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A Career of Commitment: Senior Sergeant Jeff Lansdown Retires After 37 Years

After nearly four decades in uniform, Senior Sergeant Jeff Lansdown has officially hung up his boots, closing the chapter on a remarkable 37-year policing career with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Read: Police Dog Stryker Tracks Suspects after Murrumba Downs Chaos

His final shift on 23 July was nothing short of symbolic, not just for its significance, but for the company he kept. Side by side with his wife, Sergeant Deb Lansdown, and their son, Plain Clothes Senior Constable Bryce Lansdown, Sgt Lansdown signed off on a career defined by resilience, commitment and service.

However , there was no quiet farewell for Sgt Lansdown on his final shift. Instead, he, Deb, and Bryce were called to a high-risk incident involving dangerous driving in Murrumba Downs, a situation that ended with the successful apprehension of the alleged offenders. Even on his last day, Sgt Lansdown was right in the thick of frontline policing.

Sgt Lansdown first walked into the Police Academy on 15 August 1988, where he met his future wife, Deb, as part of the same squad. He was officially sworn in on 3 March 1989. Over the years, he served in a number of locations including City Station, Holland Park, Chermside, North Brisbane District and Moreton District, always choosing to remain on the frontlines as a first response general duties officer.

“I wanted to make the place where we all live a better and safer community,” Sgt Lansdown said. And by all accounts, that’s exactly what he did.

His last day was filled with emotion, action, and pride. For his son Bryce, who now has nine years’ service under his belt, working alongside his dad on his final shift was a full-circle moment. “Seeing his professionalism, how much he was respected by colleagues, and working with dad on his last day definitely made me proud to be his son,” he said.

Sgt Lansdown’s wife Deb, who now works in Intelligence, reflected on the many shared experiences of being married to a fellow officer. “Over the last 37 years we have been a sounding board for each other for various jobs which I believe has helped both of us navigate through the emotions that police officers experience daily,” she said. “Communication is essential for your emotional survival.”

Sgt Lansdown, known for his long debriefs and storytelling, has seen the full spectrum of policing — the daily challenges, the camaraderie, and the heartbreak of losing colleagues. “Policing is a rollercoaster,” he said. “All can be experienced in one shift, many times over.”

Despite the challenges, Sgt Lansdown has no regrets. “I will miss being a police officer, the friendships, the chats, the camaraderie and being involved in making the place we live a better and safer place.”

Moreton District Officer Chief Superintendent Adam Guild commended Sgt Lansdown’s leadership and dedication, noting his role in major operational responses and mentoring younger officers. “His 37 years’ service demonstrates his life-long commitment to community safety,” he said. “We thank Jeff for his service and wish him all the best in retirement.”

Read: Five Teenagers Charged After Bray Park Car Theft

Now, Sgt Jeff Lansdown looks forward to a slower pace of life, with plenty of fishing, jet skiing and mountain biking on the horizon. But for those who have worked with him, the impact of his service will continue to be felt long after his final shift.

Published 6-August-2025

It’s a Family Affair: Rock Legend Phil Campbell and Sons to Storm Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: Phil Campbell and and the Bastard Sons/ Facebook

Australian Motörhead fans are finally getting the show they have waited for, as legendary guitarist Phil Campbell brings a set full of classics and new material to the stage at Eatons Hill for the very first time.

Australian Motörhead fans are finally getting the show they have waited for, as legendary guitarist Phil Campbell brings a set full of classics and new material to the stage at Eatons Hill for the very first time.

A Rock Icon Arrives Down Under

This tour marks the first time Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons will perform in Australia, a long-awaited event for the nation’s rock and metal community. The national tour is scheduled for September 2025.

The band will begin in Perth on the 16 September before performing in Adelaide on the 17th. Queensland fans get their chance when the tour arrives in Brisbane on the 19 September, followed by shows in Sydney on the 20th and a final stop in Melbourne on the 21st.

