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Thorneside Parks Lead Nation With Free Sports Gear Locker Trial

For the first time in Australia, residents can instantly hire sports equipment for free using a smartphone app at parks like Beth Boyd Park in Thorneside.

This exciting new service, which provides sports gear on demand using only a smartphone app, is set to run until October 2026 across two locations: Beth Boyd Park in Thorneside and Raby Esplanade Park in Ormiston.

The local launch is a significant step toward improving community wellbeing, backed by support through the Queensland Government’s ActiveKIT Grants program, which helped fund this innovative SportsBox solution.

Removing the Cost Hurdle for Community Sport

Thorneside — *Photo Credit:* *Sportsbox*

The main idea behind this service is to eliminate the financial barrier that can stop residents from playing sport. Recent research shows that a high percentage of Australians feel the cost of gear prevents them from getting active. To fix this, the Council partnered with SportsBox, a company that developed a network of clever, self-serve lockers, equipped by the retailer Decathlon.

These units are essentially like vending machines stocked with quality sports items that can be borrowed for free. The aim is to build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods by making it simple for everyone to enjoy spontaneous play, regardless of their financial situation.

Effortless Access with a Quick Scan

Residents wanting to borrow a football, basketball, or even table tennis bats don’t need to visit a specific shop or recreation centre. As long as they are at one of the trial parks during opening hours, they simply need the free SportsBox smartphone app.

By scanning a QR code on the locker, the unit unlocks, allowing users to take the necessary equipment and start playing immediately. This ease of use is designed to complement the existing courts and open spaces already present in suburbs like Thorneside, making exercise closer to home more convenient.

A Sustainable and Smart Initiative

This service is not just about convenience; it also focuses on environmental responsibility. The durable SportsBox lockers are designed to run on solar power, linking this local recreation project to broader global sustainability goals, including those recognised by the United Nations.

Furthermore, the system uses smart technology to track which items are most popular and when the lockers are used most frequently. This valuable feedback will help the Council and its partners determine if this boost to spontaneous community recreation should be expanded to other parts of the city after the trial period ends.

Published Date 04-November-2025

Photo Credit: Sportsbox

Koala Habitat Concerns Raised Over Ormiston College Expansion

Environmental groups and residents have voiced concern over Ormiston College’s proposed expansion in Ormiston, which could result in the removal of more than 600 mature koala trees.

Expansion Plans

Plans to expand Ormiston College in the Redlands have drawn widespread community opposition, with concerns that the development could affect critical koala habitat. Environmental advocates say the land involved is mapped as part of a koala priority zone.

The proposal has been discussed for several years, with community objections focusing on the use of a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) that allows the project to bypass local planning processes. ABC Radio Brisbane reported on 24 September 2025 that environmental groups believe the development could lead to the removal of more than 600 mature trees.

koala habitat — *Photo Credit: Una Sandeman/Facebook*

Environmental Concerns

The Koala Action Group Redlands estimates that the clearing would significantly reduce suitable habitat for the area’s koala population. Redlands2030 submissions stated that mature trees take decades to reach ecological value, warning that seedlings would not provide immediate benefit.

The school’s ecological consultants described the site as having low koala activity and proposed to plant replacement trees. Environmental groups disagree, arguing that habitat loss continues to drive the decline of koalas in the Redlands region.

Community Sentiment

More than 500 objections were submitted in September 2025, many through Redlands2030. Residents expressed frustration that the use of an MID bypassed normal community consultation.

Locals also raised concern about increased risks to koalas from vehicle strikes and dog attacks near Old Cleveland Road East, where habitat trees are to be removed. Several residents described a visible decline in local koala numbers over recent years.

On social media, community members questioned the value of offset planting and said major expansions should not come at the expense of local wildlife and amenity.

Ormiston College expansion — *Photo Credit: Una Sandeman/Facebook*

School Response

The Ormiston College principal stated that ecological experts had assessed the area as having low koala presence and that the school would plant more trees to offset clearing.

