Caboolture Archives - Page 7 of 12

Special School in Caboolture Faces Urgent Relocation Challenge

Horizons College, a specialised school for students with learning difficulties and education challenges in Caboolture is urgently seeking a new location as its current site nears demolition and has reached maximum capacity.

The independent special assistance school in the Moreton Bay region caters to 220 students who face learning challenges or have experienced severe bullying. The school provides all necessary supplies, including stationery, textbooks, and food, with no mandatory uniform policy. Parents only pay a $30 weekly resource levy, as the school receives significant funding.

Pressing Need for New Premises

Principal Jane Robinson explained that their current facility, an old butter factory built in 1987, no longer meets their growing needs. With every classroom in use throughout the day, the school has no room for expansion.

The building’s lease expires at the end of 2026, after which the owner plans to demolish it due to persistent roof leaks during rainfall.

Community Support Sought

Horizons College is appealing to the community, local council, and state government for assistance finding a new home. The school is prepared to purchase land and construct a new building if necessary. However, their recent attempt to secure a 10-acre block near their current location could have been more successful due to constraints related to flood-prone areas. A City of Moreton Bay spokeswoman stated that the council’s planning scheme aims to limit development to areas not impacted by floodwaters.

The Department of Education clarified that it does not have jurisdiction over non-state schools’ day-to-day operations. Still, it noted that the Queensland Government is providing $137.8 million in capital assistance for non-state schools in 2024-25.

Independent Schools Australia, the governing body for Horizons College, pledged to continue working with the Federal Government to support schools like Horizons. Chief executive Graham Catt highlighted the growing demand for special assistance schools and their reliance on funding to maintain their important work in the community.

Published 30-July-2024

Lockdown After Student Climbed Caboolture State School Building

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Caboolture State School was forced into a lockdown lasting over an hour after a student climbed onto the roof of the administration building.

The incident began around 2:30 PM, prompting school officials to initiate a precautionary lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Queensland Department of Education confirmed the event, describing it as a “behaviour incident.”

A spokesperson for the Department stated, “The school went into a brief precautionary lockdown yesterday during a behaviour incident in which a student climbed onto the roof of the administration building.” The lockdown was lifted after approximately one hour.

In response to the incident, the school has made counselling and support services available to all students and staff who may require assistance. The Department emphasised their commitment to student privacy and declined to provide further details about the individual involved.

This event highlights ongoing concerns about behaviour management in Queensland schools. A recent School Opinion Survey, released by the Department of Education in January 2024, revealed that 78.4% of Caboolture State School staff agreed that student behaviour was well-managed at their school.

However, the broader 2023 survey results painted a more concerning picture across the state, with over a third of Queensland schoolchildren and more than a quarter of staff believing their schools did not manage behaviour effectively.

The Caboolture State School administration reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe learning environment, stating, “The school continues to work diligently to promote safe and respectful interactions between students and a safe learning environment for everyone in the school community.”

Published 25-July-2024

Caboolture Family Still Searching for Answers 12 Years After Disappearance

A quest for closure continues for a family in Caboolture as they call for a full coronial inquest into the mysterious disappearance of Sandrine Jourdan. The family has launched a change.org petition, pressing for a deeper investigation into her case’s events.

Sandrine Jourdan in Caboolture — *Photo Credit:* *Missing Sandrine Jourdan Facebook Group*

Nakita Bull, who was only 12 when her mother vanished, has been a driving force behind the renewed push for answers. The Queensland coroner’s office has reopened the case, evaluating whether new evidence warrants a full inquest. This decision has rekindled hope for the family, who urge anyone with information, however minor it may seem, to come forward.

The case has gained renewed attention thanks to a podcast by Redcliffe’s Graeme Crowley, a retired police detective, and an “Under Investigation” episode with Liz Hayes aired earlier this year. These platforms have played a crucial role in encouraging individuals to share information, adding new leads to the investigation.

Sandrine Jourdan was last seen on July 13, 2012, at a property owned by a friend on Tomlinson Rd, Caboolture. Twelve years later, her family remains steadfast in their search for truth. Nakita and her older siblings, Sam and Jessie, and other family members continue to seek closure.

