Caboolture Archives - Caboolture Today

Caboolture Welcomes Temple of Juniper Distillery and Cellar Door

Temple of Juniper, a boutique distillery, has officially opened in Caboolture. It offers handcrafted gin infused with unique botanicals. Located at 4/23 Evans Drive, the distillery welcomes visitors to experience its cellar door tastings and small-batch creations.

Crafting a Unique Spirit in Caboolture

Temple of Juniper is the creation of husband-and-wife duo Erin and Charles. They have turned their passion for small-batch distilling into a boutique experience. Their journey began with a vision to craft premium gin infused with distinctive botanicals, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern hospitality and Mediterranean flavours.

After navigating the development application process, the distillery has launched its flagship product, Mediterranean Summer Gin. This handcrafted gin blends lavender, lemon myrtle, grapefruit, citrus, crushed cinnamon and angelica root, creating a refreshing profile ideal for Queensland’s warm climate.

Something Special on the Horizon

Alongside its signature Mediterranean Summer Gin, Temple of Juniper is crafting a Middle Eastern Spiced Gin, described as a “true gin lovers’ gin.” The distillery hopes to launch this exciting new release at the Brisbane Gin Festival, which will take place from 4 to 6 April 2025. Gin enthusiasts attending the festival can meet the Temple of Juniper team and sample their handcrafted spirits.

Brisbane Gin Festival — *Photo Credit: Temple of Juniper/Instagram*

A New Destination for Gin Enthusiasts

Located in North Brisbane, just off the motorway, Temple of Juniper allows visitors to engage with the makers, tour the distillery, and sample the latest releases. The cellar door is open on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings and learn about the distillation process from the founders themselves.

Temple of Juniper offers nationwide shipping via its online store for those unable to visit in person.

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Community and Customer Response

Early visitors have praised the Mediterranean Summer Gin for its well-balanced flavour and high-quality craftsmanship. Customers have described it as “refreshing and complex.” Some compare the experience to a summer getaway. The distillery has also been well-received as a unique addition to Caboolture’s growing small business scene.

In addition to direct sales, Temple of Juniper welcomes corporate orders and boutique stockists who want to feature its handcrafted spirits.

Future Plans and What’s Next

Temple of Juniper aims to expand its product range beyond gin, with future releases already in development. The distillery is also looking to increase local stockists and explore partnerships with hospitality venues.

For those interested in experiencing the Temple of Juniper difference, tastings and purchases can be made at the cellar door or online at www.templeofjuniper.com.

Published 18-Mar-2025

Photo Credit: Temple of Juniper/Facebook

Massive Support in Caboolture as Rapid Relief Team Aids Cyclone Victims

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has supported Caboolture and other cyclone-affected communities across Queensland and New South Wales, delivering essential aid before, during and after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Over a 12-day period, from 3 March to 13 March 2025, RRT volunteers provided thousands of meals and filled and distributed sandbags. They also assisted emergency service crews and displaced residents.

Rapid Relief Team packing sandbags — *Photo Credit: Rapid Relief Team AU/Facebook*

Mobilising for Relief: RRT’s Immediate Response

As Ex-Cyclone Alfred approached, emergency services called on RRT to help with sandbagging efforts. They aimed to protect homes from rising floodwaters. Volunteers produced and distributed thousands of sandbags using specialised sandbagging machines.

RRT teams also prepared and served meals at evacuation centres, ensuring that affected residents and frontline workers had access to food. In Caboolture alone, volunteers served more than 1,900 meals, providing critical support to both displaced locals and individuals experiencing homelessness.

*Photo Credit: Rapid Relief Team AU/Facebook*

Delivering Critical Aid: Meals, Snacks, and Sandbags

RRT’s response across Queensland and New South Wales involved a large-scale distribution of essential supplies, including:

33,500 sandbags to protect properties from floodwaters.
3,650 meals for emergency responders and affected residents.
4,060 Frontline Snack Packs for SES crews, police, and other emergency workers.

Caboolture volunteers were especially active in Moreton Bay Council Evacuation Centres. They played a key role in feeding displaced residents during the crisis.

Rapid Relief Team volunteers — *Photo Credit: Rapid Relief Team AU/Facebook*

Supporting Emergency Services and Communities

Beyond Caboolture, RRT volunteers provided aid across multiple regions. This includes Brisbane, Nambour, Gympie, Toowoomba, Warwick, Armidale, Maitland, and Newcastle. They worked alongside emergency responders, ensuring that SES, police, and fire crews received meals and support while managing storm-related incidents.