Environmental and community groups remain unconvinced, urging for reconsideration of the plan and calling for habitat protection within Ormiston’s remaining bushland areas.

Outlook

As of late September 2025, conservation groups and residents continue urging protection of existing koala habitats in Ormiston and surrounding parts of the Redlands. The Ministerial Infrastructure Designation process will determine if the expansion is approved.

Photo Credit: Una Sandeman/Facebook

Published 30-Sep-2025

Aircraft Engineer From Wellington Point Awarded CASA Scholarship

A Wellington Point State High School graduate has been recognised as one of three recipients of the 2025 aircraft maintenance engineering scholarships awarded by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Wellington Point Connection

Aaron Pollard, who attended Wellington Point State High School from 2014 to 2018, was named as a scholarship recipient in September 2025. He is now an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical at Alliance Airlines in Brisbane.

aircraft engineer — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Scholarship Background

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority offers three scholarships each year, valued at up to $5,000, to support engineers progressing towards their Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 66 licence. Applicants are reimbursed for recognised training and qualification costs, excluding tools, and must complete competencies within the scholarship period.

More than 70 people applied for the 2025 round, with three recipients selected nationally.

Recipients And Experience

Pollard has moved quickly through his career, completing a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) at Aviation Australia in 2024 and finishing his apprenticeship in under two years instead of the usual three. He also worked with Northrop Grumman in both apprentice and engineering roles before joining Alliance Airlines.

Also awarded was Sunshine Coast resident Jacob Mani, who is based in Buderim and works with Jetstar. With nearly two decades of experience, he has worked on aircraft including Lockheed C130 Hercules, Chinook helicopters, Airbus, and Boeing models.

The third scholarship was awarded to Hudson Dagge, based in Perth.

CASA scholarship — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Program Focus

The scholarship program is designed to encourage engineers to complete the training required to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and to promote high standards of safety culture within the industry. CASA has indicated a preference for applicants pursuing a Category B licence, which is in demand across the aviation sector.

Future Outcomes

Scholarship recipients will use the funds to cover training costs through approved providers and complete their required competencies. CASA has highlighted the importance of the program in both supporting individual engineers and contributing to the overall safety of Australia’s aviation industry.

Published 20-Sep-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Parents Raise Concerns Over Year 7 Letter at Ormiston College

Parents have criticised Ormiston College in Redland City after the school sent a behaviour management letter about bullying only to the families of Year 7 girls.

Letter Sparks Frustration Among Parents

On 5 September 2025, Ormiston College issued a letter to the parents of Year 7 girls addressing social behaviours, including gossip, rumours, online chat groups, exclusion, and non-verbal actions.

The letter did not go to the parents of Year 7 boys, which prompted some families to question why the correspondence singled out girls. Others said they felt excluded from information that concerned the wider student group.

Redland City school — *Photo Credit: Ormiston College/Facebook*

College Outlines Well-being Response

The college said the communication was part of a proactive well-being program and not linked to a specific bullying incident. Principal Michael Hornby explained that staff had observed Year 7 girls seeking guidance on managing social pressures and friendship changes.

Ormiston College highlighted its wellbeing framework, which includes daily pastoral care, two hours of weekly wellbeing lessons, respectful relationships programs, anti-bullying activities, and the “Stymie” anonymous reporting tool. The school’s Anti-Bullying Policy is reviewed annually against the National Safe Schools Framework.

Expert Emphasises Inclusive Approaches

Child psychologist Professor Marilyn Campbell, a member of Queensland’s Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group, said student involvement in approaches to bullying is important, as young people are more likely to respond when they feel included in the process.

*Photo Credit: Ormiston College/Facebook*

Parents and Students Voice Concerns

Some parents described the letter as a reactive step rather than a proactive one and questioned why the concerns were directed only at girls. A number of Year 7 students also reported feeling anxious after attending a group meeting about the issue, unsure if they had done something wrong.

The college said the intention was to support students through a natural stage of social development while reinforcing values of respect and support within the school community.

Ormiston College’s Broader Reputation

Ormiston College is an independent, co-educational, non-denominational Christian school in Redland City. It consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for NAPLAN and graduate outcomes.

