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Caboolture Lights Up for Christmas with Dazzling Suburban Displays

Residents of Caboolture are bringing the festive spirit to life this Christmas with dazzling light displays across Caboolture, Burpengary East, and Morayfield, drawing locals together in celebration of community and creativity.

Caboolture’s Bright Ideas

The heart of Caboolture offers its own highlights, including 32 Cottonwood Street, known as “Cottonwood Colourland,” and 24 Goldencrest Street, a display called “Wynter.Christmas.” Both homes are confirmed favourites for 2024, showcasing intricate designs and plenty of holiday cheer. The property on 17 Bluestar Circuit also stands out with its vibrant “A Very Pope Christmas” display, bringing joy to neighbourhood visitors and spreading the festive spirit.

*Photo Credit: Wynter.Christmas/Facebook*

Burpengary East Brings the Magic

The festive cheer continues at Stockport Court, where two houses have gone all-out with lights and decorations, even featuring a sleigh for photos—a big hit with young children.

Morayfield Adds to the Festivities

In Morayfield, local families are enjoying beautiful displays at 2 Forestlea Place and 4 Trilby Street. These homes feature colourful setups, illuminated figures, and an inviting holiday atmosphere, making them essential stops for anyone exploring the Caboolture area’s lights.

Visiting Tips for Families

For those planning to visit these light displays, arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking. While enjoying the sights, remember to respect the neighbourhood by keeping noise levels low and parking considerately. The best time to visit is from 7:30 PM onwards, with most displays running until Christmas Eve.

Why This Matters

The tradition of Christmas light displays in Brisbane, as in many parts of Australia, is a cherished cultural practice that captures the festive spirit with a unique Australian flair. It’s a celebration of joy, creativity, and togetherness. It reflects the city’s warm and welcoming culture, providing a sense of wonder for both children and adults. This tradition continues to evolve, blending innovation with timeless festive spirit, ensuring it remains a significant part of Brisbane’s holiday celebrations.

Tips for Enjoying the Tradition

Plan Ahead
Check online guides or community pages for maps of the best neighborhoods to visit.

Visit on Weekdays
Weekends can get busy, so visiting on a weekday evening might mean fewer crowds.

Walk When Possible
Parking can be challenging in popular areas, so it’s often easier to park nearby and explore on foot.

Respect the Homeowners
Remember that these displays are on private property. Enjoy them from the street or footpath unless otherwise invited.

Donate If You Can
Many displays raise money for local charities. If there’s a donation box, consider contributing to show your appreciation.

Published 4-Dec-2024

Morayfield Estates Included in $1.3 Billion Deal

A significant development in Morayfield’s housing market has unfolded. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) has approved the sale of 12 Lendlease estates to Stockland and its Thai affiliate, Supalai.

One of the estates included in this $1.3 billion deal is Kinma Valley in Morayfield. This transaction marks a strategic shift for Lendlease, as the company focuses on high-rise projects and transitions away from single-dwelling homes.

The sale, expected to be finalised in the second quarter of this financial year, is subject to landowner consent. The sale of Forest Reach addressed the ACCC’s initial concerns regarding potential impacts on competition and housing prices, particularly in the Ipswich and Moreton Bay regions.

Stockland’s expanded portfolio, which now includes Kinma Valley, is anticipated to address Queensland’s housing crisis by increasing the supply of new homes in high-demand areas.

The Property Council of Australia has expressed concerns about state tax policies that may hinder international investment and housing delivery.

The council advocates for a review of these policies to support developers and stimulate the housing supply.

Published Date 26-November-2024

Photo Credit: Lendlease

Bribie Island 4WD Drivers Warned: Night-time Beach Driving Threatens Turtle Survival

As the summer season approaches, environmental groups and local authorities are expressing growing concern about the impact of 4WD vehicles on the delicate ecosystem of Bribie Island.

Driving on the beach at night, particularly during high tide, is a common practice that causes significant damage to the dune system and poses a serious threat to endangered marine turtles.

Darren Jew from the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA) highlighted the destructive nature of night-time driving. “Driving on the dunes not only affects their structure but also destroys the beach over time,” he said. “This can devastate turtle hatchlings, who struggle to navigate the deep ruts left by vehicles.”

The issue is particularly acute during the turtle nesting season, which typically runs from November to January. Vehicles’ artificial light can disrupt the nesting process, while deep tyre tracks can prevent hatchlings from reaching the ocean.

To address this issue, BIEPA has developed a “tide planning tool” to help visitors choose the best times to drive on the beach, minimising their environmental impact. The group urges visitors to adhere to recommended driving times and avoid creating new tracks.

