Keith Boulton received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his significant contributions, particularly his work as a voluntary historian at the Queensland Maritime Museum (QMM). Mr Boulton was surprised and humbled to receive the honour, unaware of his nomination.
Mr Boulton has been a dedicated volunteer at the QMM since 2009, becoming an Honorary Life Member in 2014. He developed the QMM Guides Notes system and has been the editor of the museum’s publications, “Manifest” and “Murmurs,” since 2021. His passion for history extends beyond the maritime world. He has authored several historical works, including “Boulton Genealogical Records 1700-2000,” “Castol in Queensland,” and “Morningside Rover Crew History 1920-2015.” He is also set to publish a collection of short stories about ships, shipwrecks, and Australia’s maritime past, titled “Gone but not Forgotten!”.
Mr Boulton’s commitment to community service is evident in his long-term involvement with the Albany Creek Uniting Church, where he has volunteered for over 25 years and served as church historian. His contributions also extend to other organisations, including the Balmoral APEX Club, Friends of Balmoral Cemetery, and the Bulimba District Historical Society.
Mr Boulton’s career path has been diverse. Starting as a mechanic with Hornibrooks, he worked with vessels at Heron Island and on the Brisbane River. He later spent 26 years abroad with Castrol and BP in various roles before retiring as a Health and Safety Quality Assurance Lead Auditor.
Despite his extensive travels and career achievements, Mr. Boulton remains grounded in his community and dedicated to preserving its history. He continues volunteering at the QMM every Thursday, working countless hours at home on publications. He said that volunteers entirely ran the museum and that he loved his work there.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Bridgeman Road on 19 January 2025.
The 25-year-old rider, Matt Salty, was travelling north when his motorcycle collided with a tree. He was thrown from the bike and, despite the efforts of emergency services, died at the scene.
Investigators are working to piece together the circumstances that led to the crash and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
Photo Credit: Pexels
A police spokesperson emphasised that even seemingly insignificant details could prove vital to the investigation and encouraged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Mr Salty’s death has shocked the local community, with friends expressing their grief online and creating a roadside memorial at the scene. A planned memorial ride has been postponed.
Mayor Peter Flannery stressed the importance of swimming as a recreational activity, a vital life skill, and a fantastic form of exercise. He emphasised the council’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable aquatic facilities for the entire community.
A Look at the Region’s Premier Aquatic Centres
Photo Credit: Google Map
Albany Creek Leisure Centre: This comprehensive facility offers a 24-hour health club, a large-scale learn-to-swim program, and a variety of water sports, including water polo and synchronised swimming. It caters to the whole family with three heated pools and an on-site café.
Lawnton Aquatic Centre: This multi-activity hub boasts a 50-meter outdoor pool, a 25-meter indoor pool, and a toddler splash pool. Its 1,000-seat grandstand and expansive grounds make it popular for school carnivals and community events. The centre also offers many programs, from learn-to-swim lessons to aqua aerobics.
Photo Credit: Google Map
Murrumba Downs Swimming Pool: This family-friendly centre features a heated, partially covered 25m pool and a spacious lawn. It offers swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and birthday party packages.
With summer in full swing, Moreton Bay Regional Council is reminding residents to stay cool, have fun, and prioritise water safety by exploring the many benefits of swimming at their local aquatic centre.
Lily Punch, a Junior Matilda from Bridgeman Downs, is chasing big dreams with hard work: from representing Australia at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup to aspiring for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Brisbane Olympics, and a career in Europe’s top leagues.
For over two years, Lily has proudly worn the Junior Matildas jersey. In 2024, she competed in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia. Facing tough teams like China, Japan, and Thailand, Lily scored a key goal against Thailand, showcasing her talent.
Off the field, she is studying Sport Coaching through TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport. This program, created with Football Queensland, helps students gain recognised qualifications while still in school. Lily is working on her Certificate II and III in Sport Coaching.
Building Coaching Skills
Each week, Lily trains at the South Pine Sports Complex under Karl Dodd, a former professional player and coach. The program mixes classroom learning with hands-on coaching. It gives Lily the tools to train and connect with players effectively.