Honouring A Heavy Metal History

For over three decades, from 1984 until Lemmy Kilmister’s passing in 2015, Phil Campbell served as the lead guitarist for Motörhead. He was a vital part of the band’s most stable and longest-lasting lineup. His sharp, aggressive guitar work helped to modernise the band’s sound on classic albums such as Orgasmatron and Inferno, and he co-wrote many fan favourites. Campbell’s calm and professional presence was known to balance Lemmy’s famous persona, making him a cornerstone of the group’s incredible history.

A New Chapter with The Bastard Sons

Following the end of Motörhead, Campbell formed a new musical project with the people he knew best: his sons. Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons features Todd on guitar, Tyla on bass, and Dane on drums, creating a powerful family-driven rhythm section.

Joined by powerhouse vocalist Joel Peters, the band has earned its own formidable reputation. They have performed blistering sets at huge European festivals like Wacken and Hellfest and even supported their famous fans, Guns N’ Roses. Their debut album, The Age of Absurdity, won a Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award, cementing their status as a celebrated act in their own right.

The Sound of Then and Now

Concertgoers can expect a performance that honours the past while celebrating the present. The band’s setlist is a dynamic mix of Motörhead classics and the group’s own acclaimed material. Recent performances in Europe have included timeless Motörhead anthems such as “Ace of Spades,” “Going to Brazil,” and “Killed by Death,” played alongside the Bastard Sons’ own popular tracks like “We’re the Bastards” and “High Rule.” This blend ensures a show that delivers both fierce nostalgia and fresh, hard-hitting rock.

Published Date 04-August-2025

Lorde’s Ultrasound Tour Set to Light Up Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Photo Credit: Lorde/Facebook

Brisbane Entertainment Centre will come alive next February as New Zealand pop star Lorde brings her new world tour to the arena stage, marking her first Brisbane performance in over two years.

Lorde’s Return to the Brisbane Stage Sparks Arena Buzz

The show is scheduled for Monday, 16 February 2026, as part of Lorde’s Ultrasound World Tour, supporting her latest album Virgin, which launched in June 2025. The concert is the artist’s only stop in Queensland and the first of her Australian dates, before she heads to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Tickets for the Brisbane show have already sold out through Ticketek, with pre-sales and general public access snapped up within days of release in July.

Community Excitement Builds Around Sold-Out Show

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre’s inclusion as the tour’s first Australian venue is a major win for local fans. With a capacity of over 13,000, the arena in Boondall is set to welcome a full crowd. According to the venue’s listing, the show will be an all-ages event, and even infants will require tickets to attend.

The local response has been strong, with Frontier Touring reporting high demand across the Australian leg. Ticketek currently lists Brisbane as “allocation exhausted,” meaning no standard tickets remain available. While some fans may look to resale options, official channels recommend keeping an eye out for future ticket releases closer to the date.

Lorde’s Album Success Fuels Tour Hype

Lorde is back on the global stage for the first time since 2023, and Brisbane is getting a front-row seat. Her new album Virgin has topped Aussie charts, with hits like What Was That and Shapeshifter racking up millions of streams.

Fans can expect a powerful mix of fresh tracks and old favourites, backed by bold visuals and a dynamic sound. While Brisbane’s set list is still under wraps, earlier shows have delivered striking production and plenty of surprises.

Transport, Access and Tips for Attendees

Brisbane Entertainment Centre is just a short walk from Boondall train station, with parking available on site for cardholders. The venue caters to accessibility needs, offering wheelchair access, companion seating and assistance for guests with mobility or sensory requirements.

Organisers urge fans to arrive early to beat the crowds and get through security smoothly. Those who missed out on tickets can keep an eye on Frontier Touring or Ticketek in case more seats become available.