Local authorities are also taking steps to protect the environment. Mackay Regional Council recently implemented restricted vehicle access to Harbour Beach to mitigate similar damage.

While Bribie Island’s beauty attracts many visitors, responsible behaviour is essential to preserving its natural wonders.

By following guidelines and respecting the environment, we can ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this pristine coastal paradise.

Published Date 25-November-2024

Photo Credit: Parks and Forest

Burpengary East’s Merry Strickland Christmas Scaled Back Amid Online Backlash

The Merry Strickland Christmas, a beloved local tradition that transformed a Burpengary East home into a festive wonderland, has been dramatically scaled back this year following a wave of online complaints and abuse.

Read: Burpengary East Retirement Community Launches State-of-the-Art Sports Hub

What was once a dazzling display of over 60,000 lights and viral fame will now be a more subdued celebration, marking the end of an era for a family passionate about spreading Christmas cheer.

Merry Strickland’s 2023 display (Photo credit: Merry Strickland Christmas/Facebook)

David Strickland and his family, who had turned their home at Bedarra Crescent into a Christmas landmark that reportedly could be seen from space, have been forced to pull back their festivities after enduring a torrent of negative messages. Their 2023 display, which went viral on TikTok with 200 million views, became both a blessing and a curse.

“To our valued supporters, followers and community. We regret to inform you that our display will NOT be going ahead this year. This decision was not made lightly, and while we understand the joy and tradition this event has brought to so many, various factors have led to this difficult choice,” the Stricklands announced on Merry Strickland Christmas’ Facebook Page.

Mr Strickland explained that he had always intended to bring joy and Christmas spirit to the community, but acknowledged that social media had revealed both the best and worst of human behavior, contributing to the challenges that have now dimmed the Merry Strickland Christmas.

The family had gone to extraordinary lengths to manage their growing popularity, collaborating with the local council to create a safe parking area to handle the increasing crowds. Their display was more than just a light show – it was a community event that raised funds for local causes and brought neighbours together in festive unity.

Read: Caboolture Made: Locals Unite to Showcase Region’s True Potential

This year, however, the twinkling wonderland will be significantly scaled back, a poignant testament to how quickly a cherished community tradition can be extinguished by digital negativity.

For Burpengary East, it marks the end of an era – a beloved Christmas spectacle dimmed not by a lack of holiday spirit, but by the harsh glare of online criticism.

Featured image credit: Merry Strickland Christmas/Facebook

Published 26-November-2024

Caboolture Woman Charged in Fatal Motorcycle Crash

A 47-year-old Caboolture woman has been charged following a fatal motorcycle crash on Bribie Island Road.

Police reports indicate the incident occurred on October 12 at 4:15 AM, involving a white Fiat Ducato van and a black Harley Davidson motorcycle. The crash took place between Hickey Road and Toorbul Road in the Moreton Bay region.

The 51-year-old male motorcyclist suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene. The woman driver of the van was uninjured.

Authorities have charged the Caboolture woman with one count of careless driving causing death. She is scheduled to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on January 1, 2025.

Published 21-November-2024

Junior Talent Outpaces Seniors at National Youth Tournament at Caboolture Bowl

In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Grand National Youth Eliminator, junior bowlers Brianna Walsh and Lachlan Howse delivered standout performances to triumph over their senior counterparts at Caboolture Bowl, marking an exciting shift in youth bowling.

Read: Here’s Where to Grab Macca’s 30 Days 30 Deals in Caboolture and Surrounds

Qualifying drama sets stage

The tournament’s opening phase was a showcase of exceptional talent across both divisions, Matt Stevens of Tenpin Bowling Australia reports. Western Australia’s Emma Blunden dominated the women’s division, amassing a total pinfall of 2,127 with an outstanding 212.7 average. Her stellar performance included a remarkable 284 in her second game, securing a commanding 172-pin lead heading into Stage 2.

In the men’s division, Queensland’s Lachlan Howse displayed impressive consistency. Despite a modest 186 in his opening game, he delivered nine consecutive scores above 200, finishing with a total pinfall of 2,269. National Training Squad members Luke Doyle (2,258) and Justin Dinham (2,203) kept the pressure on throughout qualifying.

Shocking eliminations at Caboolture Bowl

The competitive intensity of the event was evident in the qualifying cut, which saw several favourites bow out early. Defending champion Tamika Pettigrew narrowly missed advancement by just two pins, while Nicholas Rajkovic’s 13th-place finish brought his campaign to a premature end.

