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Albany Creek Historian Continues Community Work A Year After OAM

Photo Credit: Queensland Maritime Museum/Facebook

A year after receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia, an Albany Creek resident continues his long-standing commitment to historical research, writing and volunteer work within the local and maritime history sectors.

Recognition That Reflected Long-Term Service

Keith Boulton received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for contributions to history preservation and community service, particularly through his voluntary work at the Queensland Maritime Museum.

At the time of the announcement, Mr Boulton was unaware he had been nominated and described the recognition as unexpected. The honour followed more than a decade of volunteering and historical research.

Albany Creek historian — Photo Credit: Queensland Maritime Museum/Facebook

Ongoing Role At The Queensland Maritime Museum

Mr Boulton has volunteered at the Queensland Maritime Museum since 2009 and became an Honorary Life Member in 2014. His contributions have included developing the museum’s Guides Notes system and editing its publications, Manifest and Murmurs, a role he has held since 2021.

A year after receiving the OAM, he continues to volunteer weekly at the museum and spends additional time working on historical publications from home. The museum remains operated entirely by volunteers.

Writing And Historical Research

Mr Boulton has authored several historical works covering genealogy, industry and community history. These include Boulton Genealogical Records 1700–2000, Castol in Queensland, and Morningside Rover Crew History 1920–2015.

He is also preparing a forthcoming publication titled Gone but not Forgotten!, a collection of short stories focused on ships, shipwrecks and Australia’s maritime past.

Keith Boulton — Photo Credit: Queensland Maritime Museum/Facebook

Community Connections In Albany Creek

Beyond maritime history, Mr Boulton has maintained long-term involvement in Albany Creek community life. He has volunteered with the Albany Creek Uniting Church for more than 25 years and continues to serve as the church historian.

His community involvement has also included participation with the Balmoral APEX Club, Friends of Balmoral Cemetery and the Bulimba District Historical Society.

Photo Credit: Queensland Maritime Museum/Facebook

From Trade Work To Historical Focus

Mr Boulton began his working life as a mechanic with Hornibrooks before working with vessels at Heron Island and on the Brisbane River. He later spent 26 years with Castrol and BP in a range of roles, including overseas work, before retiring as a Health and Safety Quality Assurance Lead Auditor.

Despite extensive travel and a varied career, his focus remains on documenting and preserving history within his local community.

Continuing Without Change

One year after receiving national recognition, Mr Boulton’s routine remains largely unchanged. His ongoing volunteering, research and writing reflect a continuation of work established long before the award.

Published 20-Dec-2025

Four-Year-Old Junior Impresses at Wantima’s Cameron Smith Classic

At just four years old, Corbin Boyce is emerging as a junior golf talent to watch, winning his age division at the Cameron Smith Junior Classic at Wantima Country Club after already making club history as the youngest-ever C Grade Junior Club Champion.

Corbin Boyce, a Wantima Country Club junior who still has a year of kindy ahead of him, recently stepped onto one of the biggest junior golf stages in Queensland when he competed in the Cameron Smith Junior Classic. He did so as the youngest player in the field, lining up against children mostly aged eight and above in a tournament that attracted more than 200 junior golfers.

Despite his age, Corbin showed no nerves — just enthusiasm, confidence and a clear love for the game.

A Special Moment at Wantima

The Cameron Smith Junior Classic holds special significance at Wantima Country Club, where Smith himself learned the game before rising to international success. For Corbin, the experience became even more memorable when he met Smith shortly before tee-off.

“Corbin got to meet Cameron right before his tee time,” his father, Chris Boyce, said in a Q & A with Brisbane Suburbs Online News. “Cam even watched him play for a little bit. Like all the kids, Corbin absolutely loves Cameron Smith, so that was a huge moment for him.”

While results mattered far less than participation, Corbin played strongly for his age, earning praise from club members and organisers alike. Chris said the family was proud to see him compete with confidence against much older players.