Missing: Sandrine Jourdan in Caboolture — *Photo Credit:* *Missing Sandrine Jourdan Facebook Group*

A 2016 coroner’s report delivered an open finding suggesting Sandrine’s disappearance was likely a suicide. Her family, however, strongly disputes this conclusion. Despite Sandrine’s mental health struggles, Nakita insists her mother was planning for the future and would not have willingly left her family behind.

The Jourdan family’s resolve is evident as the anniversary of Sandrine’s disappearance approaches. They implore the public to come forward with any details that might shed light on what happened. Nakita’s belief in the power of community support is unwavering, and the family remains hopeful that new information will surface.

article on Sandrine Jourdan — *Photo Credit:* *Missing Sandrine Jourdan Facebook Group*

Nakita describes her mother as a free spirit; Nakita recalls Sandrine’s friendly nature and deep dedication to her children. Despite her struggles, Sandrine was organised, keeping detailed journal entries until her disappearance. Nakita emphasises that mental health issues do not define a person entirely, and it is inconceivable to her family that Sandrine would have taken her own life.

Sandrine Jourdan’s family’s journey for answers continues as they strive to uncover the truth and the closure they desperately seek.

Published Date 18-July-2024

Caboolture Sports Club Unveils New Cricket Nets

The Caboolture Sports Club has officially opened its new cricket nets at the Grant Road Sports Complex, marking a significant improvement in local cricket facilities. This development is expected to enhance participation opportunities for the community.

The project, which replaced the old 3-lane outdoor nets with new 5-lane outdoor nets, was made possible through a $250,000 grant from Round 1 of the Queensland’s Minor Infrastructure Program (MIP). The funding aimed to improve the quality and safety of cricket facilities at the club.

The MIP, administered by the Department of Tourism and Sport, is designed to support Queensland’s active industry in delivering new, upgraded, and end-of-life infrastructure projects. In its first round, the program distributed a total of $16.36 million across 91 shovel-ready projects throughout the state.

Building on the success of Round 1, Queensland combined Round 2 of the MIP with the $30 million Inclusive Facilities Fund, resulting in a substantial $45 million investment in community sport and active recreation infrastructure projects.

This initiative aligns with the 10-year Activate! Queensland strategy, which aims to encourage more Queenslanders to engage in physical activity more frequently.

The completion of this project at the Caboolture Sports Club represents a positive step towards achieving the strategy’s goals, providing improved facilities that may inspire increased cricket participation in the local community.

Published 12-July-2024

Caboolture Among Moreton Bay Parks Receiving Life-Saving Defibrillators

Wallace Street Park in Caboolture is one of nine locations across the Moreton Bay region to receive a potentially life-saving Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) as part of a successful pilot programme.

The initiative, a collaboration between the City of Moreton Bay, Urban Play, and Stryker, aims to enhance community safety by providing readily accessible AEDs in public spaces.

Mayor Peter Flannery emphasised the significance of the programme, stating that the devices could significantly improve survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a condition affecting roughly 90 Australians daily, with 95% not reaching a hospital alive.

The 12-week pilot, which concluded successfully, saw AEDs strategically placed in various parks and outdoor areas, including Wallace Street Park, based on demographic factors such as age, health considerations, and proximity to hospitals. Thanks to the partnership with Urban Play and Stryker, the devices were installed at no cost to ratepayers and will remain accessible at the selected sites.

Mayor Flannery underscored the user-friendly nature of the defibrillators, highlighting their ease of use and safety, even for those with minimal training. Clear instructions, along with visual and voice prompts, guide users through the resuscitation process until professional help arrives.

Given the positive outcome of the pilot, the City of Moreton Bay is now exploring the possibility of extending the programme to new major park upgrades and existing district and regional parks with high visitor numbers.

This move aligns with Urban Play’s mission to create spaces that promote healthier and more active lifestyles and solidifies Stryker’s commitment to advancing medical technology for the betterment of public health.