Additional supplies were dispatched from New South Wales to assist Queensland communities. RRT’s Penrith team packed 2,000 Frontline Snack Packs, a BBQ trailer, and emergency supplies for distribution in affected areas. Volunteers in Maryborough and Hervey Bay ensured SES crews remained well-fed while responding to flash flooding events.

Community Strength and Volunteer Efforts

The relief effort was driven by RRT’s extensive volunteer network. It operates as the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. Since its establishment in 2013, RRT has expanded to more than 16,000 volunteers. They provide disaster relief and community support across Australia.

Volunteers packing sandbags — *Photo Credit: Rapid Relief Team AU/Facebook*

Looking Ahead: Ongoing Support and Future Readiness

As communities continue to recover, RRT remains committed to assisting in Caboolture and other affected areas. The scale of the response to Ex-Cyclone Alfred highlights the essential role of volunteer organisations in disaster relief efforts.

Published 17-Mar-2025

Photo Credit: Rapid Relief Team AU/Facebook

Brown and Hurley DAF Caboolture Wins 2024 Dealer of the Year

In a major win for the local community, Caboolture’s Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF dealership has been named the top DAF dealer in Australia for 2024. This is the first time the Caboolture location has received this national honour.

A First for the Region

*Photo Credit:* *DAF Trucks Australia/ Facebook*

The award, presented by PACCAR Australia, recognises the dealership’s strong performance across all business areas. This includes sales of new trucks and parts, service quality, finance options, and customer support.

The Caboolture branch opened in 2015 and is part of the larger Brown and Hurley network. The company has been selling heavy-duty trucks in Australia since 1964. This win marks a significant milestone for the Caboolture team, showing their dedication to the local area.

Recognition of Excellence

*Photo Credit:* *DAF Trucks Australia/ Facebook*

Damian Smethurst, Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, presented the award to Dylan Hurley, Dealer Principal of Kenworth DAF Caboolture. Mr Smethurst noted that customers expect more from their dealers in today’s competitive market. He explained that the Caboolture team had met and exceeded these expectations by providing excellent customer service and professional support.

He also pointed to the dealership’s ongoing investment in their team and facilities, which allows them to offer the latest products and industry knowledge. This commitment, he said, sets a high standard in the industry.

Teamwork and Customer Focus

*Photo Credit:* *DAF Trucks Australia/ Facebook*

Dylan Hurley expressed his pride in accepting the award on behalf of his team. He stated it was an honour to be recognised as the top-performing dealer by one of Australia’s leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers.

He thanked his sales, service, and support staff for their hard work and PACCAR for their quality trucks. He acknowledged that the past year had been challenging, but the award showed the dedication of his team, who always went the extra mile for their customers.

He also thanked PACCAR for their ongoing support, vital to their success. DAF Trucks Australia is known for providing trucks built to handle Australia’s tough conditions. They focus on fuel-efficient engines, comfortable cabs, and driver safety.

Published Date 03-March-2025

Photo Credit: DAF Trucks Australia/ Facebook

Caboolture Watchhouse Under Scrutiny as Overcrowding Crisis Grips South East Queensland

Caboolture’s designated child-specific watchhouse is facing intense criticism as it grapples with a surge in adult detainees, leading to prolonged stays for juveniles, some exceeding 17 days.

Advocacy groups warn that this situation is symptomatic of a broader overcrowding crisis across South East Queensland’s detention facilities.

The Youth Advocacy Centre raised serious concerns about the operational practices at the Caboolture facility. They stated that the presence of adults, even in separate sections, compromises young people’s well-being. The central issue revolves around adults receiving priority processing, which in turn delays access to legal representation, education, and support services for the detained children. Reports indicate that the watchhouse, intended for a capacity of 31, has simultaneously housed adults and many young people.

Caboolture Watchhouse Under Scrutiny as Overcrowding Crisis Grips South East Queensland — *Photo Credit:* *Youth Advocacy Center*

Leaked internal documents revealed that other watchhouses in the region are also struggling. Southport, Logan, and Coolangatta have reported multiple instances of overcrowding in recent weeks, placing immense strain on resources. In Southport, capacity issues surfaced at least nine times in nine days. Logan’s lockups were overwhelmed multiple times, and Coolangatta’s facility was consistently filled.

