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Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre in Petrie Validated as Olympic Venue

The $205-million Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre in Petrie has passed the project validation phase, paving the way for the construction of a key Brisbane 2032 Olympic venue that will likely host boxing events and accommodate up to 10,000 spectators.

Project Details

The state-of-the-art facility, located about 30km north of Brisbane’s CBD, will feature:

– 12 multi-sport courts across two separate halls
– Capacity for 10,000 spectators during the Olympics
– A café, player change rooms, and 302 car parks
– Office amenities including meeting rooms

The centre is designed to host various sports before and after the Games, including basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, wheelchair rugby, and pickleball.

Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre — *Photo Credit: Supplied/QLDGVT*

Funding and Timeline

The project will be jointly funded by the state and federal governments as part of the $1.87 billion Queensland-Commonwealth Minor Venues Program.

Key dates include:

– August 2024: Release of Expressions of Interest for Managing Contractor and Principal Consultant
– November 2024: Expected appointment of Managing Contractor
– 2026-2028: Construction period

“This facility is earmarked to host the boxing events, will have 12 new courts and capacity for about 10,000 games goers come 2032,” Premier Steven Miles said.

Community Benefits

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted the centre’s long-term value: “With almost 700,000 people living within 30 minutes of the centre, it will also have the potential to support community events like concerts, festivals, art performances, school activities and more.”

The project is expected to create around 178 direct full-time equivalent jobs during construction. Additionally, at least 30 per cent of procurement will be sourced from Queensland SMEs, with 10-15 per cent of all project hours to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees.

Emma Thomas, CEO of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, emphasized the expanded scope: “One of the big outcomes from this year’s Sport Venue Review was the support for an indoor sports centre in Moreton Bay with the independent panel recommending it be expanded from its original scope of nine courts to 12 courts.”

The centre is planned to be fully accessible and aims to achieve a 6-Star Green Star Building rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

Published 5-Aug-2024

Deception Bay Overpass Renamed to Honour Fallen Officer

Photo Credit: MarkRyanMP/ Facebook

The Deception Bay Road overpass, spanning the Bruce Highway, has been officially renamed the “‘Dave Masters Memorial Bridge” in a moving tribute to Senior Constable Dave Masters, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on 26 June 2021.

A Family’s Pride

Dave Masters Memorial Bridge in Deception Bay — *Photo Credit:* *BartMellishMP/ Facebook*

Sharon Masters, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed their deep appreciation for the bridge naming, viewing it as a tribute to Senior Constable Masters’ bravery and commitment to the community. The family believes that the memorial ensures his legacy will endure for generations.

Masters, a dedicated police officer from the Deception Bay station in Queensland, Australia, tragically lost his life in the line of duty on 26 June 2021. While attempting to stop a stolen vehicle on the Bruce Highway in Burpengary, he was struck and killed by the fleeing car during the early morning hours. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies across the country.

The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Skye Anne Wallis, 33, who was charged with murder and several other offences related to the incident. Kari O’Brien, 24, was also arrested and charged with murder as the alleged passenger in the stolen vehicle. Senior Constable Masters was mourned by his family, friends, and colleagues at a funeral service. He was remembered for his warmth, dedication to service, and passion for sports and horses. Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll honoured his legacy, emphasising his positive impact on the communities he served and the lives he touched during his career.

A Fitting Tribute

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish expressed his honour in announcing the official renaming alongside the Masters family and the Queensland Police Service. He emphasised that the renaming is a fitting tribute to Senior Constable Masters’ unwavering commitment to community safety.

Police and Community Safety Minister Mark Ryan acknowledged the daily courage displayed by police officers and extended his condolences to Senior Constable Masters’ family. He also expressed his appreciation for the Masters family’s support of the renaming initiative, which originated as a gesture of respect from colleagues and community members.

Honouring a Remarkable Legacy

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, APM, highlighted the bridge as a testament to Senior Constable Masters’ dedication to the Queensland community and the QPS. He expressed pride in the enduring legacy that this memorial bridge represents, ensuring that Senior Constable Masters’ sacrifice and impact are never forgotten.

Moreton District Officer A/Chief Superintendent Adam Guild reflected on the loss of a beloved colleague and friend who was deeply committed to keeping others safe. The overpass, located near Senior Constable Masters’ former station, will be a constant reminder of his bravery and service to the community.

