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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Kippa-Ring North Lakes/Facebook
Photo Credit: Best Western Plus North Lakes Hotel
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Pexel
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.
Photo Credit: Pexel
“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.”
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 Petriein 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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: The Reject Shop/Google Maps
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.
Photo credit: The Reject Shop/Google Maps
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Rogério Martins/Pexels
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