In 2024, she joined a community coaching session in Cairns. The event supported young girls from First Nations, refugee, and migrant backgrounds. For Lily, it reinforced her passion for mentoring future players.
Dreaming Big
Lily has big goals. She wants to play for Brisbane Roar and compete in Europe’s top leagues. She also dreams of representing Australia at the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. For her, every training session and class is a step closer to these ambitions.
Bridgeman Downs is proud of Lily’s achievements. She’s not just a footballer but a role model, giving back through community coaching while chasing her own dreams.
Lily remains focused on balancing her studies and sport. As she builds her skills, she’s paving the way for a bright future in football and coaching. The community and fans alike will be cheering her on.
An incident took place in Strathpine, leaving one teenager with charges, another in hospital, and a third still at large. The Queensland Police Service website confirms that the incident involved a stolen vehicle and resulted in a collision that has sparked a police investigation.
According to authorities, a Ford Falcon carrying three young people crashed into a tree on Maree Street, Strathpine, around 2:15 a.m. on 8 January. The vehicle had allegedly been stolen from a residence on Knight Street in Redcliffe.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered two teenagers near the wreckage. Both were transported to the Queensland Children’s Hospital with relatively minor injuries; one sustained a head injury, while the other suffered leg injuries.
Police were able to apprehend a 14-year-old girl from Redcliffe at the scene. She has since been charged with unlawful motor vehicle use and is scheduled to appear before the Pine Rivers Children’s Court on January 20th.
However, the third occupant of the vehicle managed to evade authorities and remains at large. Police are conducting a thorough investigation and are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in locating the missing individual.
This incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of youth crime in the region. While authorities continue to address these concerns, the incident in Strathpine reminds the community of its complex challenges.
Construction has begun in Griffin on critical upgrades to Brays Road and the new Arcadia Drive, a project designed to improve traffic flow and safety for the rapidly growing community.
Wattle Run Developments Pty Ltd, the project developer, has confirmed that Hall Contracting Pty Ltd is spearheading the construction, which began in late December 2024. The upgrades include expanding a section of Brays Road to four lanes, adding a signalised intersection near the Freshwater Hub, and building Arcadia Drive to connect Brays Road with Wesley Road. These enhancements aim to streamline access to the Freshwater Village shopping centre and improve traffic near Griffin State School.
The project will also feature safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, including wider pathways, dedicated cycle lanes where feasible, and safer crossings. Two new bus stops, one in each direction, will also be installed to provide convenient access to local amenities.
Timeline and Community Impact
Construction is expected to take 12 to 18 months, with ongoing traffic management in place to minimise disruptions. Wattle Run Developments has urged residents to stay informed through the Freshwater Hub newsletter and social media channels, helping locals plan their commutes around changing traffic conditions.
Jenny Fisher, Director of Wattle Run Developments, stated that the project represents years of planning and collaboration with the City of Moreton Bay Council. She expressed optimism about the benefits the infrastructure will bring to Griffin residents and emphasised the importance of community engagement throughout the project.
Economic Benefits and Local Jobs
The upgrades, fully funded by Wattle Run Developments, are expected to create approximately 30 local jobs over the course of construction. Hall Contracting Pty Ltd, recognised for its expertise in civil works, is preparing to expand its presence in Griffin, marking the company’s first collaboration with Wattle Run.
Cameron Hall, CEO of Hall Contracting, highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects that support local growth and meet the needs of residents. Hall added that the upgrades to Brays Road and Arcadia Drive will provide safer, more efficient transport options for Griffin’s growing population.
Staying Connected
Community members are encouraged to stay updated on the project’s progress and traffic changes. Wattle Run Developments has committed to regular communication to ensure the construction process remains as seamless as possible for residents and road users.
Further details about the project and updates are available on the Freshwater Hub website.
Christina Druery-Chiconi has opened her 1.176-hectare (11,760sqm) property to families in her neighbourhood, offering a safe haven for children, including those with autism, trauma, and speech impediments, to interact with rescued animals.
However, the City of Moreton Bay has determined that the farm violates local planning regulations. Ms Druery-Chiconi’s property has reportedly exceeded the permitted number of animals allowed on land of her size.
