Caboolture Woman Adds To Rising QLD E-Scooter Crash Cases


A Caboolture woman is the third person in Queensland to suffer serious injuries from an e-scooter crash in a week in Queensland.



The crash took place on Merino St just before 7:49 p.m. on Wednesday, 17 April 2024, according to Queensland Ambulance Services.

Paramedics promptly arrived at the scene and provided immediate medical attention to the woman. She was later transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for further treatment.

This incident follows another serious e-scooter accident on a Gold Coast road just two days prior, where another woman was seriously injured in a collision involving two cars and an e-scooter.

Earlier this month, a tragic accident in Bundaberg claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy. The boy suffered critical injuries when his e-scooter collided with a Suzuki Baleno at an intersection on Maynard St in Norville on 3 April . Despite the best efforts of medical professionals at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, the boy succumbed to his injuries one week after the crash.



These incidents highlight the growing safety concerns surrounding the use of e-scooters in Queensland. Authorities are urged to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of e-scooter users and the public.

Published 20-April-2024

$7-M Expansion Underway at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex

In an exciting development for the local community, Stage 2 of the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex in Burpengary is now underway.


Read: New PCYC Caboolture Facility Underway, Set to Finish in Mid-2025


This $7-million project will bring significant improvements to the complex, including the creation of three brand new fields, enhanced field lighting, and the addition of more car parking spaces. 

The project is being funded through a 50/50 partnership between the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities (IiOC) Program and the City of Moreton Bay, with each entity contributing $3.5 million.

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

The Caboolture Sports Football Club has experienced a dramatic increase in membership since moving to the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The club’s registration numbers have more than doubled, growing from 525 players in 2018 to over 1,100 registered players across 90 teams in 2024. The club has also expanded its staff, now employing four full-time employees.

The expansion of the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex is a significant investment in the local community, providing enhanced sports facilities and opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the region, contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life for residents.

Earlier this month, a ceremony was held to mark the occasion, with Mayor Peter Flannery, Hon Kristy McBain MP (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories), Peter Dutton (General Manager – Football, Caboolture Sports FC) and Craig Thomas (CEO, Caboolture Sports Club Group) in attendance, along with Cr Mark Booth.

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Read: Shovels Hit the Ground at Sage Burpengary


Cr Mark Booth expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Recognised as one of the premier Football facilities in QLD by FIFA, who selected the grounds to host the Brazilian Women’s team during their World Cup Campaign in 2023, the additional 3 fields will not only help elevate the club further but also provide much needed additional space for their growing membership base and helping kids stay healthy and active!”

Featured image credit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Published 18-April-2024

Meet Karen-Rose Dailly: Caboolture’s Four-Year-Old BMX Prodigy

Caboolture has a new rising star, and she’s only four years old! Karen-Rose Dailly isn’t your average pre-prep student. This pint-sized powerhouse is already a state BMX champion, tearing up the track with skill and determination.



Photo Credit: Facebook/ Australian Christian College – Moreton

Karen-Rose’s passion for bikes began early. Her parents, Stephanie Holyoake and George Dailly (a BMX enthusiast himself), introduced her to dirt bikes at a mere six months old. By one year old, she was mastering a balance bike, and by two, she was competing in her first mini-wheeler race.

“She could make motorbike noises before she could talk,” Stephanie laughs, sharing Karen-Rose’s early fascination with all things two-wheeled. “We saw her interest and decided to nurture it.”

Despite being the youngest racer on the track, Karen-Rose’s competitive spirit shines.  “She’s incredibly determined,” Stephanie says. “Last year, her legs hadn’t quite caught up yet, but she never gave up. By the end of the year, she was consistently placing on the podium, and often taking first place!”

While her seven-month-old sister isn’t quite ready for the BMX track yet, and her six-year-old stepsister hasn’t caught the bug, Karen-Rose has a strong support system. Her dad, George, is a passionate rider himself, and her cousins on his side of the family share her love for the sport. Together, they form a dedicated team, cheering Karen-Rose on and helping her hone her skills.



Photo Credit: Facebook/ Australian Christian College – Moreton

Karen-Rose can often be found racing alongside her dad on Friday and Saturday nights, training hard on the tracks around Gympie.  She even proudly wears the family’s coveted “55” number, a symbol of both racing legacy and future victories.

Karen-Rose Dailly is a name to remember. This four-year-old champion is just getting started, and with her talent, determination, and supportive family, the future of BMX looks bright!

Published Date 17-April-2024

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Australian Christian College – Moreton

Chantal Fraser ‘The Ascended’ Ascends To Caboolture

Caboolture, mark your calendars! Chantal Fraser, the renowned Sāmoan-Australian artist, is bringing her latest exhibition, The Ascended, to Caboolture Regional Art Gallery.



