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Robo Pets Bring Comfort and Connection to Caboolture Library Visitors Living With Dementia

Two robocats and a robodog have arrived at Moreton Bay Region libraries as part of an expanding suite of dementia-friendly programs, with Caboolture Library among the three locations now hosting the lifelike companion animals.

The robo pets are not toys. They are purpose-built therapeutic tools designed to ease anxiety, reduce loneliness and spark genuine emotional connection for people living with dementia and their carers.

Designed to comfort and connect

The companion animals are built with soft fur, gentle movement and simulated heartbeats, qualities that research consistently links to calming effects in people with dementia.

Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found that robotic companion animals reduce anxiety and agitation, improve mood and decrease the need for psychoactive medications in people living with the condition.

Unlike real animals, they require no feeding, no vet visits and carry no risk of scratching or infection — which makes them practical for library settings where many different people interact with them across a week.

Support beyond the robo pets

Caboolture Library sits in the Town Square on the ground floor of the Caboolture Hub, within walking distance of Caboolture train station.

The library has been working with Dementia Australia on a plan to become a fully dementia-friendly organisation, including staff training, inclusive programming and purpose-built collections for people with dementia, their families and carers.

The robo pets join three dementia kits that can be accessed at Caboolture and across the broader library network, or taken out as part of library visits to aged care facilities.

Each kit includes weighted plush comfort dogs, classic board games such as checkers and snakes and ladders, jigsaw puzzles and reminiscence books designed to spark memories and aid cognitive recall.

The weighted comfort dogs work through deep pressure stimulation, similar in effect to a weighted blanket, easing anxiety and reducing evening agitation.

A growing network of dementia support

Redcliffe Library, one of the other two sites hosting a robo pet, also runs the Dementia Sharing Circle — a welcoming drop-in space where people living with dementia, their care partners and loved ones can connect over a cuppa with support from a dementia doula, a non-clinical support professional trained to accompany people through the dementia journey.

The seven other libraries in the Moreton Bay network can also borrow the robo pets as part of the dementia kits, broadening access well beyond the three permanent host locations.

“People living with dementia and their carers often experience significant social isolation as a result of their diagnosis, so coming to the library and interacting with other people through a fun and playful activity like this can assist in improved feelings of wellbeing,” a spokesperson said. “Coupled with our dementia kits, this initiative offers another way for people to rebuild important connections with the outside world.”

For more information on dementia-friendly library programs, click here.

Published 6-July-2026

Featured Image Credit: Supplied

The Belvedere Hotel Reaches 125-Year Milestone In Woody Point

Photo Credit: The Belvedere/Facebook

The Belvedere Hotel in Woody Point has marked 125 years since becoming a hotel in 1901, having served generations of patrons through local celebrations, meetings and community events.

Early Years At Woody Point

The property began as a boarding house during the 1890s before Thomas and Mary Snook converted it into a hotel in 1901.

It has remained on the Redcliffe Peninsula through decades of change, with its waterfront position and sunset views continuing to form part of the venue’s identity.

General manager Mitchell Paul attributed its longevity to the location, customer service and the hotel’s ability to adjust its menu and hospitality offering as customer expectations changed.

Patrons have travelled from areas between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast to meet friends and family at the venue. During its anniversary period, the hotel also published historical photographs showing how the property had developed and invited visitors to share their own memories.

Belvedere Hotel building at Woody Point — Photo Credit: The Belvedere/Facebook

Generations Of Community Gatherings

Across its history, the hotel has been used for family birthdays, Christmas gatherings, dinners, work lunches, staff meetings and special events.

It has also hosted trivia nights, fundraisers, service-club meetings, school reunions and business networking events, making it a regular setting for both personal occasions and organised community activities.

The venue sponsors local sporting clubs and has supported Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital since at least late 2020.

The Belvedere Hotel during the 1930s — Photo Credit: The Belvedere/Facebook

That involvement has included hosting events, matching Giving Day gifts as an Impact Partner and contributing to Christmas initiatives for children receiving hospital care.

Management has identified community, identity and staff development as priorities for the hotel’s future. The venue also has a history of promoting employees internally, allowing staff familiar with its operations to progress into leadership positions.

Woody Point hotel building in the 1950s — Photo Credit: The Belvedere/Facebook

The Belvedere Hotel Changes With The Peninsula

Lewis Land Group completed a large-scale renovation of the property in November 2023.

