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New Artist Impressions Outline Country Club Hotel Project In Strathpine

New artist impressions have been released for the Country Club Hotel project in Strathpine, providing a clearer look at a large hospitality and entertainment venue currently under construction on Gympie Road.

Project Overview

The Country Club Hotel is being built at 90 Gympie Road, Strathpine, opposite Pine Rivers Park. The development has been described as a $50 million project and is expected to open in early 2026, with other material indicating a broader 2026 opening timeframe.

The project is being delivered by the Comiskey Group and is designed as a multi-use venue combining hospitality, recreation and live entertainment.

Strathpine Country Club Hotel — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

Planned Facilities

Plans released for the Strathpine site show a wide range of indoor sporting and leisure facilities. These include an arcade, eight bowling lanes, pickleball courts, virtual baseball simulators, karaoke rooms and half-sized basketball courts.

The venue is also planned to include several dining areas and bars, along with both indoor and outdoor seating spaces. Large-screen viewing areas are incorporated into the design, allowing for live sport and event broadcasts within the venue.

entertainment venu — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

Live Music And Outdoor Spaces

An outdoor beer garden forms part of the plans and includes a stage intended for regular live music performances. The venue has been promoted as providing opportunities for local musicians to perform as part of its entertainment offering.

Adjacent Uses On The Site

The Country Club Hotel will sit alongside additional facilities within the same precinct. Plans include a Guzman y Gomez outlet and food precinct, as well as a 6,000 square metre Area 51 indoor play centre.

Material released for the project describes the Area 51 facility as an indoor recreation space designed for families and groups, featuring a range of activities typically associated with large-scale play centres.

hospitality development — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

Historical Context

The new venue takes its name from the former Country Club Hotel, a long-running Strathpine pub that operated from the late 1950s through to the early 2000s. The earlier hotel was also used as a wedding venue during its years of operation.

An archival photograph of the former Country Club Hotel on Gympie Road, dated to around 1970, is held within a local library collection, reflecting the site’s place in Strathpine’s hospitality history.

What Comes Next

Construction at the Gympie Road site is ongoing. Once completed, the Country Club Hotel is expected to add a new mix of dining, sport, recreation and live entertainment options to Strathpine, contributing to the area’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Published 27-Jan-2026

Boondall Police Facility Upgrade Set To Commence

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

The Boondall police facility has been listed for a commencing $52 million upgrade in the 2025–26 Budget materials, placing the project within a broader program of police facility improvements across the Brisbane area.

Funding Allocation And Project Status

The budget materials identify a $52 million allocation for the Boondall police facility, recorded as commencing within the current funding cycle. The listing confirms that funding has been assigned to the project, but does not provide further detail on the nature or scope of the planned works.

The Boondall upgrade appears as part of a wider set of police infrastructure projects noted in the same budget information. These listings include upgrades at other locations across Brisbane, reflecting a regional approach to police facility investment rather than a standalone project for a single site.

Boondall police upgrade — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Regional Infrastructure Context

Within the same budget materials, the Boondall project is listed alongside other funded police facility upgrades, including $30 million for Mount Gravatt, $7 million for Ferny Grove, and $50 million for an upgrade to the Oxley Police Academy. Together, these projects form part of a broader package of infrastructure works outlined for the region.

Beyond police facilities, the materials also reference a wide range of funded projects across Brisbane and surrounding areas. These include investments in health services, road upgrades, education facilities, community infrastructure and other local projects. While these items are not directly related to the Boondall site, they provide broader context for the scale and range of works funded within the same budget cycle.

Brisbane projects — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

What Happens Next

The Boondall police facility upgrade is recorded as commencing in the budget materials. Further information on the project is expected as additional planning and delivery details are released.

Published 20-Jan-2026

Pine Hills Hockey Club Marks 40th Season In Bunya

Photo Credit: Pine Hills Hockey Club/Facebook

Pine Hills Hockey Club is entering its 40th season, marking a milestone for the community-based club operating out of Bunya.

Four Decades Since 1986

The club was established in 1986, starting with a small number of girls’ teams before expanding over time. The club’s colours are now navy, yellow and white, with earlier beginnings linked to black and yellow.

