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Stride Along Shorncliffe To Save Young Lives from Human Trafficking

Photo Credit: Blue Dragon Brisbane/ Facebook

With human trafficking threatening thousands of young lives, Moreton Bay locals are urgently mobilising along the coastline to raise critical rescue funds.

Why do families, school groups, and even dogs spend their weekend mornings hitting the pavement? The answer lies in a shared commitment to child safety. Dr Annie Holden explains that the gathering brings neighbours together so vulnerable youth can finally grow up safe and full of hope.

Instead of a rigid race, this community trek welcomes every fitness level. Strollers can take a breezy coastal route, while seasoned endurance runners tackle longer stretches toward Redcliffe.

Behind the local barbecue smoke and morning chatter sits a heavy, vital mission. The Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation—founded back in 2004 by Australian Michael Brosowski—operates directly on the ground in Vietnam.

Plucking kids out of forced labour takes immense courage, yet rescues are only the beginning. Survivors receive safe housing, legal advocacy, schooling, and family reunification support. Thousands of young lives have completely turned around because ordinary people decided to step up and fund these life-altering programs.

Decker Park serves as the ultimate hub for the morning. Early birds can register right at 7:00 am before hitting the shoreline paths. Fancy a quick two-kilometre walk or a massive forty-two-kilometre marathon? Both options are mapped out and ready.

Organisers kindly ask everyone to wrap up their journey by 10:00 am so the real fun can begin. A sizzling community barbecue fires up alongside free morning refreshments, making it easy to grab a blanket, relax by the water, and celebrate a morning well spent.

Published Date 20-August-2026

What Renters Cannot See: The Hidden Risk of Meth Contamination

For families inspecting a rental, mould, leaks and poor ventilation may be obvious warning signs. Methamphetamine contamination is far harder to spot. Growing awareness of contaminated rental properties across Queensland is prompting questions about what tenants can know before they move in.

Read: Brisbane Cricketer Settles in Deagon Amid Property Growth

The issue has a direct connection to Zillmere, where one rental property became so severely contaminated with methamphetamine residue that it ultimately had to be demolished. The property was found to have methamphetamine contamination after it had been occupied by tenants. Several cleaning attempts followed, but the contamination returned, eventually leading to a lengthy dispute with the insurer.

When a clean home is not necessarily clean

Photo credit: Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch

The Zillmere property was intended to become the owner’s home after it had been used as an investment property. Instead, repeated contamination prevented that plan from going ahead. The insurer ultimately agreed to pay the property’s full insured value during the dispute resolution process.

The case comes as specialists in Queensland report treating more homes affected by methamphetamine residue. One specialist told recent media that ordinary bond cleaning and repainting are not enough to remove contamination, with professional remediation costing between $10,000 and $30,000 depending on the property.

The potential impact on children has also emerged as a concern. One family in Queensland initially suspected mould was affecting their 10-year-old child. Testing later identified methamphetamine contamination in the home.

What are renters told?

Queensland currently has no specific legal requirement for landlords to disclose a property’s history of drug contamination to prospective tenants, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.

The Residential Tenancies Authority also does not maintain a register or watchlist of properties known to be contaminated.

That does not mean rental providers can leave a contaminated property in an unsafe condition. The RTA says rental properties must meet requirements covering liveability, repair and relevant health and safety standards. Where drug contamination affects a property’s condition, remediation may be necessary.

For someone inspecting a rental, however, there is no publicly available contamination register to check before signing a lease.

Calls for a contamination register

The absence of such a register has fuelled calls for greater transparency, including proposals for mandatory testing and a system recording properties with a known contamination history.

Supporters of those measures argue they could give prospective tenants more information before committing to a home.

Read: Brighton Retirement Village Plans Cut To 148 Units

Queensland Health advises that contamination from illicit drug activity can remain in a property and says appropriate assessment, cleaning, and post-clean-up testing may be required. For renters in Brisbane, the Zillmere case puts the issue close to home. It also demonstrates the difference between a property’s appearance and its history.

A freshly painted rental may look reassuring, but paint and a standard clean do not establish whether methamphetamine contamination has previously occurred. The debate now centres on how much information prospective tenants should be able to access before making one of the biggest decisions a family can face: where to live.

Published 17-August-2026

Sandgate Museum Turns To Community To Help Secure Its Future

Photo Credit: Google Maps

For more than 40 years, Sandgate Museum has given residents a place to trace families, research houses, explore old photographs and learn about the district. Now the volunteer-run organisation is asking for community support as it prepares to tackle ageing and termite damage at its Rainbow Street home.

