Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 2 of 46

Moreton Bay Sports Results Feb 20-22

Sat, February 21, 2026 (John Fredericks Park – Capalaba FC – Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 1
• Capalaba FC 1 | Caboolture Sports FC 3

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Eric Evans Oval – Ipswich Knights Soccer Club – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Ipswich Knights 4 | Samford Rangers 2

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Prentice Park – North Brisbane FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• North Brisbane 6 | Moggill FC 2

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Lanham Park – Grange Thistle Soccer Club – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Grange Thistle 0 | North Lakes United 4

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Albert Bishop Park – Virginia United FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Virginia United 1 | Peninsula Power 0

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Wolter Park – Moreton City Excelsior – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Moreton City Excelsior 4 | Gold Coast Knights 1

Sat, February 21, 2026 (AJ Kelly Park – Peninsula Power FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Peninsula Power 1 | Eastern Suburbs 0

Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Trevor Hohns Field) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14
• Sandgate-Redcliffe Mens 1st Grade 6-322 | Western Suburbs Mens 1st Grade 3-324

College Captains Announced In Mango Hill And Petrie For 2026

Photo Credit: Brisbane Catholic Education

New student leaders have been confirmed for 2026 at Catholic secondary colleges in Mango Hill and Petrie, following a wider announcement across South East Queensland.

Brisbane Catholic Education published its 2026 College Captain update on 11 February 2026, confirming 86 captains across its 146 schools. The appointments include Sophie and Thomas at St Benedict’s College, and Lilly and John at Mt Maria College.

Leadership In Mango Hill And Petrie

At St Benedict’s College in Mango Hill, Sophie and Thomas have been appointed College Captains for the 2026 school year.

Brisbane Catholic Education — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The Mango Hill campus opened in February 2013 and operates as a regional co-educational Catholic secondary college. Its ethos is based on the Rule of St Benedict, with a stated emphasis on maintaining balance between work and life. The college motto, In Omnibus Deus — translated as God in All Things — reflects its spiritual foundation.

The college also identifies strong connections with nearby Catholic primary schools, including St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School, Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School in Petrie and Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School in Bray Park, as well as schools in the Northern Bayside and Bracken Ridge areas.

In Petrie, Lilly and John will serve as College Captains at Mt Maria College in 2026.

College Captains 2026 — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Mt Maria College is part of the Marist Schools Australia network and combines Marist values with contemporary learning approaches. The college highlights faith formation and social justice opportunities grounded in the Marist Charism, alongside a focus on student development within a supportive school community.

Part Of A Broader 2026 Appointment

The Mango Hill and Petrie appointments form part of Brisbane Catholic Education’s broader confirmation of student leaders for the 2026 academic year across secondary and Prep to Year 12 campuses in South East Queensland.

Across the network, College Captains take on roles that include representing their peers, supporting school initiatives and contributing to the life of their college communities throughout the year.

Published 18-Feb-2026

Land Activation Program Unlocks 250 Homes at Mango Hill Train Station Site

JarrodBleijieMP/Facebook

Developers will transform a 1.5-hectare block opposite Mango Hill Train Station into up to 250 new homes under the Land Activation Program, placing residents within walking distance of public transport, shops and schools.

The site has sat unused for a decade since the train station opened, despite its prime location metres from public transport, shops, restaurants, schools and childcare facilities. The land activation program enables industry to identify and register interest in underutilised land owned by the state to be brought to market for housing development.

MP Jarrod Bleijie said the Mango Hill site is the perfect place to call home given its proximity to essential services and transport connections. The location provides easy access for future residents to reach work, education and daily needs without requiring long commutes.

How the Land Activation Program (LAP) Works

The land activation program operates at zero net cost, with proceeds from land sales reinvested into unlocking additional surplus sites. This approach allows more land to be brought to market for housing without ongoing expense, creating a sustainable model for increasing residential development opportunities.