“He played extremely well, and we were super proud of him,” he said.

A Champion Before School Starts

Corbin’s appearance at the Classic followed another remarkable achievement just weeks earlier, one that surprised even long-time members at Wantima.

Before most kids can tie their shoelaces and as the youngest competitor in the Club’s history, Corbin has become the C Grade Junior Club Champion. The championship was played over two weekends, with a combined score deciding the winner.

“Corbin has now won a club championship before me,” Chris joked. “I’ve been playing for 10 years, and I’ve never won one. The guys at the golf club think that’s hilarious.”

The win added Corbin’s name to a list typically dominated by much older juniors and reinforced the sense that something special is unfolding, albeit without any pressure being placed on the young golfer.

A Love for Golf From the Very Beginning

Corbin’s introduction to golf came early — extraordinarily early.

“I put a golf club in his hands when he was nine months old,” Chris said. “He just started hitting balls, and then he was hooked.”

Golf soon became a regular part of family life. Chris plays pennant golf at Wantima, as does his twin brother, while Corbin’s older brother Colby and baby brother Coda often join practice sessions in the backyard.

“We play in our yard a lot, but also just out on the course with me,” Chris said. “I even bought a golf buggy so I could take the boys out more often for practice.”

Between work, family time and weekend rounds, Corbin usually gets out for practice once during the week and again after Saturday golf, playing a few holes whenever possible.

Smashing Drives and Chasing Ducks

For Corbin, golf remains fun above all else, and that’s exactly how his family wants it.

“He loves smashing his driver,” Chris said. “He can hit it about 80 metres. He also loves chasing ducks around the course.”

Asked about his strengths, Chris laughs. “Probably chasing ducks… then hitting his driver.”

Corbin’s favourite golfer is Cameron Smith, and like many young players, he enjoys copying what he sees from the professionals while still being very much a four-year-old at heart.

A Supportive Club Environment

A key figure in Corbin’s development has been Ken McKay, Wantima’s junior coordinator, who Chris credits with encouraging them to enter competitions and supporting Corbin’s journey.

“Ken encouraged me to put Corbin into these events,” Chris said. “We honestly wouldn’t be where we are without him.”

McKay spearheaded the Cameron Smith Junior Classic and reflects Wantima’s strong commitment to junior development, a commitment that continues to attract families from across the region.

Keeping Perspective

Despite the growing attention around Corbin’s achievements, Chris is careful to keep expectations grounded.

“I love watching him develop such a passion for the sport,” he said. “As long as he’s happy, I’m happy. It’s not too serious, and that’s the best thing so far.”

Corbin is still in kindy, still loves all sports, and still spends most of his time playing with his brothers. His goals for golf remain simple.

“He wants to be better than his dad,” Chris said with a smile. “And he’s not far off.”

Whether Corbin’s future leads him down the same path as Cam Smith,who maintains a strong connection to Wantima as his junior club and often supports junior events there, remains to be seen. For now, Corbin is already achieving something just as important: enjoying the game, supported by family, club and community, on the same fairways that has seen many far older than him, succeed.

Follow his progress and achievements in the world of golf via Instagram.

Published 16-Dec-2025

Hip Hops Brewers Brews Friendship Lager For Moreton Bay And Japan

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Hip Hops Brewers in Brendale has helped turn an international friendship into something residents can taste, creating a Japanese style lager brewed in Moreton Bay to mark the region’s long standing ties with Sanyo Onoda in Japan.

Local Brewery At The Centre Of The Project

Tomodachi Lager is a limited release beer created through a partnership between a local craft brewery, regional researchers, and community groups. Hip Hops Brewers led production at its Brendale site, working with City of Moreton Bay and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook*

The team developed a Japanese style rice lager to reflect both regions through flavour and brewing style. Tomodachi means friendship, linking the long-standing relationship between Moreton Bay and Sanyo Onoda. The lager features yuzu citrus notes and a light umami profile from locally grown sea lettuce sourced in Moreton Bay waters.