Bracket finals sees junior uprising

*Caboolture Bowl manager Brian Bates with Lachlan Howse. Photo Credit: Facebook/Tenpin Bowling Australia*

The tournament’s McIntyre system finals produced compelling matchups. Top-seeded Howse faced early adversity, losing to Victorian bowler William Zaccaria 430-399. However, his resilience shone in the elimination rounds as he edged out Jackson Buckingham 204-202 and clinched the title with a decisive 207-188 victory over Australian World Cup team member Seth Gray.

*Bates with Brianna Walsh. Photo Credit: Facebook/Tenpin Bowling Australia*

In the women’s division, Blunden maintained her momentum through the semifinals, defeating Tahlia Corbett 172-155. However, Brianna Walsh rose to the occasion in the final, securing her first national title with a commanding 217-200 victory.

Read: Caboolture Couple Pam and Des Gunnis Marks 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Foster Care

As the curtain closes on this successful event at Caboolture Bowl & Mini Golf , the triumphs of Walsh and Howse herald a bright future for Australian youth bowling, showcasing the sport’s emerging talent at both local and national levels.

Published 20-November-2024

Featured Image Photo Credit: Facebook/Tenpin Bowling Australia

Caboolture Couple Pam and Des Gunnis Marks 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Foster Care

Pam and Des Gunnis of Caboolture have dedicated 30 years to fostering over 65 vulnerable young people, creating safe havens and shaping futures. Their extraordinary milestone reflects the compassionate spirit of Queensland’s foster care community.

Read: Here’s Where to Grab Macca’s 30 Days 30 Deals in Caboolture and Surrounds

The couple currently provides short-term, respite, and emergency care in the Moreton Bay region, where their efforts address a growing demand for foster carers.

Meeting a growing need

Philippe Coquerand of Anglicare Southern Queensland reports that their work comes at a critical time for Queensland’s child protection system. Recent data reveals a 3.2% rise in children requiring out-of-home care, with 373 more children needing support in the past year alone. Pam and Des are part of a network of 6,000 foster carers across Queensland, including 1,870 with Anglicare Southern Queensland who support nearly 12,000 children in care.

Pam and Des Gunnis : creating safe spaces

For Pam, fostering is deeply personal. “I was adopted and just wanted to give back to the community,” she explains. “One of the best things about being a foster carer is seeing the young people achieve their goals.”

Her approach focuses on providing safety while helping children maintain cultural connections and, where possible, relationships with their biological families.

The couple takes a compassionate and practical approach to their work. “We try to have a teddy bear, book, or colouring books to help them settle in,” Pam shares. This thoughtful attention to detail ensures a welcoming environment for children during challenging transitions.

While acknowledging the difficulties of fostering, the Gunnises emphasise the importance of strong support networks. They credit their success to the backing of foster care support workers, family, friends, and the Anglicare Southern Queensland team.

“Being a foster carer is very rewarding. You get to watch a child grow up, achieve their goals, and overcome some of life’s biggest challenges,” Pam reflects.

As Queensland faces an increasing need for foster carers, the Gunnises’ three-decade commitment serves as an inspiration for others considering this vital role. Their advice to potential carers is straightforward: provide safety and reassurance to children in need.

Read: Caboolture North BP Undergoes Major Transformation

About Anglicare Southern Queensland

Anglicare Southern Queensland is one of Queensland’s most trusted community services and health care organisations. Founded in 1870 as the Brisbane Women and Infant’s Refuge, it has grown into an inclusive and diverse not-for-profit charity delivering a broad range of services, including aged care, foster care, homelessness support and mental health and family counselling. More than 50,000 Queenslanders are empowered by Anglicare Southern Queensland every year.

For more information on becoming a foster or kinship carer, phone Anglicare Southern Queensland on 1300 610 610 or visit their website.

Published 20-November-2024

Featured Image Photo Credit: Supplied

Uhlmann Road Accident: Police Appeal for Witnesses After Serious Motorcycle Crash

A motorcyclist is fighting for life following a serious single-vehicle crash on Uhlmann Road, Burpengary East, on Sunday afternoon.

Read: Here’s Where to Grab Macca’s 30 Days 30 Deals in Caboolture and Surrounds

Crash on Uhlmann Road

The rider, a man in his 40s, sustained life-threatening head and chest injuries when his black 2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 reportedly veered off the left side of Uhlmann Road. Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Police asks for cooperation

The Queensland Police Service’s Forensic Crash Unit has launched an investigation and is appealing for public assistance, specifically requesting witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage of the motorcycle prior to the incident to come forward. This information could be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and preventing similar accidents.