The program has unlocked up to 800 homes in its first week across multiple sites that had previously been left vacant. Industry partners can register interest in underutilised parcels to develop housing that meets community needs.

Community Concerns About Infrastructure and Parking

Local residents have raised questions about the development’s impact on existing infrastructure, particularly parking at Mango Hill Train Station and road capacity in the area. Some also said that the current station parking reaches near capacity on most weekdays and questioned where planners will locate future parking expansions and when they will deliver them.

Concerns about road congestion also featured prominently in community feedback, with residents questioning whether local roads can handle additional traffic from 250 new homes.

Some residents suggested the land would better serve the community as multi-level parking at the train station, while others welcomed the initiative and called for broader audits of underused land across Brisbane. They emphasized the need for more modest-sized starter homes rather than large houses, arguing this would better serve young families entering the housing market.

Addressing Housing Supply Challenges

Urban Development Institute of Australia Queensland President Michael Loney said unlocking land for new homes is a crucial step to deliver more housing for Queenslanders. Housing supply provides the pathway out of the housing crisis, which requires land supply as a key ingredient.

The institute has long supported efforts to identify surplus land and give it new life as housing for the community. Delivering more houses sooner presents the best chance of tackling current housing shortages across South East Queensland.

Part of Broader Housing Initiatives

The Mango Hill site release is part of Queensland’s Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan to deliver one million new homes by 2044. Other initiatives supporting this goal include the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund to deliver essential infrastructure, removal of stamp duty on new builds for first home buyers, and extension of the $30,000 first home owner grant to June 30, 2026.

Additional measures include a shared equity scheme to help reduce deposit gaps, lifting subletting restrictions to increase rental availability, and a pipeline of 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.

More information or to register interest in participating in the land activation program is available here.

Published 16-February-2026.

Boral Quarry at Lawnton Emerges as Alternative Rowing Venue Proposal for 2032 Games

Boral Quarries / Google Maps

A consortium led by City of Moreton Bay has been quietly developing plans to transform the Boral quarry at Lawnton into a purpose-built Olympic rowing facility, positioning the site as an alternative to Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River for the Brisbane 2032 Games.

The proposal would redevelop the Boral quarry on Lawnton Pocket Road, south of the North Pine River, into what proponents say could become one of the world’s best rowing venues. The site’s proximity to Brisbane Airport and connection through Petrie train station have been highlighted as major advantages compared to the 600-kilometer journey to Rockhampton.

Rowing advocates and South East Queensland business leaders have prepared high-level technical and financial analysis to present the Boral quarry proposal to authorities as an alternative venue. The plan mirrors the successful transformation of a quarry into Sydney’s Penrith International Regatta Centre, now regarded as one of the world’s premier rowing facilities.

Strategic Location Benefits

The Boral quarry is currently being decommissioned. It sits in the Moreton Bay region near the industrial area of Lawnton, close to Gympie Road and bordered by Petrie and Strathpine. The plan is to repurpose the area for lakeside recreational activities and housing. It is expected to provide easy access for athletes, officials and spectators compared to regional alternatives, with Petrie train station offering direct public transport connections.

Proposed flatwater centre with Moreton Bay International Sports Centre in the distance.
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Boral is understood to be supportive of the quarry transformation proposal. Mayor Peter Flannery of Moreton Bay said that the facility would cost around $250 million. The cost to taxpayers would be about $150 million of that, with Boral’ contributing to the cost’s contribution recouped through the development of about 750 homes.

Lakeside homes are included in the plan. Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

The project will cost half of the planned upgrades along the Fitzroy River.

Uncertainty Around Rockhampton Venue

The 2032 Delivery Plan released in March 2025 confirmed Rockhampton as the site for rowing and canoe sprints. However, with technical field-of-play assessments still under review by international officials, the Lawnton Quarry remains a credible ‘Plan B’ for authorities looking to keep the events in the south-east.

The Boral quarry proposal emerged amid growing concerns about whether the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton can provide the flat, even conditions required for Olympic-level competition. World Rowing and International Canoe Federation standards require still water without current that could favour certain lanes or create an uneven playing field for competitors.