Research And Local Ingredients Shape The Flavour

Food science and aquaculture experts from the University of the Sunshine Coast advised on the safe and effective use of sea lettuce in brewing. The seaweed is similar to varieties commonly eaten in Japan and was chosen for its subtle flavour rather than strength.

Researchers involved described the beer as an example of how local marine resources can support new ideas when paired with small business and hospitality. The collaboration showed how science and brewing can work together at a community level.

A Community Focused Launch With International Guests

The beer was launched at Hip Hops Brewers in Brendale during a visit by representatives from Sanyo Onoda, including the city’s mayor. Local leaders, brewers, and community members attended the gathering, which focused on shared history and people to people connections.

City representatives described the beer as a simple way to recognise the role of local businesses in building international friendships. The emphasis remained on community involvement, regional skills, and cooperation.

Limited Release With Local Impact

Tomodachi Lager was produced as a limited release and made available through Hip Hops Brewers. Despite the small batch size, the project boosted the brewery’s exposure and highlighted Moreton Bay’s growing reputation for food and beverage innovation.

From locally grown sea lettuce to a Brendale based brewery, the project reflects a practical and community driven way of celebrating friendship through local enterprise.

Published 16-December-2025

Assistance Rolled Out in QLD as Southern Coast Storms Left Families Recovering

The impact of the November 2025 Southern Coast Severe Storms was felt across the Moreton Bay Region, including in suburbs such as Eatons Hill, where residents began the long process of recovery.

Read: Brendale Charity Nourish Street Launches 2025 Christmas Appeal to Support Hundreds in Need

Queensland activated the Personal Hardship Assistance Grants for eligible residents affected by the storms, which brought damaging winds, intense rainfall, and localised flooding across several local government areas. These grants were designed to support people facing immediate financial difficulties and to help households meet essential needs after the disaster.

Support was offered through a range of grants under joint state and federal disaster funding arrangements. Among these was the Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant, which provided help for urgent essentials such as food, medicine, clothing, and temporary accommodation. This assistance was made available to residents who experienced personal hardship as a result of the storms and who met the eligibility criteria.

Additional support included the Essential Household Contents Grant, which assisted households whose essential belongings were destroyed or damaged. Residents were also able to access a Structural Assistance Grant for repairs to their primary residence where the property was uninsured or unable to be insured. A Safety and Reconnection Grant was also available to help restore critical services like electricity, gas, and water to homes that sustained damage.

The funding was jointly delivered through the Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, supporting communities across the Southern Coast region as clean-up efforts progressed. Eligible areas included parts of the Moreton Bay Region, the Scenic Rim, Logan, Gold Coast, and Redland City.

Residents applying for assistance needed to meet specific eligibility requirements, including demonstrating direct impacts from the storm event. Queensland encouraged affected households to review the criteria and application process through their website to ensure claims were processed efficiently.

Read: Funding Boost Helps Bray Park–Strathpine RSL Keep ANZAC Day Tradition Alive

Community Recovery Hubs were also opened in affected regions, offering face-to-face support and guidance for residents navigating the process. Online applications remained available for those unable to attend in person.

As recovery efforts continued, support services reminded locals that disaster recovery often took time and that financial assistance formed only one part of a broader effort to help communities regain stability after severe weather. With many households across the Moreton Bay Region still assessing damages, these grants aimed to bridge the immediate gap and support residents as they rebuilt.

Published 1-December-2025

Brendale Charity Nourish Street Launches 2025 Christmas Appeal to Support Hundreds in Need

As Christmas draws near, Brendale-based charity Nourish Street Inc is calling on locals to help deliver practical support to individuals and families doing it tough across Moreton Bay, Pine Rivers and Brisbane. The organisation has officially launched its 2025 Christmas Appeal, a major effort aimed at filling hundreds of hampers and serving more than 465 people through Christmas Day and weekly outreach meals.