Published 24-July-2025

Police Dog Stryker Tracks Suspects after Murrumba Downs Chaos

Photo Credit: QPS

A police dog helped bring two men into custody after an alleged dangerous driving incident caused panic in the Murrumba Downs area. Stryker, a Queensland Police service dog, tracked the suspects through bushland after they ran from a dumped vehicle, ending a tense chase that had stretched across multiple suburbs.

Trouble on the Bruce Highway

The trouble began in Murrumba Downs, where a quiet afternoon was shattered by reports of shots fired from a passing car on the Bruce Highway. People going about their day suddenly found themselves caught near a chaotic police operation, and within minutes, officers were tracking a black Commodore speeding away from the scene.

It was just after 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, when calls were received by Queensland Police. Patrol units responded quickly and spotted the vehicle near the northbound Murrumba Downs exit. But instead of stopping, the car allegedly took off, setting in motion a chase that would stretch across multiple suburbs and bring in air and ground support.

Chase Across the Northside

The Commodore moved north toward Morayfield, turned around at some point, and was later seen weaving through Carseldine and other northern suburbs. A tyre deflation device was laid out near Mount Samson, and though it hit its mark, the car kept moving. Eventually, it was abandoned on Watson Road in Armstrong Creek.

Police say the two men inside jumped out and made a run for it. That’s when the search on foot began, with officers calling in their four-legged colleague.

Enter Stryker the Police Dog

Stryker, a trained police dog with the Queensland Dog Squad, was released into the area to assist. He picked up the scent and led officers through the nearby bushland. It didn’t take long before both suspects were found.

The arrest didn’t come without injury—one of the men, 26-year-old Adam James Rae Slade, was bitten during the takedown and had to be taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital for surgery. Police later described the injuries as “traumatic”.

Charges and Court Appearances

Slade, from Bli Bli, and the second man, Tyger Jack Titmarsh of Greenbank, both 26, now face a list of serious charges. These include unlawful use of a motor vehicle, obstructing police, possession of suspected stolen items, and endangering the safe use of vehicles—a charge that can carry a life sentence.

Police said the men allegedly threw a tyre and released a fire extinguisher into traffic during the chase, endangering drivers on the Bruce Highway.

No firearms were recovered from the car, and no one was injured by gunfire, but investigations are still underway.

Court Delays and Next Steps

Slade was too injured to appear in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court the following day, and his case was postponed to Friday. Titmarsh did attend court on July 24, but his solicitor did not apply for bail. His next appearance has been scheduled for September 18, with police ordered to hand over their brief of evidence by September 3.

Community on Alert

Back in Murrumba Downs, residents were left rattled by the sudden police presence, traffic disruption and reports of gunfire. While there’s no ongoing threat to the community, Queensland Police are encouraging anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV from the day to come forward as investigations continue.

What began with a report of gunfire ended with a four-legged officer doing what he was trained to do—find the suspects and help keep the community safe.

Published 25-July-2025

Youngs Crossing Set for Major Upgrade to End Years of Flood Disruption

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

For years, the Youngs Crossing Road has been a critical yet flood-prone link in Moreton Bay, now, a major upgrade is finally underway to deliver a safer and more reliable route for local residents and commuters.

A Safer, Higher Crossing for a Growing Community

Construction on the long-awaited Youngs Crossing upgrade began in July 2025 following years of planning and community input. A new four-lane bridge will be built at Joyner, west of the current crossing, spanning the North Pine River and Sideling Creek. The existing causeway floods frequently, closing for up to 14 days this year alone.

*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook*

The project aims to reduce these disruptions and improve access for the 20,000 vehicles that use the route daily. The upgraded road will include safer intersections, turning lanes, and shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Designed to withstand a one-in-100-year flood, the new crossing will better support the region’s growing population.

What the Project Includes

The project involves more than just a new bridge. It covers over a kilometre of Youngs Crossing Road, widening it to four lanes between Protheroe Road and Dayboro Road. Footpaths and shared cycling routes are being added on both sides of the road, as well as improved lighting and pedestrian crossings.

