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New $6-million Operations Centre Planned for Deception Bay Emergency Service Unit

Plans have been releasedf for a new $6-million State Emergency Service (SES) Depot and Emergency Operations Centre in Deception Bay. Considered one of Brisbane’s top-performing SES units, it has been forced to operate from what local officials describe as a “poor quality shed” despite its award-winning status.

Read: Equipping Deception Bay Youth for Success: A Community Grant in Action

The SES Depot is expected to support the rapidly growing region. The current facility, a community-built structure on Old Bay Road dating back to 1985, is struggling with storage issues, recruitment constraints, and outdated facilities that no longer meet operational or training demands.

Deception Bay SES — Photo credit: Deception Bay State Emergency Service – SES/Facebook

The proposed redevelopment aims to transform the depot into a state-of-the-art facility, including:

A modern, purpose-built training facility for high-risk activities
A 9-bay vehicle garage with three double-depth drive-through bays
A new shared expanded carpark with the Dragons Football Club
Accommodation and support services

Local official Peter Flannery highlighted the disparity between the unit’s performance and its working conditions. “The Deception Bay SES Group is in the top two percent of busiest SES groups in Queensland and the City has had a 182 percent increase in SES service requests over the year, yet they are working from a poor quality shed,”he stated.

The Deception Bay unit’s accolades include the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup for SES Unit of the Year, recognising their work during the 2022 floods and support in missing persons searches. This week, the broader Moreton Bay SES Group won the 2024 Unit/Group of the Year at the SES Week State Award Ceremony.

Despite these achievements, funding remains a challenge. The City of Moreton Bay has allocated $3.75 million to the redevelopment in the 2024-25 budget and committed over $300,000 in design and development costs. However, the State government has not agreed to match the funding on a 50/50 basis.

Photo credit: Deception Bay State Emergency Service – SES/Facebook

“The team are doing extraordinary things, but capital funding investment by the State is needed so they can continue to ably support our community.

“As we move into severe weather season, and on the back of climate change and the relentless pace of emergencies and disasters, such as the severe flooding and storm events we experienced earlier in the year, this is now desperate,” he also emphasised.

The Deception Bay SES Group, part of the larger Moreton Bay SES Group with over 270 volunteers, responded to more than 250 direct requests for assistance in their primary area last year. They also handled over 500 requests during three large-scale weather events across Moreton Bay.

Read: Deception Bay in the Crosshairs as New Flight Paths Proposed for Brisbane

As plans for the new Operations Centre await full funding, the Deception Bay SES unit continues to serve from its ageing facility, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure investment in critical emergency services.

Published 15-September-2024

Assault and Robbery at Lillybrook Shopping Village Carpark

A 63-year-old man was reportedly a victim of assault and robbery in the carpark of Lillybrook Shopping Village on Friday, August 30, prompting an investigation by local police.

The incident occurred around 8:30 PM in the parking area of Lillybrook Shopping Village overlooking Brickworks Road.

According to the victim’s statement, two men approached him in the carpark, where they allegedly assaulted him and stole his phone and watch before fleeing the scene.

Authorities have released descriptions of two individuals they believe may be able to assist with their investigation:

The first suspect is described as a male teenager with a solid build, approximately 175 cm tall. He has short, straight brown hair and was wearing a polo shirt and shorts at the time of the incident.
The second person of interest is described as a male with a slim build and short brown hair, also wearing a polo shirt and shorts.

The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in solving this case of assault and robbery in Lillybrook Shopping Village.

Residents and visitors to the area are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police.

Published 6-September-2024

Pokemon Go Resurgence Brings Crowds Back to Deception Bay

The skatepark in Deception Bay has become a hotspot for dozens of Pokémon GO players who gather every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. to defeat raid bosses, signalling a resurgence of the popular mobile game in South East Queensland.

A New Wave of Players in Deception Bay

Eight years after its 2016 launch, Pokémon GO is regaining popularity in Queensland, particularly in areas like Deception Bay and the Redcliffe peninsula.

