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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

Albany Creek Athlete Heads To Wales For International Powerlifting Event

Photo Credit: Strength and Power/Facebook

Albany Creek athlete Kim Prince is continuing her multi-sport strength career as she prepares to compete internationally in powerlifting following her world title in natural bodybuilding.

Early Foundations And Background

Kim Prince began her training as a child performer with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, where she learned trapeze, Spanish web and acrobatics under Chinese coaches. This early discipline contributed to her later transition into natural bodybuilding, Strongwoman events, powerlifting and triathlon.

At age 42, she won the 2018 World Championship at the Olympia All Natural event in Las Vegas, only 18 months after entering bodybuilding. Her broader transformation included losing more than 20 kilograms in 12 weeks.

Competition Record Across Multiple Strength Sports

Kim has accumulated national and international results across several sports while competing drug-free.

Her verified achievements include:

2018 Natural Bodybuilding World Champion (Las Vegas)
2020 Beasts of Burden Strongwoman (under-72kg) winner
2022 UK Strongwoman Open (Hartfield) winner
2023 Women’s Masters Division winner, Australia’s Strongest International (Bendigo)
2023 Women’s Masters Division winner, Emirates Strongest International (Dubai)
2024 Third place, Women’s Masters, World Championships Strongwoman (Ireland)
2024 National champion in U67.5kg Masters Women’s Tested Powerlifting and overall Masters heaviest female lifter

She holds the female masters Australian natural deadlift record at 201 kilograms and currently maintains a 200-kilogram deadlift at a body weight of 66 kilograms.

Expansion Into Endurance And Triathlon

Two years ago, Kim added triathlons to her training, including swimming, cycling and running. She has also undertaken group ocean swimming sessions to build confidence in open water conditions.

Albany Creek Athlete Preparing For Wales Event

Kim will compete in the ZEROW Pro 3 powerlifting event in Wales on 16 November, which coincides with her 49th birthday. The competition has no weight or age classes, and she aims to exceed her previous competition lifts, including her natural deadlift record.

Her preparation this year included managing chronic pain and injuries while maintaining daily training with five strength sessions and additional swimming, cycling or walking.

Queensland athlete — Photo Credit: Strength and Power/Facebook

Community Strength Initiatives And Local Impact

Kim contributes to local strength communities by running Strongwoman and Strongman events in Stafford and Kedron, offering free posing sessions at Unique Crew and supporting athletes without trainers.

She co-organised Her Roar to encourage women to participate in strength sports and delivers workshops for Indigenous youth and disadvantaged women through Iron Tracks and the Women’s Sports Academy.

She lectures in cardiac ultrasound at CQU Brisbane and continues to train at facilities in Zillmere, Lutwyche and surrounding areas.

Next Steps For The Albany Creek Competitor

The Wales competition marks another major step in Kim’s ongoing multi-sport strength career, highlighting her continued development across bodybuilding, Strongwoman, powerlifting and triathlon as she represents Albany Creek internationally.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Shellfish Reef Trial Shows Waterway Benefits Near Bridgeman Downs

A long-running shellfish reef trial in the Pine River catchment near Bridgeman Downs is demonstrating measurable nutrient reduction, providing new insights into how nature-based systems can support cleaner waterways.

Background on the Pine River Trial

Unitywater began the shellfish reef project in the Pine River nearly two years ago to assess whether oyster-based reefs could reduce nutrients downstream of the Murrumba Downs Wastewater Treatment Plant. The initiative, delivered with UniSC, OzFish and Healthy Land and Water, forms part of a broader commitment to improve waterways across the region.

The approach tests how recycled oyster shells can be used to support live shellfish, building small reef structures capable of filtering water as they grow. The trial sits within the Pine River catchment, which includes the Albany Creek and Bridgeman Downs area.

Bridgeman Downs shellfish reef — *Photo Credit: Unitywater*

How the Reef System Works

Each reef consists of baskets made by OzFish volunteers and filled with around 18 kilograms of recycled oyster shells. The shells are sun-cured for 12 months to remove impurities and then prepared for oyster spat before installation.

Researchers measure performance by analysing nitrogen in shellfish tissue, nitrogen deposited into surrounding sediment and reductions in the water column. In the first six months of results, monitoring showed a reduction of 7.24 kilograms of nitrogen.