Read: New Brendale Hub of Ball and Doggett Aims to Empower Local Printers

The charity, known for its street support efforts and its bustling Nourish Street Emporium op shop in Brendale, is seeking donations of food, toiletries, small gifts and festive items to help residents in need. With in-date pantry staples, snacks, hygiene products, ready meals and toys high on the wishlist, the organisation encourages the community to give what they can before the final donation day on 19 December.

This year’s appeal will support Christmas meals and hamper distributions reaching:
• 150 people at the charity’s Christmas Day BBQ at Suttons Beach
• 150 people on its city outreach run
• 120 people at Musgrave Park
• 45 people in the Pine Rivers area

Nourish Street Inc is also seeking donations of 600 ml water bottles, Christmas cakes, pet food, BBQ supplies and gifts for children aged two to sixteen. Items may be delivered to the charity’s headquarters at Unit 9/37–39 Kremzow Road, Brendale, between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Financial contributions are also welcomed and remain tax deductible for donations over $2, with all funds directed toward food, supplies and ongoing outreach.

About Nourish Street

Nourish Street began as a small, self-funded family initiative. Brendale local Beau Haywood, together with his partner Jenny Ignacio and Beau’s sons Kane, Zion and Isaac, first began distributing meals and essential items to people doing it tough.

Beau, formerly a mechanical fitter and welder, spent years navigating unstable housing and addiction. After complications from carpal tunnel surgery left him unable to work for more than four years, he continued to meet people facing similar challenges. Now over 18 months clean after a 25-year methamphetamine addiction, he draws on his experience when working with people on outreach.

What began with Beau and Jenny preparing food and delivering it to people sleeping rough has since grown into a registered charity feeding more than 100 people, five days a week across Moreton Bay and Pine Rivers. Jenny helps pack meals and coordinate support, while Beau leads many of the outreach runs.

Read: Eatons Hill Santa Parade Returns With Festive Safety Focus

The charity shares surplus donations with partner organisations to extend the reach of support. As the 2025 Christmas Appeal gets underway, the charity is encouraging residents to support its work. Those wishing to donate, volunteer or learn more can visit the Nourish Street website.

Published 27-November-2025

Funding Boost Helps Bray Park–Strathpine RSL Keep ANZAC Day Tradition Alive

For the volunteers at the Bray Park–Strathpine RSL Sub-Branch, keeping the ANZAC spirit alive each year takes months of preparation and the support of the local community. This year, that task has been made a little easier with new funding that will ensure the annual ANZAC Day services continue for years to come.

Read: WWII Medals Found in Strathpine Returned on Soldier’s Death Anniversary

The Sub-Branch has received a three-year grant totalling $12,000, providing $4,000 each year to help cover the costs of staging the dawn service and march. A 3 per cent annual increase will also be applied to reflect the rising expenses faced by community groups.

Bray Park–Strathpine — Photo credit: brayparkstrathpinersl.com.au

Each April, residents from Bray Park and nearby suburbs gather before dawn to honour the men and women who served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Veterans, families and local groups take part in a ceremony that has become an important event in the local calendar.

The funding allows the Sub-Branch to focus on delivering these commemorations with confidence, rather than worrying about increasing event costs. It also offers stability for the many volunteers who work quietly behind the scenes to ensure the services run smoothly.

Alongside the financial contribution, the Sub-Branch will receive in-kind assistance such as help with permits and approvals, event promotion and beautification work around memorial sites ahead of the service. This practical support will free up local organisers to concentrate on what matters most — creating a space where the community can come together to remember.

ANZAC Day services have become a long-standing tradition in Bray Park. For veterans and their families, it is an opportunity to reflect on service and sacrifice; for younger generations, it is often their first introduction to the stories and values that shaped the nation. Local groups and families take part in the ceremony, reinforcing a shared sense of history and belonging.

Bray Park–Strathpine RSL Sub-Branch President Daniel Grono said the support means the tradition can continue to thrive. He said the certainty of multi-year funding allows the organisation to plan ahead and continue delivering respectful commemorations.

