Looking for family-friendly things to do this weekend? Whether you’re diving into digital history, enjoying a library movie, or spending story time in the park, Moreton Bay has something relaxed and enriching for all ages.
Friday, 28 March
Unlocking the Past: Learning AI-Powered Family History – Redcliffe Venue: Redcliffe Library, 476 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe Discover how artificial intelligence is changing the way we explore family history in this free community session. Event Info
Monthly Movie – Redcliffe Library: Everybody’s Oma Venue: Redcliffe Library, 476 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe A heartfelt and family-focused documentary based on the viral journey of one Australian family’s connection with dementia. Event Info
Playtime Venue: Albany Creek Library, 16 Ferguson Street, Albany Creek Let the little ones explore, learn and connect with other kids in this interactive play session for families. Event Info
Sunday, 30 March
Park Tales – Central Lakes Park Meeting Point: Caboolture Library, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture Join library staff for a morning of stories, movement and outdoor fun at Central Lakes Park. Event Info
Whether you’re taking the kids to the park, heading to a library movie, or learning something new together, this weekend’s family-friendly events in Moreton Bay are a great way to slow down and connect. Simple, local, and totally free.
From coastal grooves to community sport and rooftop sessions, Moreton Bay and its surrounds are alive with weekend energy. Here’s what’s happening from Friday through Sunday across the region.
Friday, 28 March
Keggin – Cheap Shots EP Tour Venue: Tibe Clubhouse, 457 Oxley Ave, Redcliffe Punk vibes hit the peninsula as Keggin bring their latest EP to Redcliffe. Event Info
J-Funk Venue: Redcliffe Leagues Club, Cnr Klingner Rd & Ashmole Rd, Redcliffe Get into the groove with the smooth, soulful sounds of J-Funk for your Friday night. Event Info
Saturday, 29 March
Queensland Wheelchair Rugby League – City vs Country 2025 Venue: North Street, Caloundra One of the state’s most inclusive and exciting competitions returns. Event Info
Brockenchack Museum Release Wine Lunch Venue: The Tamarind, 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny A relaxed gourmet afternoon celebrating the Brockenchack Museum wine release. Event Info
WSW Legacy Venue: Eatons Hill Hotel – Grand Ballroom, Eatons Hill Pro wrestling returns to Eatons Hill with a stacked legacy card. Event Info
Sunny’s Rooftop Bar Does Ska Venue: Sunny’s Margate Beach, 1 McCulloch Ave, Margate Skank into the sunset with ska beats and beachside views at this rooftop session. Event Info
Sunday, 30 March
Music in the Park – Deception Bay Venue: Apex Park, Deception Bay A free, family-friendly day of music, food trucks, and community vibes by the bay. Event Info
Whether you’re dancing at a rooftop gig in Margate, soaking in the sounds of a seaside park, or catching a unique local event, Moreton Bay has something to keep your weekend buzzing. Explore what’s close to home and enjoy everything the region has to offer from Friday through Sunday.
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.
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.”
In the early hours of Thursday, June 13, 2024, a series of break-ins struck three businesses across Moreton Bay, prompting a police investigation into possible connections between the incidents.
The first reported break-in occurred shortly after midnight at a tobacco shop on Morayfield Road, Morayfield. According to police, two individuals allegedly forced entry into the premises and made off with an undisclosed quantity of cigarettes and cash. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a black sedan before authorities arrived.
Approximately 50 minutes later, at around 12:50 AM, police responded to another break-in at a service station along the D’Aguilar Highway in D’Aguilar. In this incident, three individuals allegedly entered the premises, stealing cash and technology items from the counter. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects leave in a black BMW sedan.
The third incident took place at 1:10 AM at a service station on King Street in Caboolture. Food and drinks were reportedly stolen from this location.
Given the proximity in time and location, as well as similarities in the modus operandi, police are investigating potential links between these three break-ins. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information, especially those who may have CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the surrounding areas between midnight and 1:30 AM on the night in question.
