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North Lakes Hotel Enhances Community Service by Hosting Rotary Club Meetings

The Best Western Plus Hotel North Lakes has been providing a free venue for the weekly meetings of the Rotary Club of KippaRing-North Lakes since 2022, facilitating community service and outreach in the local area.

Situated at 22 Lakefield Drive, North Lakes Queensland, the Best Western Plus North Lakes Hotel plays a vital role in supporting local community initiatives. This collaboration has enabled the club to focus on various community service projects without the burden of venue costs. The Rotary Club of KippaRing-North Lakes, rooted in the values of Rotary International, is committed to addressing both local and global challenges through a diverse array of projects.

This partnership benefits the Rotary Club and exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, fostering a positive environment for community engagement and development.

The Rotary Club engages in numerous initiatives, from educational programs and healthcare improvements to environmental conservation and disaster relief efforts. These activities are designed to create a sustainable and meaningful impact in the community. The club tackles pressing local needs and contributes to global concerns, reinforcing its commitment to making a significant difference.

The Rotary Club encourages community members to join its efforts in making a difference. By participating in the club’s activities, individuals can connect with others who share a passion for philanthropy and community service. The club’s open-arms policy welcomes all, from seasoned philanthropists to those new to community service, offering them a platform to expand their network and enhance their impact on society.

Published 2-July-2024

Kallangur Mother’s Terminal Cancer Diagnosis Sparks Heartfelt Wedding

Photo Credit: Go Fund Me

A week after welcoming her newborn son into the world, Kallangur mother Belinda Rahe received a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer.

However, Ms Rahe and her partner, Wayne Skelton have chosen to transform this tragedy into a celebration of love, exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony after five years together.

The couple’s journey, who fell in love for the first time in 2018, has been filled with both great joy and deep sorrow. Ms Rahe, a dedicated employee at UnitingCare Queensland, sought medical attention for severe abdominal pain following the birth of their son George last year.

In November, she received the heartbreaking news of stage four metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, and this week was given a devastating prognosis of only three months to live.

Despite the grim news, Ms Rahe and Mr Skelton have found solace in their “beautiful blended family” of eight, which includes Ms Rahe’s children aged 19 and 10, Mr Skelton’s daughters aged 12 and 10, their sons Henry, 2, and George, born last year. Adding to their happiness, Ms Rahe’s eldest daughter Charlotte recently welcomed her first child, Theodore, making Ms Rahe a grandmother.

The couple’s initial hope of overcoming the illness through chemotherapy was dashed when recent scans revealed the cancer had progressed significantly. Faced with the devastating reality of limited time, Ms Rahe and Mr Skelton have shifted their focus to alternative therapies that may offer a few more precious months together.

“There are different types of therapy I will be starting in the coming days to give me more time with my family,” Ms Rahe shared. “I want to keep fighting and would like to see my sons go to school and hopefully I can make it to George’s first birthday.”

Together, they have crafted a bucket list of 40 cherished experiences, including a cruise around Western Australia, a romantic date night, a Gold Class cinema outing, and witnessing their sons learn to swim.

As the family navigates this challenging time, a close friend, Kate Smith, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate their financial burdens. Ms Rahe’s inability to work, coupled with Mr Skelton’s dedication to caring for their family, has left them in a precarious situation.

“We are desperately trying to secure our home so that our family has some stability in such an unstable situation,” Ms Rahe expressed. “We need help, without it this is impossible.”

Published Date 11-June-2024

Man Faces Court on Arson Charges for Petrie Businesses Fire

Photo Credit: Facebook / Whiskey Mike Photography

A 35-year-old man has appeared in court for the first time, facing arson charges related to a fire that severely damaged 10 businesses in Petrie in early May.

Brenton Travis Sinn attended the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court via videolink on Thursday, June 6, 2024, after being deported from Sydney. He is charged with arson, entering premises with intent, and attempting to enter premises with intent.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Whiskey Mike Photography

According to police allegations, Sinn entered a business complex at the Beeville and French intersection around 12:20 AM on May 6. He is accused of starting a fire before fleeing the scene. The blaze caused significant damage to several businesses, including Bazza’s Bakehouse, French’s Forest IGA, and a seafood takeaway shop.