Local players, many of whom have been part of the community since day one, spend hours building and maintaining local Pokémon GO hubs. These hubs are often tied to real-world landmarks, with every mural, plaque, and even cafes in the area offering potential Pokémon-catching opportunities.

Pokemon Go Deception Bay — *Photo Credit: Reddit*

Brisbane-based player Stephen Eisenhauer, a community ambassador for Pokémon GO, said the game’s ability to evolve with new events and features constantly has kept long-term players engaged. He explained that while local sites may not have hosted the major international events, the community of enthusiasts has been steadily growing, with more players joining every month. There are over 840 members in the community group in Deception Bay, according to one player.

Some 10 kilometeres from Deception Bay, players from across South East Queensland frequently point to Redcliffe as one of the best places to play Pokémon GO. The Redcliffe peninsula offers around 140 Pokémon GO gyms within its 38 square kilometre boundary, making it a prime spot for collaborative gameplay. Redcliffe’s layout, with its well-spaced points of interest and beachfront access, adds to its appeal.

Building a Stronger Community

The dedicated local community is a big part of Pokémon GO’s resurgence in Queensland. Players have taken advantage of the Niantic Wayfarer website to submit new points of interest for the game, contributing to the region’s growing number of locations for catching Pokémon. Eisenhauer and other community leaders are working on growing this network further. Niantic, the game’s developer, still recognises Brisbane’s enthusiasm and may bring an official event to the region in the future.

Published 6-Sept-2024

Dakabin Bakes for a Cause: RSPCA’s Cupcake Day Returns

Photo Credit: RSPCA Cupcake Day/ Facebook

Moreton Bay residents are being called upon to fire up their ovens and whip up a storm of cupcakes this September in support of the RSPCA’s yearly Cupcake Day fundraiser in Dakabin.

Held annually, Cupcake Day provides a delightful excuse to rally friends, family, or colleagues at home, school, or work and bake to combat animal cruelty.

Dakabin’s Mini Market

The dedicated team and volunteers from RSPCA Dakabin will join the Cupcake Day festivities, hosting a mini market on 14 September. This event will showcase various delectable baked goods, a second-hand market, raffles, and other exciting activities, all supporting animal welfare.

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

For those unable to attend the mini-market, online donations are warmly welcomed. Every dollar counts, with donations ranging from providing a warm bed and care for a shelter animal to cover the cost of antibiotics for an animal recovering from surgery, transporting animals to shelters with higher adoption rates, or desexing a kitten to help manage the stray population.

Elsewhere, various activities will take place across the South East Queensland.

Get Involved in Five Easy Steps

There are five straightforward steps: signing up, planning the event with the host tools, promoting the paw-ty, preparing the ingredients, and finally, hosting the party to raise funds.

Every Cupcake Counts

RSPCA spokesperson Emma Lagoon emphasised the significance of every contribution, encouraging individuals to nominate their baking enthusiasts to whip up treats for donations. She admired the animal lovers who channel their creativity into fundraising efforts, providing crucial support to the countless animals in RSPCA’s care.

Bruno’s Story: A Cupcake Day Success

Last year alone, over 87,000 animals sought assistance from the RSPCA, including 42,949 in Queensland. Funds raised from Cupcake Day will be instrumental in aiding animals like Bruno, one of ten puppies abandoned at a Moreton Bay property.

Sadly, two of the puppies succumbed to untreated health issues, but thanks to the tireless efforts of RSPCA staff and volunteers, eight puppies, including Bruno, found loving homes forever, thanks to the generosity of Cupcake Day fundraisers.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your ovens, and join the fight against animal cruelty this Cupcake Day!

Published Date 03-September-2024

Equipping Deception Bay Youth for Success: A Community Grant in Action

Equipping for Life Limited, a well-recognized charity with its main operation in Deception Bay, was one of the awardees of the Good for Good Community Grants Program from Queensland Country Bank. This funding went to purchasing a secure storage trailer, vital for transporting and storing various sporting and outdoor equipment.