Proponents behind the Lawnton proposal argue that without a suitable Queensland alternative, Olympic rowing could be moved to Penrith in New South Wales, taking a marquee event away from the state. The Games Independent Infrastructure and Co-ordination Authority had previously recommended Penrith host rowing in 2032 due to wind and topographical challenges at Lake Wyaralong and Hinze Dam.

At the finish line. Artist’s perspective. Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay’s Olympic Role

Regardless of the rowing venue decision, City of Moreton Bay will play a significant role in the 2032 Games through the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre. The 12-court facility at the revitalised Mill Precinct received endorsement from Australian and Queensland authorities in 2024, with procurement commencing for the $205.5 million project.

The indoor sports centre will host Olympic boxing events before becoming a legacy facility supporting basketball, netball, volleyball, gymnastics, futsal, pickleball and wheelchair rugby for the growing Moreton Bay population. With almost 700,000 people living within 30 minutes of the centre, the facility is designed to serve the community for decades beyond the Games.

Published 16-February-2026.

UniSC Talent Pipeline Fuels Jobs Growth in Caboolture and Petrie

University of the Sunshine Coast’s (UniSC) Moreton Bay campuses at Caboolture and Petrie are being positioned as a key driver of local industry growth, with more than 6,500 students studying close to 90 programs on campus, according to a new economic report card released by City of Moreton Bay.

The council’s 2025 Economic Strategy Report Card — covering the 2024–25 financial year — says the local economy is “outpacing expectations” with gains across jobs, investment and exports.

Among the headline figures cited are a $24.77 billion economy (gross regional product), up $830 million over the past 12 months, and 6,500 new jobs created, lifting local employment to 174,699.

Education and training were singled out as part of the growth story, with UniSC Vice Chancellor and President Helen Bartlett saying the economic data showed the value of universities, industry and community working together.

She said “targeted industry development, relevant research and strong education links” can support innovation, skills growth and sustainable jobs.

UniSC Caboolture
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The report card also shows that the city is tracking about a year ahead of where it was expected to be under the city’s long-term Economic Strategy 2020–2041. It points to “investment wins,” with the Council citing a projected $956 million in economic activity from secured projects.

International export growth has been led by advanced manufacturing and food and agribusiness, alongside growth in tourism, innovation, and skills development.

Hanlon Industries, a steel fabricator with operations in the City of Moreton Bay and Geelong, has expanded in Queensland. Managing director Tom Hanlon cited market opportunities, access to skilled employees and training facilities, and supply chains as factors in the move.

The company has added more than 60 jobs to its Narangba operations over the past two years and recently completed the Hope Island train station project.

Mayor Peter Flannery attributed the results to the strength of local industry and business activity, citing increases in economic output and job creation over the past year. The Council connected the latest results to a broader long-term ambition set out in its “Towards One Million” economic white paper, which highlights an opportunity to build “high-value local jobs” and lift the local economy to $78 billion by 2060.

The mayor added that Moreton Bay’s focus is on maintaining momentum as the city grows, including supporting businesses, attracting investment, and building skills and infrastructure.

Published 13-Feb-2026

Featured Image Credit: UniSC in Caboolture/Google Maps

Moreton Bay Opens Sandbag Stations as Severe Weather Threat Looms

Communities across Moreton Bay are on alert as crews deploy emergency sandbag stations ahead of severe weather expected to affect the region. The move aims to help residents reduce the risk of floodwater entering their properties, as authorities warn heavy rain and storms could cause flash flooding and rising waterways across vulnerable suburbs.

Severe weather warnings and flood watches have been issued for parts of South East Queensland, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning heavy rainfall could impact catchments, including local creeks and rivers, in the coming days. The agency also warns of minor to moderate flooding from Friday and through the weekend, with rapid river rises and isolated major flooding possible where the heaviest rain falls.

