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Tracking Research In Caboolture Reveals Wide Travel Of Local Ibis

A tracking study involving Australian white ibis tagged in Caboolture has shown the birds travel across long distances along the east coast, while some remain close to their original location.

Caboolture Central To Ibis Tracking Effort

Caboolture was a key location in a regional study examining the movement of Australian white ibis across Moreton Bay. Several birds were tagged at sites including Central Lakes Park and the Caboolture Waste Management Facility as part of the research.

The project monitored 169 ibis over nearly two years using coloured identification tags, with 19 birds also fitted with short-term GPS trackers to capture detailed movement data.

Recorded sightings show the birds are not limited to one area, with movements spanning from Mackay in northern Queensland to Byron Bay in northern New South Wales.

Moreton Bay ibis tracking — *Photo Credit: Australian Museum*

Study Responds To Breeding Increase

The research commenced in 2021 after a rise in ibis breeding sites across Moreton Bay, increasing from 17 to 70 locations within four years.

The study examined whether the population is resident or migratory, identified breeding habitat preferences, and assessed how ibis interact with urban environments.

Tagging activities were carried out across multiple locations including Caboolture, Bribie Island, Bunya, Morayfield, Burpengary East, Scarborough, Strathpine, Lawnton and Woodford.

Individual Bird Movements Highlighted

Tracking data from birds tagged in Caboolture provided detailed insights into movement patterns. One ibis travelled through areas including Caloundra, Noosa and Gympie before returning to Moreton Bay in September 2024.

Another bird tagged at Caboolture was later recorded in Rockhampton in December 2024, showing long-distance travel beyond the local region.

In contrast, some ibis displayed limited movement, remaining within a small radius of their original tagging site.

Caboolture ibis study — *Photo Credit: Australian Museum*

Urban Behaviour And Regional Movement

Australian white ibis are native wetland birds that have adapted to urban conditions, often feeding and nesting in parks, waterways and developed areas.

The findings indicate ibis colonies are connected across regions rather than isolated, with birds moving between urban centres along the coast.

Management approaches focus on reducing access to artificial food sources, maintaining clean public areas and monitoring nesting activity during breeding periods.

Community Participation Encouraged

Residents and businesses in Caboolture are encouraged to avoid feeding ibis, secure rubbish bins and keep outdoor areas clean to help manage bird activity.

Members of the public can also support ongoing monitoring by reporting sightings of tagged ibis through the Big City Birds citizen science app.

The research is expected to inform long-term ibis management and improve understanding of how the species uses urban environments.

Published 19-Mar-2026

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Learning at Their Own Pace: Caboolture Montessori School and the Rise of Alternative Education in Queensland

Across Queensland, alternative schools are attracting a new generation of families ready to try a different approach to education — and the numbers back it up. Located on a semi-rural ten-acre campus on the outskirts of Caboolture, Caboolture Montessori School (CMS) is among a growing number of alternative schools recording steady enrolment growth as more families look beyond the mainstream system.

Read: Caboolture Martial Arts School Welcomes Seniors and Toddlers Alike

Figures show statewide enrolments at Steiner and Montessori schools have increased by 12.8 per cent over the past five years, rising from approximately 1,804 students in 2021 to around 2,045 in 2025, according to an Education Department spokesperson.

Currently educating close to 250 primary students in the Moreton Bay region, CMS caters to children from as young as 15 months through to Year 6, offering what it describes as a proven, scientifically grounded approach to learning that puts the child, not the curriculum, at the centre of the classroom.

What Makes Montessori Different?

Photo credit: Facebook/Caboolture Montessori School

The Montessori method is built on the belief that children naturally strive to acquire skills and construct their own understanding of the world, and that education works best when it supports rather than directs that process.

At CMS, that philosophy plays out in concrete ways. Rather than moving an entire class through the same content at the same pace, students work within what the school calls a “three-hour work cycle,” an uninterrupted block of time that allows each child to engage with material at a level suited to where they are developmentally. Teachers observe rather than direct, stepping in to introduce new concepts when a child is ready rather than on a fixed schedule.