New traffic signals will be installed at Protheroe Road, the access point to the nearby pony club, and Dayboro Road. Environmental measures are also in place to protect local wildlife, including fauna crossings and koala-safe fencing.

Construction Timeline and What to Expect

Major earthworks and service relocations began earlier in 2025. With the main construction contract now awarded to Seymour Whyte, residents will begin to see more machinery, temporary fencing, and signage in the area. The work zone is located away from homes and most local businesses, and crews are aiming to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum during the two-year build.

The old crossing will remain open for as long as possible to maintain local access. The full project is expected to be finished by mid-2027, weather permitting.

Local Benefits That Go Beyond the Road

The Youngs Crossing upgrade means more than just smoother travel. For emergency responders, it provides a dependable route that can be used year-round, regardless of weather. For parents and school buses, it means fewer delays and better safety. For cyclists and walkers, it opens up new paths connecting parks and reserves.

And for the broader community, it’s a long-term investment in making local travel safer, faster and more connected. The project also reflects growing pride in the region’s development, with careful planning to protect both natural surrounds and community access.

Published 15-July-2025

Five Teenagers Charged After Bray Park Car Theft

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Five teenagers, including two 13-year-old girls, are facing charges following the alleged theft of a car from a Bray Park home last week.

The group was apprehended by officers from the Boondall Tactical Crime Squad on Station Street at Morayfield just before 11pm on Saturday night, when police intercepted what they allege was a stolen black Mazda.

According to police reports, the teenagers attempted to flee on foot after being stopped but were quickly located by officers. Police footage shows at least one of the young people hiding in nearby bushes before being taken into custody.

The vehicle is alleged to have been stolen from a Kentwood Drive address in Bray Park on 18 July, three days before the arrest.

The charges laid against the five young people reflect the seriousness of the alleged offences. The most serious charges have been laid against a 14-year-old Burpengary boy, who faces counts of entering a dwelling and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and driving without a licence.

The two 13-year-old girls – one from Rothwell and another from Burpengary – have each been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

A 14-year-old Griffin boy faces charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, fraud relating to dishonestly obtaining fuel without payment, and possessing cannabis.

The oldest of the group, a 15-year-old Caboolture boy, has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and obstructing a police officer.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth crime in the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the youth offender rate nationally decreased to 1,764 offenders per 100,000 persons aged between 10 and 17 years in the 2023-24 financial year.

All five teenagers are scheduled to appear before Caboolture Children’s Court, with the 14-year-old Burpengary boy appearing earlier this week, and the remaining four young people due to appear on 23 July.

The case serves as a reminder to local residents about vehicle security, particularly given the allegations that the car was taken from a residential address in the heart of Bray Park’s suburban area.

Published 21-July-2025

New Flight Path Options on the Table for Albany Creek Locals

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Residents in Albany Creek will soon have the chance to speak directly with aviation specialists about proposed changes to Brisbane’s flight paths, as part of a growing effort to reduce aircraft noise across the region.

A Quiet Change in the Skies

Community engagement sessions will be held across Greater Brisbane from 19 to 31 July 2025, with Albany Creek’s session scheduled for Monday, 21 July at the Albany Creek Community Centre from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This is part of Phase 6 of the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane, a long-term program led by Airservices Australia to minimise the impact of air traffic on residential areas.

The Albany Creek session offers 20-minute, one-on-one meetings with flight path designers. Locals can raise concerns, ask questions, and give direct feedback that will be recorded by Airservices’ engagement team.

For those unable to attend in person, online appointments are also available. Appointments must be booked in advance via the Humanitix platform.

Why Flight Paths Are Being Reviewed

The push to adjust flight paths comes in response to mounting feedback from Brisbane communities since the introduction of the second parallel runway at Brisbane Airport in 2020. Many suburbs, including Albany Creek, have experienced more frequent and concentrated aircraft noise as a result. In 2024, Airservices conducted early consultation with both the public and the aviation industry to discuss flight path concepts.

