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Cameron Smith Junior Classic to Expand with New Format in Brendale

The Cameron Smith Junior Classic (CSJC) is set for a major expansion in 2026, with the popular junior golf tournament at Wantima Country Club in Brendale moving to a three-day, 54-hole format.

Read: Subdivision Proposed for Former Albany Links Golf Course in Brendale

Currently played over two days, the 10th edition will increase its player field to a record 256 under-18 golfers with GA handicaps. The new structure will feature shotgun starts across the opening rounds and a cut for the final day, bringing the competition in line with top-tier junior events.

The CSJC has grown significantly since its launch in 2017 as a one-day, 18-hole tournament for 132 players. It expanded to two days in 2022, when a separate nine-hole contest for under-14 golfers without a GA handicap was introduced. That event has also grown, with up to 72 spots available this year and again in 2026.

Backed by LIV Golf, Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC franchise, and sponsors including Qualia Wealth, the tournament is aiming to attract national and international players alongside strong local and state entries.

Origins of the CSJC

Cameron Smith (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/JazzyJoeyD/Wikimedia Commons)

The Cameron Smith Junior Classic was the brainchild of Ken McKay, long-time junior coordinator and Wantima member, who wanted to establish a premier event that showcased emerging golfing talent. Inspired by Cameron Smith’s ongoing support of Wantima’s junior program and his willingness to mentor young players when home in Brisbane, Ken began planning the tournament and later sought Smith’s endorsement to put his name to the event.

Since then, the CSJC has become a highlight on the junior golf calendar, providing opportunities for young boys and girls to test their skills and gain experience in a competitive setting.

Read: Community Parks in Albany Creek and Brendale Get Major Upgrades

Cameron Smith’s Connection

Cameron Smith grew up in Bray Park and started his golfing journey at Wantima before turning professional in 2013. His career reached new heights in 2022 with victories at The Players Championship and the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews. He now competes on the LIV Golf Tour, where his team Ripper GC won the LIV Team title in 2024.

Published 22-August-2025

Community Backs Youth Boxing with First Kid Gloves Day in Lawnton

Photo Credit: Barbers At Brendale/Instagram

Lawnton will host the first Kid Gloves Day, a community initiative supporting young boxers through All Star Boxing Gym and its youth programs.

Kid Gloves Day Set for Lawnton

The inaugural Kid Gloves Day will take place in Lawnton on 20 September 2025, highlighting the work of All Star Boxing Gym in guiding young people through sport. The event is backed by Barbers at Brendale, which has taken on the role of major sponsor.

Community Support for Youth Development

The program at All Star Boxing Gym is open to children as young as six and has supported hundreds of participants over the past 15 years. Beyond physical training, the gym focuses on discipline, confidence and providing a positive environment for children from diverse backgrounds.

Event Program

Kid Gloves Day will begin at 7 a.m. at the Lawnton gym, where families, schools, local businesses and the public can meet coaches, watch training, and see how the program operates. A barber’s chair will also be set up at the gym as part of the day’s activities.

In the afternoon, the celebration will continue at Barbers at Brendale with a community barbecue and drinks. Free haircuts will be offered to attendees.

All Star Boxing — Photo Credit: Barbers At Brendale/Instagram

Purpose and Impact

Funds raised through the event will help cover the costs of training equipment and travel expenses for gym members competing across Australia. The initiative aims to raise both financial support and awareness for the role grassroots sport plays in shaping young lives.

Coaches and Training Approach

All Star Boxing Gym’s coaching team includes Ben Harrington, Miles Zalewski, Kaaden Sloane, Paul Utia, Herb Taggart and Andrew Bulcher. The gym promotes tailored training, modern equipment, and a focus on both fitness and enjoyment.

Next Steps

Local families and businesses are encouraged to take part in the inaugural event, with the long-term goal of establishing Kid Gloves Day as an ongoing community tradition.

Published 20-Aug-2025

Peppers Brand to Elevate Mercure Clear Mountain into Region’s First Luxury Hotel

Photo Credit: Mercure Clear Mountain/Facebook

A $4 million transformation will see Mercure Clear Mountain rebranded as a Peppers retreat, creating the Moreton Bay region’s first five-star hotel.

Renovation Timeline and Investment

The redevelopment, announced in early August, is led by Mandala Hotels & Resorts. The company purchased the 51-room property set on 20 hectares of bushland overlooking the Glass House Mountains.

*Photo Credit: Mercure Clear Mountain/Facebook*

The staged program of works is expected to roll out over the next 12 months, with the resort continuing to operate while upgrades take place.

What the Community Can Expect

Mandala Hotels & Resorts has outlined several upgrades for Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, which are expected to reshape the guest experience. Plans include the creation of elevated suites designed to take full advantage of the panoramic views, along with a new restaurant and bar featuring a central fireplace as a focal point.

Landscaped gardens are set to enhance the property’s natural surrounds, while a purpose-built events precinct will provide new options for weddings, conferences, and community gatherings.

The group has emphasised that these changes will build on the lodge’s existing character while offering a broader range of facilities for both locals and visitors.

Local Support and Regional Benefits

Moreton Bay Council and SEQ Water are backing the project to meet rising accommodation needs. Mayor Flannery says the region will need 1,500 extra hotel rooms by 2032. Visitor demand is growing, especially with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching and the hotel will help fill this gap.

Councillor Cath Tonks added that the redevelopment would benefit businesses in nearby communities such as Dayboro and Samford Valley.

