Caboolture Archives - Page 11 of 17

Caboolture Set to Make its Mark on the Cornhole Map with Major Tournament

Caboolture is preparing to become the epicentre of cornhole action, welcoming the first-ever Caboolture Cornhole 5000 tournament.

This major event, scheduled for 19 and 20 October at the Big Fish Tavern, is expected to draw in dozens of skilled players across Australia, all vying for a share of the impressive $5,000 prize pool.

The Cornhole Craze Sweeps The Nation

*Photo Credit:* *The Big Fish Tavern/ Facebook*

The game of cornhole, which involves tossing beanbags onto a sloped board with a hole, has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity globally, and Australia is no exception. Dean Drumm, the organiser, attributes this rising trend to increased exposure through televised American games and online platforms. He also highlights the game’s inclusive nature.

Caboolture’s Cornhole Community

growing cornhole community in the region. Drumm plans to make this an annual fixture and emphasises the event’s accessibility, inviting everyone to participate or enjoy the action as spectators. Drumm plans to live-stream the tournament on Facebook and YouTube for those who cannot attend in person.

How to Play and Get Involved

For those unfamiliar with the game, cornhole is straightforward to grasp. Teams of one or two players take turns throwing beanbags, aiming to land them in the hole or on the board for points. The first team to reach 21 points emerges victorious.

The Big Fish Tavern hosts weekly gatherings for aspiring players every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Two leagues in the Moreton Bay area are also available for those interested in forming a team and competing regularly.

Beyond the Game

While the tournament promises fierce competition and thrilling moments, it also underscores the camaraderie and social aspect that cornhole fosters. More than just a sporting event, the Caboolture Cornhole 5000 aims to celebrate a game that unites people and showcases the vibrant community spirit of Caboolture.

Published Date 25-September-2024

Photo Credit: Caboolture Cornhole League/ Facebook

Caboolture Leads the Way in Keeping Senior Drivers Safe

Caboolture is taking the initiative to enhance road safety for its senior residents with a series of informative forums scheduled in time for Queensland Seniors Month.

*Photo Credit:* *Transport and Main Roads Queensland/ Facebook*

The Moreton Bay region will host three road safety forums, including one in Caboolture, to ensure the well-being of elderly drivers.

Senior Constable Ricky Blanckensee from Moreton Police highlighted that the forums are strategically timed to align with Queensland Seniors Month. He encouraged local seniors to attend the Seniors Road Safety Forums, featuring guest speakers, exhibitors, and complimentary morning tea.

These forums represent a collaborative effort between regional services, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Queensland Police Service, and senior residents across the Moreton District.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive programme covering various topics, including a road rule refresher, guidance on handling traffic crashes, safer living information, and an overview of available support services.

The Caboolture Sports Club, located at 19-27 Station Road, Morayfield, will host the first event on Thursday, 3 October, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Morning tea and refreshments will be provided.

This initiative underscores the community’s commitment to promoting road safety and ensuring senior drivers remain confident and informed on the roads.

Published Date 23-September-2024

Photo Credit: MPChrisWhiting/ Facebook

Caboolture Set for New $17.5-Million PCYC Facility

Construction is set to begin on a new $17.5 million Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) facility in Caboolture. The project, awarded to FKG Group, marks a major upgrade from the existing club built in the early 1980s.

Located adjacent to the new police station on King St, the facility is scheduled to open in mid-2025. It will feature a dedicated youth space, multipurpose sport and recreation areas, a gymnastics facility, 24/7 gym, and an outdoor basketball court.

PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz emphasised the importance of the new club for Caboolture.

“This club will be the real heart of the community — accessible to all, welcoming everyone in and addressing a range of community needs,” Schultz stated. He highlighted that the facility will continue to host vital youth programs such as Braking the Cycle, After Dark, and Drop In programs.

Local impact is expected to be significant, with the current PCYC boasting around 1,000 members.

Police Minister and Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s great that our local community will have a brand new PCYC facility, but it’s even better that the new facility will help support the delivery of PCYC’s grassroots, community focused programs.”