Based on that feedback and additional technical assessments, flight path and airspace design firm Trax International has worked with Airservices to develop a set of preferred options aimed at redistributing and reducing noise over high-impact areas. These proposed routes are now being shared with the public for further input before any final decisions are made.

Overview: Package 3 flight path change options

What to Expect at the Albany Creek Session

Unlike general town halls, these meetings are personalised. Residents can bring up to three people with them per appointment and discuss the specific flight path options affecting their area. Maps, videos and information sheets will be available to support the conversation. A pre-recorded webinar will also be made available online for those who prefer to learn more at their own pace.

Airservices Australia has advertised the community sessions through local media, social media platforms and radio. They encourage locals to get involved early, whether by attending in person or booking an online appointment.

The Bigger Picture

The current engagement round covers multiple suburbs including Brisbane City, Samford Village, Greenbank, North Lakes, Richlands, Wynnum, Shailer Park, Ashgrove and Amity Point. Each location is being treated as part of a wider strategy to ensure Brisbane’s airspace supports both safety and liveability.

Airservices emphasises that this phase is critical. It marks the first time the public will see refined, preferred options rather than just initial concepts. The feedback collected will help shape the final design of the departure and arrival routes used across Greater Brisbane.

Published 15-July-2025

Strathpine Welcomes Revival of Iconic Country Club Hotel

Earthworks are set to ramp up next week on a major new hospitality and entertainment venue in Strathpine, with the Comiskey Group progressing construction of its $50 million Country Club Hotel.

Read: University Study Hub Launches in Strathpine

Situated on a five-hectare site along Gympie Road—directly opposite Pine Rivers Park—the development is expected to open next year and will serve as both a hotel and indoor recreation hub. The large-scale project is being constructed just 500 metres from the site of the original Country Club Hotel, which once stood as a popular local landmark before being demolished in the early 2000s.

First established in the late 1950s, the original Country Club Hotel earned a strong local following as a popular pub and a well-known spot for weddings.

“My first job back in the day was at the old Country Club, working at the liquor barn! The original Country Club Hotel was demolished about 15 to 20 years ago, but it stood for around 20 to 25 years before that. Anyone from the area would know of it. We wanted to honour one of Strathpine’s most beloved past locals, which is why we’ve named the new venue The Country Club Hotel. It really is a full circle moment for me; from stocking shelves at the old Country Club to owning the hotel that commemorates it.”
-Comiskey Director David Comiskey

Site preparation has already begun, with significant earthmoving planned in the coming weeks. The scope of the project includes extensive groundworks to support infrastructure on what is understood to be a flood-prone area. Around 1000 concrete piers will be installed to hold up a suspended car park above the flood line, a task expected to take several months with the help of two specialised piling rigs.

Once completed, the new Country Club Hotel will offer a broad range of attractions, blending traditional pub amenities with family-friendly and active lifestyle features. Plans include indoor and outdoor dining areas, bars, live music spaces, a gaming room, a beer garden, and an arcade.

In addition, the venue will house modern leisure facilities such as an eight-lane bowling alley, two pickleball courts, two virtual baseball simulators, four karaoke rooms, and a pair of half-sized basketball courts.

Food lovers can also look forward to a steakhouse and an American-style barbecue pit, further enhancing the venue’s appeal as a casual dining and social destination.

Read: New Free Walk-In Mental Health Centre Coming to Strathpine

The Comiskey Group, a family-run business with a track record of entertainment and hospitality projects, has positioned this development as a tribute to Strathpine’s history. Naming the venue after the original hotel, the developers hope to reignite a sense of community nostalgia while delivering a fresh entertainment precinct for locals and visitors alike.