Pine Hills Hockey Club describes hockey as a sport played across a wide age range, with participation referenced from age five through to 75.

community sport Bunya — Photo Credit: Pine Hills Hockey Club/Facebook

Local Base At James Drysdale Reserve

The club is based at James Drysdale Reserve in Bunya, located on the corner of Jinker Track and Bunya Road. The clubhouse, known as the Sticks and Stones Pavilion, sits within the reserve and is accessed via Sports Lane.

Season Programs For New And Returning Players

In Term 1, 2026, the club is running Hookin2Hockey, a three-week introduction program for children aged five to 12. Sessions are scheduled for Thursdays on 12, 19 and 26 February 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., held at the club’s grass fields at James Drysdale Reserve in Bunya.

The club has advised hockey sticks will be available to borrow during the sessions, with shin guards and mouth guards recommended.

Running at the same time is Back2Hockey, a free program for youths and adults who are beginners or returning to hockey after a long break.

Photo Credit: Pine Hills Hockey Club/Facebook

40th Season Kick-Off Session Held In January

A season kick-off session was held on Saturday 17 January 2026 at Burringbar Turf, Brisbane North Hockey Centre. The session ran from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Players registered for the 2026 season, from under-14s through to Masters, attended the skills and games session, including Pine Rivers/St Andrews Hockey Club teammates. Participation required prior registration through the club website, with a $10 fee per player.

What Happens Next

The club has advised it will use the Stack Team App in 2026 as its approved platform for club communication, while registrations and uniform purchases remain via the website.

Final details for club registration are to be released once Brisbane Hockey Association and Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association finalise their 2026 pricing schedules.

Published 18-Jan-2026

Platypus DNA Monitoring Finds Albany Creek Among 37 Waterways With Detections

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Platypus DNA detections have included Albany Creek, as an environmental DNA monitoring program shows the species is more widely distributed across local waterways than previously identified.

Monitoring Reveals Broader Platypus Distribution

A three-year platypus monitoring program has confirmed the species is present across a wide range of waterways within the City of Moreton Bay. Using environmental DNA sampling, the program detected platypus DNA across all five major river catchments: Caboolture, North Pine, South Pine, Stanley and Maroochy.

The most recent round of monitoring recorded platypus DNA at 90 sites across 37 creeks and rivers, with results spanning from Albany Creek to Stony Creek. The findings indicate platypuses are present across a broader area than earlier data suggested.

eDNA monitoring — Photo Credit: Australian Museum

How Environmental DNA Sampling Works

Environmental DNA monitoring involves collecting water samples and analysing them for traces of genetic material shed by animals. This approach allows researchers to detect platypus presence without disturbing the animals or their habitat.

Sampling is conducted during the breeding season in July and August, when detection rates are higher. A negative result does not confirm absence, as insufficient DNA in a sample can prevent detection. To address this limitation, the program also uses camera traps and community sightings, which have confirmed platypus activity at several locations where DNA results were negative.

Albany Creek platypus DNA — Photo Credit: Australian Museum

Albany Creek Among Unexpected Locations

The results show platypus DNA was detected not only in bushland waterways but also in creeks running through urban and industrial areas. Albany Creek is among the waterways identified within this wider detection range, highlighting the species’ ability to persist in modified environments.

Program Growth Since 2023

The monitoring program began with a pilot in 2023, testing 84 sites and returning 36 positive detections. It expanded in 2024 to 155 sites, with 71 positive results. The latest round recorded the highest number of detections to date.

While it remains too early to determine long-term population trends, the data is being used to establish a baseline to assess future changes and support ongoing habitat management.

Published 18-Jan-2026

Albany Creek Brumbies Mark 30 Years As Junior Rugby Club

Photo Credit: Albany Creek GPS Brumbies Rugby Club

The Albany Creek Brumbies are preparing to mark 30 years as a junior rugby club in Albany Creek, with sign-on information and 2026 anniversary activity now being shared with the community.

Sign-On Details And Anniversary Offer

A Sign-On Day has been scheduled for Saturday, 7 February, providing an opportunity for new and returning players to register with the club.

