Murrumba Downs Archives - Albany Creek News

Three-Vehicle Crash at Murrumba Downs Claims Life of Beloved Local Rosemary Franzidis

A 69-year-old grandmother died Thursday morning after a stolen Audi, allegedly driven by a teenager, collided with her vehicle at a Murrumba Downs intersection. Rosemary Franzidis was turning right onto McClintock Drive from Dohles Rocks Road when the crash occurred, also involving an unmarked police vehicle.

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Rosemary Franzidis, beloved community member

Known for her strong faith and dedication to family, Franzidis leaves behind her husband of nearly 50 years, three daughters, and three grandchildren. Bereaved visitors are placing floral tributes at the crash site as the community grapples with the loss of a beloved member.

“Everybody who met Rose felt her love, kindness and generosity, ” her family said.

Incident details

Acting chief superintendent Adam Guild reported that the sequence of events began at approximately 9:30 a.m. when police received reports of an armed vehicle theft on Dohles Rocks Road. The subsequent collision occurred as Franzidis was attempting to turn right into McClintock Drive. Two police officers in the unmarked vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital.

The 16-year-old suspect, who was known to police, has been charged with manslaughter, armed robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. Police confirmed recovering a firearm from the stolen vehicle. The teenager was scheduled to appear in Brisbane Children’s Court on Friday.

Read: New Bunya Highway Service Station Gets Green Light for Updated Plans

Premier David Crisafulli announced plans to expedite new youth crime legislation, with the “Making Queensland Safer Laws” expected to be introduced to parliament this month.

The Making Queensland Safer Laws are being drafted and will be law by Christmas.
— David Crisafulli (@DavidCrisafulli) November 8, 2024

Local MP and opposition leader Steven Miles expressed his community’s grief, stating that Murrumba Downs residents are deeply affected by this “terrible incident.”

Published 10-November-2024

Murrumba Downs Teenager Earns Recognition for Extraordinary Community Service

Tristan Kolio, a young State Emergency Service volunteer from Murrumba Downs, has been nominated for the QBANK Everyday Heroes Award, in recognition of his exceptional efforts during the devastating floods that affected his community.

Discovering the SES was a turning point, and joining was his best decision ever.

For Kolio, the most significant reward is offering support during people’s most challenging moments. He believes the initial contact is critical, as they often deal with people on one of the worst days of their lives. Seeing someone in an orange uniform brings them a sense of relief. He understands that he might never fully comprehend his impact, even if it’s just being there to listen.

Kolio’s contributions extend beyond operational response. He actively engages in community education and fosters cultural understanding. His primary focus involves creating and managing media content to educate the public for the Moreton Bay SES Unit.

*Photo Credit:* *Moreton Bay State Emergency Service*

As a member of the Volunteer Consultative Committee, he represents SES volunteers across the state, ensuring their voices are heard and driving positive change. He’s also passionate about championing diversity. By sharing his Polynesian heritage, he can support people from his culture and inspire others to join.

The QBANK Everyday Heroes Award nomination fills Kolio with pride. He feels truly honoured that someone took the time to nominate him. Although he doesn’t seek recognition, this nomination encourages him to continue his work.

Nominations for the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards are open until 31 August 2024. These awards acknowledge individuals across various sectors, from the state’s northernmost regions to the South East. Now in their 10th year, they celebrate the outstanding contributions of staff and volunteers within Queensland Police, Fire, Ambulance, Health, Corrections, Education, and the Public Service.

The six award categories encompass Achievement, Ownership, Dedication, Working Together, Excellence, and the Young Everyday Hero Award. Winners selected by a panel of esteemed judges will receive $2000 deposited into a QBANK account and an additional $2000 to donate to their chosen charity. Finalists will be announced in September, and the winners will be honoured at the annual awards dinner at the W Hotel Brisbane on 11 October 2024.

Published Date 15-August-2024

Couple Reunited With Cat They Lost in Murrumba Downs 10 Years Ago

A former Murrumba Downs local received the most surprising news of her life when someone from RSPCA Dakabin called to inform her that they found Simba, her cat who slipped out of their house and disappeared 10 years ago!

Back then, Kaitlin Thrupp lived in Murrumba Downs with her partner Shaun and two-year-old Simba, when he escaped their home. The local RSPCA helped Kaitlin and Shaun track Simba down as he was microchipped. They also distributed flyers and knocked on neighbours’ doors.

A few years later, the couple then moved to Narangba 15 minutes away but Kaitlin never lost any hope of finding Simba. She would usually drive to Murrumba Downs in case she spots the cat on the streets. Kaitlin also kept the microchip records updated as local rescue groups have been monitoring the ginger cat as well.

In December 2021, Kaitlin finally got the unexpected call from RSPCA Dakabin informing the family that they picked up their orange cat as a stray and scanned for a microchip.

The Thrupps do not have any idea where Simba has been for the last 10 years but he definitely remembered his family. He came over to them and did his usual greeting when Kaitlin arched her hands so he could bump his head.

Kaitlin said that she has been a big advocate for microchipping since it became a legal requirement for pet owners in Brisbane. Her reunion with Simba reiterates just how important this is for families with pets.

Learn more about responsible cat ownership here.