‘If it’s flooded, forget it’

From Friday afternoon, 13 February, Mayor Peter Flannery urged households to take simple steps that can make a big difference if storms hit hard: clear gutters, clean up yards, pack an emergency kit, check insurance and prepare a household emergency plan. He also encouraged residents to download a flood check property report to better understand their local risk.

His main message was short and direct: “If it’s flooded, forget it.” The warning comes as crews monitor low-lying areas and roads that can become dangerous quickly during intense downpours.

Sandbags: where to go and what to bring

The City of Moreton Bay confirmed sandbag stations are now operating at multiple locations.

Arana Hills SES — 2 Pine Hills Drive (off Jinker Track)
Beachmere — Rogers Street Sports Ground
Bribie Island SES — 208–224 First Ave.
Caboolture Council Depot — corner of Commercial Drive and Machinery Parade
**Deception Bay Council De Bay Road
Elimbah — Coronation Drive (opposite the church in the median strip)
Narangba — Oakey Flat Road (between the Raynbird Road and Sovereign Drive roundabouts)
Petrie SES — 3 Woonara Drive
Woodford Depot — 20 Durundur St., Woodford
Woodford Memorial Hall (rear car park) — 103 Archer St.
Dayboro Depot — 73 Bradley St.
Margate Depot — Jull St.
Toorbul and Donnybrook Seniors Club — 1798 Pumicestone Road

Residents can check live updates through the City of Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard, which also provides road closure updates and weather alerts.

Council officials are reminding residents that while sandbags can help limit water entering homes, they do not completely stop flooding. People attending collection points are asked to bring their own shovels, as bags must be filled on-site.

Authorities are also encouraging residents to sign up for MoretonAlert, a free warning system that sends SMS, phone and email alerts based on a resident’s local address. The service is designed to give early notice about severe weather, flooding risks and emergency situations.

For residents who cannot collect sandbags themselves due to age, illness or physical limitations, assistance may be available through the State Emergency Service by calling 132 500.

SES on standby

Council said its roads and drainage teams, along with the SES, are on standby. The council’s Local Disaster Management Group has also been put on alert as the weather system develops. Residents can track road closures and official updates on the City of Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard.

In addition to sandbag distribution, council-operated places of refuge have opened at several library locations across the region. These locations provide safe shelter options if conditions worsen.

Burpengary Library — 121 Station Road, Burpengary
Deception Bay Library — 9 Bayview Terrace
Redcliffe Library — 476 Oxley Ave.
Albany Creek Library — 16 Ferguson St.
Bribie Island Library — 1 Welsby Parade, Bongaree
Arana Hills Library — 63 Cobbity Cres.
Woodford Library — 1 Elizabeth St.
Caboolture Hub Library — 4 Hasking St.
North Lakes Library — 10 The Corso

Emergency services are urging residents to stay informed, monitor weather warnings and prepare emergency plans, particularly those living in flood-prone areas or near waterways. Residents can also track official warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology website for updated forecasts and storm alerts.

Published 13-Feb-2026

Authorities Target High-Powered E-Bike Rideouts in North Lakes and Mango Hill

QPS / Facebook

Authorities are ramping up enforcement against organised e-bike “rideouts” occurring weekly across South East Queensland. Officers are specifically targeting areas in North Lakes, Mango Hill, Springfield and neighbouring Ripley, where they allege youth groups use social media to coordinate group rides on non-compliant, high-powered devices.

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler, from the Queensland Police Road Policing and Regional Support Command, confirmed that the service is allocating extra resources to Springfield, Ripley, North Lakes, Mango Hill, and the Gold Coast. Specialised teams now use digital intelligence to enact targeted responses to these gatherings.

Police allege that footage uploaded online shows groups using devices reaching speeds of 90 kilometres per hour, performing one-wheel stunts, and riding in large convoys through suburban streets.