Sinn’s lawyer, Andrew Stewart, requested a brief of evidence regarding the arson charge. The court was informed that Sinn had submitted a Legal Aid application, and no bail application was made.

Magistrate Annette Hennessy ordered the brief of evidence for the arson charge to be provided by July 19. She adjourned the case to August 5 for a committal mention at the Pine Rivers Magistrate Court. Sinn was remanded in custody.

Court documents reveal additional allegations against Sinn, including two incidents of leaving service stations without paying for fuel – one in Kallangur in May and another in Nambour on April 30. He is also accused of unlawfully using a motor vehicle between May 5-10 in Sunrise Beach and on April 28 in Maroochydore.

Published 6-June-2024

The Reject Shop to Open New North Lakes Outlet at Westfield

Discount retailer The Reject Shop is set to expand its presence in southeast Queensland with the opening of a new outlet in North Lakes later this month.

Read: North Lakes Leads Queensland’s Tech Job Boom As Fastest-Growing Tech Suburb

The store will be located at Westfield North Lakes, directly opposite Woolworths, and is scheduled to open on June 27. This new addition is part of The Reject Shop’s broader expansion plan, which includes another new store in Park Ridge.

The North Lakes store is currently undergoing its final fit-out stages, with a spokesperson confirming that it will match the size and extensive product range of the chain’s other 380-plus locations across Australia.

This store’s launch will also coincide with the introduction of The Reject Shop’s new homewares line, Secret Garden, promising customers fresh and exciting products.

Regional Manager Nick Barker highlighted the significant role the North Lakes store will play in the local community, particularly during a period marked by rising cost-of-living pressures. He said they are looking forward to their new store assisting the local community in reducing their weekly shopping bill.

The new North Lakes store will offer substantial savings on a wide variety of products and create dozens of jobs for local residents. The Reject Shop’s extensive product range includes well-known brands such as Cadbury, Tresemme, Pepsi, Omo, Finish, Scrub Daddy, and Schmackos.

In addition to these household names, the store will feature a broad selection of cleaning and household necessities, a new pet range that has become popular among pet owners, and unique items for various occasions and holidays, from parties to Halloween, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.

Read: Experience Mini Golf Like Never Before at Hey Caddy North Lakes

At The Reject Shop, customers can find everything they need for any room in the house, from storage solutions to kitchenware, garden supplies, hardware, and toys. This comprehensive offering is designed to cater to the diverse needs of everyday shoppers, making it a go-to destination for budget-conscious consumers.

Published 5-June-2024

North Lakes Joins Growing Queensland Youth Partnership Initiative

After positive early results, a new initiative aimed at making shopping centres safer is set to expand, with North Lakes among the locations included in this growth. The Queensland Youth Partnership Initiative (QYPI) has demonstrated significant success in reducing serious incidents involving young people through proactive engagement.

Read: Major Crackdown on Youth Crime in North Lakes and Surrounds

Outreach officers have been working closely with shopping centre retailers to intervene in antisocial behaviour, leading to a noticeable decrease in serious incidents.

From 2020 to 2023, nearly 1,000 young people have benefitted from the program, according to a recent evaluation. This evaluation revealed a rise in community safety, with fewer shopping centre bans and police cautions issued to young people.

Shopping centre security managers have reported fewer complaints and safety concerns, highlighting the effectiveness of QYPI. The initiative, a collaboration between retailers, youth services, security officers, and police, aims to curb crime and antisocial behaviour in shopping centres.

Besides North Lakes, the program is currently active in Rockhampton, Coomera, Helensvale, and Chermside. QYPI operates on Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons, providing a multi-agency response to de-escalate risky behaviours and promote positive engagement among young people in these areas.

QYPI’s outreach efforts include recreational activities, yarning circles, and barbecues designed to offer young people information, advice, and referrals. The program tailors its activities to local needs, offering supervised pro-social activities such as sports, art, and music, along with engagement and referral services.

It also connects youth to welfare services addressing issues like homelessness and domestic violence, and provides training for staff to handle interactions with youth affected by drugs or trauma.

Read: Five Teens Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Chase in Mango Hill

Due to the positive review findings, Queensland Youth Justice will provide long-term funding to existing locations and extend the program to Toowoomba. The initiative’s evaluations have guided policy and program improvements, with more evaluations expected by the end of 2024.

