Caboolture Archives - Caboolture Today

ACC Moreton Surf Team from Caboolture Makes Interschools Debut Count

Three students from Caboolture’s Australian Christian College (ACC) Moreton Distance Education have achieved a landmark victory at the Australian Interschools Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast.

Debut Victory for ACC Moreton Team

A team representing ACC Moreton Distance Education in Caboolture has taken out the Senior Boys Teams Division at the 2025 Australian Interschools Surfing Championships. This marked the school’s first participation in the national event. Lachlan Arghyros, Jesse Fergusson and Leo Matchett secured the win by dominating every heat they entered.

Major School Surfing Competition on the Gold Coast

The event ran from 14 to 16 May 2025, with Miami and Tallebudgera Beaches as the primary venues. Several alternative sites were available depending on weather and surf conditions, including Burleigh, Currumbin, and Tugun. Surfers competed in wave conditions ranging from 2 to 4 feet and in water temperatures of 23 to 24°C.

Event Format and Participation

The championships followed Surfing Australia’s team-based Boardriders Battle format, featuring three surfers per team and a 30-minute heat structure. Teams completed relay-style heats, with only one wave per surfer counting towards the score. A repechage round gave all teams at least two heats. Over 100 school teams from around Australia competed across four divisions: Senior and Junior Boys, and Senior and Junior Girls.

Caboolture surfing championships — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Caboolture Athletes with Global Surfing Profiles

All three surfers attend ACC Moreton Distance Education and are part of its Elite Pursuits program, designed for high-performing students in sport or the arts. The program supports flexible education pathways to accommodate intensive training and travel. Each athlete has competed internationally, with Mr Lachlan having surfed at the World Surfing Championship in El Salvador.

A Platform for Youth Development

The Australian Interschools Surfing Championships are open to all secondary schools across Australia. The event aims to give students a platform to develop in competitive surfing while representing their schools. The 2025 edition was supported by Surfing Queensland, Experience Gold Coast, and Surfers for Climate.

Published 29-May-2025

Photo Credit: Supplied

Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service Offers 24/7 Mental Health Support

The newly opened Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service is offering young people a fresh chance at recovery through 24/7, community-based mental health support in a safe and home-like setting.

Read: A Home Designed with Dignity: Caboolture Apollo Apartments Give Disability Housing a Heart

Purpose-built to support young people aged 16 to 21 living with complex mental health challenges, the $5.3 million facility provides a vital residential option for those who are not yet ready to live independently. The service allows individuals to stay for up to 12 months, receiving psychosocial support tailored to their recovery journey while developing essential life skills.

The facility includes four private bedrooms, shared communal areas, a kitchen, living room, garden spaces, and overnight accommodation for staff, creating a comfortable environment that promotes healing and personal growth.

Youth Residential Rehabilitation — Photo credit: ArianaDoolanMP/Facebook

Operated by Mind Australia, a leading provider of psychosocial mental health services, the Caboolture service works in partnership with Metro North Hospital and Health Service to deliver both clinical and community-based support.

“This crucial new service will make an enormous difference to the lives of young people living with mental illness in Caboolture and Redcliffe communities,” said Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls. “Making sure young Queenslanders can get specialist support and care close to home and when they need it will ensure they can live happier and healthier lives.”

Part of a broader network of Youth Residential Rehabilitation Services across Queensland—including Cairns, Townsville, Everton Park, and Greenslopes—the Caboolture facility is accessed through a single referral point managed by Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, with applications reviewed by a statewide panel.

Read: Bolton Clarke Fernhill Connects Generations Through Play In Caboolture

Gill Callister, CEO of Mind Australia, highlighted the long-term impact of early mental health intervention. “By supporting young people to develop key life skills at a crucial time in their development, they can prevent life-long mental health challenges,” she said.

With its focus on recovery, community, and stability, the Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service is set to become a cornerstone of youth mental health support in the region—providing not just care, but a real sense of hope.