The overpass’s renaming reminds us of Senior Constable Masters’ dedication to safeguarding the community he served. His untimely death three years ago deeply impacted his colleagues within the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the wider community.

This has been displayed at both ends of the overpass on Deception Bay Road. This not only honours Senior Constable Masters’ significant contributions to the QPS and the community but also serves as a sobering reminder of road safety for all motorists.

Published Date 29-July-2024

Dakabin Welcomes New KFC, Boosting Local Economy and Satisfying Cravings

A new KFC restaurant has opened in Dakabin, bringing 74 new jobs to the Moreton Bay region and a fresh source of finger-lickin’ good chicken. Situated at 289 Old Gympie Road, the restaurant began serving customers on 10 July.

Hazel Perez, the restaurant’s manager, expressed her excitement about the opening, stating that the KFC Dakabin team eagerly welcomes local KFC enthusiasts to experience the Colonel’s famous Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Delivery services will also be available for those who prefer to enjoy their chicken at home. The restaurant’s operating hours are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

To mark the occasion, the KFC Dakabin crew will host a special event on 3 August 2024, offering locals the chance to win KFC merchandise, vouchers, and other prizes. Ms Perez highlighted the company’s commitment to its staff, emphasising the restaurant’s dedication to fostering a supportive, empowering workplace culture that encourages growth and development.

This new KFC establishment satisfies the community’s cravings for fried chicken and contributes significantly to the local economy by generating employment opportunities and fostering a vibrant business environment.

Published Date 19-July-2024

McDonald’s Begins Construction on New Rothwell Restaurant, Hiring Soon

Construction has commenced on a new McDonald’s restaurant in Rothwell, set to create 120 jobs and inject $5 million into the local economy.

Project Details

The new establishment, located at 730 Deception Bay Rd will operate 24/7 and feature a dual-lane drive-through with 23 car parking spaces. The site, which currently houses a 7-Eleven service station and other food outlets, will soon be home to the latest McDonald’s in the Moreton City area.

The Rothwell outlet will include a dedicated partner delivery room, McCafe, and PlayPlace. In line with environmental considerations, the restaurant will be equipped with solar panels, a heat recovery water system, and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.

McDonald's Rothwell — *Photo Credit: DA/2023/5223*

Economic Impact

McDonald’s Australia reports that the Rothwell restaurant is part of a larger national expansion plan. The company aims to open 100 new restaurants and renovate half of its existing locations by the end of 2025, representing an investment of over $1 billion into the Australian economy.

Gary Coyne, a McDonald’s licensee with 29 years of experience, will manage the Rothwell location. Mr Coyne oversees nine Moreton Bay region restaurants, employing 950 people across various locations including Dakabin, Deception Bay, and North Lakes.

The new McDonald’s aims to participate in the local community actively. This involvement includes providing jobs, offering training and development opportunities, and supporting local causes such as Ronald McDonald House Charities.

McDonald’s Queensland is currently recruiting for various positions, including crew members, baristas, managers, and maintenance staff. Interested individuals can apply through the McDonald’s careers website.

Published 20-July-2024

Deception Bay Brothers Claim Dream Home Crown in Thrilling Final

Photo Credit: Channel 7/ Facebook

Deception Bay brothers Rhys and Liam Almond emerged victorious in the 2024 season of “Dream Home.” They secured a stunningly renovated Queenslander valued at $1.6 million and pocketed a cool $100,000 in prize money.

The Almond brothers, one of six teams vying for the title, captivated audiences with their affable nature and hard work throughout the competition. Their renovated Queenslander, initially a run-down property, was transformed into a showpiece by their fellow contestants, and the brothers sealed the win with a breathtaking backyard makeover.

The experience was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for Liam. He cherished the chance to reconnect with his brother Rhys on a deeper level, working side-by-side in the challenging yet rewarding environment of the competition. He felt they had grown from being just mates to becoming brothers again.

Rhys made a significant sacrifice by leaving his young family behind to support his brother’s dream, and he expressed immense gratitude for the privilege. He plans to use the funds to alleviate the financial burden of his mortgage, stating that it will be “life-changing” for his family.

The judges, Lana Taylor, Simon Cohen, and Rosie Morley, unanimously praised the brothers’ backyard transformation. Lana described it as a tranquil “oasis,” while Simon commended the addition of a separate living area, a valuable asset for any family home. Rosie admired the pavilion’s harmonious scale with the existing house.