Learning at CMS is largely integrated. A student introduced to one of Dr Montessori’s “Great Stories,” narrative frameworks used to explore big ideas about the natural and human world, will naturally move across mathematics, language, science and other learning areas as their curiosity leads them. Mistakes are part of the process, with students encouraged to self-correct using specially designed learning materials, supported by peers through a culture of collaborative tutoring.

Fully aligned with the Australian National Curriculum, the school aims to produce what it describes as confident, independent thinkers capable of navigating a rapidly changing world, grounding its approach in values of respect, responsibility, resilience, empathy and a lifelong love of learning.

Why More Families Are Looking for Alternatives

Photo credit: Facebook/Caboolture Montessori School

The growth at CMS reflects a broader statewide pattern that industry observers say has been building since at least 2019. There is growing frustration among parents with what many perceive as an increasingly rigid mainstream system, one that does not always flex to meet the individual needs of every child.

Education experts have pointed to wider social forces at play as well, suggesting that declining trust in mainstream institutions and anxiety about ideological tensions in conventional school settings are prompting parents to seek out environments they perceive as more values-driven and emotionally safe for their children.

That conversation is not confined to private alternative schools. Capalaba State College has run its own Montessori stream since 2019, with school leadership acknowledging that while mainstream schools do important work, they do not meet every child’s needs.

A Growing Track Record

Per-capita figures show consistent growth across the state’s alternative schools, with CMS among those recording an upward enrolment trend alongside Steiner schools in Samford Valley and Agnes Water.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek has said Queensland believes parents are best placed to determine the right educational fit for their children, and remains committed to building inclusive school environments across the state.

Read: Caboolture And Burpengary Schools Confirm 2026 College Captains

For Moreton Bay families, Caboolture Montessori School offers something distinct, a scientifically grounded education philosophy delivered in a semi-rural setting where each child is supported to learn at their own pace, in their own way.

Featured image credit: cms.qld.edu.au

Published 19-March-2026

Morayfield Dad Secures 20-Year Income Stream for His Son

A single father in Morayfield has secured a steady $20,000 monthly income for the next two decades, turning an ordinary workday into a life-changing moment and offering new stability for his young son.

The Moreton Bay resident held the only top-winning entry in a national draw, giving him a total prize of $4.8 million paid in monthly instalments over 20 years.

The win came as a surprise while he was at work, where he had been balancing two jobs to support his child. The father reacted with shock and excitement upon receiving the phone call, saying he had not even checked his numbers the night before.

He shared that his priority is his son, explaining that his long hours and multiple jobs had always been driven by a desire to provide a better future. With the new income, he plans to focus on setting up his child’s life and easing the financial pressure he had been carrying.

The winning entry was a 25-game QuickPick purchased through an official digital platform. The numbers drawn were 31, 37, 25, 15, 27, 14 and 10, with supplementary numbers 35 and 3.

Across the country, this was the only top-tier winning entry in that draw. It also marked one of several major wins recorded so far this financial year.

For this Morayfield father, however, the impact is immediate and personal. It’s a shift from long working hours to a more secure future centred on his child.

Featured Image Credit: PickPic Royalty Free

Australian Aviation Heritage Centre in Caboolture Prepares for Public Museum Opening

More than three decades of restoration work is about to go public. The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (AAHC) in Caboolture is preparing to officially open its doors as a fully functioning public museum in mid-2026, and it is calling on the local community to help make it happen.

Read: What’s Next for Caboolture Warplane Museum’s Precious Collection?

From restoration group to regional museum

Photo credit: Facebook/Australian Aviation Heritage Centre – QLD

What began more than 30 years ago as the Beaufort Restoration Group has grown steadily into something far larger. Incorporated in 2014 as the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (QLD) Inc., the not-for-profit organisation rebranded to reflect an expanding collection and an evolving mission, one that now encompasses the restoration, preservation and public display of historic Australian aircraft and aviation artefacts.