The string of break-ins has raised concerns among local business owners about security measures and the recent uptick in property crimes in the area.
As the investigation continues, police are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the local police department or Crime Stoppers.
A young mother of a one-year-old child was recently diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 brain cancer, prompting an outpouring of community support in Moreton Bay as she confronts this life-threatening challenge.
Brie Huhse, 28, and her family are grappling with a dire prognosis after a sudden and unexpected brain surgery revealed an apple-sized tumour, initially diagnosed as Stage 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma. This devastating situation worsened when the diagnosis escalated to Stage 4 Glioblastoma, drastically reducing her expected lifespan to just 12-18 months.
Brie begins an intensive treatment regimen, including daily chemotherapy and radiation five days a week in six-week cycles.
This news has rallied her family and the wider community to ensure she can focus on her family rather than financial burdens.
The Huhse family’s life has been turned upside down. Brie, her husband, Sean, and their one-year-old son, Mack, have moved back to Sean’s parental home in Caboolture for additional support.
Photo Credit: GoFundMe
Sean, a concrete pumper with unpredictable hours, now shoulders the full financial responsibility after Brie lost her job due to her condition. The family, known well throughout the Moreton region, faces not only the emotional and physical challenges of Brie’s illness but also the escalating medical and living expenses.
The local and online communities have come together to support the Huhse family through a GoFundMe campaign organised by Kasanndra Rotolone, Brie’s sister-in-law. The campaign aims to alleviate the financial pressures so the family can focus on making memories and managing Brie’s intensive treatment regimen.
Donations can be made through their GoFundMe page, and sharing their story within your networks can also make a significant difference. There is no fixed goal for the fundraising; the primary aim is to provide as much support as possible to allow Brie, Sean, and Mack to cherish their time together.
This $7-million project will bring significant improvements to the complex, including the creation of three brand new fields, enhanced field lighting, and the addition of more car parking spaces.
The project is being funded through a 50/50 partnership between the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities (IiOC) Program and the City of Moreton Bay, with each entity contributing $3.5 million.
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay
The Caboolture Sports Football Club has experienced a dramatic increase in membership since moving to the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The club’s registration numbers have more than doubled, growing from 525 players in 2018 to over 1,100 registered players across 90 teams in 2024. The club has also expanded its staff, now employing four full-time employees.
The expansion of the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex is a significant investment in the local community, providing enhanced sports facilities and opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the region, contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life for residents.
Earlier this month, a ceremony was held to mark the occasion, with Mayor Peter Flannery, Hon Kristy McBain MP (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories), Peter Dutton (General Manager – Football, Caboolture Sports FC) and Craig Thomas (CEO, Caboolture Sports Club Group) in attendance, along with Cr Mark Booth.
Cr Mark Booth expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Recognised as one of the premier Football facilities in QLD by FIFA, who selected the grounds to host the Brazilian Women’s team during their World Cup Campaign in 2023, the additional 3 fields will not only help elevate the club further but also provide much needed additional space for their growing membership base and helping kids stay healthy and active!”
This comes as the region expects to add 240 new residents per week over the next 25 years. As one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, Moreton Bay urgently requires upgraded roads, public transport, water facilities and other infrastructure to meet the needs of new residents.
Currently ranked the fifth fastest growing local government, the population influx is placing strain on existing infrastructure.
Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook
Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted that the pressure on Bruce Highway from this growth has spilled over, resulting in unbearable east-west delays across the region. He added that infrastructure west of Bruce Highway will be particularly important, as it will contain 70 percent of future development.
Mayor Peter Flannery (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook)
Affordable housing is also an issue, with rents consuming 38 percent of incomes for renters in northern Moreton Bay. Mayor Flannery suspects the region has been short-changed on infrastructure funding from the state government across the board.
The Moreton Bay Regional Council estimates approximately 92 new homes must be constructed weekly to house the anticipated population. This year, the council already approved a massive development in Waraba (formerly Caboolture West) that will eventually accommodate 70,000 residents.