A Home For Sandgate’s Stories

The Sandgate and District Historical Society was formed in 1983 by residents interested in preserving the history of the district.

In 1993, the society purchased its building at 150 Rainbow Street, Sandgate, where the museum continues to operate today.

Inside its collection are photographs, written histories, stories and objects connected with the area. Research held by the museum covers local families, houses, businesses, churches, sporting groups, cinemas, theatrical groups and local identities.

The museum also assists people looking into the history of their families and properties and provides access to historical resources and publications.

Its role extends into regular community activities. Monthly Morning Teas with History, special historical talks and community Walks and Talks give residents opportunities to engage with local history beyond the museum’s displays.

Historians and other community members can also use the museum for research.

Ageing Building Creates A New Challenge

While the society has spent decades preserving Sandgate’s past, attention has now turned to the building housing that work.

Parts of the property date to the early 20th century, and the museum says much of the building and its fittings require refurbishment.

A recent inspection identified deterioration associated with the building’s age, compounded by termite damage within the structure.

The management committee also wants future improvements to make the museum safer and more accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The first phase of the proposed building project will focus on planning, design and approvals. It is expected to include feasibility assessments, surveys, design and certification and is estimated to cost about $25,000.

That preliminary work is required before physical restoration can begin.

Community Support For Sandgate Museum

The museum is a membership-based, non-profit organisation staffed by volunteers and overseen by a management committee.

Its funding comes from membership fees, fundraising activities and events, supplemented by approved government grants, making substantial building expenses difficult to absorb through ordinary operations.

The Saving our Sandgate Museum GoFundMe campaign was created on 26 March 2026 by Barbara Kulpa for the Sandgate and District Historical Society & Museum Inc.

The fundraiser page displayed a $13,000 target and showed $7,785 raised from 29 donations. That fundraising target is separate from the approximately $25,000 estimated cost of the complete first phase.

Support listed on the campaign includes a $5,000 donation from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Sandgate, along with contributions from Lift HQ Sandgate, individual donors and anonymous supporters.

For the volunteer organisation, the immediate focus remains on securing the planning, survey, design and certification work needed before restoration of the Rainbow Street building can move ahead.

Published 10-August-2026

Inside the Shorncliffe Station Upgrade: Closure, Heritage Works and Reopening Plans

Brisbane’s historic Shorncliffe Station is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation to restore its century-old features while improving accessibility and safety for passengers.

Preserving Local History

Shorncliffe Station, a Brisbane landmark since 1897, closed in late November 2025 for major heritage and modernisation works. Originally a seaside resort stop, it remains one of the most intact surviving designs linked to Queensland Railways architect Henrik Hansen.

Photo Credit: Queensland Rail

The project will restore the station closer to its 1914 layout while preserving key heritage elements, including the World War II air raid shelter beside it.

In 2019, more than 400 artefacts were found under the ticket office floor, including century-old tickets, newspapers, and a 1940s sailor’s cap. The discovery prompted a detailed heritage and archaeological review, helping shape the final restoration plan.

Improving Access and Safety

The upgrade will include a 90-metre platform section raised for easier boarding, new ramps, accessible toilets, tactile surfaces, and hearing augmentation loops. Passenger areas will also receive upgraded lighting, CCTV, and real-time information screens.

Additional works include an accessible ticket window, restored awnings, and improved seating, designed to integrate modern functionality with the station’s historic character.

Photo Credit: Queensland Rail

The project is expected to balance heritage preservation with improved accessibility for all users. Planning and cost revisions were also undertaken following the archaeological phase.

Temporary Closures and Community Support

Site preparation started in October 2025, with the station closing from late November as major works began. Construction is expected to continue through 2026.

During the construction period, passengers are being transported via shuttle buses connecting to nearby Sandgate Station. A dedicated service is also in place for St Patrick’s College students travelling between the school and Sandgate.

Works are being carried out with a focus on safety, heritage protection, and minimising disruption to the local community.

A Station for the Next Generation

The project is expected to deliver long-term benefits while protecting one of Brisbane’s most recognisable coastal stations.

Read: Historic Sandgate Marine Rescue Service Returns to Its Roots with New Identity

Once complete, Shorncliffe railway station is expected to reopen with its historic form more faithfully restored, while meeting modern accessibility standards.

Once completed, Shorncliffe Station will combine historic charm with modern functionality, ensuring it continues to serve as both a travel hub and a symbol of the suburb’s heritage.

Updated 6 August 2026

Brighton Retirement Village Plans Cut To 148 Units

Photo Credit: DA/A006934945

Plans for a Brighton retirement village have been revised to 148 units and 217 car parks, while the proposed building heights remain above the four-storey acceptable outcome.