Read: Remembering Jack Leggo, the Dambusters Squadron Leader from Albany Creek

With the grant secured, organisers can now look forward to another dawn of remembrance — one that unites a growing community in reflection, gratitude and pride. As the bugle sounds and the silence falls, Bray Park will again stand together to honour those who served and those who continue to serve.

Published 13-November-2025

Murrumba Downs Student Awarded Unitywater Women in STEM Scholarship

A Murrumba Downs student has been named among this year’s Unitywater scholarship recipients, highlighting local talent supported through the University of the Sunshine Coast’s partnership with the water utility.

Scholarship Opportunities for UniSC Students

Unitywater has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship program, continuing its initiative to help University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) students begin their careers in the water industry. Since 2014, Unitywater has supported 21 students through its partnership with UniSC.

Three scholarships are offered: the Bright Future in Engineering Scholarship, the Fiona Waterhouse Women in STEM Scholarship, and the Bright Future for First Nations Students Scholarship. Each provides financial assistance over two or three years. Applications for the 2026 intake close on 30 November 2025.

Murrumba Downs scholarship — *Photo Credit:* *University of the Sunshine Coast* Australia

apply for this scholarship

Murrumba Downs Student Recognised

Murrumba Downs resident and Environmental Management student Genevieve Dennis was awarded this year’s Fiona Waterhouse Women in STEM Scholarship. Her selection reflected her strong academic record and her enthusiasm for sustainability and the environment.

She will undertake 100 hours of paid work with Unitywater’s environment team, gaining practical experience in environmental management and water operations.

Career Pathways Through Unitywater

Unitywater’s scholarship program forms part of a broader career development framework that includes the Vacation Student Program, Graduate Development Program, Apprenticeship Program, and Water Industry Worker Program. These initiatives provide opportunities for hands-on learning and entry into various roles within the water sector.

University of the Sunshine Coast Australia — *Photo Credit: University of the Sunshine Coast* Australia

Supporting Local Talent

Unitywater serves communities across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa, employing more than 700 people. The organisation is investing $2 billion over the next five years in infrastructure projects to support the region’s growth and sustainability.

Through initiatives like the scholarship program, Unitywater continues to foster skilled professionals who will contribute to the future of water and environmental management — including emerging leaders like Murrumba Downs’ Genevieve Dennis.

Published 10-Nov-2025

Measles Public Alert Issued After Brisbane Entertainment Centre Concert

Photo Credit: Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Health authorities have issued a public alert after three people with confirmed measles attended a concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall on 24 October 2025.

Anyone who attended the Jelly Roll concert that evening may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus and should monitor for symptoms for up to three weeks from the date of exposure.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said the three infected individuals also visited multiple locations across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Wide Bay regions while they were unknowingly infectious.

Two additional measles cases have been confirmed this week in Central Queensland and the West Moreton regions, though these are unrelated to the concert exposure.

Dr McDougall explained that measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it extremely contagious.

“Symptoms usually start seven to 18 days after contact with an infected person, typically around day 10, but can sometimes take as long as three weeks,” Dr McDougall said.

She urged anyone who attended the 24 October concert to remain vigilant for symptoms over the coming weeks.

The illness typically begins with fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and red, sore eyes. A few days later, a distinctive red, blotchy rash appears, usually starting on the face before spreading across the body.

Queensland has recorded 30 measles cases so far this year, with many linked to people returning from overseas travel. Dr McDougall said the potential for local transmission is a genuine concern.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should avoid public spaces and contact their GP or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice. It’s important to phone ahead before visiting a medical centre or pathology service so staff can take appropriate precautions.

People who have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine or have previously had measles are unlikely to contract the disease even after exposure.

The MMR vaccine is provided free in Queensland and is available from GPs and community pharmacies. Children receive the vaccine at 12 months (MMR) and 18 months (MMRV) as part of the National Immunisation Program.