The Ascended, a collaboration with Griffith University Art Museum, highlights Fraser’s commitment to challenging the status quo. This exhibition is set to be a landmark event in the contemporary art world, reflecting Fraser’s commitment to challenging and broadening our understanding of art and culture.

The exhibition has garnered support from Arts Queensland, Creative Australia, and NorthSite Contemporary Arts.

Fantômas Gold 2023. Welding helmet, adhesive, acrylic rhinestones, metallic glass shards. Image courtesy of the artist. Photo Credit: Louis Lim/Chantal Fraser

Fraser’s artistry stands out prominently in the contemporary art scene. Her work, a fusion of ritual, adornment, and exchange, exemplifies her unique perspective. From global pop culture to traditional practices, Fraser’s art is a melting pot of influences.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @shahdualism


This is a golden opportunity for Caboolture residents to immerse themselves in Fraser’s innovative and thought-provoking artistry.

The exhibition kicks off on 12 June 2024 and runs until 31 August 2024. The gallery welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Published 15-April-2024

New PCYC Caboolture Facility Underway, Set to Finish in Mid-2025

Construction has started on a new Queensland Police Citizens Youth Club or PCYC Caboolture, supported by an additional $10 million in funding.



The project replacing the existing PCYC Caboolture will serve as a new space for a safe and positive environment for at-risk or disadvantaged youth to connect with the local police.

With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity for all, it aims to be utilised for a wide range of activities such as group fitness classes, basketball, gymnastics, and boxing. 

On Thursday, 11 April 2024, the Albanese Government announced that it will provide $10 million in funding to partner with the Queensland Government  ($5 million) and Moreton Bay Regional Council ($2.5 million). 

The $17.5-million project aims to provide a purpose-built facility where young people can engage in various activities. 

“PCYC Caboolture has more than 1,000 members and local families that participate in its activities […], and this new space will help them to connect the community like never before,” Kristy McBain, the Federal Regional Development and Local Government Minister said

Beyond that, the new PCYC will also facilitate various community programs and events designed to strengthen community cohesion, social connections and problem-solving skills. 

The construction is set to create around 103 direct jobs, with an additional 11 ongoing jobs to be supported.

The new PCYC Caboolture facility is expected to be completed by mid-2025.



Published 15-April-2024

Photo Credit: Google Maps

$5-million Windfall Changes the Lives of 16 People in Caboolture

Sixteen fortunate shoppers from Caboolture are celebrating a life-changing moment after their syndicate’s $5-million victory. 



On the 15th of February 2024, 16 lucky shoppers at The Local Caboolture South bagged the Division One prize amounting to almost $5 million  or $4,907,068.89.  

Their luck held as their PowerHit entry also brought several divisional prizes that reached $5,164,871.49, making each ticket holder’s bank account richer by $322,804.47 each.

Sandeep Arora, the owner of the The Local Caboolture South where the winning entries were bought, also expressed her happiness over the windfall. 

“It will definitely change each person’s life in different ways […] I just want to wish them all the best for the future and I hope they enjoy celebrating this winning news,” Mr Arora said

The Powerball number was 20 and the winning numbers were 35, 34, 19, 10, 18, 15 and 5.

James Eddy, spokesman for The Lott, said that they will reach out to the registered winners, to deliver the news about their wins. 

“Some of these division one winning syndicate members have already begun celebrating their good fortune knowing their bank account is about to be boosted with more than $300,000,” he said.

“While we’ll be reaching out to those winners who are registered, there are still some unregistered syndicate members who may have yet to discover their good news,” he added, calling on those who purchased a share in a syndicate for the draw to check their tickets to see if they won.

“If you purchased a share in a syndicate for the week’s Powerball draw, today’s the day to check it! If you discover you’re holding a winning share, call The Lott on 131 868 to start the prize claim process,” he said.



Published 10-April-2024

Featured Image Photo Credit: Pexels

Keeping the Dream Alive: Restoring the Beaufort Bomber in Memory of Wally Dalitz

In a heartfelt tribute to the aviation legend and World War II hero Wally Dalitz, the team at the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (AAHC) is determined to see the restoration of a Beaufort bomber aircraft to flying condition.


Read: Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub Comes to Caboolture


Mr Dalitz, who passed away on 27 March 2024 at the age of 101, was a beloved figure in the Caboolture flying community and a staunch supporter of the Beaufort restoration project.

A Beaufort bomber pilot during WWII, Mr Dalitz had expressed his desire to see the iconic Australian-built aircraft take to the skies one more time before he died. Sadly, the project, which has been in the works for over 40 years, was not completed before his passing. 