The $10,000 grant, which was given in 2023, was primarily intended to increase the accessibility of outdoor activities for underprivileged and vulnerable students enrolled in the Equipping for Life educational initiative at Arethusa College, also in Deception Bay.

The goal was to address the logistical obstacles associated with transporting and storing equipment, thus enabling a wider variety of physical activities to take place more regularly. Participation in these activities is essential for the well-being of young people, both physically and mentally, and serves as a crucial support system, particularly for those at risk of social exclusion or behavioral challenges.

Arethusa College Equipping for Life — *Photo Credit: Arethusa College/Facebook*

Arethusa College: A Unique Educational Approach

Arethusa College provides alternative educational and vocational pathways for students from Years 7-12 who struggle in mainstream school environments. The college operates seven campuses throughout South East Queensland, each tailored to its local context.

Notably, the Deception Bay campus, spread over 75 acres, offers a serene, semi-rural setting that enhances student learning through outdoor activities, sports facilities, and various vocational training opportunities.

Beneficiaries of the Project

Equipping for Life Limited’s project supports a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, children and youth aged 6 to under 25, financially disadvantaged individuals, people at risk of homelessness, those with disabilities, pre/post-release offenders and their families, victims of crime, and both female and male groups across different age brackets. Providing accessible outdoor activities via the storage trailer will significantly enhance the engagement and well-being of these groups.

Arethusa College’s philosophy is anchored in Christian principles that emphasise respect, morality, and valuable life lessons. Although the college does not impart religious education, these principles are embedded in its culture and programs, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This approach is particularly beneficial for students who have experienced prolonged absences from school or social challenges, helping them to achieve a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Queensland Country Bank’s commitment to reinvesting profits into local communities has led to the Good for Good Community Grants Program supporting not-for-profit entities across the state since 2005. Another round of grants will be distributed in 2024.

Published 3-Sept-2024

Robbery in North Lakes: Police Appeal for Witnesses

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

North Lakes police are seeking public assistance following a violent robbery that occurred on Thursday, August 29. The incident involved a 17-year-old boy who was threatened with a knife and had his bicycle stolen.

Details of the Incident

Date and Time: Thursday, August 29, at approximately 5:35 PM
Location: Memorial Drive, near the intersection of Diamond Jubilee, North Lakes
Victims: Two boys — one riding a bicycle, the other walking alongside
Perpetrators: Two unknown males on bicycles

According to initial investigations, the victims were approached from behind by the offenders. One of the assailants brandished a knife and demanded the victim’s bicycle, which was then taken. The offenders were last seen riding westbound along Memorial Drive, heading towards Discovery Drive.

Appeal for Witnesses

Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with a male witness who assisted the victim after the incident. This individual is described as:

Wearing a green hi-visibility shirt and work pants
Riding a bicycle past the victims and offenders at the time of the robbery

Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

How to Provide Information

If you have any information that could assist the investigation of this North Lakes robbery:

Contact Policelink: www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444
Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers: Call 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersqld.com.au

Please quote the reference number: QP2401486554 when providing information.

Published 2-September-2024

North Lakes Community Shocked by Another Brazen Break-in Next to Murdered Mum’s Home

The house adjacent to where Emma Lovell was brutally murdered on Boxing Day 2022 has been invaded by a group of masked youths in North Lakes.

Late Thursday evening, 22 August, masked intruders were captured on CCTV forcefully entering the home right next to where the tragic incident involving Emma occurred less than two years ago. The distressing footage revealed several young offenders at the scene, though it remains unclear if they managed to steal anything.

Resident Sarah Brown expressed her dismay and anger over the incident, highlighting the youths’ audacity in targeting their community. Lee Lovell, Emma’s widower, shared his disbelief that such an event could recur so near their home, noting it brought back harrowing memories and fears. He reflected on his response to such threats and the perpetual caution that now marks his daily life.

North Lakes youth crime — *Photo Credit: QPS*

The intrusion has had a strong impact on the community, with neighbors and locals clearly showing significant discomfort. There is a tangible sense of fear that their homes might be targeted next, or even worse, that their families could be directly endangered.