Featured image credit: mindaustralia.org.au

Published 27-May-2025

Caboolture Sports Club Acquires Debt-Ridden Venue to Prevent Closure

Caboolture Sports Club has taken over operations of a long-running venue in the Glass House Mountains, ensuring its continuation despite significant financial challenges.

Financial Lifeline Secures Venue’s Future in Caboolture Region

A major operational shift has been confirmed for Club Glass House, following an overwhelming vote by its members to approve acquisition by the Caboolture Sports Club. The agreement ensures the 50-year-old venue avoids closure after a period of significant financial difficulty.

Background: Club’s Financial Struggles

Club Glass House faced potential insolvency after reporting a loss of $210,822 in the nine months to 31 March 2025. The club’s financial position deteriorated rapidly, with net assets totalling $265,084 and outstanding debts including $138,000 in poker machine GST.

An independent audit by MGI South Queensland confirmed that without immediate intervention, the club would not be able to continue trading beyond June. These findings led the board, appointed in December 2024, to seek urgent assistance.

Caboolture Sports Club — *Photo Credit: Club Glass House/Instagram*

Caboolture Organisation Steps In

After other efforts to gain financial backing through clubs, grants, or loans proved unsuccessful, Club Glass House was offered a solution through the not-for-profit CSC Group, which includes Caboolture Sports Club. CSC committed to clearing all existing debts and investing $1.5 million into immediate upgrades.

Improvements include resurfacing the car park, upgrading lighting, and refurbishing interior spaces. CSC has also committed to retaining all staff and maintaining a licence for the Glass House Country Bowls Club to continue operations at the site.

Alternatives Exhausted Before Vote

Before the acquisition, Club Glass House leadership explored multiple options. However, none were viable without financial guarantees. The membership ultimately voted 232 to 29 in favour of the acquisition by CSC. Board members stated that, without the agreement, they risked personal liability for debts and the club’s operations would have ceased within months.

Community Reaction and Reflections

Some members expressed frustration over the club’s financial decline, with concerns raised about budgeting practices, above-average wages, and loyalty program expenses. Others acknowledged the current board’s transparency and efforts in navigating the crisis.

Former management figures commented on the club’s past direction and financial handling, noting misalignment between reported growth and actual financial sustainability.

Future Outlook for the Venue

With the transfer now underway, Club Glass House will become the fourth licensed venue under the CSC Group. The group originated in 1994 through the consolidation of six local sporting clubs and now operates multiple venues across the Moreton Bay Region. CSC currently provides over $1.8 million annually in community support.

The finalisation of the transfer will ensure the club’s continuity, with investments aimed at stabilising operations and supporting the local community into the future.

Published 24-May-2025

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Caboolture Family Buys First Home After Gruelling Rental Ordeal

A Caboolture family was forced to pay up to $2,000 a week for temporary accommodation during the pandemic before securing their first home in the area.

Rob and Jacinta Orth, with their four children, faced immense pressure in the rental market on the Sunshine Coast when the pandemic hit. They found themselves priced out of their previous rental property and, at one point, resorted to staying in holiday apartments and Airbnbs, enduring significant weekly expenses.

The couple explained that they would have slept in their car if not for having a newborn baby at the time. Even after securing a house, they reported that the rent kept increasing, prompting their move to Caboolture to pursue more affordable housing while simultaneously saving for a deposit.

Securing a Home Amidst Soaring Prices

Last month, the Orth family purchased a “fixer-upper” in Caboolture for $640,000. Mr. Orth described the purchase as a complete fluke, stating they were simply driving by and decided to attend an open house, intending to practise the home-buying process. They made an offer without expectation, and to their surprise, it was accepted.

The biggest hurdle for the Orths was saving for a deposit in a continuously fluctuating market. They had started saving before the pandemic, but house prices relentlessly climbed. They felt compelled to enter the market when they did, believing that continued waiting would only necessitate saving even more money.

Hopes for Rate Cuts and Future Plans

Now facing a mortgage, the Orths are hopeful for an interest rate cut. Mr. Orth notes that paying interest alone costs them $750 a week. He said any savings from a rate reduction would be channelled back into reducing their loan principal.