The school has been recognised for its innovation in education, named one of Australia’s most innovative schools for ten consecutive years by The Educator. It is also acknowledged internationally as a Microsoft Worldwide Showcase School. In 2022, Ormiston College won the Australian Education Award for Best Use of Technology.

College Maintains Well-being Focus

Although some families remain frustrated, Ormiston College has stood by its approach, stating the letter and related actions were part of its wider wellbeing strategy. The school maintains its focus on combining academic success with the emotional welfare of students in a supportive environment.

Published 18-Sep-2025

Photo Credit: Ormiston College/Facebook

Why a Wellington Point Farm Shut Its Gates to Strawberry Pickers

If you’ve ever wondered why your trip to the strawberry patch now comes with an entry fee, the story of one Wellington Point farm provides the answer, revealing the complex realities behind the simple pleasure of picking your own fruit.

Adrian Lynch of the well-known Wellington Point Farm has ended the public picking experience, citing major logistical and insurance challenges that many families may not see when they head out for a day on the farm. His choice highlights a tougher reality for local growers, even as other farms find new ways to manage the crowds and costs associated with the popular activity.

The Hidden Hurdles of a Day Out

strawberry — *Photo Credit:* *McMartin’s Strawberry Farm/ Facebook*

For many local farmers, inviting the public onto their land is not as simple as just opening a gate. Mr Lynch explained that his one attempt at offering a pick-your-own event in the last two decades turned into a logistical nightmare. He described issues with people wandering off into potentially dangerous areas, such as machinery sheds and cow paddocks, long after staff were trying to finish their day.

Beyond managing visitors, the rising cost and difficulty of securing public liability insurance proved to be a major obstacle. Mr Lynch pointed out the significant financial risk involved, questioning who would be responsible if a visitor were to have an accident on his property. He believes the complexities of insurance have unfortunately taken the fun out of many community activities. While the farm no longer allows customers into the fields, visitors can still get a sense of the farm’s operations from its adjoining cafe.

A Changing Experience for a New Generation

Despite the challenges, the tradition of strawberry picking continues to thrive, though it looks different than it did years ago. Local content creator Shoggy, who has been picking strawberries for two decades, noted the changes. He recalled a time when entry was free, and visitors only paid for the strawberries they collected.

Today, many farms have adapted their business models to protect their crops and manage the experience. At Rolin Strawberry Farm in Elimbah, a favourite spot of Shoggy’s, adults now pay an entry fee which includes a 500-gram punnet of strawberries. While this makes the outing more expensive than a trip to the supermarket, he insists the flavour of a truly fresh strawberry is unmatched and makes the experience worthwhile. His social media videos on the topic have drawn huge interest, showing that the community is still eager to find authentic farm experiences during the winter months.

Finding a Sustainable Path

Some farms have completely reshaped their operations around the pick-your-own model. McMartins Farm, a family-run property in Bli Bli since 1945, has made a strategic shift in recent years. After 40 years of growing strawberries, the farm stopped its commercial operations to focus solely on selling produce through its farm shop and to pick-your-own visitors.

Lillian McMartin said this approach allows the farm to avoid the challenges of finding reliable workers and negotiating prices with major supermarket chains. McMartins does not charge an entry fee, instead charging by the kilogram for whatever visitors pick. This model has proven successful for the farm, which also grows lychees and custard apples to meet growing demand for local fruit. To help keep the experience affordable for families, the farm simply asks that visitors pay for their fruit before they start eating.

Published Date 02-September-2025

Photo Credit: McMartin’s Strawberry Farm/ Facebook

Redlands Area Sports Results – Aug 15 to 17

Sat, August 16, 2025 – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 19
• Mt Gravatt QAFL Seniors 73 | Redland Victoria Point QAFL Seniors 104

Sat, August 16, 2025 – FQPL1 – Men – Round 21
• Redlands United 0 | Capalaba FC 1

Creative Prodigy: Ormiston Student Conquers Poetry and Prose in State Literary Awards

A young wordsmith from Ormiston College has accomplished a remarkable feat, mastering two distinct literary forms to win top honours in both the poetry and short story categories at Queensland’s most historic writing competition.