Lee voiced his frustration over the current youth crime measures, suggesting that the system’s leniency only perpetuates the cycle of crime. He advocated for more vital legislation to deter young offenders effectively, pointing out the frequent and seemingly consequence-free nature of youth offenses.

The local police have intensified their efforts in response to the break-in, investigating whether this incident is connected to other recent crimes in the area.

There have been multiple attempts by groups of youths to break into properties in North Lakes and the nearby Mango Hill area. Detectives are also considering links to other aggressive break-ins across Brisbane, including a violent home invasion in Bridgeman Downs where suspects brandished a mallet and a butcher’s knife.

Published 28-Aug-2024

Deception Bay in the Crosshairs as New Flight Paths Proposed for Brisbane

Photo Credit: AirServices Australia/Facebook

Deception Bay and several other suburbs in the north and south may soon find themselves under new flight paths as Airservices Australia announces five proposed changes aimed at redistributing aircraft noise.

The national airways safety provider is seeking public feedback on the plan, which has sparked mixed reactions from residents and community groups following the opening of the city’s new runway four years ago. While Airservices Australia believes noise sharing is a fair solution, many residents, particularly those represented by the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), strongly oppose it, labelling it a “divide and conquer” tactic.

The complex proposals include changes to both departures and arrivals, impacting various suburbs across Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redland council areas.

*Photo Credit:* *Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance/ Facebook*

Departures over land to the west and north west: This would reduce noise in parts of Brisbane’s inner-west and outer north west, potentially affecting suburbs like Samford Village, The Gap, Ashgrove, Chermside, Albany Creek, Tennyson, West End, Kangaroo Point, and areas in Moreton Bay.

Arrivals overland from the north and west: This aims to decrease flight frequency and concentration over Brisbane’s outer North West and Moreton Bay, potentially affecting suburbs from Upper Brookfield to Bellbowrie, Forest Lake, Wacol, Sunnybank, and Carindale.

Departures over land to the south and east: This would limit flights over Brisbane’s South East, including Wynnum, Capalaba, Sunnybank, and areas in Redland and Logan.

Simultaneous arrivals using both runways: This could benefit residents in parts of Brisbane, Logan, and Moreton, potentially including Bribie Island, Springfield, Calamvale, and Sunnybank.

Changes to turboprop plane arrivals: This would reduce their frequency and concentration over Brisbane’s North East and parts of Moreton, potentially affecting Redcliffe, Caboolture, Deception Bay, and Beachmere.

Airservices Australia acknowledges the community’s concerns and is working to provide more detailed information, including scalable maps showing current flight frequency and concentration. However, BFPCA criticises the proposals’ complexity and the lack of genuine noise reduction measures, such as curfews and flight caps, which they believe should be prioritised over noise sharing.

The debate over Brisbane’s flight paths continues, with residents and community groups urging more meaningful noise control action. The public comment period is open until September 15, and it remains to be seen how Airservices Australia will address the community’s concerns and find a balance between noise sharing and genuine noise reduction.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Published Date 20-August-2024

North Lakes Tradies to Compete in National Indoor Golf Event

Three North Lakes tradies are swapping their work boots for golf shoes as they prepare to compete in the prestigious Australia and New Zealand Indoor Golf Championship later this month.

Read: Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre in Petrie Validated as Olympic Venue

Joshua Govan, Dominic Jenkins, and Matthew Lowe, high school friends turned indoor golf enthusiasts, have qualified as finalists among 58 other teams from South East Queensland.

“We’ve all worked really hard to make it to nationals, constantly getting lessons and putting work in,” Matthew shared, his excitement palpable.

“We’ve never had the opportunity to travel for our sport, so we’re super excited to head down to Geelong and compete against the best golfers in the League – maybe we’ll even bring the title home!”

The 12th annual X-League Championship, hosted by X-Golf, will take place in Geelong, Victoria. The North Lakes trio will face off against teams from Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, and New Zealand, showcasing the growing popularity of indoor golf across the Pacific region.

