Caboolture Archives - Page 10 of 12

Caboolture Man Implicated in Queensland Cemetery Vandalism

In a case that extends beyond the quiet streets of Caboolture, authorities have arrested a local man and another individual from Peachester for allegedly stealing and defacing brass plaques from cemeteries in Queensland.

The culprits, a 38-year-old from Peachester and a 45-year-old from Caboolture, face multiple charges, including possessing tainted property, entering premises to commit an indictable offence, dishonestly obtaining property, and fraud.

In early November 2023, the duo reportedly pilfered 16 brass plaques from Beerwah and Peachester cemeteries. Investigations have revealed that the men used grinders to erase the names from the plaques, eradicating the last physical memories of many loved ones. Subsequently, these plaques were sold to second-hand metal dealers for their brass value

The police are actively investigating to determine the full extent of the vandalism across Queensland’s burial grounds. The community’s assistance is being sought to identify other possibly affected cemeteries.

The Queensland Police are urging the public to report any missing plaques or similar incidents.

Meanwhile, both accused are in custody and are scheduled to appear at the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 14 Dec 2023.

Published 16-Nov-2023

Caboolture’s Cultural Milestone: Abbey Museum Undergoes Major Expansion

A new art gallery and cafe will soon be added to the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, part of a $1.7-million expansion project that aims to elevate the museum’s status as a cultural hub in the region.

The upcoming Abbey Art Gallery and Museum Cafe is designed to showcase pivotal artworks, some unseen before, including Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. A highlight of this collection includes artworks dating back to the 1400s, featuring pieces from Rubens and a fresco fragment from Milan Cathedral.

Plans for the museum — Photo Credit: Abbey Museum

Edith Cuffe, the Chair of the Abbey Museum Board, anticipates that this extension will attract an additional 7,000 visitors in its first year, thus enhancing the museum’s appeal and offering a unique blend of historical and contemporary experiences.

Abbey Museum Cafe — Photo Credit: Abbey Museum

Enhancing the Abbey Medieval Festival Experience

In addition to the art gallery and cafe, the project includes a $400,000 allocation for infrastructure improvements.

This is particularly significant for the Abbey Medieval Festival, the southern hemisphere’s largest celebration of medieval Europe, which annually attracts over 20,000 visitors.

The festival’s growth and development are expected to benefit immensely from these upgrades, which may include grandstand-style seating, lighting, and a power network.

Community and Economic Impacts

Abbey Museum render — Photo Credit: Abbey Museum

Known for its rich collection spanning from the medieval to the Renaissance periods, the museum is the beneficiary of funds from a $2.1-million commitment from the State that aims to elevate the museum’s status as a cultural hub in the Moreton Bay Region.

The project is expected to be an economic catalyst for the region. MP for Pumicestone Ali King highlighted the Abbey’s iconic status and its role in attracting families, school groups, and medieval enthusiasts.

This development is seen as a critical step in boosting tourism, creating construction jobs, and supporting local businesses, thereby strengthening Caboolture’s identity as a prominent destination.

The art gallery and cafe, along with the enhanced festival infrastructure, are anticipated to be completed by June 2024. This ambitious project marks a significant milestone for the Abbey Museum and Caboolture, setting the stage for a bright future filled with cultural richness and historical depth.

Published 14-Nov-2023

Caboolture Feasts and Beats Returns to James St Precinct for a Vibrant Evening

The vibrant suburb of Caboolture is gearing up to host the much-anticipated Caboolture Feasts and Beats event, set to transform the James St Precinct into a lively hub and it’s free for all ages!

Happening Saturday, 4 Nov 2023, this annual extravaganza promises a feast for the senses, featuring delicious food, live entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere that’s free for all to enjoy.

A Musical Extravaganza

This year’s Caboolture Feasts and Beats boasts an impressive line-up of local musicians set to grace the Ray White Wamuran Main Stage.

The musical journey begins at 4:30 p.m. with the soulful tunes of Tayiha, followed by the mesmerising melodies of Ander Harlem at 5:45 p.m., and concluding with the rhythmic beats of J-Funk at 7:00 p.m.

These talented artists promise to keep the crowd entertained with their unique sounds.