Mr. Orth also expressed relief at having bought their home already, considering that a drop in interest rates might cause prices to surge further. He commented that if such an increase occurred, they would not have been able to afford a home in Caboolture, and he had been preparing to move even further out, to places like Kilcoy, commuting for work and changing his children’s schools.

As carpenters and electricians, Mr. Orth and his wife deliberately chose an older property on a larger block. They intend to add value to the home themselves, transforming it into their desired living space.

Given the current market conditions, they believe this approach is necessary, as it allows them to acquire a property with a decent yard. Their ultimate goal is to increase the property’s value, ensuring they retain a good investment even if the market experiences a downturn.

Published Date 22-May-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Wildlife in Caboolture Area Get New Homes as Water Project Progresses

More than one hundred new nesting boxes are being put up in Pine Valley as part of Unitywater’s project to build better water services for the growing areas of Caboolture West, Morayfield, and Narangba.

This initiative aims to support local wildlife that rely on tree hollows for homes, as some trees need to be removed for the essential water infrastructure upgrades. The project includes a new fifteen-megalitre water storage and eight kilometres of pipelines to supply water to an expected 100,000 new residents in the next two decades.

Supporting Local Animals

Unitywater project — *Photo Credit:* *Unitywater*

Unitywater is taking steps to protect the environment while building the new water network. As part of their plan, for every tree that needs to be removed, at least six new trees that are native to the area will be planted. They are also trying to move hollows from the removed trees to new locations so animals still have places to live.

Mike Basterfield, who oversees sustainable infrastructure solutions at Unitywater, explained that they are dedicated to planting local tree types. He also noted that South East Queensland has many koalas, and Unitywater wants to help protect their homes while providing important water services.

Careful Planning for Installation

The process of putting up the nesting boxes has been carefully thought out. Seven different types of boxes, in various sizes and with different-sized openings, are being used to suit the wide range of animals in the area.

This includes owls, cockatoos, brush-tailed and ring-tailed possums, microbats, and small gliders. A qualified tree climber chooses the safest and best trees for each nesting box. Mr Basterfield stated that, like all their projects, they assess sites properly to ensure environmental impacts are kept as small as possible.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community

Unitywater operates in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, with the population expected to increase by twenty per cent by 2032. Mr Basterfield said Unitywater will continue to improve and invest in sustainable water network infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding community.

The design and approval process for the current project was extensive to minimise any possible environmental harm and ensure that any necessary tree removal followed the rules set by the City of Moreton Bay and the State Government.

Published Date 20-May-2025

Photo Credit: Supplied

Caboolture Area Gears Up for Annual Medieval Festival

The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology annually transforms a field near Caboolture into a bustling medieval world, offering the community a unique chance to experience European and Middle Eastern history from 600 to 1600 AD.

Journey into the Past

Each year, the Abbey Medieval Festival provides an immersive step back in time, recreating life centuries ago without the hardships of the Middle Ages. According to the organisers, the event in the Moreton Bay Region focuses on the period between 600 and 1600 AD in Europe and the Middle East.

The source material indicated a previous festival ran over a weekend from Friday, 13 July to Sunday, 15 July, showcasing a packed programme of events. Central to the experience are dedicated re-enactors who share their passion for history and demonstrate medieval daily life, including traditional music, craftsmanship techniques, and games. Visitors can also interact with animals that were common during the era.

Festival Highlights and Tournaments

A major draw for attendees is the series of tournaments held throughout the weekend. Champions are crowned on a Sunday afternoon following intense competitions. The Joust Championship sees skilled Australian jousters compete in a style approximating a 15th-century tournament. Archery skills are also put to the test in a dedicated competition.

Furthermore, the festival features traditional Turkish oil wrestling, presented with careful attention to authentic Ottoman Empire rituals and customs. This includes wearing traditional leather trousers known as Kispet, which are imported specially for the event.