Indoor golf’s rise to prominence is evident in the numbers. With 3.5 million Australians engaging in some form of golf last year, the sport’s indoor variant has seen a significant surge in interest. X-League itself has experienced remarkable growth, now boasting over 1,000 competitors across the Pacific since its inception in 2012.

For Matthew, the appeal of indoor golf lies in its ability to enhance real-world performance. “You can pretty much anticipate the shape of a shot outside based on how you’re refining your skills on the sims,” he explained, highlighting the transferable skills developed through simulator technology.

The championship not only reflects the growing trend of indoor golf but also taps into the booming eSports market in Australia, which is expected to reach a staggering value of $294 billion this year. This convergence of traditional sport and technology has created a new breed of golfers, honing their skills in the controlled environment of simulators at venues like X-Golf North Lakes.

The X-League Championships, set for Saturday, August 24, in Geelong, will host eight finalist teams competing for major prizes. These include a coveted golf trip to Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania and high-end Ping golfing equipment.

As these North Lakes tradies prepare to represent North Lakes on the national stage, their journey from local tradies to potential indoor golf champions serves as an inspiring tale of passion, dedication, and the evolving landscape of modern sports.

Read: Deception Bay Brothers Claim Dream Home Crown in Thrilling Final

For those interested in following the championship results and potentially witnessing the crowning of new indoor golf champions, updates will be available at xgolf.com.au.

Published 16-August-2024

Veteran Narangba Paramedic Hailed an Everyday Hero

Narangba paramedic Murray Tulloch has been nominated for a prestigious QBANK Everyday Heroes Award for his outstanding service and dedication to supporting the next generation of paramedics in the community.

Mr Tulloch, an Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) for 13 years, previously served over 30 years with the Australian Defence Force. He has been a resident of Narangba for 22 years and feels a deep connection to the community, which he now serves in a different but equally impactful capacity.

“I was seeking a new career path that would provide both challenges and fulfilment when I discovered the Ambulance Service,” said Mr Tulloch. “This job felt like a great way to give back.”

Narangba Paramedic Everyday Heroes — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

A Day in the Life of a Paramedic

As an Advanced Care Paramedic, Mr Tulloch’s role involves responding to a wide range of emergencies, often within minutes of starting his shift. He emphasised the unpredictability and variety of cases he encounters daily, which keeps the job engaging and challenging.

“My role as an on-road paramedic often kicks off within minutes of the shift. The diversity of cases we attend ensures no two days are the same, keeping us engaged and ready for any situation,” he explained. “What I find most rewarding is the sense of relief and trust people show when we arrive on the scene. It’s a powerful reminder of our impact on the community and the trust they place in us to care for them and their loved ones.”

Mentorship and Recognition

In addition to his on-road duties, the Narangba paramedic plays a vital role in mentoring and training new paramedics, helping them develop the skills necessary to excel in their roles. He finds great satisfaction in watching early career paramedics grow in confidence and capability.

“Part of my role is helping train the next group of paramedics, which involves hands-on experience, classroom learning, and regular assessments,” said Mr Tulloch. “I gain a lot of satisfaction from seeing those nervous faces at the beginning grow into confident and capable paramedics as they progress through their training.”

Despite his extensive service and dedication, Mr Tulloch expressed surprise and humility at being nominated for the QBANK Everyday Heroes Award.

“We have so many wonderful people working for QAS, and it is a privilege to be selected,” he said. “The nomination is a testament to the paramedics’ hard work and dedication at QAS, and I am immensely proud to be a part of this team.”

Looking Ahead

The QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, now in their 10th year, recognise the exceptional achievements of Queensland’s frontline workers and volunteers across various sectors, including Police, Fire, Ambulance, Health, Corrections, Education, and the Public Service.

Nominations for the 2024 awards are open until 31 August, with winners to be announced at a ceremony in October. Each winner will receive $2000, with an additional $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.

Finalists for the awards will be announced in September, with the awards dinner set to take place on 11 October at the W Hotel Brisbane. For more information on the awards and nomination criteria, visit the QBANK website.

Published 14-Aug-2024