Read: Fire Ants Found in Caboolture Area Prompt Urgent Response

Road safety remains a significant concern, with speed and driver impairment being major factors in serious crashes across Queensland. Exceeding the speed limit by just 5 km/h in urban areas can double the risk of a casualty crash. Drivers who have been awake for 17 hours show similar impairment levels to those with a 0.05 blood alcohol concentration.

Visit this website to learn more about staying safe on the road.

Featured Image Photo credit: Queensland Ambulance Service

Published 14-November-2024

Here’s Where to Grab Macca’s 30 Days 30 Deals in Caboolture and Surrounds

As Macca’s launches its nationwide “30 Days 30 Deals” promotion, locals in Caboolture, Morayfield, and Burpengary can join the month-long feast of savings this November.

Read: Caboolture Set for New $17.5-Million PCYC Facility

Residents have their pick of four convenient locations: Caboolture’s Morayfield Road and Beerburrum Road stores, Morayfield East on Graham Road, and Burpengary’s Station Road restaurant. Most locations are open around the clock with drive-through service, except for the Beerburrum Road store which offers drive-through during standard hours.

30 Days 30 Deals — Photo credit: JT/Google Maps

Starting with the crowd-favourite $2 Big Mac deal, customers can look forward to a new money-saving offer each day. The promotion features wallet-friendly deals like $2 Large Fries and $1.50 Apple Pies, plus combo specials including the Small Double Cheeseburger Meal and Small McChicken Meal for just $11.50.

Adding extra excitement to this year’s promotion, every deal redeemed gives customers a chance to drive away in a brand new Chery TIGGO 4 PRO SUV, worth more than $23,000.

Tobi Fukushima, Marketing Manager for McDonald’s Australia said: “We’re all feeling the pinch, so we’re making sure Aussies are getting the best bang for their buck when they choose to spend their money with us.

“Whether you’re craving one of our iconic menu favourites like the Cheeseburger or looking to share a Chicken McNuggets bundle with mates, you’ll be able to choose the best deal for you, with a new offer every day that is big on value and even bigger on taste.

“Anyone seeking a delicious meal without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered!”

Read: Burpengary Station Reopens After Landmark Accessibility Upgrade

To join in on the 30 Days 30 Deals, locals simply need to download the MyMacca’s App, where they will find fresh deals daily throughout November. The app also rewards customers with points for their purchases.

Featured image: McDonald’s in Morayfield (Photo credit: Vidula Oshan/Google Maps)

Published 11-November-2024

Fire Ants Found in Caboolture Area Prompt Urgent Response

A fire ant nest has been discovered and treated in D’Aguilar, just northwest of Caboolture, sparking immediate action from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to prevent the spread of this invasive pest.

Discovery and Initial Action

On October 31, 2024, City of Moreton Bay Council staff detected a suspected fire ant nest during routine surveillance activities in D’Aguilar, a suburb close to Caboolture. The finding was promptly reported to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, which responded by treating the nest with direct nest injection. The nest, along with another found nearby, was confirmed to contain fire ants, marking an alarming discovery outside the usual containment boundaries of the program.

Community and Safety Measures

The fire ant eradication team has launched an emergency response to control and assess the spread of fire ants in the Moreton Bay Region. Eradication activities will extend up to five kilometres from the original detection site, encompassing parts of the Caboolture area, with extensive surveillance and treatment efforts planned. The community will soon see safety messaging and signage around affected zones, aiming to inform residents and businesses of the potential risks.

Locals in and around Caboolture are urged to check their properties for signs of fire ants, particularly around soil mounds or patches with no clear entry or exit points. Suspected sightings should be reported through the Program’s website or by calling their hotline at 132 ANT (13 22 68).

Eradication Strategy and Safety

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program, a government-funded initiative, uses pesticides approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to treat fire ant nests. These treatments are deemed safe for people, pets, and the environment, containing lower concentrations of active ingredients than those typically used in household or agricultural pest control.

The eradication team has begun a compliance investigation to trace how the fire ants entered the region. Any further nests or colonies found will be managed as per the Program’s protocols to avoid spreading to new locations around Caboolture and beyond.

How to Identify Fire Ants

Fire ants, which are copper-brown with a darker abdomen, measure between 2–6 mm in length and vary in size within each nest. Their nests may look like raised soil patches or flat mounds without visible entry points. The program encourages Caboolture residents to stay alert and report any potential sightings as part of the community’s effort to eliminate the fire ant threat by the target year of 2032.

For more information on identifying fire ants and to report suspected nests, visit fireants.org.au or call the Program’s hotline.

Published 4-Nov-2024