 

However, restoration expert Ralph Cusack and his team are now more committed than ever to honouring Mr Dalitz’s legacy by finishing the restoration.

The AAHC launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe last year to restore Mr Dalitz’s Beaufort bomber aircraft and get it flying again. The AAHC has set an initial goal of $250,000 to kickstart the Beaufort restoration project, although the ultimate goal was to raise $1 million to see it through to completion.

“Your donation will help get this aircraft restored and flying. It will be the only flying example in the world!” said Jason Hazell, a committee member at the AAHC. “We will keep a record of all donations and everyone will be invited to that special day it takes to the skies.”

Mr Dalitz, who enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940 when he was 18 years old, learned to fly the Tiger Moth aircraft before transitioning to the Beaufort bomber. He served with the 8th Squadron in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific, participating in the last operational bombing mission of the Beaufort during the war.

Photo credit: Clayfield-Toombul RSL/Facebook

The Beaufort bomber, designed and produced in Australia, played a crucial role in the country’s defence during WWII. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, a third of whom were women, the Beaufort’s production was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Australian people.

Beaufort (Photo credit: adf-serials.com.au)

In a fitting tribute to the remarkable life of Wally Dalitz, his family will hold his final farewell in June at the Caboolture Airfield. 


Read: Caboolture Police Calls for Creative Minds: A Community Mural Project


Mr Dalitz’s ashes will board the very same Tiger Moth aircraft he had flown during a media interview just a year prior, fulfilling his request to have his remains scattered over the Bribie Island passage. As the Tiger Moth takes to the skies, it will serve as a poignant reminder of Mr Dalitz’s enduring passion for aviation and the legacy he leaves behind.

Featured image credit: Australian Aviation Heritage Centre – QLD/Facebook

Published 9-April-2024

CCTV Captures Masked Teen Prowlers Striking Upper Caboolture Street

A realtor in Upper Caboolture was left shaken after a group of three masked teenagers prowled his street last week, stealing from his vehicle and attempting to break into a nearby home.


Read: Caboolture Police Calls for Creative Minds: A Community Mural Project


The footage, captured at 3:57 a.m. on March 25, showed the teens approaching the realtor’s car and quickly snatching a bag from inside before fleeing the scene. Just moments later, the same group can be seen attempting to force entry into a neighbouring house whilst the female resident was in the shower.

The realtor expressed frustration over the incident, stating that it was extremely inconvenient and disappointing after working so hard, only to fall victim to the high rate of youth crime, which gave the impression that absolutely nothing was being done to address it.

Upper Caboolture
Photo credit: Rafael Classen rcphotostock.com/Pexels

Since sharing the story on social media, the realtor has been inundated with messages from others in the area who have fallen victim to similar crimes. One woman’s footage shows the same group of teens approaching her front door and successfully breaking in to steal her handbag.

The brazen acts have left the community on edge, with many calling for increased security measures and a stronger police presence to deter would-be offenders and keep their neighbourhoods safe.

2024 Youth Crime Crackdown

Upper Caboolture
Photo credit: Afta Putta Gunawan/Pexels

As part of a strategy to combat youth crime in 2024, Queensland’s newly appointed Acting Assistant Commissioner for Youth Crime, Andrew Massingham, said earlier this year that identifying and swiftly dealing with the most violent juvenile offenders would be a top priority. However, he acknowledged that arrests alone cannot solve the issue.

Massingham’s comprehensive plan involves early intervention and prevention initiatives, victim support services, and specific measures to prevent repeat offences by young criminals. He hopes to instil confidence in the community that juvenile crime will be brought under control, whilst still utilising diversion programs for at-risk youth who don’t meet the criteria for harsher actions.

Currently, there is a trial underway using GPS monitoring devices on six juvenile offenders across the state. Massingham believes this electronic monitoring, which requires court orders and suitability assessments by Youth Justice, could prove valuable. The technology allows authorities to gather intelligence and receive alerts if public safety is potentially compromised.

Social media usage emerged as a major area of concern discussed by Massingham. He revealed that dozens of analysts are tasked with scrutinising online platforms to track youth crime trends. 


Read: Justice Served in Caboolture: A Reckless Drive Ends in Catastrophe and Consequences


As the community awaits the impacts of these measures, ongoing evaluation and adjustments may be necessary to address the complex issue of juvenile offending like what happened in Upper Caboolture recently.

Featured image credit: Dom J/Pexels

Published 2-April-2024

St. Columban’s College Aero Club Commemorates Successful Student-Built Aircraft Flight Test

Students at St. Columban’s College in Caboolture have achieved a remarkable feat by inventing the VANS RV 12iS, an aircraft that has defied gravity and soared, showcasing years of dedication and innovative creativity.