The situation in Caboolture, initially intended as a youth hub, has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of suitability as a long-term detention centre. Concerns have been raised about the facility’s adherence to youth justice standards, which mandate access to medical, educational, and psychological support. Critics argue that the watchhouse functions more as a temporary holding pen than a proper detention facility.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that the Caboolture watchhouse is a central point for young people awaiting transfer to youth detention centres. She added that adults are held separately and transferred as quickly as possible. However, the prolonged stays of juveniles, some lasting over two weeks, contradict this statement.

The Office of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services acknowledged the pressures on the system, blaming previous administrations for inadequate infrastructure investment. They stated that the Caboolture facility will remain in use until the Wacol Youth Remand Centre opens later this year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak expressed alarm over the co-location of adults and children. They emphasised the need for purpose-built facilities that cater to the specific needs of young people, rather than placing them in adult-centric environments.

Police sources further highlighted the strain on other facilities, with officers from Southport forced to transport offenders to already overcrowded lockups in Logan. This creates a domino effect, leading to cramped conditions and limited access to essential services. Concerns about the potential health risks associated with prolonged stays in such environments were raised.

A criminologist from Bond University attributed the current crisis to previous governments’ lack of strategic planning. He argued that while bail laws for young offenders were tightened, insufficient resources were allocated to accommodate the increased demand for detention facilities. He stated that existing facilities should have adequate capacity and that new watchhouses are not necessarily the solution.

Published Date 23-Feb-2025

Photo Credit: Google Map

Caboolture Churches to Join World Day of Prayer for Cook Islands

Caboolture Churches to Join World Day of Prayer for Cook IslandsCaboolture’s diverse Christian community will unite with worshippers worldwide on Friday, 7 March 2025, to observe the World Day of Prayer. The event will focus on the Cook Islands and the theme “I made you wonderful.”

Local Churches Unite for Global Cause

Each year, churches across Caboolture take turns hosting the World Day of Prayer, an international initiative started by women. This year, The Salvation Army at the corner of Lower King and Dux Streets will open its doors to all denominations at 10:30 am. The service, prepared by women from the Cook Islands, will lift up prayers for their nation, with a particular focus on supporting women affected by domestic violence.

The World Day of Prayer offers local congregations a chance to connect with a global movement and learn about the featured country’s culture, history, and challenges.

Focus on the Cook Islands

The 2025 World Day of Prayer program centres around the Cook Islands, a nation known for its rich music, dance, and storytelling traditions. The theme, “I Made You Wonderful,” taken from Psalm 139:14, celebrates God’s creation and the diversity of human expression.

Organisers hope participants will better appreciate the Cook Islands and its people through prayer and reflection. The service will include prayers for environmental protection, the well-being of Cook Islanders, and the continued growth of Christian faith within their communities.

A Global Day of Unity

The World Day of Prayer is an annual event held on the first Friday in March. It unites Christians worldwide in a shared act of worship and intercession. While participation is optional for some church groups, it is strongly encouraged as it provides an opportunity to stand in solidarity with Christians worldwide.

For those unable to attend the Caboolture event, information about other local and online gatherings can be found within the wider community.

Published Date 21-Feb-2025

Photo Credit: USC Women’s Ministries

Caboolture Gains New Police Officer as 136 Graduate QPS Academy

One hundred thirty-six new police officers have joined the Queensland Police Service (QPS) after graduating this month, with one First-Year Constable (FYC) assigned to Caboolture.

The new recruits bring diverse experiences to the force, including backgrounds in the Australian Defence Force, Queensland Ambulance Service, international policing, and the finance sector. They completed eight and a half months of training, learning skills to help them serve the community and support fellow officers.

The training covered community safety, responding to mental health incidents, investigating and preventing domestic and family violence, and scenario-based exercises.

Commissioner’s Remarks and Recruitment Focus

Caboolture Gains New Police Officer as 136 Graduate QPS Academy — *Photo Credit:* *Queensland Police*

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the graduation sets a positive tone for police recruitment in 2025. He acknowledged the importance of attracting suitable candidates who share the QPS values. The Commissioner noted a 36% increase in appointments to the Service in 2024 compared to 2023, indicating a strong interest in policing as a career.

Recruit Experiences and Motivations

FYC Bing Cheng shared his personal story of being inspired to join the police after helping in a car accident. He had been working in finance, assisting people with banking security, when this incident reignited his childhood dream. He said becoming a police officer was the best way he could contribute to his community, make his children proud, and ensure their future safety. Constable Cheng expressed his desire to work on the frontline within the community.