A Display of Unique Talent

Derrick Chen, a student in the Years 5 and 6 division, stood out among a field of more than 1,500 entrants from across the state. His exceptional ability to craft both compelling narratives and moving poetry earned him two first-place awards, a rare achievement in the prestigious Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers’ Association of Queensland’s (ETAQ) annual Literary Competition.

The competition, now in its 66th year, is the oldest continuing contest of its kind in Queensland, celebrating the creative talents of students and staff in both state and non-government schools. The judges noted the exceptional quality and diverse range of entries submitted this year, highlighting the impressive skill on display from young writers.

Celebrating a Community of Writers

The winners were celebrated at a special presentation evening held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre. During the event, which took place on the evening of Wednesday, 6 August, first-place recipients were invited to read their winning pieces to an engaged audience of peers, teachers, and community members.

IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke praised the competition as a vital opportunity for students to develop their creativity and writing skills. He remarked that the union’s forerunner established the competition to champion literary development and the freedom of expression in young people. Similarly, ETAQ President Carley Elliott commended the high standard of entries from all participating schools.

Attendees were also treated to an inspiring talk by guest speaker Brian Falkner, an award-winning international author and writing coach, who shared insights from his career. Event sponsor Penguin Random House Australia generously provided book prizes for the award recipients.

Published Date 12-August-2025
Photo Credit: Independent Education Union

Hundreds of Koala Trees to Go in Ormiston as College Pursues Expansion

In a plan that has divided a bayside community, Ormiston College argues it must first destroy a koala habitat to save it, proposing to clear 650 mature trees to make way for a greener, stronger ecosystem.

An Unconventional Promise

At the heart of the heated debate is Ormiston College’s plan for a major campus expansion, which includes a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool, a boarding house, an indoor sports complex, and new junior sporting fields. To build this, the college intends to clear a significant portion of its land, much of which is mapped as core koala habitat within a designated Koala Priority Area.

However, the school’s leadership insists the project is being undertaken with environmental sensitivity. The college’s principal, Michael Hornby, has stated that the works will ultimately strengthen the ecological value of the site. According to the school, there will be no net loss of koala habitat. Their plan, guided by ecologists, involves a massive rehabilitation effort that includes planting nine times more preferred koala food trees than are originally present, with the goal of improving a vital wildlife corridor in the long term.

A Community’s Outcry

This vision of creating a better habitat through clearing has been met with widespread community concern and disbelief. For many residents and conservationists, the logic is flawed. The local Koala Action Group argues that the proposal will remove nearly a third of the on-site koala habitat. A spokesperson for the group, Debbie Pointing, has stated that newly planted saplings cannot replace the value of decades-old trees that form an established core habitat.

This sentiment is echoed across community social media pages, where residents have voiced strong opposition. The prevailing feeling is that the area has enough sporting facilities, but not enough protected habitat for its dwindling koala population. The recent road death of a beloved local koala named Jacki near the site has only amplified fears that the region’s natural heritage is disappearing. For these residents, preservation of what exists is paramount, not replacement.

A Controversial Path Forward

The college’s previous attempt to have a similar project approved was rejected by the Redland City Council due to its impact on protected koala corridors. This time, the school is using a state-level planning process known as a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, or MID.

This process allows the state’s Planning Minister to have the final say, overriding the local council’s decision. While the public can submit comments on the project until August 11, the MID process removes the right for third parties to appeal the decision once it is made. This has left many in the community feeling that their voice may be heard, but that they lack the power to stop the bulldozers if the project is ultimately approved. For critics, the central question is whether environmental laws hold up when large institutions decide to build.

Published Date 29-July-2025

Wellington Point Woman Shocked By Scan Costs After Surviving Breast Cancer

A Wellington Point woman who beat breast cancer says she was shocked to find out she no longer qualified for free mammograms, despite being at higher risk of the disease returning.