The Almond brothers narrowly edged out runners-up Lara and Peter Bird, who secured an impressive score of 37 out of 40 for their Belrose backyard. The competition was fierce until the end, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, the 2024 season of “Dream Home” was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing incredible renovations, inspiring stories, and the enduring power of family bonds.

Published Date 16-July-2024

Local Family Business Success: Kallangur’s Pizza Workz Sets Sights on Dakabin

In Brisbane, a family-owned pizza chain is cooking up more than just delicious pies. Pizza Workz, with its four locations across the city, is serving up a slice of the Australian dream, topped with determination, family values, and a dash of Lebanese flair. Now they’re on the move to Dakabin!

Read: Moreton Bay Kitchen Has Recipe for Success, Award-Winning Chef Champions Local Produce

The Atme family’s journey began far from the sun-soaked shores of Australia. In 2000, they left their home in Lebanon, seeking new opportunities Down Under. Initially settling in Sydney, the family found themselves grappling with the city’s soaring cost of living. In 2017, they made the bold decision to relocate to Brisbane, a move that would ultimately lead to the birth of Pizza Workz.

Faced with the challenge of finding suitable employment, the Atmes took a leap of faith and started their own business. Little did they know that their venture would soon become a local favourite, dishing out over 30,000 pizzas since 2021 alone.

Photo credit: Pizza Workz Kallangur/Facebook

Today, the reins of this family enterprise are in the capable hands of 22-year-old Carlos Atme. The young entrepreneur has been managing the Kallangur location since he was just 19, all while pursuing a degree in International Business and Economics at Queensland University of Technology.

Despite the formidable challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Carlos has steered the business to success. The secret ingredient? A heaping portion of community support, loyal customers, and the backing of friends, family, and suppliers.

The pizza takeaway has carved out a niche in Brisbane’s competitive food scene with its generous toppings and reasonable prices. The menu boasts not only a variety of pizzas but also crowd-pleasers like chicken wings and slow-cooked ribs. Now, in response to growing demand, the chain is set to expand its offerings with new menu items, promising even more variety for its devoted clientele.

Meeting Demand: Pizza Workz Heads to Dakabin

The latest chapter in the Pizza Workz story is unfolding in Dakabin. The popular Kallangur store, currently located in Lillybrook Shopping Village, is making a move to Moreton Bay. This relocation isn’t just a change of address – it’s a testament to the brand’s growing popularity and commitment to meeting customer demand.

The new Dakabin location promises a fresh start with a modern fit-out, while still maintaining the core team that has been instrumental in the Kallangur store’s success. All current staff will be making the move, ensuring that the familiar faces and quality service customers have come to expect will remain a hallmark of the pizza chain experience.

Read: Flamingos Ice Creamery in Beachmere Scoops Up Top Honours at Pumicestone Small Business Awards

As this pizza takeaway business continues to grow, it remains rooted in the values that have made it a success – family, community, and a passion for good food. With Carlos Atme at the helm, this Brisbane-based pizza chain is proving that with the right ingredients, any dream can rise to perfection.

Published 15-July-2024

Elderly Woman Injured by Mystery Object on Bruce Highway

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 76-year-old woman was injured when a large mystery metal object struck her while travelling on the Bruce Highway. The incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 9:30 AM, July 10, 2024.

Robyn Droste, the victim, was in the front passenger seat of a car driven by her daughter Tanya when the accident happened. According to their account, a white van drove over what they initially thought was a clay pipe in the middle of the road, causing it to become airborne.

The object, described as a solid piece of metal weighing about 4 kg, hit the car’s bonnet before striking Droste. She suffered a head injury, resulting in bleeding and an egg-sized bump.

Droste was taken to the hospital for treatment of the head wound and concussion.

As of Thursday, Droste is recovering at home. The origin and exact nature of the metal object remain unknown.

Published 13-July-2024

Major Sesame Lane Childcare Expansion to Provide More Options to North Lakes Parents

Photo Credit: DA/2024/2406

Childcare provider Sesame Lane is preparing to expand its services in the area, with plans to open a new centre next to its current location on Joyner Circuit in North Lakes.