Dr McDougall emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles.

“I encourage Queenslanders to make sure their vaccinations are up to date,” she said.

Queensland Health is maintaining an updated list of exposure sites and times on its website. Anyone who visited these locations during the specified periods should watch for symptoms and check their vaccination status.

For more information, visit the Queensland Health website or contact 13HEALTH for free health advice.

Published 12-November-2025

New Brendale Hub of Ball and Doggett Aims to Empower Local Printers

Photo Credit: Ball and Dodgett/ Instagram

Australia’s largest printable materials supplier, Ball & Doggett, has established a new hands-on Experience Hub in Brendale to give graphics professionals and printers a direct way to test and compare production technology.

A New Centre for Local Business Growth

Ball and Doggett — *Photo Credit:* *Ball and Dodgett/ Instagram*

The new Brendale facility is designed to support the local business community. It allows professionals in the sign, display, and packaging industries to explore and test new equipment before making big investment decisions. This practical approach aims to help companies find the right solutions for their specific needs.

The centre provides a space for people to see machines in action, which can be crucial for understanding their true capabilities, quality, and output. Ball & Doggett’s general manager for sign, display, and digital, Rob Brussolo, explained that there is no real substitute for this kind of firsthand experience. He stated that the goal is to empower customers to make informed choices that will help their businesses grow.

More Than Just Machines

This initiative lines up with Ball & Doggett’s broader corporate mission, which focuses on supporting society and fostering trust. As part of the OVOL Japan Pulp & Paper Group, the company’s principles include changing to meet society’s needs and challenging new fields with conviction.

The Experience Hub is more than just a showroom. It is stocked with a wide selection of substrates and consumables, allowing visitors to see a complete workflow demonstration from the initial print all the way to the finished product. An experienced team is available to guide visitors, answer questions, and help them explore new production ideas.

What’s Available at the Hub

Currently, the centre features a varied line-up of equipment. This includes wide-format printers, CNC routers, lasers, finishing equipment, and direct-to-film printers with heat presses.

The company plans to add even more equipment in the lead-up to the official launch event. While the grand opening is scheduled for February 2026, the Experience Hub is already available for use. Local businesses and graphics professionals are invited to book appointments now for personalised consultations and demonstrations.

Published Date 10-November-2025

Eatons Hill Santa Parade Returns With Festive Safety Focus

Photo Credit: Eatons Hill Santa/ Facebook

Local families and emergency services are set to bring a unique blend of festive cheer and vital safety messages to the streets of Eatons Hill for the community’s beloved annual Santa parade.

A Festive Route Through the Suburb

Santa parade — *Photo Credit:* *Eatons Hill Santa/ Facebook*

The popular community event, now in its ninth consecutive year, is scheduled to bring its jingle bell-fuelled joy to town on Friday, 28th November. Residents are invited to gather along the route, which kicks off at 4:30 pm.

The parade will travel through Bunya Park Drive and Saraband Drive, delivering a merry finale at Eatons Hill State School. A large turnout of local families is expected to enjoy the interactive spectacle.

More Than Just Tinsel

While the event is a celebration, it also carries an important message for the holiday period. This year, the parade is highlighting home, personal, fire, road, and water safety. Eatons Hill Santa Coordinator David Williams, who has been involved in community events for 28 years, feels strongly about giving back.

He explained that the parade is about creating memorable moments and uniting people, noting that it sees neighbours and friends gathering all along the route. By including emergency services, the event serves as a timely reminder for families to be prepared.

A Timely Holiday Reminder

As the holiday season approaches, families are reminded to check their fire alarms and ensure they have a fire escape plan. Organisers also pointed to the valuable Safehome program for home security. On the road, drivers are reminded of the importance of slowing down and moving to the left for emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens.

Mr Williams noted that free safety resources are available on all emergency service websites. He advises residents to keep an eye on the Eatons Hill Santa Facebook page for any updates on the day.

Published Date 04-November-2025