A New Chapter for Clear Mountain

Mandala principal Ryan Shaw said the project is designed to position Clear Mountain as a premier destination for both tourism and events, combining the area’s natural landscape with a higher level of service.

The Peppers brand, part of Accor Hotels, will mark an upgrade from the property’s current Mercure flag, and aligns the resort with other high-end Peppers locations across Australia.

Published 20-August-2025

Eatons Hill Unite for Family Left with Nothing After Blaze

An Eatons Hill family with three children is starting again after a house fire destroyed their home and car, and the community is moving quickly to help the parents, Terry and Jess, get back on their feet.

The family’s verified GoFundMe fundraiser went live on August 6, 2025, created by a relative, Leah, to cover urgent needs such as temporary housing, clothing, food and school supplies.

Reports say the blaze tore through the family’s Eatons Hill home within minutes, taking treasured belongings along with everyday essentials and their vehicle. The fundraiser explains that everyone made it out safely, but the loss was near total. It sets out simple aims: keep the children settled, replace basics and help the family rebuild step by step.

Schools and Neighbours Step In

Two of the children, Isabella and Layla, attend Albany Creek State High, and their younger brother is a student at Samford State School. In a message to families, Albany Creek State High invited the school community to contribute and share the fundraiser so help reaches the people who need it most.

Photo Credit: Albany Creek State High School/Facebook

Neighbours also amplified the call, encouraging residents in Eatons Hill and nearby suburbs to spread the word and donate if they can.

How You Can Help

Donations through the verified GoFundMe will go toward accommodation, clothing, food, school needs and other essentials while the family secures stable housing and begins to replace what was lost. If giving isn’t possible, sharing the fundraiser with friends, local groups and sports clubs can still make a real difference by keeping support flowing.

This story is about more than a fire. It is about a suburb pulling together so children can return to class with what they need and parents can focus on the next steps. School posts and community shares show a clear message: when hardship hits in Eatons Hill, people look out for one another .

Published 20-Aug-2025

Feature Match in Bray Park Backs Bowls for Brisbane 2032

Photo Credit: Bowls Australia/YouTube

A global campaign to include bowls in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has officially launched, with Bray Park set to host its first major event.

Background on Bowls for Brisbane 2032

A joint initiative between World Bowls and Bowls Australia has been launched to seek Olympic and Paralympic inclusion for the sport of bowls at the Brisbane 2032 Games. The campaign was formally announced on 28 July 2025, positioning bowls as a sport aligned with values of accessibility, legacy, and global representation. With over 60 member nations involved, the effort signals a unified international push.

Bowls Brisbane 2032 — Photo Credit: Bowls Australia/YouTube

Launch Event Set for Bray Park

The campaign’s first major activation will take place on 29 October 2025 during BPL22, a televised feature match to be held at Club Pine Rivers in Bray Park. The match will see the Australian Jackaroos compete against a Rest of the World team, showcasing both open and para-athletes in a shared competition format. The inclusion of para-athletes highlights the campaign’s emphasis on inclusivity across all levels of play.

Significance of the Venue

Club Pine Rivers, the established host of Bowls Premier League events, will again stage a nationally televised match during BPL22. The venue’s involvement aligns with the campaign’s rollout and positioning efforts ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Campaign Strategy and Global Coordination

The campaign will feature international showcase matches and ongoing collaboration with Olympic and Paralympic stakeholders. It brings together national and global organisations under a shared strategy to build the case for inclusion. Bowls has been played in Australia since 1845 and currently engages nearly 2 million participants annually through more than 1,800 clubs nationwide.

Olympic bowls bid — Photo Credit: Bowls Australia/YouTube

Public Engagement and Promotion

Public support is expected to grow through broadcast exposure and engagement from both grassroots and elite levels. The upcoming match aims to draw viewers and participants alike, with the campaign relying on visibility and community backing as it progresses toward the 2032 decision.

What’s Next for the Campaign

Following the Bray Park event, additional showcase matches and promotional activities are planned in the lead-up to 2032. The campaign will continue to work alongside major sporting committees to strengthen its submission and increase global awareness of the sport’s capabilities.

Published 18-Aug-2025

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

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

Read: Police Dog Stryker Tracks Suspects after Murrumba Downs Chaos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read: Five Teenagers Charged After Bray Park Car Theft

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

Published 6-August-2025

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

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

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

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

A Rock Icon Arrives Down Under

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

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

Honouring A Heavy Metal History

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

A New Chapter with The Bastard Sons

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

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

The Sound of Then and Now

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

Published Date 04-August-2025

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

Photo Credit: Lorde/Facebook

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

Lorde’s Return to the Brisbane Stage Sparks Arena Buzz

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

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

Community Excitement Builds Around Sold-Out Show

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

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

Lorde’s Album Success Fuels Tour Hype

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

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

Transport, Access and Tips for Attendees

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

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

Published 24-July-2025

Police Dog Stryker Tracks Suspects after Murrumba Downs Chaos

Photo Credit: QPS

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

Trouble on the Bruce Highway

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

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

Chase Across the Northside

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

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

Enter Stryker the Police Dog

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

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

Charges and Court Appearances

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

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

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

Court Delays and Next Steps

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

Community on Alert

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

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

Published 25-July-2025

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

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

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

A Safer, Higher Crossing for a Growing Community

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

*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook*

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

What the Project Includes

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

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

Construction Timeline and What to Expect

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

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

Local Benefits That Go Beyond the Road

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

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

Published 15-July-2025