LDK Seniors’ Living lodged the development application for The Baybrook at 16 Twenty-Fourth Avenue, Brighton, in January as its first Brisbane venture.

The earlier proposal involved 155 units across two buildings. Building A was planned at seven storeys with a recessed rooftop level, while Building B was six storeys. It also included 19 higher-care and memory-care units as part of a two-stage development.

Brighton Retirement Village Reduced To 148 Units

The latest amendments reduce the overall number of units to 148 and car parking to 217 spaces.

Changes have also been made to the buildings themselves. The plans include an additional storey on Building A, a recessed extra storey on Building B, a slight increase to the central podium height, revised setbacks and an amended roof profile for Building A.

BCC had advised LDK Seniors’ Living that the proposed heights exceeded the acceptable outcome of four storeys for sites adjoining a residential area, where surrounding housing reaches up to two storeys.

The amended plans remain above that four-storey acceptable outcome.

Residents Raise Height And Amenity Concerns

The Brighton retirement village proposal has attracted objections from neighbouring residents, including responses to revised plans submitted during June.

One formal objection raised concerns about building height, privacy and overlooking, winter overshadowing, traffic, infrastructure and landscaping. The residents asked for the buildings to be reduced to the four-storey acceptable outcome or for the application to be refused in its current form.

A separate objection dated 4 July also raised height and overshadowing, along with concerns about water and stormwater infrastructure and road access.

The objections place particular emphasis on the relationship between the proposed multi-storey buildings and neighbouring residential properties.

Support Focuses On Continuing Care

Other submissions have supported The Baybrook, particularly its combination of retirement accommodation and access to higher levels of care.

Two support submissions dated 10 July described the ability to remain within the same development as care requirements changed as an important feature of the proposal. One focused on allowing couples to continue living together when one resident required additional care.

Another submission supported the prospect of moving from retirement accommodation into higher care without relocating to another facility. The Brighton bayside setting and access to major roads and transport were also cited as reasons for supporting the development.

The Baybrook is identified under development application A006934945.

On 3 August, BCC had sought permission for the application’s decision period to continue until 7 August.

Published 5-August-2026

Hot Mum Walk Club Brings Fortnightly Mum Walks to Sandgate

Hot Mum Walk Club is heading to Sandgate, with a new fortnightly Tuesday walk set down for local mums looking for a relaxed way to get out, move and connect.

The group will meet at The Bay Sandgate, 231 Flinders Parade, from 9am on August 11 and then again on August 25. The walk is planned to start around 9.30am, after coffee. It will follow a 5km loop from Pool to Pier before finishing back at The Bay.

The event is being billed as a welcoming space for mums at different stages of life. Prams are welcome, and support people can come along too. In other words, it is set up to be an easy local outing rather than a formal fitness session.

Amy Kemp-Paton brings the Sandgate sessions to life

Sandgate’s new walk will be hosted by Amy Kemp-Paton, who says she knows first-hand how important it is for mums to have a place to connect.

Amy is a mum of two young girls and says she wanted to help create a space where women can walk, talk and feel supported. Her role gives the Sandgate group a local feel, with the focus firmly on community and conversation.

That approach will sound familiar to many locals. Sandgate already has a strong morning coffee culture, and the foreshore is a regular stop for walkers, parents and anyone keen to start the day by the water.

A simple idea that fits the foreshore

The appeal of Hot Mum Walk Club is its simplicity. Mums can turn up, join the walk and stay for coffee and a chat afterwards.

The Sandgate route adds a fresh option for local families who want to get outside without needing to travel far. It also gives mums another chance to meet others in the area and share the everyday realities of family life.

As more parents look for low-key ways to stay connected, this kind of community event is likely to find its place quickly. For Sandgate, it brings a friendly new rhythm to Tuesday mornings.

Published 5-August-2026

Sandgate Tradie Celebrates $201,000 Windfall After Winning Top Prize

A Sandgate construction worker has won $200,000 in the latest Mega Jackpot draw.

The Queensland tradie also pocketed a consolation prize, taking his total windfall to $201,000.

He was still at work when the news came through.

“Bloody hell!” he said.

“That’s pretty good! I don’t mind that news today.

“I’m at work. It’s long hours as usual. I’m in the construction industry.”

He said he had seen missed calls the day before, but had not given them much thought at the time.

“I had no idea about this. I saw your calls yesterday but I didn’t really think twice about them,” he said.

The winner said he had been taking part for about a year, but did not expect a result like this.