A Culinary Delight

One of the highlights of this event is the array of food trucks, offering a diverse range of cuisines to tantalize your taste buds.

From delicious plant-based burgers by GrassfedVegan, to tasty Brazilian BBQ by Brazzo Boys, flavorsome lemonade by Lightbulb Lemonade, and yummy soft-serve by Ice Cream 4 Me, make sure to check out the delicious food and drink options available at the event. Whether you’re craving international flavours, classic comfort food, or gourmet treats, there will be a meal to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a world of culinary delights right in the heart of Caboolture.

Fun for All Ages

Caboolture Feasts and Beats is designed to be a family-friendly event, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. For the little ones, there’s free face painting to bring out their creativity and imagination, making it a memorable experience for the entire family.

This event is made possible through the support of various strategic sponsors and organisations:

City of Moreton Bay
Ray White Wamuran
Moreton Alert
Ausbuild
UniSC
Brisbane Whale Watching
Village Motors
Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club
Richardson & Wrench Caboolture

It’s a celebration that promises to unite the community and create lasting memories for all who attend.

Published 31-Oct-2023

Caboolture Hospital Multi-Storey Car Park Opens With a Two-Week Free Parking Period

Caboolture Hospital is all set to unveil its eagerly awaited six-level multi-storey car park, known as P2. This launch heralds a significant improvement in parking accessibility for patients, visitors, and staff, boasting around 1000 parking spaces, complete with designated accessible parking, motorcycle bays, and electric vehicle charging stations.

Enhancing Access at Caboolture Hospital

On Monday, 16 Oct 2023, the car park gates will open promptly at 6:00 a.m. and will provide a two-week free parking period, allowing everyone to familiarise themselves with the new multi-storey car park. The introduction of this car park brings the total number of parking spaces on the Caboolture Hospital campus to approximately 1,500, ensuring improved access for all.

However, paid parking at Caboolture Hospital will commence on Monday, 30 Oct 2023. The cost of parking will vary, ranging from $3 for one hour to a maximum daily rate capped at $13. It’s essential to note that patient drop-off and pick-up zones at the hospital will remain free of charge.

The Caboolture Hospital multi-storey car park is owned and operated by Metro North Health, ensuring that all revenue collected from parking rates will be reinvested into the hospital for capital repayments, operations, maintenance, and further enhancements. The goal is to facilitate cost recovery, and the hospital does not intend to generate profits from parking fees.

To support individuals experiencing financial hardship, frequent hospital visits, extended stays, or other special circumstances, a concession program will provide discounted parking rates.

A Part of the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment

The multi-storey car park is a significant milestone in the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment project, aimed at increasing capacity with an additional 130 beds and enhancing the hospital’s ability to provide specialized care and high-level services tailored to the local community’s health needs.

Navigating Parking at Caboolture Hospital

Access to P2 is available from both McKean Street and the All Weather Access Road. When entering the hospital campus, follow the clearly marked signs directing you to P2. Several car parking options are available for patients and visitors:

P1: Temporary drop-off zone for the Emergency Department and the Main Hospital.

P2: Best access for the Emergency Department and Caboolture Hospital Main Entry.

P3: Ideal for Outpatient Services appointments.

P8: Convenient for Community and Oral Health and Mental Health services.

P9: Designed for drop-off, pick-up, and accessible parking for Mental Health services.

Convenient Payment Options

Starting 30 October, visitors will need to press for a paper ticket upon entering the car park, which will raise the entry boom gate. Payment for parking is required upon exit and can be done at the pay stations, where you can pay with either cash or credit/debit card. At the exit gate, credit/debit card payments are accepted, while cash payments will not be available.

Pay stations are strategically located in the multi-storey car park (P2) and near the Main Hospital, Outpatient Services, Community and Oral Health, and Mental Health buildings. This approach is expected to streamline the parking experience for all visitors to Caboolture Hospital.

Published 13-Oct-2023

Petersen Road Sports Ground and Rob Akers Reserve Upgrades: How Moreton Bay Leads the Way for Women in Sport

Following the opening of the Petersen Road Sports Ground in Caboolture last July, the Rob Akers Reserve has also been upgraded. The Pine Rivers Swans Australian Football Club unveiled a $3.1-million upgrade at the reserve, a move that will hopefully increase women’s participation in the sport, particularly in light of the success of the Matildas on the international stage.