Based at Hangar 104 at Caboolture Aerodrome, the AAHC has spent years restoring and preserving historic aircraft and aviation artefacts. Now, with an official public opening planned for mid-2026, the centre is focused on ensuring the museum launches on solid footing.

AAHC president Ralph Cusack said the organisation is committed to launching properly, emphasising that the team wants to open as a proper museum with everything done right. He noted that while the centre is already open to the public free of charge, the goal is for it to become something the community can truly be proud of.

Mr Cusack noted that the centre has been drawing visitors in an organic way. He said many visitors arrive while searching for the former Caboolture Warplane Museum, which has since closed, and end up discovering the AAHC instead.

The crown jewel: a Beaufort bomber back from the paddock

At the heart of the AAHC collection is one of Australia’s most significant aviation restoration projects, which is the DAP/Bristol Beaufort Bomber A9-141, an Australian-built aircraft recovered from a paddock in Victoria and now being painstakingly restored by volunteers in Caboolture, with the ultimate goal of returning it to airworthy status.

The aircraft clearly resonates with many who visit. Mr Cusack said most people who seek out the centre are looking for the Beaufort, and that it is common for visitors to have a personal connection to the aircraft, often through a father or grandfather who worked on or flew Beauforts during the war.

Restoration work is continuing, with one wing expected to be fitted in the coming months and the aircraft planned to be ready for full public viewing by the end of the year. The longer-term ambition is to return A9-141 to airworthy condition.

Beyond the Beaufort, Hangar 104 houses a Flying Boomerang, a Tiger Moth, a range of aero engines and a growing collection of aviation and wartime memorabilia, much of it saved from disposal elsewhere. The AAHC owns its own premises at 157 McNaught Road, providing the space and security needed to grow as a permanent aviation museum.

With around 20 volunteers currently contributing their time each week, the AAHC is actively seeking more support ahead of its official opening. Opportunities exist across a wide range of areas, including aircraft restoration, visitor guiding, administration, marketing, fundraising, grant writing and accounting.

Read: Caboolture Museum Theft Sees Egyptian Artefacts Recovered And Man Charged

Mr Cusack said everyone has something to offer, and that the centre is happy to show new volunteers the ropes. He added that the organisation is particularly keen to welcome more women into the volunteer team. The AAHC says all levels of experience are welcome.

Visit or get involved

The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre is located at Hangar 104, 157 McNaught Road, Caboolture. The centre is currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 3pm, with free entry. The official public opening is planned for mid-2026. Check out their website to volunteer.

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

Published 16-March-2026

Construction Starts on Burpengary Precinct Featuring $13 Million Social Club

A multi-million dollar residential project in Burpengary is officially underway to provide 186 specialised homes for the region’s rapidly expanding over-50s population.

Construction Commences on Major Project

The start of this week marked a significant milestone for the Moreton Bay area as heavy machinery began work on the $160 million site. Located at 273-308 Buckley Road, the development is expected to take approximately two and a half years to complete.

Project leaders expect the first group of residents to move into their new homes by the middle of 2026. During the peak of construction, more than 100 tradespeople and staff will be active on the site at any given time to ensure the project stays on schedule.

Focus on Local Infrastructure and Living

The development includes a $4 million investment into public infrastructure to support the increased activity in the area. This funding will cover essential upgrades to Buckley Road and the installation of a new set of traffic lights to manage local vehicle flow.

The housing itself is designed for ease of use, featuring open-plan layouts with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and double garages. To keep the focus on a relaxed lifestyle, the homes include alfresco areas and multipurpose rooms, with some premium options offering larger internal spaces and private courtyards.

A Social Hub for Active Residents

Burpengary — *Photo Credit:* *DA 20260629*

Central to the community is a $13 million facility designed to serve as a meeting place for neighbours. This hub will house a variety of recreational options, such as a swimming pool, a cinema, and a gymnasium.

