community event Archives - Albany Creek News

Arana Hills Playground Expands with Sensory Haven for Low-Vision Residents

Arana Hills is now home to a groundbreaking half-million-dollar sensory playground at Leslie Patrick Park, giving children and adults with low or no vision a completely custom-built environment to explore safely.

The City of Moreton Bay has expanded its popular inclusive recreation area with a new section dedicated entirely to tactile and auditory experiences. The community is invited to celebrate the completion of the project during a free event on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The fresh addition connects seamlessly to the original award-winning play area that was completed in late 2019, creating a massive, unified space for the region.

Rather than guessing what families needed, planners went straight to the experts. The council worked closely with Vision Australia, local residents who have lived experience with vision loss, and clinical specialists such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

This team effort resulted in highly specialised equipment designed for easy navigation and sensory feedback. The new layout features a braille trail that guides visitors between play areas, a vibration post, and overhead optic sensory panels. Visitors can also enjoy a beehive cubby, pavement art, quiet hangout zones, and gardens filled with fragrant, sensory plants.

Local leaders view the project as a major practical step toward making the region the most accessible city in Queensland. Mayor Peter Flannery noted that the upgrades deliver on a commitment to inclusive community spaces, adding that the new elements provide valuable education and communication opportunities alongside quiet spaces.

Councillor Matt Constance also expressed gratitude to the advocates and therapists who shaped the design, pointing out that their practical feedback will influence how the city builds future parks. The latest improvements ensure the park remains a central place where friends and families of all ages and abilities can connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Updated 8-July-2026

Fast Dogs and Slow Weekends: Arana Hills Honours the Families Giving Greyhounds a Second Chance

Photo Credit: Greyhound Adoption Program/ Facebook

Despite spending their early lives conditioned for high-speed racing, retired greyhounds are successfully learning how to be relaxed household pets thanks to dedicated volunteer families who are being celebrated at a massive community gathering in Arana Hills.

Transitioning to Suburbia

The Greyhound Adoption Program Queensland is hosting a special community walk for National Foster a Pet Month on Saturday, June 27, at 10 am. Taking place at Leslie Patrick Park on Olearia Street West, the free gathering aims to highlight the crucial work done by local residents who welcome these former athletes into their homes.

The event coincides with the organisation’s current campaign, which encourages more households to temporarily care for the animals as they wait for permanent adoption. To make the process highly accessible, the organisation supplies all necessary food, bedding, equipment, and veterinary care for the animals.

The Foster Family Impact

Rehoming manager Lisa Kohler noted that the upcoming event serves to connect past and present volunteers, adopters, and dog enthusiasts, while also educating the public about the fostering process. She explained that volunteers are vital in helping the dogs familiarise themselves with regular household noises, build their confidence, and adjust to a much slower pace of life away from the racetrack.

The emotional reward for these volunteers is a common theme among local participants. Carer Tamsin Gane shared that her favourite part of the process is seeing each dog’s distinct personality shine through as they become more comfortable in a home environment. She expressed great satisfaction in helping a dog gain the confidence needed to eventually move on to a permanent family.

Similarly, carers Sophie and Lucas, who are currently looking after a greyhound named Henry, found the process to be far more rewarding than they initially anticipated. They explained that watching Henry develop into a relaxed family dog has been an absolute joy, noting that while saying goodbye will be difficult, they are excited for him to find the permanent home he deserves.

Other locals, Natascha Scarff and Vassil Altanov, pointed out that the minor milestones make the effort completely worthwhile. They highlighted moments like a dog experiencing a sudden burst of playful energy or relaxing on a beach for the very first time as deeply fulfilling experiences. Another carer, Katie Bovill, simply noted that having a foster animal in the house creates a warm and complete home environment.

A Day of Recognition

The public gathering will feature a group dog walk and give attendees the chance to interact with greyhounds currently looking for permanent homes. Organisers will also host a special presentation to formally recognise the hard work of the volunteers who dedicate their time to rehabilitating these retired racers. Through this community celebration, organisers hope to encourage more local residents to consider taking in a dog in need.

Published Date 25-June-2026

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