The new PCYC is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring solar panels and batteries to achieve a five-star green rating. It will also be fully insulated for heating, cooling, and sound, setting a new standard for community facilities in the region.

The project has garnered support from all levels of government. The Federal Government has contributed $10 million, with an additional $5 million from the State Government and $2.5 million from the City of Moreton Bay.

Published 17-September-2024

Condamine Street Shaken by Suspicious Caravan Explosion

In the early hours of September 9, 2024, residents of Condamine Street in Caboolture were jolted awake by a caravan explosion in the driveway of a local home.

CCTV footage captured the terrifying moment when the caravan ignited, sending flames dangerously close to neighbouring properties. The blast was so powerful that residents in nearby Morayfield reported hearing the explosion.

Local fire crews responded swiftly to the scene, arriving at the Condamine Street address shortly after 2 am. However, the incident had begun to unfold even earlier. Police were already en route to the location following reports of a disturbance.

While the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, authorities suspect that gas bottles inside the caravan may have been the cause of the powerful blast.

The burnt-out shell of the caravan remains in the driveway. The property owner returned to the scene later in the morning to find his home cordoned off as a crime scene.

As of now, no charges have been laid in connection with the explosion.

Published 9-September-2024

Caboolture Riders Unite for Cancer Research in Eighth Annual Ride for Red

Caboolture is preparing to rev its engines to support the eighth annual Ride for Red, a charity motorcycle ride.

On Saturday, 5 October 2024, the event will begin with a briefing at 8:30 a.m. at the BP Caboolture Northbound truck stop car park and aim to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The Ride for Red is a well-established tradition in the area, known for drawing significant community support. This year’s ride is organised with Cancer Council Queensland, with all proceeds going to cancer research. Since its inception in 2016, the Gronks Social Riders Club, which founded the event, has raised nearly $60,000 for this vital cause.

Participants are encouraged to wear red, a symbol of solidarity against domestic violence. The ride will include several stops, offering opportunities for community engagement, raffles, and learning more about domestic violence prevention and support services.

First Stop: Kilcoy Yowie Park at 10:00 AM for a raffle.

Second Stop: Dag Hotel, D’Aguilar at noon for lunch and another raffle.

Final Stop: Bribie Hotel for dinner, raffles, and auctions. Participants are invited to stay overnight.

At the last stop, BBW Boat Hire Bribie Island and Bribie Hotel will donate prizes for a sizable raffle.

For further details about the event or to register, contact Blakey at 0407 570 651. The Ride for Red promises a day of community, compassion, and crucial fundraising for cancer research.

Published Date 21-August-2024

Photo Credit: Ride for Red Annual Charity Motorbike Ride/ Facebook

Bellmere Strawberry Farm Loses Millions After Heavy Queensland Rains

Heavy rain in South East Queensland has wreaked havoc on strawberry farms, with millions of dollars worth of fruit lost. Bellmere’s Taste ‘n’ See Strawberries, a family-run farm near Caboolture, has taken a brutal hit.

Grim images shared by the farm reveal the scale of the devastation, with four semi-trailer loads and two skip bins full of waterlogged strawberries—the equivalent of 216,000 punnets—sent to other farmers for livestock feed.

This catastrophe is crucial for growers, who typically recoup the costs of establishing their production systems for the winter-spring season. Co-owner Laura Wells estimates the damage equates to a million dollars in lost revenue, as the strawberries were destined for Coles supermarkets. Despite the financial blow, Ms Wells remains optimistic, focusing on her farm’s future and resilience.

*Photo Credit:* *Taste N See/ Instagram*

Two blocks of land have been abandoned for the remainder of the season, a testament to the severity of the damage. Ms Wells acknowledges that few households could withstand such a loss but emphasises that their business has always planned for the long term, working on a seven-year average. Selling second-grade fruit was not a viable option due to the sheer scale of the damage and the additional costs involved in sorting and grading.

The impact of the unseasonal rain extends beyond Taste ‘n’ See. The coming weeks will reveal the extent of plant diseases and flower damage across south-east Queensland, where the bulk of Australia’s winter strawberries are produced.