Published 4-June-2024

Mango Hill Commuters Set to Save with 50c Public Transport Fares

Photo Credit: Translink

Did you know that you can take advantage of various Translink services, such as trains, buses, ferries, or the Gold Coast light rail, to get to Mango Hill?

Starting this 5th of August, 2024, catching these public transport options to and from Mango Hill is set to become significantly cheaper, with a flat 50 cent fare for all Translink services across Queensland for a six-month trial period.

Premier Steven Miles announced the trial on Sunday, the 26th of May, and it’s a move aimed at easing the cost of living and reducing traffic congestion.

lower bus fare going to Mango Hill — *Photo Credit:* *Translink*

The initiative is expected to save commuters thousands of dollars over the trial period. For instance, a Mango Hill resident currently paying up to $96 a week for their commute could save more than $90 under the new flat fare.

Premier Miles highlighted the potential impact on congestion, stating, “I expect this will save Queenslanders thousands of dollars over six months, and encourage more people to catch our fast, frequent, and 50 cent public transport.”

The move comes as Queensland motorists grapple with high fuel prices and as public transport patronage remains below pre-pandemic levels. Treasurer Cameron Dick hopes the initiative will make public transport a more “affordable and attractive” option, particularly for commuters in the state’s southeast.

Translink bus — *Photo Credit:* *Translink*

The six-month trial is expected to cost $150 million and will be funded in the upcoming June budget. Concession cardholders will also benefit, paying the flat 50c fee instead of their usual half-fare. However, privately operated transport services will not be included in the trial.

While the government believes this measure, coupled with the $1000 power bill rebate, will help ease financial pressures on Queenslanders, concerns have been raised about the impact of increased spending on the state’s budget and inflation.

Published Date 1-June-2024

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

Beloved Flamingos Ice Creamery in Beachmere has been crowned the Best Beachmere Business at the 2024 Pumicestone Small Business Awards.

Over 200 local business owners gathered at Bribie Island RSL for the awards ceremony, which State Member for Pumicestone Ali King hosted to honour the region’s thriving small business community.

The awards, now in their second year, have quickly gained momentum, with over 8400 community members casting votes for their favourite local businesses.

Pumicestone Awards — *Photo Credit: Facebook/ TharinaGillenStulting*

This year’s event featured a diverse range of categories, from Best Beauty and Hairdressing to Best Market and Microbusiness, reflecting the eclectic mix of enterprises in the Pumicestone region.

The Pumicestone Small Business Award winners were:

Best Beauty and Hairdressing – KBeauty

Best Health, Wellbeing and Fitness – Island Dance

Best Business and Professional Services – Our Wild Hearts Photography

Best Hospitality Business – Pigface Seafood

Best Trade Business – Hans Electrical Service

Best Retail Business – Ang&M

Best Business Newcomer – Ikigai Cafe and Workshop

Best Pet Business – Bribie Pets Supplies

Best Market and Microbusiness – Brooklyn’s Finest – American Hot Dog Company

Best Education and Childcare – Bribie Island Community Kindergarten

Outstanding Customer Service Award – Tyson from Bongaree Bubbles & Clips

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Callum from Bribie Pets Supplies

Best Bribie Business – Island Dance

Best Sandstone Point Business – Steakout Pizzeria

Best Beachmere Business – Flamingos Ice Creamery

Best Caboolture Business – Gather and Feast

Pumicestone Small Business of the Year – Island Dance

Flamingos Ice Creamery: A Beachmere Delight

Flamingos Ice Creamery isn’t just a dessert destination; it’s a vibrant experience. With its prime location near Beachmere IGA, Beachmere Takeaway, and the alluring sea, it’s the perfect pitstop for locals and tourists alike.

Flamingos has transformed its new Beachmere Road abode into an ice cream haven. The eye-catching menu board showcases a tempting array of frozen treats, from classic scoops and creative ice cream cakes to refreshing milkshakes and delightful ice cream sandwiches.

Whether you’re seeking a post-beach treat, a family outing, or simply a moment of pure indulgence, Flamingos Ice Creamery promises a delightful escape. Come for the ice cream, stay for the experience, and leave with a smile as sweet as their signature flavours.