“I’ve been playing for about a year now. I’ve never won something like this,” he said.

The first thing on his mind was a few jobs around the house, along with a holiday for the missus.

“Thank you very much! We’ll be able to do some work on the house, and I can take the missus on a holiday,” he said.

Sandgate shop celebrates the win

His winning entry of three consecutive numbers was bought at Sandgate News & Gifts, Shop 3, Ibis Shopping Centre, 11 Bowser Parade, Sandgate.

Team member Pep Cerdan said the shop was thrilled to hear one of its customers had landed such a life-changing prize.

“We’re jumping out of our skin! We couldn’t believe the news!” she said.

“To be a part of someone’s win like this is wonderful. That sort of money is life-changing.

“We’re so happy for our winner and wish them all the best with their prize.

“We also want to thank all our lovely customers for their support. Here’s to another win soon!”

The win adds to a strong run for Brisbane’s northern suburbs, which have now had six major wins in 2026 worth more than $4.8 million in prize money.

The Mega Jackpot prize is now $1.24 million for draw 1788, while the Super Jackpot prize has climbed to $4.79 million for draw 11090.

Published 3-August-2026

Back in Blue and Yellow: Max Mackinnon Returns to Brisbane Bullets

The Brisbane Bullets have signed Max Mackinnon to a two-year deal as the club continues building its roster for the upcoming Hungry Jack’s NBL season. The 22-year-old returns to the club after previously spending the NBL22 season as a development player with the Bullets, who play their home games at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Read: Beyond the Brisbane Entertainment Centre: Housing, Jobs, and Hockey Tipped for Boondall’s Next Chapter

The signing marks Mackinnon’s return to the organisation where he first spent time as a development player before completing four years in the United States college system. During that period, he played for Elon, Portland and LSU before earning opportunities with the NBL Next Stars team at the 2026 adidas EuroCamp and the Charlotte Hornets at the 2026 NBA Summer League.

As the son of former Brisbane Bullets captain and NBL champion Sam Mackinnon, he returns to Brisbane following several seasons of college basketball in the United States.

Four Years of College Basketball

Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Mackinnon completed a four-year collegiate career that began at Elon before continuing at Portland and finishing at LSU.

His senior season at LSU produced career-best scoring numbers. Across 31 appearances for the Tigers, he averaged 15.7 points per game while shooting 37.6 per cent from three-point range. He also averaged 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Earlier this year, Mackinnon represented the NBL Next Stars team at the 2026 adidas EuroCamp in Italy before joining the Charlotte Hornets at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Back with the Bullets

Mackinnon has agreed to a two-year contract with the Bullets after previously being part of the organisation during the Hungry Jack’s NBL22 season.

He joins a roster featuring Tyrell Harrison, Nate Hinton, Arnas Velička, Jacob Holt, Sam McDaniel, Lat Mayen, Taine Murray, Mitch Norton, Harry Rouhliadeff and Rio Bruton under coach Will Weaver.

The signing adds a player with previous experience in the Bullets program and four seasons in United States college basketball.

Read: New Disney On Ice Production Brings Global Debut to Brisbane Entertainment Centre

The club also promoted the signing on its social media channels, sharing: “Can’t wait to see Max Mackinnon doing this in blue and yellow.”

The signing marks Mackinnon’s return to the Bullets after four seasons in American college basketball. He will be part of Brisbane’s squad for the upcoming NBL season at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Published 3-August-2026

Historic Shorncliffe Station Ready To Welcome Passengers Again

Shorncliffe station will welcome passengers back on Monday, 27 July 2026, after months of restoration work that has revived one of the bayside’s best-known heritage landmarks while making it more accessible for everyone.

Read: Inside the Shorncliffe Station Upgrade: Closure, Heritage Works and Reopening Plans

The station, the final stop on the Shorncliffe line, has been closed since November 2025 while crews carried out a major renewal project that combined heritage conservation with modern accessibility improvements. Originally built in 1897 as a resort station for holidaymakers travelling to the bayside, it remains an important part of Shorncliffe’s rail history.

Preserving A Piece Of Shorncliffe’s History

Preserving the station’s heritage was a central part of the project.

One of the project’s most delicate tasks involved temporarily relocating the original heritage station building onto temporary footings in the adjoining car park so restoration work could be completed. Once the upgrades were finished, the building was carefully returned to its original location, preserving the station’s historic appearance while allowing construction to take place beneath and around it.

Queensland Rail also shared a timelapse video documenting the transformation, showing the careful relocation of the heritage buildings before restoration work and accessibility upgrades were completed.