First development in Waraba (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook)
Residents have also complained about rapidly declining mobility, with some trips now taking 15 minutes longer even outside of peak times. The lack of public transport is also resulting in increased traffic congestion, according to the council.
As Moreton Bay continues on its population growth trajectory, the council will continue appealing to the state government for a fair share of infrastructure investment. Upgrades to transport, utilities, and community facilities are urgently required to maintain livability and mobility for new and existing residents alike.
Caboolture Christmas Carols 2023 Event Details Photo Credit: Facebook / What’s on Morton Bay
As the sun sets, the park illuminates with twinkling festoon lights, guiding visitors through charming twilight markets. Local artisans showcase their crafts, offering a variety of unique gifts. Meanwhile, food trucks stand ready to cater to every culinary craving, ensuring no one goes hungry.
Santa’s Village beckons, a hub of excitement for children. Here, little ones eagerly await their moment with Santa, sharing their Christmas wishes and capturing cherished photos. The North Pole Express Letterbox awaits children’s letters, promising replies from Santa himself.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Christmas City of Moreton Bay
Sesame Lane presents Santa’s Workshop, a creative haven offering holiday-themed crafts and complimentary face painting, inviting children to unleash their creativity.
At 8 pm, a dazzling fireworks display presented by Ray White Wamuran lights up the sky, marking the grand finale of the evening.
Fireworks display from Caboolture Christmas Carols 2022 Photo Credit: Facebook / Christmas City of Moreton Bay
Residents are encouraged to join the Ausbuild Main Stage Program, where local artists and community groups will serenade attendees with beloved Christmas carols, inviting everyone to partake in the joyous melodies.
Parking is available onsite, but early arrival is advised as spaces are limited. Overflow parking at Caboolture Town Square multi-story carpark ensures access for all.
Supported by sponsors like Moreton Bay Regional Council, Ausbuild, Sesame Lane, and others, the Caboolture Christmas Carols at Centenary Lakes Park promises an unforgettable evening, fostering community spirit.
Caboolture residents, mark your calendars! This event, filled with music, laughter, and holiday warmth, aims to create lasting memories for families and friends, celebrating the true essence of Christmas in Moreton Bay.
An innovative, nature-themed playground will soon begin construction at the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary, with $1.5 million funding allocated for the project.
Situated on a sprawling 18-hectare greenspace along the Burpengary River, the playground is slated to commence construction in late 2023, with an anticipated completion of its first phase by early 2024.
The site’s objective is to offer children an active learning experience within the backdrop of Moreton Bay’s stunning natural environment. Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his enthusiasm for the upgrades, highlighting their potential to draw visitors from across the region and beyond.
“The new play space will attract visitors from across Moreton Bay and wider, improving our ever-growing tourism offering and bringing additional trade to local businesses,” Mayor Flannery emphasized.
Photo Credit: MBRC
The initial phase of the project will see the installation of custom play equipment that takes inspiration from the local natural surroundings. These imaginative nature-themed playground is intended to seamlessly blend with the existing landscape and offer children a unique and engaging play experience.
The development aims to create a signature park destination for the City of Moreton Bay, bolstering its reputation as a hub for outdoor recreation and environmental education.
CREEC, renowned for its nature walk trails, a community nursery, native beehives, “nocturnal room,” and café, serves as a key centre for environmental education and recreational activities for the community. This project aligns with Council’s commitment to fostering a deep connection between the residents and the natural assets of the Moreton Bay area.
Furthermore, the future phases of the initiative include comprehensive upgrades to the centre, the creation of a new picnic hub complete with seating, shelters, and tables, additional parking facilities, and enhanced accessibility for the existing trails.
Councilman Tony Latter, representing Division 12, underlined the project’s significance in preserving the region’s rich natural heritage while providing a space for families to enjoy.
“Not only is the CREEC a great place for an affordable family day out, it’s helping Moreton Bay residents and visitors to care for our natural assets through education and awareness,” he stated.
The ongoing works will have minimal impact on the access to existing CREEC facilities located at 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the site’s offerings throughout the construction period.