Ms King emphasised the importance of recognising the hard work and dedication of small business owners, stating, “I set up the Pumicestone Small Business Awards to spotlight the talent of our local small businesses in all industries.”

The awards also acknowledged outstanding businesses in each suburb, with Steakout Pizzeria taking the top spot for Sandstone Point, Gather and Feast for Caboolture, and Island Dance once again for Bribie.

Published Date 30-May-2024

Five Teens Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Chase in Mango Hill

Police have arrested five teenagers in connection with a stolen vehicle incident in Mango Hill after an extensive investigation aided by surveillance footage.

Read: Major Crackdown on Youth Crime in North Lakes and Surrounds

On May 22, a black BMW was reported stolen from a residence on Amaranthine Street in Mango Hill sometime between 8:00 p.m. the previous night and 3:30 a.m. that morning.

Because of Moreton Bay Council’s CCTV network, police were able to locate the stolen vehicle around 1:30 p.m. that same day near Anzac Avenue in Kippa Ring.

Three individuals were seen fleeing from the BMW, and police quickly apprehended two of them nearby. With the assistance of Police Dog Wolf and its handler, the third alleged offender was tracked down and arrested on Fleet Drive.

The suspects were identified as three boys and two girls ranging from 13 to 15 years old from the areas of Zillmere, Mango Hill, Kurwongbah, Griffin, and Strathpine. Charges filed include unlawful use of a motor vehicle, robbery, Enter Dwelling and Commit indictable offence, receiving tainted property, stealing, and fraud.

The 15-year-old Zillmere boy faces an additional robbery charge from an alleged incident on May 16 at a Maroochydore store. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Children’s Court on May 23.

The two girls, ages 15 from Griffin and 13 from Strathpine, were charged with crimes related to the alleged use of stolen banking cards from the Mango Hill residence. They have court dates set for June 7 in Redcliffe.

Read: Suspicious Fire in Mango Hill Destroy Homes

This case highlights the capabilities of law enforcement utilising modern surveillance technology and resources like K9 units to quickly track down suspects after a crime has been reported. The multi-jurisdictional coordination between different police departments was also crucial in making these arrests.

Published 27-May-2024

New Police Boost for Deception Bay and North Lakes

Photo Credit: myPolice Moreton

The growing communities of Deception Bay and North Lakes are set for a boost in police resources, with four new First Year Constables headed to their stations. This is part of a record intake of 137 new officers graduating from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Academy in Brisbane today — the largest group in 26 years.

The Deception Bay station will receive two of the new constables, while the Mango Hill/North Lakes station will also welcome two recruits from this record graduating class. Their arrivals represent a substantial investment in frontline policing for the rapidly growing northern Brisbane corridor.

The Moreton District overall will receive an influx of 14 new constables from this latest recruitment course. In addition to Deception Bay and North Lakes, they will also join crews at Burpengary, Petrie, Caboolture, Redcliffe and Woodford stations.

The unprecedented intake of 137 new officers reflects the Queensland Government’s commitment to increasing police resources and ensuring community safety remains the top priority across the state, according to Police Minister Mark Ryan.

The latest QPS graduates completed an eight-month intensive training program covering physical skills, firearms, driving, and field operations. They will spend their first 12 months as Constables receiving further on-the-job skills development and field training as part of the First Year Constable program.

With 546 recruits currently in training and over 2,274 more in the recruiting pipeline, the Queensland Police Service is setting new staffing records. Officials are encouraging interested candidates to apply for the chance at a career in policing service at PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.

Published 16-May-2024

Suspicious Fire in Mango Hill Destroy Homes

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police are investigating a suspicious fire that broke out early Monday morning at a construction site on Deacon Crescent in Mango Hill, causing extensive damage to two houses that were being built.

Emergency crews were called to the scene around 2 a.m. on May 14th after reports of a fire at the building site. Though no injuries were reported, the two partially-constructed homes were significantly damaged by the blaze.

Authorities believe the fire may have been intentionally set and are now appealing to the public for any information that could aid their investigation.

They are particularly interested in any potential witnesses who were in the vicinity of Deacon Crescent between 1:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Monday morning. Anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam vision is also urged to contact police.

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 or call 131 444.

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

Quote this reference number: QP2400816659

Published 14-May-2024