For those interested in staying active, the grounds will feature a pickleball court, a golf simulator, and space for water aerobics. These amenities are intended to help residents stay connected and healthy while remaining within walking distance of their front doors.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Region

Local representatives and the project’s leadership team noted that about one-third of the Moreton Bay population is currently over the age of 50. This creates a strong demand for housing that allows people to downsize their responsibilities without leaving their familiar neighbourhoods or families.

Early interest in the project has been high, with more than $5.7 million in sales already confirmed. In the first stage of the release, over 20 per cent of the available 38 homes were secured before they were officially available to the public.

Financial Model and Community Benefits

The project operates under a land lease model, which changes how residents manage their finances. Instead of traditional ownership, people purchase the physical house and pay a weekly site fee to cover land rent, security, and the maintenance of the shared facilities. This arrangement removes common costs like stamp duty or entry and exit fees. If a resident decides to sell their property in the future, they are able to keep any capital gains earned on the home. For many locals, this provides a way to stay active and social in a secure environment.

Published Date 14-March-2026

Photo Credit: DA 20260629

Three Cafés and a Mum’s Determination: Candice Kiss Named Moreton Bay Business Woman of the Year

Candice Kiss has built three thriving cafés across the City of Moreton Bay while raising five children, and last October the region’s business community recognised that effort by naming her Business Woman of the Year at the 2025 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards.

The award, presented at a gala evening at Eatons Hill Hotel on 30 October 2025, was decided by a panel of 25 judges drawn from the public and private sectors, with 61 businesses competing across the night’s categories. Candice took out the award representing all three of her venues — Gather & Feast in Caboolture, Annie Lane Cafe on Bribie Island and Ruby Tuesday Café in Burpengary East.

For Candice, the win carried a weight that earlier accolades had not. She has collected national awards before, but being recognised by the community she has lived and worked inside — the people who watched her build, struggle and grow — landed differently.

From a Food Truck to Three Venues

Candice grew up in Bundaberg and left school at 16 knowing hospitality was where she was headed. She started her apprenticeship in the Whitsundays, working across a range of venues from franchise restaurants to five-star resorts, and by 18 had been recruited as head chef of a restaurant in Adelaide — before she had even finished her apprenticeship.

Candice Kiss during her speech — Photo Credit: *Tourism & Events Moreton Bay*

From there, her career took her to Cape York, Sydney and eventually Moreton Bay, where she put down roots. The pivot to business ownership did not come from ambition alone. When her husband Richard returned from a tour of Afghanistan and was medically discharged from the army, Candice became the family’s sole income earner — pregnant with their fifth child.

She and Richard renovated a food truck together and started trading. Gather & Feast on James Street in Caboolture grew from that foundation, built on her read of the local market: that residents commuting to Brisbane for work had city-level expectations for food and nowhere local that met them.

Annie Lane followed on Bribie Island in 2019, earning a reputation as an award-winning boutique café specialising in innovative brunch fare. Ruby Tuesday opened at 115–117 Buckley Road, Burpengary East in February 2025, with a deliberately distinct identity — more refined plating, a stronger focus on house-made produce and a menu Candice designed to stand apart from her other two venues.

Leading a Team of 35

Across three venues, Candice now leads a team of 35 staff. Many have been with her for six or seven years, a retention rate that reflects the way she runs her business. She approaches leadership as a human discipline — understanding what is happening in her staff’s lives and building rosters that accommodate real-world pressures — rather than a purely operational one.

Photo Credit: Ruby Tuesday Cafe/Instagram

That approach is shaped by her own experience navigating kitchens as a young woman. She began leading kitchen teams at an age when few took her seriously, and she had to establish her authority early. One of her staff members, Olivia Tulloch of Gather & Feast Café, also won an award on the same night — taking out the Employee of the Year category. It underlines what Candice has built: not just successful venues, but a workplace that develops people.

