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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Strength and Power/Facebook
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.
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.
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.
The City of Moreton Bay is progressing with the Albany Creek Active Transport Project, delivering a shared pathway along the South Pine River to enhance connectivity for walkers and cyclists.
The Albany Creek Active Transport Project forms part of the City of Moreton Bay’s plan to improve safe and accessible active transport. The project will create a continuous shared pathway through parklands near the South Pine River, linking key destinations such as schools, shops, and local facilities on the eastern side of South Pine Road.
Community consultation and preliminary design were completed in 2021, followed by detailed design finalised in 2024.
The project covers around 1.5 kilometres of new and upgraded pathways from Faheys Road West to James Cash Court via Stanton Reserve, extending to Old Northern Road. The 2 to 2.5-metre-wide pathway is designed for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists, supported by landscaping and lighting upgrades within Stanton Reserve.
The works are being delivered in three stages, subject to weather and contractor availability:
Stage 3: October 2025
Stage 2: November 2025
Stage 1: February 2026
The total construction period is expected to take around 30 weeks. Stage 1 will build a new path along Kingfisher Street and Barwing Court; Stage 2 will upgrade existing paths, including a new ramp to South Pine Road; and Stage 3 will improve the southern section of James Cash Court, connecting to the Albany Creek Road roundabout.
Community Benefits
The South Pine River shared pathway will link homes, schools, and recreational areas, providing safer, more convenient routes for walking and cycling. Landscaping and lighting improvements will enhance visibility and usability while maintaining the natural environment of Stanton Reserve.
Upon completion across 2025–2026, the shared path will strengthen Albany Creek’s local connections and contribute to a broader active transport network across the City of Moreton Bay.
Just minutes from Albany Creek, the new Élan residential estate in Warner is taking shape with a strong focus on preserving local wildlife and bushland. Nearly 10 hectares of mature habitat have been set aside within the 41-hectare site, providing a permanent home for koalas, gliders, and native birds.
What makes the project especially meaningful for our community is the involvement of the Albany Creek Scouts, who recently joined tree-planting events to help strengthen wildlife corridors. Their efforts, alongside environmental groups and residents, are directly contributing to conservation outcomes in our backyard.
A key feature of Élan is the region’s first koala overpass, now under construction above Kremzow Road. Once complete, it will allow koalas and other species to cross safely over busy traffic. Two additional underpasses at the estate’s entrances will provide further safe passage, linking habitats across the growing Warner area.
Wildlife monitoring technology will be installed to track how animals use the crossings. Early surveys already confirm the presence of five koalas on site, as well as gliders, possums, and even White-bellied Sea Eagles.
Photo Credit: elan.avid.com.au
For Albany Creek locals, the area has become more than just a nearby housing project. It’s an example of how community and conservation can work hand-in-hand — and a reminder that everyday actions matter. Driving carefully near wildlife zones, keeping pets secure, and supporting local tree-planting days are all simple ways to protect the animals that share our region.
With its blend of new housing and preserved bushland, Élan is set to become a community where people and wildlife thrive together — and Albany Creek can be proud of its role in making that vision a reality.
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.
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 .
Bleakley Park in Albany Creek is getting a major upgrade as the Moreton Bay Regional Council adds a new dog off-leash area and several improvements to help locals and their pets enjoy the outdoors.
Bleakley Park is set to receive an 830-square-metre dog off-leash area with pathways, seating, shade, water bubblers, signs and bins. The upgrade is part of a wider plan to improve parks across the region and give locals more space to gather and relax.
Already popular for its playground, picnic tables and outdoor gym, the park sits near Sandy Creek in a quiet, leafy area. The new dog zone will provide a safe space for pets without changing how the rest of the park is used.
Nearby Suburbs to Benefit Too
Alongside Bleakley Park, Brendale Street Park is also set to get a fenced dog off-leash area with similar features like gates, water stations, paths and shaded seating. Landscaping will help make the Brendale space greener and more inviting.
The two parks are only a few kilometres apart, giving nearby suburbs more shared outdoor options. These improvements will strengthen their role as gathering spots for local families and pet owners.