Survivors Not Eligible For Routine Free Scans

After finishing breast cancer treatment in 2022, Wellington Point’s Debbie Swain expected her yearly follow-up scans to be free under Queensland’s mammogram program for women over 40. Instead, she was charged nearly $400 per visit and later discovered survivors like her are excluded unless referred through a public hospital.

BreastScreen Queensland only covers women with no current or past diagnosis, meaning survivors must wait five years to rejoin, unless they stay in the public system. Swain now sees a private specialist and said the cost caught her off guard.

She assumed follow-up care would be supported, but her scans are classed as “diagnostic imaging,” which isn’t free. For many women in her position, the out-of-pocket cost can reach nearly $500 per appointment.

Calls For A Fairer System For Survivors

Swain said the current rules feel unfair to women who have already been through cancer. She believes many don’t realise the scans aren’t free until the bill arrives, and worries the cost could stop women from attending important follow-up checks.

In local media interviews, she pointed out that the system seems to favour those with no cancer history while leaving survivors to manage extra costs. Queensland Health stated that free scans are offered in public hospitals, but only if the patient stays within the public system. Many, like Swain, are discharged and continue care privately, which makes them ineligible.

More Than 17,000 Queensland Women Affected

More than 17,000 breast cancer survivors in Queensland are excluded from BreastScreen services due to strict eligibility rules. Many are unaware of the gap until they’re billed for follow-up scans they expected to be free.

While the state advertises free screening for women over 40, it doesn’t apply to those with a past diagnosis. Survivors say it feels like they’re being penalised, while those without cancer continue to get free checks.

Community Support Grows For Change

Swain’s story has sparked discussion across the Redlands, with locals concerned the system isn’t supporting women after treatment. She’s urging the Queensland Government to review how survivors are treated and consider easing the cost of follow-up care.

While some imaging is available through public hospitals, many survivors fall outside that pathway. They say clearer information, better access, and funding for private care are urgently needed.

Published 11-July-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Thea Hunter/Facebook

Community Vision Takes Shape As $238 Million Flows Into Birkdale Precinct

A major transformation is underway for the Birkdale Community Precinct, with more than $238 million in government and council funding committed to reshaping the 62-hectare site into a hub for sport, environment, culture and education in Brisbane’s east.

Local Investment Builds On Olympic Momentum

The Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale has been confirmed to host canoe slalom events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In response, the Queensland Government has committed $235 million to infrastructure delivery, while Redland City Council has allocated over $3.8 million for design and planning.

The Birkdale Community Precinct has become a priority site in both 2025–2026 budgets. Since 2021, more than 6,000 residents have shaped the precinct’s direction through public consultation. The resulting plan balances future growth with environmental conservation and community access to green space.

Facilities To Reflect Community Priorities

The Birkdale Community Precinct will feature seven themed hubs focused on green space, culture, sport, innovation and learning. Plans include an Olympic-standard whitewater centre, shared community spaces, and multi-use parklands.

Design work is underway for an access road, North Road upgrades, eastern carpark, and stormwater systems, along with electrical infrastructure to support events. Environmental and heritage values remain a priority throughout the project. Around two-thirds of the site will be preserved, with an EPBC referral in progress to meet national standards.

A Precinct With Long-term Value

The whitewater centre is a key part of the precinct’s pre-2032 works and is expected to be ready by 2028. After the Games, it will offer recreational activities like tubing, paddling and community sport. It will also support emergency services training for swift-water rescues.

Other parts of the precinct will continue to develop after 2032, with a focus on recreation and education. Council’s planning highlights sustainable design and flexibility to meet future community needs.

Focus On Access And Collaboration

Redland City Council will continue detailed design and planning for the precinct, with project costs kept confidential until tenders are finalised. The state will lead Olympic-related infrastructure, while council manages local works and approvals.

Both levels of government are working together to balance national goals with local needs. Council has emphasised the importance of improving access and protecting natural areas. Economic opportunity is also a key focus as the precinct progresses.

Published 02-July-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Redland City Council