As part of its 30-year milestone in 2026, the Albany Creek Brumbies have announced an anniversary initiative offering free fees for the 2026 season to those who register for the club’s newsletter. Instructions on how to claim the offer are expected to be issued to subscribers in January.

Thirty Years In Albany Creek

The Albany Creek GPS Brumbies Rugby Club was established in 1996 as a satellite junior rugby union club and later incorporated as an independent entity.

Over three decades, the club has maintained a focus on junior participation and family involvement, serving players and families across Brisbane’s northside as it approaches its 30-year anniversary in 2026.

Junior Pathways Across Age Groups

The Albany Creek Brumbies operate junior rugby pathways for mixed teams from Under 6 to Under 11, along with boys’ teams from Under 12 to Under 16.

A Girls’ Rugby Programme is also offered from Under 11 to Under 18, with the Albany Creek Girls Rugby Academy based at the club since 2021.

Albany Creek rugby — Photo Credit: Albany Creek GPS Brumbies Rugby Club

Facilities And Club Activity

The club operates from a modern clubhouse completed in 2021, supported by well-maintained playing fields with lighting for evening training and games, along with parking.

The Brumbies have previously hosted representative trials, development carnivals and major competitions, including the Queensland State Championships in 2013 and 2017. The club was named “Club of the Year” in 2013.

Outlook

With its 30-year anniversary approaching in 2026, the Albany Creek Brumbies continue to promote junior rugby pathways, structured programmes and community participation for families in Albany Creek.

Published 18-Jan-2026

Tyga And Quavo To Headline Rolling Loud Pre-Roll Event In Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: EatonsHillHotel/Facebook

Tyga and Quavo are set to headline the Rolling Loud Pre-Roll Event in Eatons Hill, delivering a one-night outdoor show that introduces Rolling Loud Australia 2026 ahead of its Sydney and Melbourne festival dates.

Eatons Hill As The Opening Act

The Rolling Loud Pre-Roll Event will be held on Saturday, 28 February 2026 at Eatons Hill Hotel Outdoors in Brisbane, positioning Eatons Hill as the first Australian stop for the internationally recognised hip-hop festival brand in 2026.

Scheduled as a single-date event, the Eatons Hill show is intended to give local audiences an early preview of Rolling Loud’s large-scale production style before the main festival program continues interstate in early March.

Tyga and Quavo — *Photo Credit: Eatons Hill/Instagram*

Tyga’s Career And Musical Footprint

Tyga is an American rapper whose career spans more than two decades, with roots in West Coast hip-hop. He rose to international prominence in the early 2010s following the success of his album Careless World: Rise of the Last King, which produced chart-performing singles and established his mainstream profile.

Over the years, Tyga has maintained a strong presence in global hip-hop through a mix of solo releases and collaborations. His catalogue includes commercially successful tracks such as Rack City, Taste and Swish, with later releases marking a sustained return to mainstream recognition. His Eatons Hill performance is expected to draw on this established body of work.

Tyga Rolling Loud Pre-Roll Event — *Photo Credit: Tyga/Instagram*

Quavo’s Evolution From Group Success To Solo Work

Quavo is best known as a founding member of the hip-hop group Migos, which played a significant role in shaping modern trap music throughout the 2010s. As a solo artist, Quavo has appeared on multiple charting singles and released two studio albums, including Quavo Huncho and Rocket Power.

Following the disbandment of Migos, Quavo has continued to perform internationally, with live sets typically focused on collaborative hits and solo material. His inclusion in the Eatons Hill event reflects his ongoing presence in the global hip-hop circuit.

Quavo Rolling Loud Pre-Roll Event — *Photo Credit: Quavo/Instagram*

Line-Up And Event Details

Joining Tyga and Quavo at Eatons Hill are Rich Amiri, Hooligan Hefs and Day1, combining international and Australian artists on the same bill.

The all-ages event will open its doors at 2:00 p.m., with tickets priced from $86.00 and available via Moshtix.

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What Comes Next

After Eatons Hill, Rolling Loud Australia 2026 will continue at Centennial Park in Sydney on Saturday, 7 March, followed by Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Sunday, 8 March, marking the festival’s return to Australia since 2019.