Queensland Strawberry Growers’ president Adrian Schultz, says it’s too early to determine the full extent of the losses or the effect on retail prices. While an influx of second-grade fruit could drive prices down, the scarcity of high-quality strawberries could lead to price increases.

In the meantime, produce shops and pick-your-own farms are selling second-grade fruit for jams and smoothies. Gary Norris, ‘The Mango Man’ in Noosaville, selling seconds for a small farm, laments the financial toll on farmers, highlighting the disconnect between consumers who complain about produce prices and the harsh realities of farming.

The rain’s impact isn’t limited to strawberries. Raspberries, blueberries, and lettuce grown in the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions have also been affected. Businesses like Rural Earthworms work with packing sheds to utilise the waste generated.

Back at Taste ‘n’ See, Laura Wells finds a silver lining amidst the devastation, expressing gratitude for full dams and the prospect of lush grass. Her focus remains on the future and the farm’s recovery.

Published Date 18-August-2024

Photo Credit: Taste N See/ Instagram

Caboolture Locals to Stay Alert as Flood Watch Continues

Caboolture residents are waking up to ongoing flood warnings this morning, as heavy rainfall from yesterday continues to impact the region. As of 6:58 AM on August 15, 2024, several roads across the City of Moreton Bay remain closed due to flash flooding.

The Caboolture River catchment is under a Flood Watch Warning, with local authorities closely monitoring water levels. While the intense rain has eased to showers, meteorologists predict further easing throughout the day. However, residents are advised to remain vigilant due to saturated ground and the potential for renewed flooding.

Of particular concern to Caboolture locals is the closure of Old Gympie Road at Six Mile Creek in nearby Elimbah. This key route, crucial for many Caboolture residents commuting south, was reported flooded at 1:32 PM yesterday and remains closed this morning.

In the wider area, Old Cove Road in Woodford is flooded at Blackrock Creek, while the Goat Track in Highvale has been affected by a landslip due to flood damage. These closures may impact Caboolture residents travelling to these areas.

Moreton Bay City Council’s disaster dashboard is providing real-time updates on road closures. Caboolture residents are strongly encouraged to check this resource before travelling and to avoid any flooded areas.

Published 15-August-2024

Dine with Rugby Royalty: Caboolture Rugby Union Launches Fundraiser for Youth Development

On Saturday, 24 August, the Caboolture Rugby Union will host a star-studded luncheon, uniting rugby enthusiasts and community supporters for an inspiring afternoon of fundraising. Join them from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. as they rally behind their under-16 team’s transformative 2025 trip to New Zealand.

Read: New Officeworks and Storage Facility Proposed for Caboolture

Caboolture Rugby Union U16’s journey of a lifetime

The planned six-night excursion to New Zealand offers the young athletes a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in rugby culture, compete against local college teams, and gain invaluable exposure to professional training environments.

Beyond just competition, the trip includes a tour of the renowned Blues facility, where the team will witness firsthand the rigours of professional rugby training.

Star-studded fundraising luncheon

To turn this dream into reality, the Caboolture Rugby Union is hosting an exclusive fundraising luncheon on Saturday, August 24. This event features an impressive lineup of rugby luminaries: Wallabies legend George Smith, All Black Hosea Gear, and Caboolture Snakes’ very own Ryan Smith.

These rugby icons will share insights from their illustrious careers and offer attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the sport’s elite.

For $105pp, guests will enjoy not only the company of rugby royalty but also a comprehensive experience including a drinks package, delectable canapes, and the chance to participate in a silent auction. Lucky attendees might even walk away with a door prize, adding another layer of excitement to the afternoon.

Read: Golden Girl Kaylee McKeown Makes Olympic History with Fourth Individual Gold

This initiative is not just about supporting the team; it’s about investing in the future of rugby in the region. Secure your tickets here.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Caboolture Rugby Union Club/Facebook

Published 14-August-2024

Golden Girl Kaylee McKeown Makes Olympic History with Fourth Individual Gold

Caboolture-educated Kaylee McKeown cements her place in Olympic history as she becomes the first Australian swimmer to win four individual gold medals. At the Paris Olympics, McKeown successfully defended her 200m backstroke title, adding to her earlier victory in the 100m backstroke.