Digital Monitoring and Police Strategy

QPS monitors these activities through its Digital Intelligence Coordination and Engagement (DICE) team. This unit tracks rideout announcements and helps coordinate the operational response. Online posts frequently discuss police patrol locations and offer tips on how to avoid interception.

Authorities describe these behaviours as posing a significant risk to the community. Officials emphasize that youth groups on e-devices are considered vulnerable road users who endanger themselves and the public when they disregard standard road rules.

Safety Trends and Operation X-Ray Surety

Following 14 e-mobility fatalities across Queensland in 2025, authorities launched Operation X-Ray Surety. This statewide enforcement campaign ran from 3 November 2025 to 26 January 2026 to curb rising road trauma.

Between 3 November and 23 December, police issued 2,124 fines related to e-mobility devices. The most common offences included:

Failure to wear a helmet: 1,652 fines
Use of prohibited roads: 207 fines
Carrying passengers: 72 fines

Chief Supt Wheeler suggested that Christmas gift-giving likely increased the number of these devices on the road. He urged parents to ensure any e-bike they purchase complies with Queensland law, which requires motors to cut off at 25 kilometres per hour and limits power output to 250 watts.

North Lakes and Mango Hill Context

North Lakes and Mango Hill sit within the City of Moreton Bay, approximately 30 road kilometres north of Brisbane CBD. The master-planned communities developed rapidly from the early 2000s, with North Lakes growing from vacant farmland to a population of over 24,000 residents following the significant expansion of Westfield North Lakes in 2007

Mango Hill, located immediately south of North Lakes, developed alongside its neighbour through coordinated planning, with Mango Hill railway station opening in 2016 on the Redcliffe Peninsula line.

Both suburbs contain demographic profiles skewing toward young families. The concentration of youth groups seeking transport independence before obtaining driver licences contributes to e-bike adoption, with some turning to non-compliant devices.

The area’s relatively new road infrastructure provides locations where youth groups organise group rides, with rideout activity increasingly spilling onto busier thoroughfares including Anzac Avenue and Mango Hill Boulevard.

Legal Requirements and Potential Penalties

Queensland law classifies any e-bike exceeding 250 watts or a 25 km/h assisted speed as a motor vehicle. Consequently, these devices require registration, insurance, and a valid motorcycle licence.

Riders of non-compliant devices face a ‘compliance package’ of fines that can exceed $1,600, covering registration, insurance, and licensing offences simultaneously.

Police hold the authority to impound devices suspected of being involved in an offence. While owners can often go to court to seek the return of their property, a magistrate may order the permanent forfeiture or destruction of devices that are heavily modified or deemed a persistent public risk.

Community Views and Infrastructure

Community sentiment remains divided. While many residents express frustration with dangerous riding, others advocate for better infrastructure. Some community members suggest that the Brisbane 2032 Olympics provide an opportunity to build dedicated high-speed cycling networks that could safely accommodate evolving e-mobility technology.

Critics of the current crackdown argue that the speed capabilities of some modern devices—reaching up to 100 km/h—require them to be regulated as motorcycles rather than bicycles. Meanwhile, police continue to encourage residents to report dangerous behaviour or organised rideouts via Crime Stoppers.

Published 08-February-2026.

Free Drive-In Movie Night Brings Nostalgic Entertainment to Narangba

Brisbane Kids

Families across North Lakes and Narangba can enjoy a classic drive-in cinema experience when a free outdoor screening comes to Ferrier Road Park on Friday 20 February, featuring the recently released family adventure The Minecraft Movie.

The event runs from 6pm to 9pm and invites residents to park their vehicles, tune car radios to a designated frequency, and watch the film on a large outdoor screen. The screening represents part of an ongoing program of free community events designed to bring residents together across the region.

Drive-In Cinema Resurgence

The drive-in format has experienced renewed interest in recent years, tapping into nostalgia for an entertainment style that once dominated Australian leisure. At their peak in the early 1980s, around 350 drive-in cinemas operated across Australia, with Queensland hosting numerous venues including the Skyline Drive-In at Coopers Plains and Starlight Drive-In at Aspley.