Published 14-Jan-2026

Albany Creek Facility Anchors Award-Winning Accessibility Plan

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Albany Creek is at the centre of a citywide accessibility plan recognised for improving daily life for residents with high support needs, after Moreton Bay’s Changing Places Network Plan received a state planning award for its practical approach to inclusive public spaces.

Accessibility Needs In Growing Communities

The plan was recognised at the Planning Institute of Australia Queensland Planning Excellence Awards, announced in 2025. The Changing Places Network Plan focuses on providing specialised public facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. These facilities include larger spaces designed for safe movement, use of hoists, and assisted care. Council planning documents show demand for these facilities is expected to grow as the local population ages and as more people live with complex disabilities.

Moreton Bay estimates tens of thousands of residents will require higher levels of physical support in coming decades. Community consultation played a central role in shaping the plan, with feedback from people with disability, carers, and service providers helping determine where facilities should be located.

Albany Creek’s Role In The Network

Albany Creek features prominently in the plan through the Changing Places facility at the Albany Creek Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The site is identified as a key location due to its regular community use, transport access, and proximity to surrounding suburbs.

Local families and carers benefit from having a facility that allows longer visits to public venues without needing to return home early. Community access advocates have stated in coverage from local media outlets that locations like Albany Creek help reduce isolation for people with high support needs.

Award Recognition And Planning Impact

The Wendy Chadwick Encouragement Award recognises planning projects that show leadership, collaboration, and long-term value. Reporting across multiple outlets noted the plan is one of the first of its kind developed by a local council in Australia.

Planning professionals involved in the assessment described the network-based approach as effective because it treats accessibility as essential infrastructure rather than an add-on. The award has increased awareness of the plan beyond the region, with planners from other councils reviewing it as a reference point.

What Comes Next For Residents

Moreton Bay Council has confirmed additional Changing Places facilities are planned across the region, including coastal and high-traffic recreation areas. Future sites are expected to follow the same planning framework used for Albany Creek and other early locations.

Community groups have welcomed the staged rollout, saying consistent access across suburbs supports inclusion in everyday activities such as swimming, attending events, and visiting public spaces with family and friends.

Published 5-Jan-2026

From Rescue to Recovery: A Kitten’s Journey in Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: Eatons Hill Veterinary Surgery/Facebook

A kitten rescued after being found trapped in industrial glue has recovered and found a permanent home following weeks of treatment and rehabilitation at a veterinary practice in Eatons Hill.

A Critical Rescue

The kitten, later named Titan, was discovered clinging to the edge of a vat of industrial glue at Clontarf, just north of Brisbane. Only weeks old at the time, he was rushed to Eatons Hill Veterinary Surgery in a fragile condition, with glue heavily embedded in his fur and visible damage to his skin.

Veterinary staff immediately began treatment, sedating and carefully shaving him to remove the adhesive. As the glue was cleared, raw and irritated skin was revealed underneath, requiring fluids, antibiotics and close monitoring during the early stages of recovery.

animal recovery — Photo Credit: Eatons Hill Veterinary Surgery/Facebook

Slow Healing and Growing Strength

In the days that followed, updates from the practice confirmed that Titan’s condition was gradually improving. His skin began to heal, though peeling and discomfort were expected as the remaining glue residue worked its way out. Full recovery was expected to take several weeks, including time for his fur to regrow.

As his health stabilised, the kitten’s progress drew strong public interest, with many people following his recovery and offering messages of support.

veterinary rehabilitation — Photo Credit: Eatons Hill Veterinary Surgery/Facebook

Finding the Right Home

On 18 November, the practice opened applications for Titan’s adoption. Due to the level of interest, the process was managed through a formal application system to ensure a suitable long-term placement.

By 23 November, the clinic confirmed that Titan had been matched with a family and would soon leave the surgery to begin life in a permanent home.

Eatons Hill kitten rescue — Photo Credit: Eatons Hill Veterinary Surgery/Facebook

Settling Into Family Life

In early December, the practice shared that Titan had settled in with the Hamilton family and was adjusting well. Updates indicated he was becoming more confident and active, with his personality emerging as his recovery continued.