Read: Kaylee McKeown Gets Gold in 100m Backstroke in Paris

Kaylee McKeown, Australian swimming legend

McKeown’s latest triumph elevates her above other Australian Olympic greats. With four individual golds, she surpasses the likes of Ian Thorpe, Dawn Fraser, and Betty Cuthbert, who each hold three. This feat places McKeown in a league of her own among Australian Olympians.

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A post shared by Speedo Australia & New Zealand (@speedoausnz)

The 23-year-old Queenslander’s victory in the 200m backstroke comes in an Olympic record time of 2:03.73. McKeown’s win matches Hungarian legend Krisztina Egerszegi’s record of four Olympic backstroke gold medals, solidifying her status as one of the greatest backstrokers in history.

McKeown’s historic swim caps off a successful night for Australia in the pool. Veteran Cameron McEvoy, 30, claims gold in the men’s 50m freestyle with a time of 21.25, marking Australia’s first-ever medal in this event at the Olympics.

Despite her exhaustion, McKeown qualified for the 200m individual medley final just minutes after her golden performance. With potential medals in two medley relays and the individual medley event still to come, McKeown’s record-breaking run may not be over yet.

Read: Olympic Preview: Ella Connolly, Calab Law Sprint for Glory

Australia now leads the swimming medal table with seven golds, five silvers, and one bronze, with two nights of competition remaining.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Kaylee McKeown OAM/Instagram

Published 03-August-2024

Olympic Preview: Ella Connolly, Calab Law Sprint for Glory

Keep your eyes peeled for two local sprinters—Burpengary’s Ella Connolly and Caboolture’s Calab Law—as the athletics portion of the Paris Olympics gets underway and they aim to stake their claim among the world’s fastest.

Ella Connolly in the women’s 100m and 4x100m relay

The 100m dash holds a special place in the world of athletics. As the shortest common outdoor running distance, it is perhaps the most popular and prestigious event in track and field. The winner of this event at the Olympics or World Championships often earns the unofficial title of “the fastest person in the world.”

Read: Ella Connolly: Sprinting Sensation from Burpengary Heading to Paris Olympics

The 5’9” trackstar faces a tight schedule in her quest for Olympic glory:
Preliminary Round: 2 August, 6:35 p.m.
Round 1: 2 August , 7:50 p.m.
Semifinals: 3 August, 3:50 a.m.
Finals: 3 August, 5:20 a.m.

This compressed timeline will test not only Connolly’s speed but also her endurance and recovery abilities. She enters the event facing stiff competition that includes the current women’s world champion, USA’s Sha’Carri Richardson.

Almost a week after her individual event, the 24-year-old will join her teammates for the 4x100m relay:
Round 1: 8 August, 7:10 p.m.
Finals: 10 August, 3:30 a.m.

Calab Law in the men’s 200m

The 200m dash is a challenging event that attracts world class runners from various disciplines, particularly those who compete in the 100m. It requires a combination of explosive speed and sustained power, making it a true test of an athlete’s capabilities.

Read: Calab Law from Caboolture: Sprinting Towards History, Cathy Freeman as Inspiration

Calab Law’s path to potential Olympic glory follows this timeline:
Preliminary Round: 6 August, 3:55 a.m.
Repechages: 6 August, 6:30 p.m.
Semifinals: 8 August, 5:02 a.m.
Finals: 9 August , 4:30 a.m.

This schedule allows for more recovery time between rounds compared to the 100m event, but demands peak performance over multiple days.

Law enters a field of fierce competitors that include the reigning Olympic champion Andre De Grasse from Canada and current World Champion Noah Lyles of the USA. At just 20 years old and standing 6’1”, Law brings youth and promising talent to the competition.

As the Paris Olympics sprinting events approach, Ella Connolly and Calab Law prepare to represent a country itching for athletics glory on the Olympic stage.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Ella Connolly, Calab Law/Instagram

Published 01-August-2024