Unitywater’s modelling indicates that approximately 154 reefs, covering an area similar to two rugby league fields and containing about 6,500 baskets, could offset nitrogen discharged from a treatment plant servicing around 10,000 people.

Ecological Findings So Far

UniSC research teams reported that more than 95 per cent of shellfish reefs nationwide have disappeared, making restoration work significant for water quality and ecological recovery. Findings from the Pine River show the reefs are effectively storing nutrients within the living shellfish and the reef structure.

Researchers used multiple techniques, including nitrogen testing in shellfish flesh and surrounding sediment, to understand how nutrients settle and transform within the system.

Expansion of the Trial

Following development approval from the State Assessment Referral Agency, Unitywater will add two more reefs to the North Pine River between Lawnton and Murrumba Downs. These sites will test how different depths, salinity levels and flow conditions influence nutrient removal.

Unitywater’s Environmental Sustainability Plan outlines a wider commitment to divert or offset nutrients from waterways by 2040. The shellfish trial forms part of this broader program, which includes wetland restoration, nutrient offset projects and recycled water schemes.

Relevance to Bridgeman Downs

Bridgeman Downs is located within the Pine River catchment, meaning improvements in water quality upstream contribute to healthier waterways for suburbs connected to this system. The trial’s findings offer data that may guide future restoration activities benefiting the wider northern Brisbane region.

Next Steps

Further monitoring will assess long-term nutrient storage, reef growth and performance in varied conditions. These results will support decisions on whether nature-based systems can be deployed more widely alongside existing wastewater treatment processes.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Business and Innovation Awards Held in Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Business Awards

The 2025 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards gathered businesses and community representatives at Eatons Hill for an evening recognising achievements across multiple industry categories.

Awards Ceremony at Eatons Hill Hotel

The 2025 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards were held at Eatons Hill Hotel on 30 October 2025, bringing together 61 finalists from across the region. The event highlighted achievements in innovation, customer service, manufacturing, sustainability, tourism and emerging business sectors.

The program was coordinated by Tourism and Events Moreton Bay in partnership with City of Moreton Bay.

Award Categories and Winners

A total of 16 categories were presented, with results based on assessments from a judging panel of 25 industry representatives. The Business of the Year honour went to Health Focus Manufacturers, recognised for its performance across multiple areas.

Eatons Hill Business Awards — Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Business Awards

Category Winners

Not-For-Profit Excellence: The Nest Community
Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence: Wilko Painting
Exporting Excellence: Solar Bollard Lighting
Employee of the Year: Olivia Tulloch – Gather & Feast Café
Advanced Manufacturing Excellence: Health Focus Manufacturers
Entrepreneur of the Year: Tory Ogden – Kompliance
Tourism Business Excellence: Brisbane Whale Watching
Hall of Fame – Tourism Business Excellence: Brisbane Whale Watching (2023, 2024 and 2025)
Innovation Excellence: RTM Cloud
Businesswoman of the Year: Candice Kiss – Gather & Feast Café, Annie Lane Café, Ruby Tuesday Café
Food and Agribusiness Excellence: Hip Hops Brewers
Environment and Sustainability Excellence: The Nest Community
Customer Service Excellence: Annie Lane Café
New Business Excellence: Hop To It Collective

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Business Awards

Eatons Hill as the Host Venue

Eatons Hill served as the host location for the awards evening, marking another major regional event held at Eatons Hill Hotel. Businesses and representatives made online acknowledgements following the event, including posts from individual winners expressing appreciation for the program.

Regional Significance

The awards highlighted contributions across a broad range of sectors, reflecting ongoing activity in business development, community service, tourism, and innovation. The achievements recognised during the event demonstrated the range of work undertaken by businesses across the region.

Future Outlook

Recipients are expected to continue expanding their work following the recognition in 2025. The awards program is anticipated to remain a platform for acknowledging regional business achievements in future years.

Published 31-Oct-2025

Strathpine Level Crossing Named Queensland’s Worst for Morning Congestion

Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads

For almost two hours every weekday morning, traffic on South Pine Road grinds to a halt as boom gates near Strathpine Station stay down to let trains pass, making it the most congested level crossing in south-east Queensland.