Published 15-July-2025

Netball Clubhouse Development Confirmed in Bray Park

Photo Credit: DA/2024/1551

A new netball clubhouse has been confirmed for construction in Bray Park, with recent funding finalised to support the upgrade alongside an earlier financial commitment aimed at modernising community sport infrastructure.

New Facility Planned at Les Hughes Sports Complex

Bray Park is set to receive a new netball clubhouse, with $4.1 million in funding recently confirmed. The project, located at Les Hughes Sports Complex, will serve the Pine Rivers Netball Association and includes a range of new amenities designed to improve usability, safety, and accessibility for players, staff, and visitors.

Background and Context

The current facility, which has supported the local netball community for more than four decades, is set to be replaced. Planning for the upgrade was announced in early 2024, along with an initial $1.5 million funding commitment to support construction during the 2024–26 financial years. This redevelopment is part of ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance active recreation sites across the region.

Project Details and Funding Breakdown

The planned facility will include two change rooms with showers, a timekeeper’s area, office space, a canteen, a clubroom, a barbecue area, a covered deck, and tiered seating. A new car park with 74 spaces will be constructed, featuring accessible bays and an ambulance bay. An existing storage shed will be relocated as part of the works.

Detailed design and procurement are underway. Construction is expected to begin next year, following the completion of the current preparation phase.

Pine Rivers Netball — Photo Credit: DA/2024/1551

Supporting Local Sport in Bray Park

The upgraded clubhouse is designed to meet regional netball standards and accommodate large numbers of players and spectators each week. The project is expected to help support continued participation in the sport, particularly among younger players and their families, while also improving event capacity and scheduling flexibility for competitions and training sessions.

Outlook

With design and funding now in place, the new netball clubhouse in Bray Park is progressing toward construction, aiming to deliver modern facilities that meet the needs of the growing netball community and enhance the overall sporting experience at the complex.

Published 14-July-2025

McDonald’s Development Proposal Progresses in Bridgeman Downs

Photo Credit: DA/A006795238

A proposal to establish a McDonald’s restaurant with a dual-lane drive-through has been lodged for a corner site in Bridgeman Downs.

Development Plans Lodged for Bridgeman Downs Site

A new application (DA/A006795238) has been submitted for the development of a McDonald’s restaurant at 347 Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman Downs. The proposed development would sit on the corner of Bridgeman Road and Albany Creek Road and form part of an integrated site that includes an already approved service station.

The material change of use application was lodged by Citimark Properties Pty Ltd on 17 June 2025 and is currently under code assessment. The application is being handled by consultant firm Therefor Group, with designs prepared by i2C Architects and landscaping by LAUD ink.

Project Overview and Site Details

The site measures approximately 2,763 square metres. The proposed development includes a standalone McDonald’s outlet with a gross floor area of 380 square metres and a building height of 4.9 metres (single-storey). It will feature a dual-lane drive-through accommodating up to 12 vehicles, two waiting bays, and dedicated loading and service areas.

Vehicle access will be provided via a new internal road and a left-out-only connection, as referenced in planning documents. The site also retains approved access points from Bridgeman Road and Albany Creek Road. A total of 61 on-site parking spaces will be provided, including general, motorcycle, and accessible bays. Landscaped areas will occupy 783 square metres.

The McDonald’s is proposed to operate 24 hours a day, consistent with the approved service station.

Bridgeman Downs McDonald’s — Photo Credit: DA/A006795238

Integrated Development Context

The new McDonald’s restaurant is intended to form part of a wider convenience retail development at the site. According to the planning documents, the proposal seeks to address local community needs while preserving residential amenity. To reduce potential noise impacts, the development includes acoustic barriers ranging in height from 2.2 to 3 metres.

McDonald’s development — Photo Credit: DA/A006795238

Planning Status and Next Steps

As of July 2025, BCC records list the application as “In Progress.” A confirmation notice has been issued, and the development is currently undergoing code assessment.

Published 10-July-2025