In her farm, “Urban Pastures: Mini Farm & Animal Refuge,” Ms Druery-Chiconi currently cares for two horses, two ponies, two cows, and several ducks and chickens. She has argued that the farm is not a commercial venture but rather a community initiative to bring joy and support to children and families in the area.
The Council, however, sees the situation differently. A spokesperson stated that the presence of so many animals on the property constitutes a breach of local law, prompting the issuance of an $800 fine and a follow-up letter last December. The letter warned that failure to comply with regulations could result in the seizure of the animals.
Moreton Bay’s Regulations
Photo credit: Helena Lopes/Pexels
Under current regulations, properties under 1.2 hectares in Moreton Bay can house a maximum of two animals, depending on their type. For instance, a single horse or pony requires 4,000 square metres, while two cows would necessitate a property significantly larger than hers.
The local law further states that those who own or keep cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, alpacas, llamas, horses, ponies, donkeys must comply with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2014 including identification and movement records.
The Council has offered Ms Druery-Chiconi two options: either reduce the number of animals to comply with current laws or file a development application, which would allow her to seek an exemption. However, the development application process is costly and complex, involving a $4,799 fee and the hiring of a town planning consultant to prepare technical reports on animal management.
The situation has left Ms Druery-Chiconi in a difficult position. While she acknowledges the importance of following regulations, she feels the process is prohibitively expensive and believes her rescue farm is a positive addition to the community.
Meanwhile, the Council maintains that it is simply enforcing laws designed to manage land use and protect the welfare of animals and residents.
Ms Druery-Chiconi must now decide whether to comply with the regulations or pursue a development application process. In the meantime, her farm’s fate hangs in the balance, raising broader questions about how community initiatives can coexist with local regulations.
Around 10:30 am on 4 January 2025, the incident occurred at a park, close to the IGA supermarket on Eatons Crossing Road. The victim, a 44-year-old woman said she felt someone behind her while strolling her dog. Turning, she saw a teenager in a Spider-Man hood swiftly hiding behind a tree.
She continued walking for about 100 metres when the teen rode up to her on a black BMX bike, grabbed her forcefully from behind, put his arm around her neck, and then aggressively grabbed her breasts before fleeing.
The attack has left the 44-year-old woman feeling deeply violated. She shared that she lives in Eatons Hill and regularly walks the route she took that day. Despite having travelled extensively, this was the first time she had experienced such an assault.
The incident has made her reflect on how vulnerable she felt at the moment, especially considering how quickly the attack unfolded. She also admitted that she was lucky the assailant lacked a weapon since the circumstances might have been considerably worse.
The woman described the suspect as being in his late teens, with a solid build, wearing beige shorts, and a Spider-Man hood.
She contacted Queensland Police Service (QPS) immediately after the incident. Officers arrived at the scene, gathered her statement, and collected a DNA sample from her clothing for further analysis.
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook
Next Steps in the Investigation
Shortly after the attack, the woman’s partner posted information about the incident on social media advocating the community to remain alert and sharing specifics of the attack. The post reiterated the suspect’s description: a teenage BMX bike rider sporting beige shorts, a Spider-Man mask.
According to QPS, investigation is still under progress. They are going over any accessible CCTV footage from surrounding businesses and homes, and while they do so, they’re asking anyone in the Eatons Crossing Road area around 10:20–10:30 a.m. of 4 January 2025 or anyone who may have a dashcam or CCTV footage to report anything suspicious. For specifics, call Albany Creek Police Station at (07) 3264 0599 or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
The lockdown left some local residents uneasy, as law enforcement remained tight-lipped about the situation, citing “operational reasons” for their lack of further details. The operation, which took place early in the day, saw police swarm the area, reportedly looking for a man wanted for a series of serious offences.
Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook
According to law enforcement, the suspect was being sought in connection with property and firearm-related crimes. The atmosphere was charged with uncertainty as residents were left unaware of the full scope of the investigation.
At just before 11:00 a.m, police successfully arrested one man, while another was treated for an arm injury at the scene. Ultimately, three individuals were taken into custody. The arrested parties included a 21-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman, and a 26-year-old woman.