The facade, turret and original structure were retained, while newer sections were constructed around them. The work replaced several smaller spaces with a more open design connecting indoor and outdoor areas.

Capacity increased from about 700 patrons to 1,500 following the renovation. The expanded operation employs more than 200 staff during peak periods and prepares more than 10,000 meals each week.

The larger venue also allowed the hotel to accommodate demand that could not previously be serviced, including increased trade during occasions such as Mother’s Day.

The hotel scheduled a day-long community celebration for Saturday, 27 June as part of its 125th anniversary activities.

Plans released ahead of the event included live entertainment, family-friendly activities, giveaways, earlier menu favourites, a ceremonial birthday cake cutting and a digital photo booth at the Woody Point venue.

Published 3-July-2026

National Award Highlights Morayfield’s Role in Moreton Bay Housing Program

A housing project planned for Oakey Flat Road in Morayfield has helped earn the City of Moreton Bay national recognition for its work to improve access to social and affordable housing.

Council recently won the Affordable Housing category at the National Awards for Local Government, with judges recognising its Community Leasing for Social and Affordable Housing Project. The program allows community housing providers and specialist homelessness services to use council-owned land through low-cost, long-term leases to build homes for people facing housing insecurity.

Oakey Flat Road Development Forms Part of the Award-Winning Program

One of the key projects under the initiative is the Oakey Flat Road development in Morayfield, which is being delivered through a partnership between the City of Moreton Bay and Coast2Bay Housing.

The project will provide 14 new social and affordable homes for people who need secure housing. The council is supplying the land under a long-term lease arrangement, allowing the community housing provider to develop the site while keeping costs lower than would normally be possible. The approach is designed to increase the supply of affordable housing without the council becoming the housing provider itself.

Construction has started on the Morayfield development, which is one of several housing projects included in the council’s broader housing and homelessness strategy.

Partnerships Help Increase Affordable Housing Supply

The award recognises more than a single development. It acknowledges a wider approach that brings together local government, community housing organisations and homelessness services to deliver practical housing solutions.

Alongside Coast2Bay Housing, the council has also partnered with Bric Housing on another community housing project in Caboolture. Together, the Morayfield and Caboolture developments are expected to provide accommodation for up to 46 people once completed.

The council has also supported eligible community housing developments by waiving development fees and infrastructure charges. According to the media release, more than $2.28 million in fees has already been waived, including support for an 82-home social and affordable housing development in Redcliffe that welcomed its first residents last year.

National Award Highlights Local Housing Efforts

Mayor Peter Flannery said the award recognised the importance of increasing community housing to improve outcomes for people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. He stated that the council would continue working with housing providers, frontline services, community organisations and other levels of government to support more housing opportunities across the region.

Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, said the National Awards for Local Government celebrate councils that deliver innovative projects benefiting their communities.

The Community Leasing for Social and Affordable Housing Project supports the City of Moreton Bay’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, which focuses on increasing access to safe and secure housing through coordinated partnerships. As work continues at Oakey Flat Road, the Morayfield development stands as one example of how those partnerships are being put into action.

Published 1-July-2026
Featured Image Credit: Wikipedia

New CCTV Camera with Licence Plate Recognition Installed in Burpengary East

A permanent CCTV camera equipped with licence plate recognition technology has been installed at the intersection of Uhlmann Road and Buckley Road in Burpengary East, adding a new layer of surveillance to one of the Moreton Bay region’s key arterial road corridors.

The camera joins the City of Moreton Bay’s expanding public safety camera network, which operates in partnership with Queensland Police to support crime detection, investigation and deterrence across the region. The Uhlmann and Buckley Road intersection was chosen for its position on a major transport corridor, giving the camera high-level coverage of consistent traffic flow through the area.

For Burpengary East residents, the installation addresses a location that sees significant through-traffic connecting the suburb to surrounding areas. Arterial intersections of this type are among the most practical locations for public safety cameras, capturing movement across a broad footprint rather than a single street.

Licence plate recognition adds investigative capability

Like many of the City of Moreton Bay’s newer CCTV installations, the Burpengary East camera incorporates Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. LPR systems automatically read and record vehicle registration plates as they pass through a monitored location, building a searchable record that Queensland Police can access when investigating offences.

The technology has become an increasingly important tool in vehicle crime investigation. It assists police in locating stolen vehicles, tracking suspect vehicles linked to incidents and building timelines for criminal investigations. Cameras with LPR capability add a layer of investigative utility that goes beyond passive footage review, giving police the ability to query specific plates across the network and cross-reference movements with incident data.