FYC Camryn Hayden, who previously worked as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher with the Queensland Ambulance Service, said her past role provided a solid foundation for her policing career. She explained that working in emergency dispatch exposed her to high-pressure situations and critical decision-making while strengthening her passion for building relationships and serving the community.

She added that she understands the importance of interacting with people during their most vulnerable times and looks forward to expanding her impact as a police officer. Constable Hayden also spoke about the support and guidance she received from the academy facilitators, who shared their expertise and career experiences.

Deployment Across Queensland

The 136 new police officers will be deployed across Queensland. In the Brisbane region, 30 officers will be spread across the North and South Brisbane Districts. The South Eastern Region will receive 20 officers, divided between the Gold Coast and Logan Districts. The Southern Region will welcome 24 new officers, with deployments in the Darling Downs, Ipswich, and Southwest Districts.

The North Coast Region will see 19 new officers distributed across the Moreton and Wide Bay Burnett Districts. In Central Queensland, 17 officers will be deployed to the Capricornia and Mackay Districts. The Northern and Far Northern Regions will each receive 13 new officers. One of the 136 graduates has been assigned to Caboolture Station.

Published Date 10-Feb-2025

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

Caboolture to House First Dedicated Bus Safety Education Facility

Child safety could be significantly boosted in Caboolture with a proposed dedicated bus safety training facility – a Queensland first – that has the potential to save young lives.

Caboolture Bus Lines, a local company operating for 37 years, has lodged a town planning application with Moreton Bay City Council to establish this vital community resource. The proposed facility aims to teach children essential bus safety skills through real-life simulations, hands-on activities, and educational sessions.

Owners Grant and Janette Craike expressed their commitment to educating the region’s youngest passengers, believing the program will provide parents with greater peace of mind. The program would be free to schools in the Moreton Bay region and tailored to different age groups.

Realistic Training Environment

Caboolture to House First Dedicated Bus Safety Education Facility — *Photo Credit:* *Caboolture Bus Lines*

The facility will feature a simulated street-front bus stop where children can practice boarding and alighting safely. A dedicated bus will serve as a classroom, providing a unique and engaging learning environment.

This immersive approach will allow children to experience real-life scenarios and develop safe travel habits. The aim is to empower thousands of children each year with the knowledge and confidence to become responsible bus passengers.

Local Support and Council Approval

The application has garnered strong support from local businesses, with ARC Planning committing to the project free of charge. Director Adrian Raedel, a father of two, emphasised the initiative’s importance and hoped that Moreton Bay City Council would approve the application.

He highlighted the unique nature of the proposed street-side bus stop, which would only be used briefly during school days for drop-offs and pick-ups. Mr. Raedel added that he believes this facility will save young lives.

Community Backing

The proposal has also received positive feedback from the community. One resident, a former school bus driver, spoke of the declining behaviour on buses since a similar program ceased, emphasising the need for renewed education. Other community members have voiced their strong support, calling the initiative “fantastic” and “brilliant,” and expressing their hopes for council approval.

Looking to the Future

Caboolture Bus Lines believes that by investing in the education of future generations, it is teaching bus safety and fostering a culture of care, respect, and responsibility. It believes this program will provide invaluable life skills to the children of the Moreton Bay region.

Published Date 07-Feb-2025

Photo Credit: Town Planning and Development Services/ Facebook

Joy Connection 2025: Free Creative Workshops Coming to Caboolture

Caboolture residents will have the chance to unleash their inner artist and join an epic monster battle through the Moreton Bay’s Joy Connection 2025 program.

Children in Caboolture can design their unique shields and masks at free Creative Armour Workshops by local artist and sculptor David Spooner. These interactive sessions allow kids to express creativity and prepare for the Monster Siege Big Adventure.

The workshops will be held at Caboolture Town Square, 4 Hasking St, on February 8th. Additional workshops will be held in February and March at Pine Rivers Park, Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre, and Morayfield Sport and Events Centre. However, dates for these locations were not specified.

The culmination of the Creative Armour workshops will be the Monster Siege Big Adventure, a family fun day held at the Morayfield Sports and Events Centre on 8 and 9 April. This imaginative game pits children, known as Defenders, against adults, called Slobbers, in a quest to protect magical rubber ducks.

Participants are encouraged to wear the armour they created at the workshops and join the parade into battle. The event promises a day of imaginative play, physical activity, and strategic thinking, with additional free activities for all ages.