While one of the men arrested was seen in the court records facing several serious charges, including possessing a weapon, stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and two counts of receiving tainted property, his case was adjourned after being mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court last Wednesday.
Police have not released further information about the investigation. The operation involved multiple specialist police units, and local detectives have been actively assisting with the ongoing case. While many questions remain unanswered, local residents are left hoping for more clarity in the days to come.
The heavy police presence in Lawnton has prompted concerns about the nature of the ongoing investigation, with residents anxiously awaiting updates. While law enforcement continues to manage the situation, questions about the nature of the crimes and the individuals involved linger, keeping residents in a state of suspense.
A set of stolen WWII medals belonging to Clarence James Jones, a Kelvin Grove enlistee, was found in Strathpine and returned to his family on 1 January, the 81st anniversary of his death as a prisoner of war.
The medals, including a Pacific Star, 1939–1945 Star, Australian Service Medal 1939–1945, and War Medal 1939–1945, were stolen years ago from the Redcliffe home of Jones’ grandson, Robert MacCallum, along with other personal items.
Their unexpected discovery in Strathpine sparked a police investigation and a community-wide effort to locate the rightful owners, culminating in a reunion that carried deep historical and emotional significance.
A Soldier’s Story
Clarence James Jones, known to his family as “Charlie,” enlisted in Kelvin Grove at the age of 37. A member of the 2/26th Australian Infantry Battalion, he left behind his wife and five children to serve during World War II.
Captured in Malaya, Jones became a prisoner of war and was forced to work on the infamous Burma Railway. He died under harsh conditions on 1 January 1944, and is buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand.
Jones’ brother, Clifford Jones, also served in the war and survived the sinking of the hospital ship Centaur. Despite the family’s remarkable military history, none of Clifford’s grandchildren had ever met Clarence, as his life was tragically cut short during the war.
Medals’ Recovery in Strathpine
After the stolen WWII medals were located in Strathpine, the police appealed to find the rightful owners. Authorities shared details, including Jones’ name and service number “QX9294,” engraved on the medals, which caught the attention of online family history groups and community members.
Photo Credit: QPS
Key connections were made when family members, including Michelle Gray, a granddaughter of Jones, recognised the medals and reached out to the police. Gray and her father visited the Petrie Police Station on 1 January 2025, to retrieve the medals. The family expressed astonishment at the timing, as the reunion occurred exactly 81 years after Jones’ death.
“Clarence’s brother Clifford was one of the survivors off the Centaur and my dad’s dad was overseas in WII for nearly 5 years, he came back, if he didn’t we would not be here today,” said Michelle.
“I’m so so proud of our family’s history. And how this has happened with Clarence medals is beyond me but my father and I will go and get them this afternoon. Absolutely amazing. Clarence was 37 nearly 38 when he joined up and left 5 children behind. Absolutely horrendous how died as a POW. Thanks again.”
Robert MacCallum and Kathleen Gaizen, the grandchildren of CJ Jones Photo Credit: QPS
Community Effort
The reunion was made possible through collaboration between Queensland Police and a network of online supporters. Nicole Edwards from the Geraldton Family History Society played a critical role by researching Jones’ service and contacting relatives. Community members also shared family details that helped confirm the medals’ rightful ownership.
In a statement, the family thanked Queensland Police and the wider community for their efforts. They described the medals as irreplaceable links to their grandfather’s memory and his service to Australia.
Photo Credit: Kathy Gaizen/Facebook
“We are so thankful to Queensland Police and the wonderful group of online supporters to reuite family with the medals,” said Kathy Gaizen, another granddaughter. “When they were stolen, we were devasted at the loss but since being directed to this page and with the help of our wonderful police force, we have been relived and thankful.”
“As many of the comments have shown, these medals are of our grandfather who lost his life as a POW on the Burma railway. Consequently, none of us ever got to know him as our parents were quite young when he left for Singapore. I have included a photo of Charlie (as he was called even though his name was Clarence). Thank you also to Nicole Edwards from the Geraldton Family History Society.
“Volunteer Researcher RSLWA who reached out and range me after researching CJ Jones. Without her help, we may not have been so fortunate in regaining these very important part of our family history.”