After five years of hard work, the two-seat plane was finally unveiled at Caboolture Aerodrome on Friday, 22 March 2024, to cheering crowds. This achievement, planned and built by students working with Flight Youth Engineering, is a major turning point for the school and Australian educational aviation programmes.

The students showed off their skills and hard work by building the VANS RV 12iS, the first of its kind to be built by an Australian school as part of the Flight Youth Engineering programme. It has now been flown for more than 25 hours.

Plans are in place to store the plane at Redcliffe Aerodrome so anyone can use it. On the other hand, Flight Youth Engineering will sell the plane and use the money to fund a trust. These funds will be set away to help St. Columban’s students build planes in the future, keeping education and aviation moving forward.

Photo Credit: Facebook/St. Columban’s College

Flight Youth Engineering was very helpful in getting the aeroplane kit from the U.S. and gave important advice and support throughout the project.

Mentors Paul Reddish, Ashley Miller, Michael Allen, and Richard Raymond played big parts. They helped students figure out how to build aeroplanes and encouraged a culture of learning and creativity.

Photo Credit: Facebook/St. Columban’s College

“We’re trying to turn them into their own manufacturing plant for this kind of product, and along the way, they’re getting experience they would never get,” Paul Reddish said about how the programme had changed his life.

Photo Credit: Facebook/St. Columban’s College

Mr Reddish talked about the successes of similar schemes in the United States, where students who worked on building aeroplanes had better chances of doing well in school and the workplace.

Photo Credit: Facebook/St. Columban’s College
Photo Credit: Facebook/St. Columban’s College

Principal Michael Connolly expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments, emphasising that their achievements surpassed mere aircraft construction. He highlighted the significance of the project as an educational journey, engaging young minds through practical, hands-on learning experiences.

Mr Connolly emphasized that nurturing students’ skills and knowledge in such a dynamic manner is a powerful educational approach.

Photo Credit: Facebook/St. Columban’s College
Photo Credit: Facebook

Despite the challenges, such as COVID-related delays in supplies from the US and health restrictions in Australia, the St. Columban’s programme persevered. Principal Connolly commended the students and teachers for their resilience, emphasising that the lessons learned from this initial aircraft build will pave the way for smoother future projects.



Published Date 01-April-2024

Photo Credit: St. Columban’s College

Construction Chaos in Caboolture: Family’s Close Call with Dangerous Debris

A simple residential expansion at Connor Crescent in Caboolture has become a prolonged nightmare for locals, particularly for Quinton Reeves and his family. 



The alarming incident, amidst an ongoing residential development that has been disrupting local life since 2020, underscores the escalating tensions between residents, the local council, and developers over safety and environmental concerns.

For over four years, the Reeves family has been engulfed in a maelstrom of construction-related chaos, culminating in a harrowing incident on 16th March 2024, when metal shards, propelled at high velocity, invaded their front yard, narrowly missing causing severe injury.

In a moment of alarming negligence, contractors lost control of a pressure hose, causing it to eject metal shrapnel into the Reeves’ property at dangerous speeds. This incident, captured in vivid detail through footage and photos, underscores the family’s peril. 

Construction chaos Caboolture
Photo Credit: Quinton Reeves/YouTube

Remarkably, no injuries were reported, but the event has significantly escalated the family’s concerns and their disputes with the Morton Bay Regional Council and the developers responsible for the housing project.

“I have recovered at least five [debris] that are approximately 5 cm in length. I did witness the plumber at the time; he was trying to cover up the incident, so he went around picking it up,” he told Peter Gleeson of 4BC Drive

“I saw him pick up at least four pieces up his end of the area. And here’s the thing, mate: they didn’t notify workplace health and safety. They tried to cover it up, and there’s been no consequences for it.”

A Community’s Cry for Change

With the challenges of living on disability, Mr Reeves has become an outspoken advocate for public safety and legislative reform. His ordeal since the inception of the adjacent construction project has been marked by blocked driveways, unmonitored heavy machinery perilously close to residential areas, and a general disregard for the community’s well-being. 

Construction chaos Caboolture
Photo Credit: Quinton Reeves/YouTube

The incident has only fueled his determination to seek justice and drive changes to prevent similar occurrences.

The response has been tepid despite Mr Reeves’ concerted efforts to engage with local government bodies, the Ombudsman, and the Human Rights Commission over the past three years. In a statement, the Morton Bay Regional Council pointed to the discretionary nature of enforcement action under the Environmental Protection Act (EP Act), revealing a reluctance to intervene decisively.



In the wake of this alarming incident, the call for legislative reform and enhanced accountability from both council and developers has never been louder.

Published 1-April-2024