In a development application lodged for a site at 8-14 Joyner Circuit, North Lakes, Sesame Lane aims to construct a one-storey childcare centre designed to cater to 104 children. The proposed centre, with a gross floor area of 838 sq m and 964 sq m of outdoor play areas, is intended to enhance the visual appeal of the locality with well-thought-out perimeter landscaping.

The new centre is strategically designed to operate alongside the neighbouring Sesame Lane childcare facility, sharing vehicle access and boasting a combined total of 80 car parking spaces. This collaborative approach ensures seamless operations and convenience for parents and staff alike.

While the primary focus of the new centre will be on providing after-school care services, it is also capable of accommodating traditional daycare during school hours. The design prioritises engagement with Joyner Circuit by positioning the building and play areas towards the road frontage, with car parking situated at the rear. A dedicated pedestrian pathway will link the two centres, facilitating easy and safe movement between them.

The plan includes 32 new car parking spaces for the new centre, adding up to a total of 80 spaces for both facilities combined, ensuring ample parking availability for parents dropping off and picking up their children.

This latest expansion follows a recent application by Hildon Investments to construct a 90-place childcare centre at 224 Bellmere Road, Bellmere, highlighting the ongoing growth and demand for childcare services in the Moreton Bay region.

Owners Hilton Misso and Don McKenzie are spearheading the development of the new centre, which will span over 3500 sq m. Sesame Lane currently operates 14 locations north of Brisbane, with five existing centres in North Lakes alone, underscoring their commitment to providing quality childcare in the region.

Safety and security are paramount in the design of the new centre, with 2 m of high-screen fencing around the external play areas. According to the development plans, landscaping will complement the fencing and add visual interest.

The proposed centre is strategically located north of North Lakes State School and west of a multi-tenanted commercial development known as the “Lifestyle Centre,” which houses cafes, shops, and offices. To the south, the land fronting Anzac Avenue hosts a series of vehicle sales yards, making the new childcare centre a well-placed addition to the vibrant community of North Lakes.

Published Date 12-July-2024

Armed Robbery at Deception Bay Service Station

Photo Credit: YouTube / QueenslandPolice

On July 5, 2024, at approximately 9 PM, a service station on Deception Bay Road fell victim to an armed robbery. The Redcliffe Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) is seeking public assistance in identifying the perpetrators.

According to police reports, two men were involved in the incident. One suspect, armed with a large knife, entered the service station and threatened two staff members. The employees complied with the armed man’s demands, and he fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. His accomplice was waiting outside during the robbery.

Fortunately, no physical harm came to the staff members during this alarming encounter.

Both suspects were described as wearing all black clothing and face coverings, making identification challenging. The police have released CCTV footage of the incident in hopes that members of the public may recognise the individuals involved.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2401137175

Published 10-July-2024

Lawnton Resident Among Victims of Phone and Courier Scam

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A Lawnton resident has fallen victim to a sophisticated phone and courier scam that has recently targeted elderly individuals across Moreton Bay, prompting local police to issue an urgent warning to the community.

On June 18, an 81-year-old woman from Lawnton became the latest victim of this scam, losing $11,000 to fraudsters. This incident is part of a larger scheme that has cost Moreton Bay seniors a total of $30,900 over the past two months.

The Petrie Criminal Investigation Branch, which is investigating the cases, reports that the scam involves phone calls from individuals claiming to represent banks or government anti-fraud departments. Victims are told their accounts have been compromised and are asked to assist in an investigation of alleged employee fraud.

In the Lawnton case, as with others, the victim was convinced to withdraw a significant amount of cash from her bank account. She was then instructed to hand the money over to a courier who arrived at her home, under the pretence that the funds would be used to trace serial numbers or collect fingerprints to identify supposedly fraudulent bank employees.

Two other similar incidents occurred in neighbouring suburbs:

On May 8, a 73-year-old Kallangur woman lost $9,500 to the scam.
On June 13, an 84-year-old Bray Park resident was defrauded of $10,400.

Local law enforcement is actively working to educate banks in Lawnton and surrounding areas about these scams. They are urging residents, particularly seniors, to be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls or requests for financial information.

Police emphasise that while this exact scenario may not be repeated, scams are constantly evolving. Lawnton residents are advised to verify any suspicious calls by contacting their bank directly using official contact information and to report potential scam attempts to the police immediately.

Lawnton residents seeking more information or wishing to report suspicious activity are encouraged to contact the Petrie Criminal Investigation Branch or their local police station.

Published 8-July-2024