Today, only around a dozen drive-in cinemas continue to operate regularly across Australia, making pop-up screenings like the Narangba event especially appealing for families chasing that classic drive-in experience. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked renewed appreciation for drive-in entertainment as a socially-distanced option, with many operators reviving the format for community events.

Queensland’s remaining permanent drive-in venues include the Tivoli Drive-In Theatre in Ipswich and Yatala Drive-In at Stapylton, both of which report strong attendance during school holidays and summer months despite competition from streaming services and multiplex cinemas.

The Minecraft Movie Draws Families

The featured film for the Narangba screening is The Minecraft Movie, a live-action adaptation of the world’s best-selling video game that was released in Australian cinemas in April 2025. The film stars Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, following four unlikely characters transported into the blocky Overworld where they must work together to find their way home.

Free drive-in movie — Photo Credit: What’s On Moreton Bay / Facebook

The PG-rated adventure emphasizes teamwork, courage, and creativity—themes central to the Minecraft gaming experience that has sold over 300 million copies worldwide. While some scenes may confuse younger viewers, the film targets families with school-aged children who have likely encountered Minecraft through gaming or online content.

The movie generated significant box office success upon release, connecting with both dedicated Minecraft fans and families seeking accessible entertainment. Its selection for the Narangba screening reflects the film’s broad appeal across age groups and its suitability for outdoor family viewing.

Event Details and Accessibility

The Ferrier Road Park screening will display closed captions throughout the film to support accessibility for hearing-impaired attendees. Dogs are welcome at the event but must remain on leads at all times, acknowledging that Ferrier Road Park is a large unfenced area popular with dog owners.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks, embracing the traditional drive-in experience where families would pack food and settle in for an evening under the stars. The film’s runtime allows the screening to conclude before 9pm, making it manageable for families with younger children on a school night.

Ferrier Road Park provides ample space for vehicles to park with clear sightlines to the screen, while maintaining the social aspect of shared entertainment that makes drive-in cinema distinct from home viewing. The park’s location in Narangba makes it accessible to families throughout the northern Moreton Bay region including North Lakes, Mango Hill, and surrounding suburbs.

Practical Considerations

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure good parking, as viewing angles depend on vehicle placement. While the event begins at 6pm to allow for setup, the film will start at dusk, depending on light conditions.

Drivers should monitor car battery use if running accessories, with portable radios recommended as an alternative.

Scheduled near the end of the summer school holidays in parts of Queensland, the free Narangba screening offers a cost-effective option for families, particularly in fast-growing areas like North Lakes and Narangba where demand for community events is rising. Its nostalgic appeal also spans generations, allowing parents and grandparents to share a classic drive-in experience with younger family members.

Make sure to check out whatsonmoretonbay.com.au for more information.

Published 1-February-2026.

Moreton Bay SES Petrie Member Honoured For Emergency Service Work

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A volunteer with the Moreton Bay SES unit in Petrie has been recognised in the City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards for long-term service supporting emergency response and volunteer training.

Service Through The Moreton Bay SES Petrie Unit

Ronald Aquilina received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award for his contribution to the State Emergency Service, with official material identifying him as part of the Moreton Bay SES Unit, Petrie.

His service spans more than a decade and includes operational roles before, during and after disaster events. The award material highlights his work coordinating and training SES members on flood boats, as well as his role in supporting volunteer readiness.

Training And Mentorship Focus

According to the award citations provided, Mr Aquilina developed a structured mentorship program to support new SES volunteers. The initiative focused on building practical skills and supporting volunteers as they progressed through operational roles.

The material states that these initiatives improved crew capability and safety through coordinated training and mentoring, contributing to more effective disaster response.

Australia Day Awards 202 — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Experience Across Emergency Response

Mr Aquilina’s experience with Volunteer Marine Rescue is also referenced in the award material, informing his roles within the SES. His background across both organisations supported training and operational coordination.