Read: Local Boxer and ‘Hunted Australia’ Contestant Taylah Robertson to Fight Back-to-Back Matches

Supporting women in sport

In a move that local officials said will bring “… a 50-year-old club into the 21st century,” the upgrades at Rob Akers Reserve, which include a new clubhouse and change rooms, have been made possible thanks to joint funding from the council, the State Government and AFL Queensland.

“We want to be able to give everyone a go, no matter what your ability or background, and we’re doing that by providing the best possible community sports facilities for our residents to enjoy,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

Mr Flannery highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting women’s sport, noting that Moreton Bay has been delivering vital infrastructure to support women’s sports for year.

He noted that the city has opened nine sports facilities with unisex changing facilities in the last 18 months. This includes hosting the 2022 NRLW Grand Final and building a new home for the Brisbane Roar Women.

Petersen Road Sports Ground launched in July

Together with the Caboolture Sports Club, Council also provided support for a $6.4-million upgrade of Petersen Road Sports Ground in the second quarter of 2023.

The new clubhouse, tiered seating and viewing decks will benefit the nearly 2,000 local players who use the ground.

Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the upgrade would encourage more women and girls to play rugby and touch football.

“Right now, Queensland is witnessing phenomenal growth in the number of females getting involved in sport, including traditionally male-dominated codes.”

Read: Long Wait Times and Staffing Concerns Plague Caboolture Satellite Hospital

The upgrades will provide modern, inclusive facilities to support the region’s growing demand for sporting participation. Taken together, the new facilities represent a major boost for women’s sport in Moreton Bay.

“We want to see more Queenslanders staying active and healthy as part of a lasting community sport legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

Published 30 August 2023

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Local Boxer and ‘Hunted Australia’ Contestant Taylah Robertson to Fight Back-to-Back Matches

St Columban’s College graduate Taylah Robertson, 25, is preparing for her next fight on the undercard of the IBO World Cruiserweight title fight between Floyd Masson and Yves Ngabu. Robertson, an orthodox fighter standing at 164cm, will take on Harma Yesti in a super flyweight bout. The fight follows her recent appearance on reality show Hunted Australia, where she went into hiding with Glenn Azar but was eventually captured.

Read: Local Boxer Ben Hussain Beats Koen Mazoudier in Thrilling ‘Fight of the Year’ Contest

Taylah Robertson, bronze medallist

Robertson is no stranger to high-profile matches. In 2018, she represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Though she lost her lone bout to England’s Lisa Whiteside, a series of events led to Robertson claiming the bronze. With only seven entrants, Robertson received a first-round bye due to random selection. After her semi-final defeat, she still earned a bronze thanks to the rule awarding medals to both losing semi-finalists.

With a professional record of 8-1-0, including 2 KOs and 6 unanimous decision wins, Robertson will be looking to please her fans with a yet another decisive victory over Yesti.

Reality show appearance precedes back-to-back fights

Boxer duo Taylah Robertson and Glenn Azar. Photo Credit: Instagram/Taylah Robertson

Robertson recently appeared as a contestant on Hunted Australia, a reality show in which fugitives have to evade expert hunters for 21 days. She teamed up with fellow boxer and military veteran Glenn Azar to test their survival skills against the hunters.

The duo used clever tactics such as planting decoy bags and swapping getaway vehicles to stay off the radar. But Azar’s friend Luke, an ex-Special Forces soldier nicknamed ‘Blue’, eventually tracked them down and eliminated them from the competition on Day 6.

Just over a month after this experience, Robertson is thrust back into competition with two fights booked a month apart.

On September 9, she takes on Harma Yesti on the undercard of the IBO Cruiserweight World Title match. Then, incredibly, Robertson has another fight lined up on October 7.

Read: Long Wait Times and Staffing Concerns Plague Caboolture Satellite Hospital

Prior to this busy schedule, Robertson had not fought since March when she took on Mexican Jaqueline Mucio Munoz, meaning she had been out of the ring for over 5 months. The back-to-back fights will test the 25-year-old’s conditioning and stamina.