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What the Award Means for Caboolture

Gather & Feast has won multiple community food awards including category wins at the Moreton Bay Forkies Eat & Drink Awards, and the business has been a consistent presence in the region’s award nominations since it opened. But the Business Woman of the Year title sits in a different category — a recognition of Candice as a leader and operator, not just of a café, but of a growing hospitality group embedded in the community.

For Caboolture, having a local business owner recognised at this level matters. The suburb sits within a region that is rapidly growing, and the presence of locally owned, quality venues like Gather & Feast signals to both residents and newcomers that the community has depth and ambition. Candice’s success also demonstrates a practical pathway: that it is possible to build a meaningful business in Moreton Bay without starting somewhere else first.

Gather & Feast is on James Street, Caboolture. Annie Lane is on Bribie Island. Ruby Tuesday is at 115–117 Buckley Road, Burpengary East. More about the 2025 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards is available at moretonbaybusinessawards.com.au.

Published 7-March-2026.

Caboolture–Bribie Island Road Upgrade Completed Ahead of Schedule

The wait is finally over for drivers on one of the region’s busiest roads. The long-awaited duplication of Caboolture–Bribie Island Road between Old Toorbul Point Road and Saint Road is now complete, and it wrapped up a full month ahead of schedule.

Read: Bribie Island Emergency Dredging Enters Next Phase as Pumicestone Passage Works Get Underway

The $48.2 million upgrade widens the road from two lanes to four and introduces a centre median to physically separate traffic travelling in opposite directions. The centre median is designed to reduce the potential for crashes by separating vehicles travelling in opposite directions.

For residents across Caboolture, Ningi and Bribie Island who rely on this stretch, the timing couldn’t be better. The upgrades are designed to ease congestion and keep up with the demands of the growing area.

More than just extra lanes

Caboolture-Bribie Island Road project location map (Photo credit: TMR)

The duplication itself is the headline, but the project delivered a string of supporting upgrades that will make a real difference at ground level.

The intersection at Saint Road and McGrath Road has been upgraded, and new U-turn facilities have been installed at Old Toorbul Point Road and Volz Road — small changes that anyone who’s tried to navigate those spots in peak hour will immediately appreciate. New traffic lights are now operational at the Volz Road and Browns Road intersection, making it safer and more predictable for locals accessing the main road from surrounding streets.

Cyclists and pedestrians weren’t left out either. Wider shoulders and newly marked bike lanes now run along the upgraded section, improving safety for anyone not travelling by car.

A road that does a lot of heavy lifting

Caboolture–Bribie Island Road is more than a commuter route. It’s the primary connection between the Bruce Highway and Bribie Island, carrying a mix of daily commuters, school runs, freight and tourists heading out to the island.

The road serves a wide mix of users, and the added capacity is designed to reduce congestion along this busy corridor. The added capacity and improved intersections are designed to ease congestion and smooth traffic flow along the route.

The upgrade also improves flood resilience and provides a more reliable connection to essential services, including Caboolture Hospital.

What’s next for the corridor

The completed section is part of a broader, staged approach to upgrading the full length of Caboolture–Bribie Island Road.

Further west, design work is already underway on the next stage, the Hickey Road to King Johns Creek project. That work will include signalising the Hickey Road intersection and preparing the corridor for future duplication from west of Hickey Road through to west of King Johns Creek. No completion date has been confirmed for that stage at this point.

Read: Bribie Island Road to Get New Round-the-Clock Service Station After Approval

The current project also builds on the recently completed Bruce Highway Upgrade between Caboolture–Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163).

Featured image credit: TMR

Published 10-March-2026

Blue Heart Medal Honours Moreton Bay Officers Killed in the Line of Duty

Burpengary lost one of its own when Senior Constable David Masters was fatally struck while on duty on the Bruce Highway in 2021. Last month, his family — along with the family of Senior Constable Brett Forte — received a Blue Heart Medal from the Queensland Police Service (QPS), recognising the ultimate sacrifice both officers made in service of their communities.