Recognition for his service includes internal SES acknowledgements, reflecting his involvement in training, leadership and volunteer development.

Moreton Bay SES Petrie — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Other Honourees Recognised

The same City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards also recognised Chris Paterson as Citizen of the Year for work through Bamboo Projects, which employs people living with disability or mental health challenges to remove marine debris from local waterways.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Awards were also presented to Jan Schutt and Alison Schutt for their work with Stationery Aid, an initiative redistributing unused school supplies to students facing resource barriers across the City of Moreton Bay.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Decades of Service Honoured: Mango Hill’s Lynda Barry Awarded Order of Australia Medal

For more than three decades, Lynda Jane Barry has contributed to lifesaving and community safety across Queensland and beyond. This Australia Day, the Mango Hill resident’s long-standing commitment was formally recognised when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, honouring her service to lifesaving, lifeguard training and the community.

Read: Mango Hill Urban Village to Bring 23 Towers and Thousands of Homes to North Lakes

Mrs Barry was named on the Australia Day 2026 Honours List among 472 Australians to receive an OAM. This year’s honours recognised a total of 949 recipients nationwide, marking an increase in the number of Australians acknowledged for service across a wide range of fields.

According to the official citation, Mrs Barry received the honour “for service to lifesaving and lifeguard training, and to the community”, reflecting a volunteering career that began in 1989 and continues today.

Following the announcement, Mrs Barry acknowledged the recognition in a message shared on LinkedIn.

“I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to lifesaving and the community,” she wrote. “I am grateful to the many volunteers, colleagues and mentors who have shared this journey — this recognition reflects the collective effort of an incredible community. Thank you for the ongoing support.”

A significant portion of Mrs Barry’s service has been through the Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club, where she has been a member for more than 35 years. During that time, she has held numerous roles across patrol operations, administration, training and leadership. She has served as Club Captain since 2005 and was recognised as a Life Member in 2009.

Mrs Barry in 2009 (Photo credit: Facebook/Ithaca-Caloundra City Life Saving Club Inc)

Her involvement with junior members has been a consistent part of her contribution. Since 2002, Mrs Barry has worked as a coach and administrator with the Junior Lifeguard Program, supporting the delivery of structured training and development pathways for younger participants. She has also been a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation trainer since 2012 and previously delivered the Grey Medallion Program as part of community water safety education.

Beyond her club, Mrs Barry has contributed extensively through the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland. From 2002 to 2023, she served as Chief Organiser and Referee for beach carnivals, a role involving the coordination and officiating of major lifesaving events. Her involvement has also included serving as a Volunteer Trainer and Assessor, managing Queensland teams at national championships, and contributing as a member of the State Sports Committee between 2009 and 2013.

Mrs Barry’s experience has extended internationally. She was involved as an assistant trainer for a lifesaving delegation in Xiamen, China, and has participated in World Life Saving Championships as both a competitor and team manager, including events held in Egypt and Australia.

Read: Urban Village Proposal Unveiled for Mango Hill

Her service has also included governance and support roles within the lifesaving sector. Mrs Barry is a founding member of Life Saving Support Services Inc, established in 2015, and has served as Treasurer since 2017. The organisation provides operational and logistical support to lifesaving activities and events.

In addition to her lifesaving work, Mrs Barry has contributed to youth development and education through her role as a Program Support Officer with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Queensland since 2017. She also worked at North Lakes State College from 2005 to 2017, including in administrative and support roles.

The OAM adds to a substantial list of previous recognitions acknowledging Mrs Barry’s sustained service. These include the National Medal awarded in 2025, recognition as a Companion and Fellow of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, and multiple service medals and bars awarded over several decades.

For communities such as North Lakes and Mango Hill, where volunteer involvement plays a central role in local organisations, Mrs Barry’s Australia Day honour reflects the cumulative impact of long-term service. Her recognition highlights the contribution of volunteers whose commitment supports lifesaving training, education and community safety year after year.

Published 27-January-2026