The visible presence of CCTV cameras also serves a deterrence function, signalling to those who might commit offences in public spaces that the area is monitored and that evidence of their activity is likely to be captured.

How the network operates and what it covers

The City of Moreton Bay’s public safety camera network runs under strict privacy requirements. Cameras are directed at public spaces rather than private property, access to footage is restricted to authorised personnel, and recordings are held for 45 days before being automatically overwritten unless flagged for an active investigation. Queensland Police can formally request footage to support their work.

The Burpengary East installation is part of a broader programme of camera network expansion across the Moreton Bay region, reflecting the growth in population and road use that has accompanied rapid residential development in suburbs including Burpengary East, Narangba and Morayfield over recent years.

Where to find more information

Residents who witness a crime or need immediate police assistance should always call 000. For non-urgent police matters, Policelink is available on 131 444, and can take reports and direct calls to the appropriate local response.

Further information on the City of Moreton Bay’s public safety camera programme is available here.

Published 29-June-2026

Featured Image Credit: CrMarkBooth/Facebook

Morayfield Welcomes New Pet Salon After Local Home Business Success

A former reality television contestant and award-winning dog groomer has transformed her solo home business into a major local employer by launching a massive second pet salon in Morayfield.

Over the past eleven years, Davina Dewar has grown her styling brand from a single-person operation into a thriving company that now employs fourteen staff members. Following the success of her first purpose-built facility in Narangba a few years ago, the former Channel 7 Pooch Perfect Australia contestant saw a pressing need to expand. Demand for professional pet care in the northern suburbs has soared, prompting the team to establish a fresh, larger space to accommodate local families and their pets.

While the new Morayfield Road facility quietly began taking appointments on 8 June, the team is hosting a major community open day on Saturday, 27 June, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the expansion. The free weekend event at the Caboolture South premises is designed for local residents and their dogs.

pet salon — *Photo Credit:* *Stylist to the Dogs/ Facebook*

Visitors can take guided tours of the new grooming spaces, meet the styling team, and participate in dog-friendly games. The afternoon will also feature product demonstrations, complimentary treats, and various prize giveaways for attendees. The central location aims to easily service pet owners across Morayfield, Caboolture, Burpengary, and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Reflecting on the journey, Dewar expressed that the expansion into the Morayfield area marks an exciting new phase for her business. She credited her clients for supporting her transition from a modest home setup to a multi-location enterprise. According to Dewar, the additional space enables her team to assist a greater number of dogs while maintaining their strict standards for quality care. The core philosophy of the new salon remains focused on providing a positive, low-stress grooming environment suitable for dogs of every breed and size.

Published Date 24-June-2026

Photo Credit: Stylist to the Dogs/ Facebook

Winter School Holidays Packed with Free Family Activities Across Moreton Bay

Families across Caboolture will have dozens of free options to keep children entertained during the winter school holidays. Moreton Bay is rolling out a packed program of activities across libraries, museums, galleries and recreation venues.

The winter schedule includes everything from target archery and junior boxing to alpaca visits, 3D printing workshops and creative activities designed to keep young people active and engaged during the school break.

With many families looking for affordable ways to fill the holidays, the program offers a mix of educational, recreational and cultural experiences suitable for a range of ages and interests.

Sport and recreation activities encourage active holidays

Children who enjoy getting outdoors and trying new activities can take part in a variety of sessions through Moreton Bay’s Active Holidays program.

Target archery is among the featured activities available during the winter break, alongside hip hop dance, tennis, junior boxing, multicultural games and survival skills sessions.

The program aims to encourage participation, build confidence and introduce children to activities they may wish to continue after the holidays.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the school holiday program was designed to help young people remain active while creating opportunities to spend time with friends and family.

He said the wide variety of activities available meant children could explore different interests and discover new skills throughout the break.

Alpacas and lambs bring learning to local libraries

For children interested in animals and hands-on learning, the Winter Woollies program will bring alpacas and babydoll lambs to selected City of Moreton Bay libraries.

The sessions are designed to teach children about where wool comes from and how it is transformed into products used in everyday life.

Families attending the events will also be able to watch demonstrations of carding and spinning, showing how raw fleece is prepared and converted into yarn.

The educational program combines animal encounters with practical learning about farming and natural fibres.

