including stationery, textbooks, and food, with no mandatory uniform policy. Parents only pay a $30 weekly resource levy, as the school receives significant funding.
Pressing Need for New Premises
Principal Jane Robinson explained that their current facility, an old butter factory built in 1987, no longer meets their growing needs. With every classroom in use throughout the day, the school has no room for expansion.
The building’s lease expires at the end of 2026, after which the owner plans to demolish it due to persistent roof leaks during rainfall.
Community Support Sought
Horizons College is appealing to the community, local council, and state government for assistance finding a new home. The school is prepared to purchase land and construct a new building if necessary. However, their recent attempt to secure a 10-acre block near their current location could have been more successful due to constraints related to flood-prone areas. A City of Moreton Bay spokeswoman stated that the council’s planning scheme aims to limit development to areas not impacted by floodwaters.
The Department of Education clarified that it does not have jurisdiction over non-state schools’ day-to-day operations. Still, it noted that the Queensland Government is providing $137.8 million in capital assistance for non-state schools in 2024-25.
Independent Schools Australia, the governing body for Horizons College, pledged to continue working with the Federal Government to support schools like Horizons. Chief executive Graham Catt highlighted the growing demand for special assistance schools and their reliance on funding to maintain their important work in the community.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Caboolture State School was forced into a lockdown lasting over an hour after a student climbed onto the roof of the administration building.
The incident began around 2:30 PM, prompting school officials to initiate a precautionary lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Queensland Department of Education confirmed the event, describing it as a “behaviour incident.”
A spokesperson for the Department stated, “The school went into a brief precautionary lockdown yesterday during a behaviour incident in which a student climbed onto the roof of the administration building.” The lockdown was lifted after approximately one hour.
In response to the incident, the school has made counselling and support services available to all students and staff who may require assistance. The Department emphasised their commitment to student privacy and declined to provide further details about the individual involved.
This event highlights ongoing concerns about behaviour management in Queensland schools. A recent School Opinion Survey, released by the Department of Education in January 2024, revealed that 78.4% of Caboolture State School staff agreed that student behaviour was well-managed at their school.
However, the broader 2023 survey results painted a more concerning picture across the state, with over a third of Queensland schoolchildren and more than a quarter of staff believing their schools did not manage behaviour effectively.
The Caboolture State School administration reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe learning environment, stating, “The school continues to work diligently to promote safe and respectful interactions between students and a safe learning environment for everyone in the school community.”
A multi-million-dollar upgrade is planned for Sandstone Point Marina, formerly known as Spinnaker Sound Marina, promising new community facilities and an enhanced waterfront setting for locals and visitors alike.
Development group Ignite Projects, which is in the process of acquiring the marina, aims to revitalise the 40-year-old precinct.
Proposed Improvements
The draft upgrade plans include:
– An expansive waterside deck – New landscaping – Additional outdoor seating – Potential for other community-suggested improvements
Ignite Projects Director Josh Foote emphasised the marina’s significance, stating, “The Sandstone Point marina is the perfect gateway to Moreton Bay with all-weather protection for boats and less than one hour’s drive from Brisbane.”
New Residential Development
Alongside the marina upgrade, plans for a new waterfront apartment complex called Anchorage Sandstone Point were revealed. The development will include:
– 66 apartments across two buildings – 112 resident car parks and 42 secure visitor spaces – Over 250 square metres of recreation areas – A swimming pool – Bicycle parking and watercraft storage
Ignite Projects is expected to lodge a Development Application with the Moreton Bay Regional Council soon. The company also hinted at future plans for a boutique selection of townhomes.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Community Involvement
The upgrade plans were unveiled on Saturday, 13 July 2024, at a community event attended by approximately 180 people. Local residents and boat owners were invited to contribute ideas for improving the marina.
“We were very grateful for the opportunity to speak to the local community and hear their ideas, and we’re already making changes to our plans in response to this feedback,” Mr Foote said, expressing gratitude for the community input.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a developer front end their development. I’ve never seen a developer come to the community prior to lodging a DA (Development Application),” said City of Moreton Bay Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige, who praised the developers’ approach.
Queensland-based Murphy Builders are spearheading the project, following their recent completion of two other complexes in the area totaling 30 homes.
The development is designed with accessibility as a priority. Of the 24 units, three will meet Platinum standards, nine will meet Gold standards, and 12 will meet Silver standards under Queensland’s Livable Housing Guidelines. This ensures the homes will be suitable for people with disabilities and seniors with mobility needs.
Photo credit: Meaghan Scanlon MP/Facebook
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Homes for Queenslanders plan is getting more shovels in the ground and tradies on the tools to build the homes Queenslanders need.
Mark Ryan, Member for Morayfield, highlighted the project’s additional benefit: “One-bedroom units such as the ones we’re building here also provide an opportunity for seniors to downsize their home, freeing up larger social homes for families in need.”
Murphy Builders Director Mark Berry expressed pride in the company’s involvement, stating, “Murphy Builders are proud to be working with the Queensland Government on this worthwhile project.”
“The demand for housing throughout Queensland is well documented and my organisation is thrilled to be associated to and building a solution for this issue,” Mr Berry added.
The complex is expected to be completed by mid-2025, barring any weather or construction-related delays. This project is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at addressing housing needs in the region.
Individuals requiring housing assistance can contact the Caboolture Housing Service Centre on 5432 0700 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