Modern Upgrades For Easier Travel

While preserving its heritage was a priority, the project was equally focused on improving access for all passengers. Around 90 metres of platform has been raised to create accessible boarding points, making it easier for customers using wheelchairs, mobility aids and prams to board trains. New hearing augmentation loops, tactile ground surface indicators, accessible ramps and an accessible toilet have also been added.

Passengers will also notice upgraded lighting, additional CCTV cameras, customer information screens, improved wayfinding signage and two new platform seats, helping create a safer and more comfortable station experience. The project combined station renewal works with accessibility upgrades to improve customer access and facilities.

Discoveries Beneath The Platform

Shorncliffe Station — Shorncliffe station was originally called Sandgate station when it was built in 1897 (Photo credit: Queensland Rail)

The project also revealed new insights into the station’s history.

Before construction began, archaeological investigations beneath the station’s ticket office uncovered hundreds of historical artefacts, including a steam-era slush lamp, metal tins, stamp handles and a sailor’s cap.

Several of those items will be permanently displayed in a purpose-built display cabinet at the station, giving passengers and visitors the opportunity to learn more about Shorncliffe’s railway history while waiting for their train.

Read: Shorncliffe Line Moves to 30-minute Services All Day

Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Neil Backer said the project reflected the organisation’s commitment to preserving rail heritage while improving the experience for customers. He said the restoration had returned the station to its original charm and that the upgraded landmark would continue serving and being enjoyed by the community for generations to come.

Published 2-August-2026

Australia Faces Questions After Shock Bangladesh Test Loss

Australia faces immediate questions over its batting and preparation after Bangladesh completed a historic nine-wicket Test victory in Darwin — a result likely to resonate in a part of Brisbane with deep Premier Cricket roots.

Bangladesh secured its first Test victory on Australian soil on Sunday and only its second Test win over Australia anywhere.

The result leaves Pat Cummins’ side under pressure ahead of the second and final Test in Mackay, starting Saturday, 22 August.

Bangladesh Takes Control in Darwin

Australia was dismissed for 198 in the first innings before Bangladesh responded with 426, establishing a 228-run lead.

Cameron Green led Australia’s fightback with 104 in the second innings — his first Test century on home soil — but Australia was dismissed for 284.

Bangladesh needed just 57 to win and reached 1-57 in 14.2 overs.

Hasan Mahmud finished with nine wickets for the match, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 5-66 in Australia’s second innings.

The result was Bangladesh’s first Test victory in Australia. Its previous Test win over Australia came in Dhaka in 2017.

Preparation Comes Into Focus

The manner of the defeat has raised questions about Australia’s preparation.

The hosts entered the Test with limited recent red-ball match practice, while Bangladesh’s own preparation had produced few indications of what was coming.

The tourists were bowled out for just 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in a warm-up match in Darwin.

Once the Test began, however, Bangladesh took control. The visitors built a substantial first-innings lead and dismissed Australia twice before comfortably completing the chase on day four.

A Strong Cricket Connection Close to Sandgate

For Sandgate readers, high-level club cricket is close to home.

Sandgate-Redcliffe District Cricket Club is based nearby at Deagon and competes in Queensland Premier Cricket, the state’s leading club competition.

Sandgate-Redcliffe has competed as a full District Club since 1961, with its history in Brisbane’s northern bayside stretching back further. The club fields teams across men’s, women’s and junior cricket and has a long record in Brisbane’s grade competition.

Its Deagon home, at the corner of Board Street and Racecourse Road, sits immediately beside Sandgate.

That Premier Cricket presence gives Sandgate and Deagon a strong connection to Queensland’s cricket system and a natural local audience for developments at Test level.

Australia’s Batting Faces Questions

Australia’s top order will be closely watched heading into Mackay.

Marnus Labuschagne made 1 and 31 in Darwin, while opener Jake Weatherald scored 23 and 0.

Cummins acknowledged after the match that Australia had to consider whether its batting problems represented one poor Test or a trend requiring changes.

Matthew Renshaw is among the batting options available to selectors, while Josh Inglis was the spare batter in Australia’s 13-man squad for the series.

There could also be changes to the bowling combination, with Scott Boland available after missing the Darwin XI.

Mackay Suddenly Carries More Weight

Australia now heads to Mackay unable to win the two-Test series.

Another Bangladesh victory would deliver the visitors a historic series win in Australia, while a draw would also be enough for Bangladesh to take the series 1-0.

Australia must win to level the series.

For cricket followers around Sandgate and Deagon, attention now shifts north to Mackay to see how the national side responds.

The second Test begins at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday, 22 August.

Published 17-August-2026