The two families gathered at the Avenue of Remembrance at the Queensland Police Academy on 26 February, where the QPS honours officers who have died on the job, ahead of a swearing-in ceremony for first-year constables. The occasion was marked by floral tributes and a minute of silence before the new graduates marched onto the parade ground.

The Blue Heart Medal was established in 2023, driven by the Queensland Police Union, to acknowledge officers who are seriously injured or killed while carrying out their duties. It is awarded to members who have been seriously injured or killed whilst carrying out duties, including during training incidents.

Senior Constable Masters had deep ties to the Moreton Bay region. He served the QPS for a decade, with a career that included four years as a full-time Mounted Patrol officer before he transferred to Deception Bay Police Station. In the early hours of 26 June 2021, he was on duty on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary when he deployed road spikes in an attempt to stop a speeding stolen vehicle. The driver swerved and struck him, and he died from his injuries.

His legacy has since been honoured in multiple ways across the region. In 2024, the QPS renamed its Mounted Police Unit complex at Moggill in his honour, as part of celebrations marking 50 years of the Queensland Mounted Police. The Dave Masters Memorial Bridge — the overpass spanning the Bruce Highway at Deception Bay Road — was also named in his memory.

Senior Constable Brett Forte, who grew up in Redcliffe, was also commemorated at the ceremony. On 29 May 2017, he was working with the Darling Downs District Tactical Crime Squad when he and his partner pursued a known dangerous offender along the Warrago Highway. The offender opened fire with an automatic weapon, and Senior Constable Forte was shot in the chest. He lost consciousness shortly after and later died from his wounds. An annual memorial hockey match held in Redcliffe keeps his memory alive while raising funds for Queensland Police Legacy.

Of the 123 First Year Constables who graduated on the day of the posthumous awards, eight have been posted to stations across Moreton Bay — including one new officer stationed at Burpengary.

Members of the public interested in a career with the Queensland Police Service can visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au.

Published 7-March-2026

The Squealing Pig at Burpengary Plaza Changes Hands After Nearly a Decade

After nine years serving the Burpengary community, The Squealing Pig butcher shop has changed hands, with outgoing owners Gary and Lynne Thompson reflecting warmly on their time at the helm.

Read: Burpengary Butcher to Carve Up Competition in World Butcher Wars

The Thompsons opened The Squealing Pig at Burpengary Plaza nine years ago, growing it into a well-known local butcher shop. Gary, a butcher with more than 40 years of experience, brought considerable craft and commitment to the venture.

In a farewell post to the shop’s Facebook page, Gary addressed the customers, suppliers and staff who had been part of the journey. “Seems like yesterday we opened our doors but nine years on it’s time to say goodbye and for Lynne and I to move on,” he wrote.

Photo credit: Facebook/The Squealing Pig

The business has now been passed on to new owners Mitch and Sarah, whom Gary publicly wished well. “Good luck and best wishes for success to the new owners Mitch and Sarah,” he wrote. “It’s been an incredible ride, so thank you one and all.”

At least one long-time customer summed up the feeling in the comments: “Thanks for the past nine years The Squealing Pig. I hope that Mitch and Sarah can keep up the top quality sausages.” The comment points to what locals value most — the quality of the product.

The Squealing Pig’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Shortly after opening, the shop became the unlikely target of a social media pile-on, when vegan and animal rights activists flooded the business’s Facebook page with one-star reviews and distressing imagery, objecting to the shop’s name. Gary’s rating plummeted from five stars to just 1.7 stars shortly after opening.

Gary dismissed the backlash at the time, saying the shop’s name was never intended as an attack on anyone’s beliefs, and that the whole affair was simply ridiculous. He noted that if anything, the controversy had ended up being good for business.

Gary also took his skills to the international stage. He was selected as one of just 24 butchers from 18 countries to compete in the inaugural World Butcher Wars, held at the Smoke and Fire Festival at Ascot Racecourse in the United Kingdom. The event is described as part of the UK’s largest BBQ and cooking festival.