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery said the Joy Connection 2025 program offers something for everyone, regardless of artistic experience. He encouraged residents to participate, emphasising the program’s role in strengthening community connections and celebrating artistic expression.

The council believes the workshops provide a fun and welcoming environment for families to create, connect, and share memorable experiences. The Joy Connection 2025 program runs from February to October.

Published Date 05-Feb-2025

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Caboolture Bus Services Get Back-to-School Makeover

Improved school bus services will smooth out journeys for students across the Moreton Bay region, including Caboolture, this year.

In partnership with 11 South East Queensland bus operators, Translink has rolled out a comprehensive program of changes designed to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency for young passengers. This includes the introduction of 33 new school routes, modifications to 833 existing routes, and the addition of four new buses to the fleet.

The changes are a direct response to community feedback, with new routes established in expanding areas like Pacific Harbour and Sandstone Boulevard in Caboolture and services adjusted to address concerns raised by students, parents, and schools. Caboolture Bus Lines alone has implemented 24 route changes, including new services to Elimbah State School and Pumicestone State School, and a new route to Morayfield High that eliminates a previously dangerous bus stop.

Kangaroo Bus Lines has introduced new services in Amity estate and North Harbour, reducing the need for students to walk along busy roads. A diversion into Narangba Valley State School eliminates a road crossing on Young Rd, further enhancing safety. In Caboolture, a new route to Morayfield High removes a previously dangerous stop.

Adjustments to services in Pacific Harbour, Caboolture, aim to improve trip times and overall efficiency. Multiple routes have tweaked their timetables to avoid congestion and ensure students arrive at school on time.

New bus services have been introduced in newly developed areas and expanded in the suburbs, which are experiencing growth across the Moreton Bay region. In Griffin, Thompson Bus Services has extended several routes to improve access for students north of the suburb.

Many of the changes directly result from feedback from students, parents, and schools. Service adjustments for Narangba Valley Primary School, for example, were made following concerns raised by parents.

Translink has encouraged students and their families to familiarise themselves with the changes before the start of the school year. The Translink website and app provide up-to-date information on routes and timetables, and the School Service Finder and Journey Planner tools can help plan the best travel options.

Students are also reminded to ensure their travel cards are valid, to familiarise themselves with their local bus stops and services, and to claim the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) if eligible.

Published Date 27-Jan-2025

Caboolture’s Liam Wilson Eyes WBO Redemption

Local boxing star Liam Wilson might train in Lawnton and dream of fighting at Redcliffe, but it’s in Caboolture where the world-ranked super featherweight has made his home.

As he prepares for his crucial 1 March rematch against Youssef Dib, Wilson’s presence has helped put Caboolture firmly on Australia’s boxing map.

Read: Bruce Highway in Caboolture: A Major Crash Hotspot in Moreton Bay

Local Hero Liam Wilson Making Waves

Living and raising his family in Caboolture while pursuing boxing glory, Wilson embodies the fighting spirit of Moreton Bay’s northern corridor. Ranked fourth by the WBO, his professional record of 14 wins (including eight knockouts) has turned national attention toward the region.

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Wilson’s upcoming bout at South Bank Piazza carries significant implications for his world title aspirations. He came agonisingly close to claiming the WBO world super featherweight title against Emanuel Navarrete last year in the controversial ‘28-second robbery’—a referee decision that many believe cost him the title. Since then, Wilson has remained laser-focused on regaining his shot at the crown.

His previous stoppage victory against Dib showcased the power Caboolture’s champion is known for. The eighth-round stoppage victory proved Wilson belongs among boxing’s elite, though Dib promises a different outcome in their rematch.

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The Showdown at the Piazza

The South Bank Piazza event features an impressive undercard, including rising stars Kirra Rushton, Jack Bowen, Floyd Masson, Paris Olympian Shannon Davey, and World Amateur Champion Cooper O’Connell. However, all eyes will be on Caboolture’s Wilson as he continues his quest for world championship glory.

“This time, I’ll make it even more decisive and prove there’s no question who’s the best,” Wilson states with confidence.

Read: New Over-50s Lifestyle Community Set to Open in Burpengary East

A victory on 1 March could pave the way for an even bigger opportunity for Wilson. No Limit Boxing is exploring the possibility of bringing a world title fight to the region, potentially at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium. Such an event would be a landmark moment for sport in the Moreton Bay Region.

Photo Credit: Instagram/allstarboxingacademy

Published 24-January-2025