Veterinary staff noted that while his physical healing was ongoing, his progress at home reflected a positive outcome following his early trauma.

A Reminder of Ongoing Rescue Efforts

While Titan’s story captured wide attention, the Eatons Hill practice continues to care for hundreds of rescue animals each year. His recovery highlights the outcomes that can follow sustained veterinary care, careful rehabilitation and responsible adoption.

Published 29-Dec-2025

SportsBox Lockers Now Available In Arana Hills

Photo Credit: Queensland Sport and Recreation/Facebook

Residents in Arana Hills can now borrow sports equipment at a local park through a new SportsBox locker, providing easier access to recreational activities without needing personal gear.

SportsBox Introduced At Leslie Patrick Park

A SportsBox locker has been installed at Leslie Patrick Park in Arana Hills, allowing park users to borrow sports equipment for use on nearby courts. The locker provides on-site access to shared gear, supporting casual physical activity in a public setting.

The Arana Hills installation forms part of a wider rollout across the Moreton Bay area. Additional lockers are operating at Blatchford Reserve in Murrumba Downs and at Sandstone Point. In the Redland area, SportsBox lockers are already available at Beth Boyd Park and Raby Esplanade Park.

Arana Hills SportsBox — Photo Credit: Queensland Sport and Recreation/Facebook

Equipment Tailored To Each Location

The equipment available through each SportsBox locker varies depending on the sporting facilities at the park. Items may include gear for basketball, table tennis, volleyball, pickleball or netball, allowing users to participate in different activities based on what is available on site.

The lockers are designed to remove barriers associated with owning or transporting sports equipment, particularly for people visiting parks on short notice.

Program Purpose And Delivery

The SportsBox program is delivered by People Being Active Pty Ltd and funded through the ActiveKIT Super Round. The initiative focuses on improving access to physical activity opportunities by making shared sports equipment available in community spaces.

Across Queensland, more than 20 lockers are planned, with the program expected to reach over 10,000 participants. Future installations are planned in regional locations including Mackay and Noosa.

Photo Credit: Queensland Sport and Recreation/Facebook

School Holiday Use And Community Response

SportsBox has been promoted as a practical option for families during school holidays, offering a low-cost way to keep children active outdoors. No advance planning is required, and equipment can be borrowed directly at the park.

Online responses to the program have included strong support for improving access to sport, alongside questions about equipment return and long-term maintenance. These views reflect a mix of optimism and practical concerns commonly raised in public discussions.

What Comes Next

The rollout of SportsBox lockers is continuing across Queensland. In Arana Hills, the focus remains on encouraging community use while monitoring how the lockers operate over time.

Published 28-Dec-2025

Improved Dog Parks Boost Outdoor Recreation in Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: CrCathTonks/ Facebook

Residents and their pets in Eatons Hill will enjoy safer and more modern outdoor spaces as significant upgrades revitalise the local dog off-leash facilities.

Upgrades at Apex Park

dog — *Photo Credit:* *CrCathTonks/ Facebook*

A major project at Apex Park has targeted the existing off-leash area to improve the experience for local dog owners. Located next to South Pine Road, the treed park now features a completely refreshed layout designed for better usability. The work included the installation of new entrance gates for both pedestrians and maintenance vehicles to ensure secure access.

Inside the park, visitors will find upgraded concrete pathways and a new shelter with seating, providing a shaded spot for owners to rest while their dogs play. The facility also includes a dual dog water bubbler to keep pets hydrated. Fresh landscaping and realigned fencing were part of the plan to enhance safety standards at the site. Reports indicate that these scheduled improvements at Apex Park are now finished.

Additions at Bleakley Park

While work wraps up in Eatons Hill, improvements continue nearby in Albany Creek. Construction crews have been active at Bleakley Park, where the council is creating an entirely new dog off-leash section. This project aims to expand the current network with new concrete pathways that link different areas of the park together.

The plans for Bleakley Park include the addition of a shelter and extra seating for comfort. A new water bubbler and improved signage will also be installed to help guide visitors. To keep the area clean, an additional bin is being placed within the grounds. These simultaneous projects highlight a push to support pet-friendly recreation across the region.

Published Date 22-December-2025