Libraries offer creative and interactive experiences

Libraries across the city will host a range of activities aimed at encouraging creativity and curiosity.

Children can take part in beginner 3D printing workshops, improv sessions, magic shows and circus-themed experiences during the school holidays.

The activities provide opportunities for young people to explore technology, performance and creative thinking in an engaging environment outside the classroom.

Museums and galleries add family-friendly attractions

The winter program also extends to Moreton Bay’s museums and galleries.

Families can visit events such as the Farmyard Family Fun Day at Pine Rivers Heritage Museum and participate in creative workshops, including projects that allow children to create their own illuminated LED story lanterns.

The activities combine learning and creativity while encouraging families to explore local cultural attractions.

Want to go? Check the full details, locations, and booking information below:

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – LIBRARIES

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – ACTIVE PLAY

Published 24-June-2026

Fatal Crash on Bruce Highway Leaves Morayfield Community in Shock

A 22-year-old Burpengary man has lost his life in a fatal crash on the Bruce Highway at Morayfield in the early hours of Saturday morning, with Queensland Police now urging anyone who was in the area to come forward.

The collision occurred around 1.30am near the Buchanan Road off ramp, when the man — riding a black Triumph Sprint motorcycle southbound — struck what police describe as an abandoned multi-coloured Ford Territory that was sitting in the roadway. A silver Toyota Hilux utility is also believed to have collided with the motorcyclist during the incident. The rider died at the scene.

A second person on the motorbike, an 18-year-old man from Caboolture who was riding as a pillion passenger, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The driver of the Hilux, a 52-year-old man, was taken to Caboolture Hospital with minor injuries.

Queensland Police’s Forensic Crash Unit is leading the investigation. Officers are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have seen a distinctively painted Ford Territory — described as blue, green and orange — in the area around the time of the crash. Dash cam footage from motorists travelling on the Bruce Highway that night could also prove critical to the investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police, quoting reference number QP2601186270. Information can also be passed on anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 21-June-2026

Former Test Captain Suranga Lakmal Joins Caboolture Coaching Team

Former Sri Lankan Test captain Suranga Lakmal is set to help shape the future of cricket in the Moreton Bay region after being appointed Head Technical Director and Coach at Caboolture Sports Cricket Club ahead of the upcoming season.

The appointment is a significant one for the regional Queensland club, with Lakmal bringing more than a decade of international experience to Caboolture. The former fast bowler represented Sri Lanka across all formats, captained the national Test side and claimed more than 168 wickets in 68 Test matches during his international career.

Lakmal will be joined by Assistant Technical Director and Coach John “Flewy” Flew, a long-serving club figure and premiership-winning First Grade captain whose deep ties to Caboolture cricket are expected to complement Lakmal’s international experience.

International experience arrives in Moreton Bay

Lakmal is widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable fast bowlers of the modern era. Throughout his career, he faced many of the world’s strongest cricket nations and earned leadership responsibilities within the national team, including captaining Sri Lanka in Test cricket.

His experience stretches across tours and series against Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa, giving him first-hand knowledge of the standards required at the highest level of the sport.

After retiring from international cricket in 2022, Lakmal remained involved in the game through coaching and player development roles. His move to Caboolture brings that experience directly into a community cricket environment, providing local players with access to insights gained from years of international competition.

Local knowledge balances international pedigree

While Lakmal brings international credentials, Caboolture has paired him with one of its most respected local figures.

John “Flewy” Flew is a familiar name throughout the club, having played a major role in Caboolture cricket over many years. As a former First Grade premiership-winning captain, he understands the club’s culture, its players and the challenges facing community cricket.

Caboolture Sports Cricket Club said Flew’s deep connection to the organisation would complement Lakmal’s international background, creating a coaching partnership that combines elite-level experience with strong local knowledge.

Photo Credit: Caboolture Sports Cricket/Facebook

Focus shifts beyond First Grade success

While Lakmal’s playing record naturally draws attention, the club says the appointment is about more than improving top-level results.

Caboolture Sports Cricket Club has outlined a strong focus on junior development and strengthening pathways for players progressing through the lower grades.

The club said the new coaching structure is intended to support cricketers at every stage of their development, from juniors learning the fundamentals of the game through to players competing in First Grade.

Building for the future

For players coming through the Caboolture system, opportunities to learn from a former international captain are likely to be rare.

Lakmal’s appointment gives aspiring cricketers exposure to someone who competed against the world’s best players and experienced the demands of international cricket over more than a decade.