With only a few weeks to recover and train between fights, Robertson will need to be at her best to take two wins and prove that her stint on the reality show has only sharpened her skills.

Published 26 August 2023

Photo Credit: Instagram/Taylah Robertson

Long Wait Times and Staffing Concerns Plague Caboolture Satellite Hospital

Queensland’s first satellite hospital in Caboolture, touted as an innovative solution to alleviate pressure on main hospital facilities, is facing criticisms from patients due to excessively long wait times and staffing issues.

The satellite hospital, located in close proximity to the main Caboolture Hospital, opened in late July 2023 with the promise of providing timely medical care for minor injuries and illnesses. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about its effectiveness.

On a recent Monday, 21 Aug 2023, frustrated patients like Brooke and Kendra Young experienced an unexpectedly prolonged wait at the satellite hospital. Kendra, who suffers from a condition that can cause her throat to close when she’s sick, waited for nearly four hours alongside only 12 other patients to receive medical attention for a viral infection. Much to their disappointment, only one doctor was on duty at the facility during their visit.

“We arrived at 10.30 and in total 12 others walked through the doors,” Ms Young said. “We weren’t seen for four hours. It was absolutely ridiculous. There would be no way I would come here again, I just don’t understand it.”

Despite its intended purpose, the level of care and resources available at the facility were reportedly lacking. However, some patients have had relatively efficient experiences

The opposition has also been critical of the satellite hospital program, arguing that the lack of overnight beds disqualifies these facilities from being labeled as hospitals. Additionally, budget overruns have raised concerns about the program’s financial sustainability.

Despite the challenges faced by the Caboolture satellite hospital, Queensland’s Health Minister Shannon Fentiman remains committed to the concept. A third satellite hospital was recently opened in Redlands, with plans to cater to up to 1000 patients a week once fully operational.

Minister Fentiman emphasized the need to provide quality healthcare to all Queenslanders, regardless of their location, while acknowledging the pressures on the healthcare system.

Published 24-Aug-2023

Local Boxer Ben Hussain Beats Koen Mazoudier in Thrilling ‘Fight of the Year’ Contest

Caboolture boxing hero “The Hype Beast” Ben Hussain emerged victorious last night in an instant classic that is already being hailed as the Aussie Fight of the Year. Facing Blacktown’s Koen Mazoudier in the super welterweight division, Hussain took a majority decision victory in a thrilling ten-round war.

Read: Toorbul Proposes Renaming Park After Late Community Member John Van Peype

All-out war from start to finish

Ben Hussain — Photo Credit: Instagram/The Hype Beast

There was no shortage of animosity between Hussain and Mazoudier in the build-up to the fight. The two exchanged heated words and almost agreed to a controversial $30,000 ‘winner takes all’ bet at a pre-fight press conference.

When the opening bell rang, it was clear that neither fighter was willing to take a step back. Hussain and Mazoudier traded heavy shots from the outset and fought at an incredible pace through all ten rounds. Commentators and fans alike were amazed by the relentless action.

“We’re seeing an all-out war,” said broadcaster Ben Damon. Fellow commentator Barry Michael called it “one of the best fights I’ve seen in a long, long time”.

Ben Hussain shows trademark toughness

In the hard-fought victory, the 188cm tall Hussain showed the toughness and will that has defined his professional boxing career. Back in 2020, he suffered a horrific broken jaw during a fight, but remarkably completed six rounds before the doctor stopped the fight.

“We thought it might have been a cut tongue or laceration inside the mouth. But it is a broken jaw and with that being said, Benjamin Hussain has shown he’s otherworldly tough,” commented Damon back then.

Local hero ekes out a win

When the final bell rang last night, most scorecards were too close to call. In the end, the judges awarded Hussain a majority decision victory (95-95, 96-94, 96-94). It was the first win of his career that was not by knockout or unanimous decision.

His record now stands at an impressive 10-2-0 with 6 KOs.

Read: ‘Bay Cats’ Could Ease Bruce Highway Congestion and Boost Tourism in Moreton Bay

After the fight, Hussain showed his opponent respect for the hard-fought contest. In a gracious moment, the two exhausted fighters embraced in a show of mutual admiration.