Growing Delays in a Growing Community

From 5 am to 10 am, motorists face closures totalling an average of one hour and 50 minutes, according to new Queensland Rail data released in mid-October 2025. The figures show Strathpine has the longest morning downtime of any Brisbane crossing, prompting renewed calls from transport experts and advocacy groups for upgrades to ease congestion.

*Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads*

Strathpine’s crossing sits at a critical junction where commuters from northern suburbs merge onto South Pine Road to reach Gympie Road or the Bruce Highway. Each train movement halts traffic in both directions, backing up vehicles past shops, schools and bus routes.

Transport experts say the cause is a mix of factors: more passenger trains, added freight services and higher dwell times at nearby stations. Queensland Rail confirmed that 111 weekly services have been added to the timetable over the past year, meaning more frequent gate closures. With new projects like Cross River Rail expected to increase services further, residents fear the wait times could grow even longer.

Plans and Promises

The state government has identified 13 priority level crossings for removal or upgrade across the south-east rail network. Strathpine’s crossing has been highlighted by advocates as needing priority attention, though it is not yet confirmed in the current removal list.

At other locations, such as Beams Road in Carseldine, replacement works are already under way with a new four-lane overpass funded by a $235 million partnership between federal, state and local governments. Similar upgrades are planned along the Logan and Gold Coast lines. Advocacy groups argue that crossings with the longest downtimes, such as Strathpine, should be next in line, given its impact on both local businesses and commuter safety.

Experts Call for Faster Action

Griffith University transport researcher Matthew Burke said when boom gates are closed for more than a third of the peak hour, congestion becomes a serious problem. He noted that if rail frequency continues to rise without parallel upgrades, some crossings could see nearly an hour of closures within a single hour of traffic.

The RACQ echoed those concerns, saying long closures at Strathpine and other sites increase risks for frustrated drivers and pedestrians. The motoring body continues to support grade-separated solutions, such as overpasses or underpasses, as the safest and most efficient long-term fix.

What It Means for Locals

For Strathpine residents, the long delays are now a familiar part of the morning routine. Extended closures cause longer travel times for motorists and buses using South Pine Road. With the region’s population and train network both expanding, the crossing’s limitations are being felt more sharply than ever.

Advocacy groups have urged the government to set clear timelines for future crossing upgrades across the region. Until then, the sound of warning bells and the sight of flashing red lights will remain a familiar frustration for thousands each morning.

Published 20-October-2025

Last-Minute Decision Leads to Life-Changing $2m Win for Eatons Hill Pair

Photo Credit: Pexels

A couple from just down the road in Eatons Hill is grappling with the delightful shock of becoming overnight multimillionaires after a last-minute decision to buy a ticket that secured them a $2 million windfall.

Their ordinary Monday morning was turned on its head when a phone call from an official delivered the extraordinary news. The husband, who answered the phone, was left completely gobsmacked.

“This has to be a gee up! Are you for real right now?” he laughed, struggling to believe his ears.

“Man, what a shock! I’m speechless. I’m flabbergasted. I don’t know what to say.”

He admitted to the official that he almost missed the life-altering call. “When you rang a second time, I thought this could be important. It certainly was! This is an awesome start to my Monday.”

The winning ticket, a 25-game QuickPick, was the result of a happy accident.

“It was a last-minute ticket because my wife couldn’t make it to the newsagency and asked me to get her one online,” he explained.

In a twist many locals will find relatable, he almost talked his wife out of it.

“Normally, we only buy a ticket if it’s a big jackpot, so I actually said to her, ‘Are you sure? It’s only $10 million’. She’s going to be ecstatic!”

While the couple is still processing the monumental win, their thoughts have already turned to family. They confirmed the prize will make a huge difference in their lives and, most importantly, will help them set their kids up for the future.

“This is unbelievable. This is the best call I’ve ever received,” the winner added.

The winning numbers for the draw were 31, 13, 18, 15, 2 and 40, with supplementary numbers 36 and 26. The Eatons Hill couple’s entry was one of two division one wins in Queensland for the draw.

The entire Samford Valley community extends its warmest congratulations to our lucky neighbours on their incredible good fortune.

Published Date 13-October-2025