Published Date 08-July-2024

Moreton Police District Honours Officers for Exceptional Service and Bravery

The Moreton Police District held its annual Medal Presentation today at Sports Central in Caboolture, recognising outstanding bravery and long-term exceptional service of several officers.

The ceremony, attended by the Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan, showcased the dedication and bravery of Queensland’s law enforcement personnel.

Two officers, Senior Constable Amy Dallimore and Senior Constable Randall Jurd, were awarded the prestigious Queensland Police Valour Medal for their exceptional bravery during a dangerous incident in 2019. The officers responded to a stabbing call at Endeavour Caravan Park in Deception Bay on March 18, 2019, where they encountered an armed offender. Despite the high-risk situation, which resulted in Senior Constable Jurd sustaining a knife wound, the officers’ courageous actions protected the community and residents of the caravan park.

Senior Constable Jurd expressed his pride in receiving the award, stating, “You don’t join the police service for recognition, but to protect your community and I am proud that our efforts were able to do so that day and every day.”

Detective Inspector Phil Hurst was honoured with the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal for his outstanding work as the Officer in Charge of the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU). His unwavering commitment to child protection and professionalism were noted as exceeding expectations.

The ceremony also recognised long-term service, with three officers receiving clasps for 30 years or more of service to the Queensland Police Service. Two 35-year clasps and one 30-year clasp were presented, along with second National Medals.

Additional recognitions included the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate, Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate Detective Certificate and Badge, and the District Officer’s Certificate.

Minister Mark Ryan congratulated the recipients, saying, “We have heard some remarkable stories of bravery, ingenuity, and dedication today, where officers have put themselves and their safety second to the community serve.

“Every one of you should be incredibly proud of the role you have and will continue to play in your community.”

Published 19-June-2024

Caboolture Students Embrace Water Conservation Through Interactive Theatre

Caboolture East State School students learned the importance of water conservation through a lively theatre performance by Walter Smart and Friends.

On Friday, the 14th of June, the halls of Caboolture East State School were filled with excitement as the Walter Smart and Friends troupe took to the stage.

This unique educational experience, part of Unitywater’s ongoing Education Program, was designed to teach students the vital role of water efficiency in a fun and memorable way. The program is aligned with the Australian curriculum, ensuring the lessons are educational and applicable.

A Collaborative Effort for Water Awareness

The performance resulted from a collaboration between Unitywater, The Water Conservancy, and Gibber Education. Joshua Zugajev, Unitywater’s Executive Manager of Strategic Engagement, highlighted the investment in the program as a key strategy to engage young minds.

“We’ve chosen to bring ‘Walter Smart and Friends’ to our students because it introduces them to the value of water in our community and our environment in an enjoyable and effective manner,” he explained.

Expanding Reach Across Communities

Over three weeks, the program will visit 27 schools across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa regions, reaching a wide audience of primary school students. The initiative not only educates but also inspires students to become ambassadors of water conservation in their own homes.

Chris Philpot, CEO of The Water Conservancy, stated that the Walter Smart and Friends initiative began as a social media campaign to inspire young Australians to adopt water-efficient behaviours.

“Our objective with this program is to make all Australians conscious of their relationship with water, helping them to understand, value, and use it efficiently,” Mr Philpot noted.

Vicky Blackburn, Director of Gibber Education, mentioned the effectiveness of drama-based training to foster positive changes in attitude and behaviour towards water usage.

“Our performers are thrilled to deliver this bespoke production for Unitywater and engage with enthusiastic, water-wise students,” Ms Blackburn said.

The program’s innovative approach to environmental education is expected to have a lasting impact on the students and their families, potentially leading to more sustainable water practices at home. As Unitywater continues to support the region’s growth, such educational initiatives are essential in promoting long-term sustainability and community well-being.

Published 19-June-2024

Murder Charge After Man’s Body Found in Quarry

Two men have been charged with murder in the Caboolture area after the body of 25-year-old Malahki Gray, also known as Jai, was found at an abandoned quarry near Mt Ngungun on Tuesday.

Police allege Gray was lured to a property in the Glass House Mountains on May 28th and stabbed to death in a “brutal and callous” attack.