Family Fun and Marketplace

The festival caters to all ages, with Friday designated as a Family Fun Day. This offers a sensory-friendly experience with smaller crowds and fewer loud activities, such as cannon fire demonstrations. Families can enjoy children’s plays, shield painting, and a kids’ archery range.

Alongside the performances and re-enactments, a vibrant marketplace operates throughout the festival. Attendees can browse stalls selling various goods, from candles and herbs to costumes and hats. Food vendors offer medieval-inspired refreshments, including venison pie, German sausage, ale, and mead.

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Planning Your Visit

The festival occurs at Abbeystowe, an open field adjacent to the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. For those travelling by car from Brisbane, the journey is approximately 45 minutes via the Bruce Highway, taking the Caboolture-Bribie Island exit (152A) and following signs to Old Toorbul Point Road.

Festival organisers state that visitors who drive must purchase a parking pass and their entry tickets. Alternatively, public transport is available via train to Caboolture station. From there, free shuttle buses run every 15 minutes to the festival site. Visitors using the shuttle should note that the last bus departs from the festival grounds at 5:15 p.m.

Published Date 29-April-2025

Photo Credit: Abbey Medieval Festival/ Facebook

Caboolture Gears Up for Family-Orientated Anzac Day Commemorations

The Caboolture community will honour its Anzac heritage with a distinctive family-focused parade and memorial service organised by the local RSL Sub-Branch. The event will bring veterans, relatives, schools, and community groups together.

Community March Details

The Anzac Day procession in Caboolture North Brisbane is set to be a significant local event, led by the Caboolture RSL Sub-Branch president. Participants are asked to assemble ready for the march at 8:30 am on Friday, 25 April The march itself will commence at 9:30 am. It will proceed down King Street, moving past the town’s memorial, where a salute will occur, before concluding at the Caboolture RSL Club.

A notable aspect of this parade is that it encourages children to march alongside their veteran family members. Organisers also welcome loved ones who wish to march in honour of fallen Anzac diggers, joining veterans, their families, local schools, and various community organisations in the procession.

Memorial Service Information

The community will gather for the Main Service after the march’s conclusion. This formal commemoration will take place in the Caboolture Memorial Hall, located in the Town Square on King Street. The service is scheduled to run from 10:15 a.m. until approximately 11:00 a.m.

RSL Activities and Past Traditions

After the formalities this year, the Caboolture RSL Club plans to reopen its doors to the general public at 11:00 am. The club will host traditional Anzac Day activities, including games of ‘Two-Up’ in the Banksia Room, providing a space for reflection and camaraderie. It should be noted that poker machines will not be operational until 1:00 pm.

In addition to the main march and service, the RSL often coordinates other commemorative activities. For instance, last year’s Anzac Day included an early start with a Dawn Service held at 4:50 am at the Bolton & Clarke Retirement Village. This was followed immediately by a Gunfire Breakfast, which required entry tickets and was held at the Bolton & Clarke Cafe and Auditorium. While these specific early-morning events are noted from last year, the confirmed schedule provided for 2025 focuses on the main march and service beginning later in the morning.

Published Date 14-April-2025

Photo Credit: Caboolture-Morayfield & District RSL Sub Branch/ Facebook

New Caboolture Centre to Offer Mental Health Support Without Appointments

Caboolture residents experiencing mental health struggles will soon be able to walk into a dedicated support centre without needing an appointment, referral or even a Medicare card.

Opening Mid-2025

By July 2025, Caboolture will be home to one of four new Medicare Mental Health Centres planned for North Brisbane and Moreton Bay. The centres will also be located in Redcliffe, Strathpine and Brisbane’s inner north.

These services are designed to give people immediate mental health care, without the common barriers that stop them from seeking help.

How the Centres Will Work

The Caboolture centre, run by Stride, will offer face-to-face support from nurses, social workers and peer workers, with extended hours to ensure easier access to help.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/Facebook*

Anyone aged 18 and over can walk in without a GP referral or Medicare card to get support for anxiety, depression, stress or other mental health challenges. The focus is on early care to prevent conditions from escalating.