Part of a Larger Plan
The upgrades at Bleakley and Brendale parks are part of a broader push to improve how locals use outdoor spaces. Council works also include footpath upgrades and a new shade sail at John Leitch Memorial Park.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
These changes aim to make parks more comfortable, safer and better suited for everyday use. Feedback shows locals want more spots to walk dogs, stay active and catch up with friends. By adding simple, useful features, the council hopes to create spaces people will actually use.
Easy Access for Residents
Bleakley Park sits at 34 Old Northern Road and is easy to reach by car or on foot. It connects well to nearby paths, making it handy for locals out walking or visiting with kids and pets. The upgrades will make it more comfortable and better suited for everyday use.
Brendale Street Park is getting similar improvements, just a short distance away. Together, the two parks are set to become key community spots for wellbeing and outdoor fun.
In Albany Creek, one family-run business has quietly earned a reputation as a pillar of trust, quality, and community spirit. For three decades, Hanos Car Care has been more than just a place to service your vehicle—it’s been a constant presence in the lives of local families, providing genuine care and reliable expertise.
Established in 1995, Hanos began as a modest operation at the corner of Ferguson Street and Albany Creek Road. It quickly became known for its personal touch and competitive prices—traits that set it apart in an industry often dominated by impersonal dealership chains. The business grew, not just from its skilled servicing and repairs, but from the connections it fostered with its customers.
Photo credit: Hanos Car Care/Facebook
When the lease on the original site ended in 2004, rather than lose the momentum they had built, the Hanifin family made the pivotal decision to invest in their future by securing a new location in nearby Everton Park. That bold move marked the beginning of a new era for Hanos Car Care, allowing it to expand while staying true to its community-focused values.
Photo credit: Hanos Car Care/Facebook
Today, Hanos is still proudly run by the Hanifin family, who live locally and remain deeply embedded in the Albany Creek community. Their commitment to consistency—offering great service at fair prices—has seen generations of customers return time and again, many of whom have supported the business from the very beginning.
Recognition hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Hanos Car Care has been celebrated in local business awards and inducted into the council’s Hall of Fame—testaments to its lasting impact and outstanding customer service.
What truly sets Hanos apart, however, is its family ethos. From the friendly faces at the front desk to the expertly trained mechanics in the workshop, there’s a shared pride in the work they do and the relationships they’ve built. It’s a place where people know your name, where service feels personal, and where commitment to the community runs deep.
Now operating from two locations, Hanos Car Care continues to thrive while staying rooted in its founding values. As Albany Creek grows and changes, Hanos remains a constant—trusted by locals, cherished by families, and driven by a passion for helping people get back on the road with confidence.
For those yet to discover it, Hanos Car Care isn’t just a workshop—it’s a local legacy.
Albany Creek State High School students are set to perform at the Redcliffe Show as part of a regional school band event featuring multiple local schools.
A student band showcase will be held during the Redcliffe Show, featuring musical performances from Albany Creek State High School and four other schools. Performances are scheduled at the Stage Precinct on Friday, 27 June, with bands appearing throughout the day under a structured program.
Albany Creek’s Stage Band will open the event at 9:30 a.m., followed by performances from Redcliffe State High School, Southern Cross Catholic College, Humpybong State School, and Scarborough State School.
The event, “Battle of the School Bands,” will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Each ensemble will receive feedback from an adjudicator to support students in gaining live performance experience and developing musical skills.
Redcliffe State High School will present three ensembles: the Senior Stage Band, Junior Stage Band, and Symphonic Wind Band. Scarborough and Humpybong schools will also perform together in a combined string ensemble.
Albany Creek’s Participation
Albany Creek State High School will be represented by its Stage Band, set to perform as the first act of the day. Their participation supports efforts to connect students with the local community through music and live events.
Photo Credit: Albany Creek SHS/Facebook
Venue and Entry Details
The Redcliffe Show will take place at the Redcliffe Showgrounds on Scarborough Road from 27 to 29 June. Friday and Saturday events will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Sunday concluding at 4:00 p.m. Entry prices vary by age and ticketing method. Tickets are available online or at the gate, with additional charges applying to online and EFTPOS purchases.
In addition to the school band performances on Friday, the Stage Precinct will host a range of community acts over the weekend. Saturday’s schedule includes musical theatre and ukulele performances, while Sunday will feature dance, martial arts, a children’s fitness session, and additional music groups.