Gray, an Aboriginal man from Morayfield, was reported missing by family and friends on June 4th after he had not accessed his online banking or social media for over a week. A homicide investigation was launched on Monday after detectives deemed he had likely “met with foul play.”

“The victim’s carers and family provided information that turned out to be pivotal to the investigation,” said Detective Inspector David Harbison. “Police understand the motive may have stemmed from a dispute between parties likely over a small debt.”

After receiving a tip, police searched the quarry area and found Gray’s body on Tuesday. A 19-year-old man and 22-year-old man were subsequently arrested in the Caboolture area and charged with murder and misconduct with a corpse by interfering.

**Malahki Gray, also known as Jai**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Tonia Dana

Speaking on behalf of Gray’s family, Regina Jones said, “Jai has always been a very vulnerable person and is always generous and loving. Our family is so saddened by this tragic event.” Both men charged are set to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court today.

Gray’s alleged murder has shaken the local Aboriginal community. Readers are advised the 13YARN crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is available 24/7.

Published 12-June-2024

Mother and Baby Die in Horrible Caboolture River Road Car Crash

A three-month-old baby boy has succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash on Caboolture River Road that claimed the life of his mother, Amy Maher, two days earlier.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, at approximately 2:30 PM, emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle collision with a tree. The 33-year-old mother was pronounced dead at the scene. Her infant son, despite being in an approved baby seat, was critically injured after being ejected from the vehicle.

The baby was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital, where medical staff fought to save his life. Tragically, he passed away on Sunday afternoon, June 9, 2024.

Sergeant Greg Price of the Burpengary Forensic Crash Unit provided initial details about the incident on Saturday. “At this stage, investigations indicate the vehicle was travelling eastbound on Caboolture River Road near Tinney Road when it left the road, colliding with several large trees,” he stated. The vehicle reportedly suffered extensive damage in the crash.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

The police noted that most of the initial callers reporting the incident came upon the crash site after it had occurred and were not eyewitnesses to the event itself.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 10-June-2024

Caboolture Farewells Iconic Beecham Holden Signs After 37 Years

Did you know that the iconic, red Holden logo was inspired by a prehistoric fable of lions rolling stones that led to the invention of the wheel? Beecham Holden is preparing to remove the Holden signs that have graced Caboolture for 37 years, to make way for new Beecham Suzuki and Caboolture Nissan signages, marking the end of an era for “the lion and the stone.”

To commemorate this significant change, Beecham Holden is hosting a celebratory event on Saturday, the 8th of June, inviting Holden enthusiasts to join them in celebrating all things Holden.

Community Involvement

The Morayfield & District Lions Club will be hosting a sausage sizzle in the morning, with prices similar to Bunnings Sausage Sizzles: $2.50 for a sausage and $2.50 for a can of drink. After the signage is removed, a silent auction will be held, with proceeds going to the local charity Foodbank Queensland.

Attendees will be able to take their last photos with the iconic signage before it is removed in the following weeks. Holden car clubs are expected to attend, and individuals with Holden vehicles are encouraged to RSVP by contacting dp@beechammotors.com.au or calling 07 5495 1477 and asking for Lockie.

Business as Usual

Despite the signage changes, Beecham Holden assures customers that they will continue to offer certified Holden Servicing and genuine Holden Parts. The dealership remains a one-stop shop for Holden owners, with factory-trained technicians ready to serve their needs. The Holden pylon will be replaced by a new Beecham Suzuki pylon. In contrast, Caboolture Nissan and Beecham Suzuki will replace the Holden fascia as part of a general dealership facility upgrade.

Depending on contractor timings, the signs will not be removed on the day of the event but will be taken down in the following weeks. This event serves as a final celebration for Holden owners to gather, take pictures, and enjoy the day with like-minded enthusiasts. Individual photo opportunities with vehicles can be arranged by contacting the dealership for those unable to attend the event.

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: 29 Bribie Island Rd, Caboolture
(corner of Aerodrome Road)
Cost: Free

Published 6-June-2024