Read: Construction Begins on Burpengary East Shopping Centre

With Mitch and Sarah now at the helm, at least one regular is already hoping the sausages will be just as good. Gary and Lynne, meanwhile, signed off with the same warmth they brought to the shop — thanking customers, staff and suppliers for being part of the ride.

Featured image credit: Google Maps/Baywide Locksmiths

Published 4-March-2026

St Eugene College Students Shape Burpengary Community This International Women’s Day

Four young women from St Eugene College, Burpengary, are marking International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 through acts of service that have delivered handmade comfort items to hospitals, mental health resources to school counselling offices, and fundraising support to families in need across the local community.

The students, Year 11 students Evie, Amelia and Kaitlyn alongside College Captain and Year 12 student Kya, each developed their own form of community contribution independently and represent the kind of youth-led civic action that International Women’s Day highlights each year.

Evie: 1,400 Felt Hearts for Patients and Families

Evie began hand-stitching felt hearts while her grandfather was receiving palliative care, wanting a practical way to offer comfort to her family and others in similar circumstances. The project grew steadily from there. When a former St Eugene College student experienced a serious football accident in 2023, Evie extended her work to include students, visitors and staff at the school.

She has since crafted more than 1,400 felt hearts, with items delivered to her school counsellor’s office, the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Prince Charles Hospital. Two hundred hearts alone went to the former student Joseph and the people around him during his recovery. Each heart carries a simple message: that the person holding it is still loved and supported.

Amelia: Crocheted Creatures With Mental Health Messages

Amelia approached the same challenge of comfort and connection through crochet. Since 2023, she has made more than 60 small octopuses and jellyfish, each tagged with mental health messages and resource information. The items are placed in guidance counsellor offices and the school library, available to any student who needs something to hold during a difficult moment.

The project reflects a deliberate effort to make mental health resources approachable and tangible, particularly for students who may not seek formal support independently.

Kaitlyn: Vinnies Leadership and $2,000 in Fundraising

Kaitlyn has channelled her community commitment through the St Vincent de Paul Leadership Society, which is a structured program for young people wanting to make a difference. Despite her busy Year 11 schedule, she has volunteered in Vinnies stores, taken part in the CEO Sleepout to raise awareness for homelessness, and contributed to raising $2,000 for those in need. She graduated from this formal program in November 2025, carrying those experiences into her everyday leadership.

This individual contribution from Kaitlyn sits alongside a broader, school-wide achievement reached in 2025. During that year, the entire St Eugene College community in Burpengary worked together to raise $12,000 worth of food, toiletries, and gift items to support people in need within the local area.

Kya: International Women’s Day Celebrations for the Whole College

As College Captain in 2026, Kya has taken a school-wide approach to International Women’s Day. Working with staff and her leadership team, she developed a programme of activities designed to make the occasion actively empowering rather than purely symbolic. Students will have the opportunity to write messages of thanks to the women who inspire them, and the college will wear purple ribbons as a visible expression of support for the women in their lives.

Principal Louise Olley said the four students reflected St Eugene College’s founding values, noting that the college’s namesake was known for his expansive sense of compassion, and that the students demonstrated the school’s mission to enter to learn, dare to grow, and leave to serve.

Why This Matters for Burpengary

The work these four students have done connects directly to services and people within the local community. Felt hearts have reached patients at two major Brisbane hospitals. Mental health resources sit in the hands of students who may not otherwise access them. Fundraised goods have reached families in need in the Burpengary area. And a college-wide International Women’s Day programme is building a culture of appreciation and recognition among the next generation of the suburb’s community members.

Each student under 18 drove her own project, showing that meaningful community contribution in Burpengary begins with individual initiative. Whether they worked independently or through established organisations such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, these young women proved that impactful service requires time, skill and intention.

Further information about St Eugene College, Burpengary, including enrolment enquiries, is available at the college website. St Eugene College is located in Burpengary, within the Moreton Bay region north of Brisbane.

Published 3-March-2026.