Federal and State Backing

The Federal and Queensland Governments are jointly funding the centres with $8.5 million, while $29.9 million will support nationwide access to on-call specialist care.

As part of the national Medicare Mental Health Centre program, 61 centres will be rolled out across Australia, including 19 in Queensland. The focus is on areas with the greatest need, especially communities facing high levels of disadvantage, housing stress and unemployment.

Focus on Community Needs

The Caboolture centre removes barriers like referrals or appointments, making early support easier. It offers a safe space to talk and access ongoing care.

People can find out more about the program by visiting health.gov.au/medicare-mental-health or calling 1800 595 212, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Published 14-April-2025

Caboolture Locals Welcome Wholesome Solutions at Community Event

A new community health and support centre in Caboolture is helping locals connect with vital services through hands-on programs, support networks and inclusive activities. The centre, run by Wholesome Solutions Pty Ltd, a disability services provider, is focused on building strong, everyday support for people with disability and their families in the Moreton Bay region.

The official opening is on Saturday, 12 April, at 2 Industry Drive. The event will bring community members, families, and carers for a day of free activities, a sausage sizzle, and a lucky door prize.

Wholesome Solutions Open Day — *Photo Credit: Wholesome Solutions/Facebook*

Focus on Practical Support

Wholesome Solutions is a registered NDIS provider offering individualised services such as community nursing, high-intensity support, and clinical coordination. Their new Caboolture location includes a purpose-built space that allows clients to participate in skill-building programs like cooking, gardening, creative arts, and social groups. These activities are designed for people aged 13 and over, encouraging independence and community participation.

According to the organisation, the goal is to support people in building confidence and life skills while staying closely connected to their local area. Staff work closely with clients and families to ensure services are tailored to personal needs.

An Event Rooted in Community

The Open Day is not just about celebrating the new space. It also gives residents a chance to learn more about the organisation and meet the team behind the services. Volunteers and staff will speak with attendees about what’s on offer, while others can enjoy the community activities.

This will be a hub for locals, shaped by the people who use it. Wholesome Solutions’ expansion into Caboolture marks a step forward in making disability support more accessible in the northern corridor of Moreton Bay. The organisation’s emphasis on capacity-building reflects a growing interest in proactive, community-based support rather than reactive care.

Published 11-April-2025

Two Dead, Child Critical in Caboolture Crash

A devastating crash at a Caboolture intersection Sunday evening has left two women dead and a one-year-old boy fighting for his life, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The catastrophic crash occurred around 6:40pm at the intersection of King Street and Bellmere Road when a Hyundai i20 collided with a Coles delivery truck. The impact was so severe that the car was propelled 15 meters from the point of collision, according to police reports.

Tragically, two female passengers in the Hyundai, aged 35 and 50, were pronounced dead at the scene. A child’s car seat was ejected onto the roadway during the collision, and the one-year-old boy who had been secured in it was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Local residents described the collision as being like “a bomb exploding,” with many reporting that the impact physically shook their homes. CCTV footage captured from a nearby residence shows what appears to be a vehicle travelling at high speed moments before the devastating crash.

One couple living near the intersection stated: “It literally shook the house. It was like an explosion and we heard a scream. It was horrific, it was very brutal and confronting. This is honestly the worst possible outcome.”

Neighbour Minish Pillay, who was watching television when the crash occurred, described the sound as “like a bomb exploding.” He noted that while accidents at the intersection are not uncommon, this was “the worst one I’ve seen.”

Pillay expressed concern about ongoing traffic issues in the area, saying: “There are a lot of near misses, and you get people doing burnouts here as well. Something has to be done about it.”

The 26-year-old driver of the Hyundai reportedly escaped with minor injuries, while the 42-year-old truck driver was uninjured but taken to hospital as a precaution. The collision caused significant damage to the delivery truck, including a dislodged front tire and items scattered across the roadway from its cargo area.

Coles has confirmed they are providing support to staff involved in the incident.The Forensic Crash Unit is now investigating the circumstances of the collision. Police have issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward as they work to determine the cause of this tragic accident.

Published 7-April-2025