Published 24 August 2023
Featured Image Photo Credit: Instagram/No Limit Boxing

“Headsplitter” Issac Hardman Batters Foe Over Six Rounds, Ends With TKO

Caboolture-born Issac “Headsplitter” Hardman fought his way back into title contention with a dominant performance in Sydney, stopping Japan’s Kazuki Kyohara in the sixth round.

After two defeats in his last three fights, the 27-year-old Hardman added another win to his now 14-2-0 record. Twelve of his 14 victories came via knockout.

Read: Caboolture Satellite Hospital Opens & Welcomes First Patients

Issac Hardman Defeats Kazuki Kyohara

A big right hand from Hardman in the opening round set the tone for the fight. It looked like an early night for Hardman but Kyohara refused to go down.

After stinging Kyohara in the opening round, Hardman dominated the action. He continued to land right uppercuts, leaving the Japanese fighter a bloody mess by the fourth round. Despite the punishment, Kyohara was never knocked down, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight in the sixth round.

Hardman praised his opponent’s resilience. “This is a man. He’s tough as nails.

Read: New Regional City to Rise in Caboolture West

The Headsplitter Back on Top

The win ends a difficult run for Hardman, who lost an Australian title fight to Michael Zerafa last year and a split decision defeat to Rohan Murdoch in March.

Hardman will now look to build on this win and earn another shot at the big time. His devastating performance put the division on notice: the Headsplitter is back.

Published 12 August 2023

Featured Image Photo Credit: Facebook/Issac ‘Headsplitter’ Hardman

Caboolture Satellite Hospital Opens & Welcomes First Patients

The Caboolture Satellite Hospital, the first satellite hospital in Australia, has finally opened, marking a significant milestone for the Australian healthcare system.

Providing urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries, the Caboolture Satellite Hospital will help reduce the strain on overcrowded emergency departments in the area.

The Minor Illness and Injury Clinic, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, is fully equipped to treat simple fractures, sprains, strains, head injuries without loss of consciousness, and other urgent conditions. The clinic also boasts state-of-the-art medical imaging capabilities for accurate diagnoses.

Beyond the Minor Illness and Injury Clinic, the facility offers a range of outpatient and community health services to cater to the diverse healthcare needs of the growing community. These services include oral and mental health clinics for both adults and children, a sleep studies unit, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hub providing maternal and infant health care, perinatal wellbeing, diabetes education, child health nurse, and allied health services.

Caboolture Satellite Hospital — Photo Credit: SteveMilesMP/Facebook

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, alongside local officials and community members, participated in the grand opening ceremony held on 3 Aug 2023, expressing excitement about the facility’s potential to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region.

“Our government has led the way in creating a place for Queenslanders to access the health care they need, closer to home, which will help to reduce pressure on our busy emergency departments,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Rapidly growing communities, like Caboolture, need free healthcare services that keep pace with their needs and through the Satellite Hospitals Program, we are demonstrating again that we are listening and delivering on services that matter to Queenslanders.

Disruption at Queensland Health

While the opening of the Caboolture Satellite Hospital brought hope and excitement to the community, recent events within Queensland Health have raised concerns about the stability of the state’s healthcare leadership. Chief Operating Officer (COO) David Rosengren’s sudden departure from his position after less than two years added to the list of recent high-profile resignations within the department.

The resignation of COO Rosengren came as a surprise to many, leaving the health department without a crucial leadership position. The timing of his departure could not have been worse, as Health Minister Shannon Fentiman faced her first major estimates hearings with an acting director-general who had only assumed the role a week prior.

This upheaval in the health bureaucracy has prompted questions about the continuity of ongoing health reforms, including the establishment of a central hotline for health workers to report patient safety concerns. The hotline was a promise made by former Health Minister Yvette D’Ath in response to a damning report on patient care at the Mackay Base Hospital’s maternity department.

As the state government continues to promote its Satellite Hospital program as a key achievement, the disruption at Queensland Health serves as a reminder that effective healthcare delivery requires a stable and competent leadership team. With the 2024 elections looming, the government’s ability to address these concerns and provide consistent healthcare services will be closely scrutinized by the public.

Published 4-Aug-2023