At the same time, Flew’s continued involvement ensures the club remains connected to the values and traditions that have shaped Caboolture cricket for generations.

Published 19-June-2026

Caboolture Community Choir Launches Special Wellbeing Project Ahead of Mental Health Week

Local music lovers are being invited to raise their voices for a good cause, with the Caboolture Community Choir launching a special 10-week singing project designed to support mental health and bring residents together through song.

Read: Caboolture Choir Searches for New Leader to Guide 30-Year Legacy

The project kicks off with a workshop on Sunday, July 12, before running through to a free community concert on September 26. The concert lands just ahead of Mental Health Week in October, and is designed to celebrate themes of hope, resilience and community connection.

An Experienced Hand at the Helm

Photo credit: Facebook/Caboolture Community Choir

Leading the project is Chris Brindley, one of Australia’s most experienced community choir leaders. Mr Brindley brings decades of experience to the role, having worked as a conductor, composer, pianist and tubist with choirs, brass bands and music camps across Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. He also spent more than a decade, from 2006 to 2019, as Choir Director for the Brisbane City Temple Songsters of the Salvation Army.

For the Caboolture Community Choir, bringing in an outside voice of that calibre is something of a coup. Musical Director June Willoughby said the opportunity was a significant one for choir members and the wider community alike. She said it would give choir members a chance to learn from a highly skilled and experienced coach, and that she was looking forward to stepping back from the podium herself for a few months to watch and learn from his approach to teaching and conducting.

Open to the Whole Community

A limited number of non-choir members will also be able to join both the July workshop and the full project, giving residents who can’t commit to regular choir membership a chance to sing alongside existing members under Mr Brindley’s guidance.

Read: Caboolture Pool And Fitness Centre Sparks Community Support For Locals In Need

Mr Brindley has already put together a repertoire of eight to 10 songs for the project, chosen to strike a balance between familiarity and enjoyment while still reflecting the values the choir holds dear. Several of the pieces have been selected with an eye on the future too, with organisers flagging they would be well suited to performances at aged care homes and other community events down the track.

The September concert is expected to build on the success of the choir’s recent 30th anniversary celebrations, which attracted strong community support.

Residents keen to register their interest in either the July workshop or the full 10-week project can do so through the Caboolture Community Choir website, or by calling 0490 887 404.

Featured image credit: Facebook/Caboolture Community Choir

Published 17-June-2026

Caboolture Welcomes a Massive New Starbucks Drive-Thru at Big Fish

Commuters and residents in Caboolture finally have a major new destination for their daily caffeine hit as Starbucks launches a massive drive-thru café at the Big Fish precinct.

The new store officially launched on Thursday, June 11, starting trade at a very early 4:30 a.m. to catch the first wave of highway traffic and local tradies. Situated directly along the Bruce Highway at 459 Pumicestone Road, the shop is designed to serve both the fast-paced traveller and the neighbourhood resident looking for a comfortable place to relax and connect.

A New Gathering Space for the Suburb

The building covers 240 square metres and provides seating for more than 70 people across both indoor and outdoor areas. Inside, visitors will notice tall double-height ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light, combined with warm timber features and lush green colour tones.

Outside, a massive mural displaying coffee plant botanicals gives the site a distinct visual look that easily catches the eye of passersby. For those in a rush, the purpose-built drive-thru offers a fast and easy option to order without leaving the car.

Special Offers and Community Focus

Starbucks Australia chief executive Braeden Lord expressed enthusiasm about the company growing alongside the local population, noting the site will serve as a highly convenient stop for both everyday residents and the thousands of busy highway travellers passing through the region. To mark the launch and welcome the neighbourhood, the café offered half-price blended iced drinks in the late afternoon on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, the very first 200 visitors through the front entrance received a free reusable cold cup as a welcome gift.

Fresh Flavours on the Menu

The coffee shop brings its standard range of popular hot and iced drinks, alongside a wide variety of customisations like added protein inclusions for health-conscious buyers. For a limited period, the menu also features unique items such as a tropical mango dragonfruit iced drink and a hazelnut white chocolate latte.

Customers looking for a quick meal can purchase newly introduced deli rolls and wraps for lunch. The store is also stocking a special range of pride-themed items, including colourful drinks, rainbow merchandise, and heart-shaped cookies. The shop operates from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and opens slightly later at 5:00 a.m. on weekends.

Published Date 17-June-2026

Photo Credit: Google Maps