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Lawnton’s All Star Boxing Academy Celebrates Double Victory at the 2026 Elite Selection Trial

Jye Dixon and Darcy O’Malley from All Star Boxing Academy in Lawnton have both won their weight divisions at the 2026 Elite Selection Trial held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, putting them firmly in contention for selection in Australia’s boxing team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The pair’s victories at the Elite Selection Trial mark one of the biggest results in the Lawnton gym’s history, with two fighters from the same club winning national titles in the same week. Dixon, 21, dominated the 55kg division, winning all of his bouts 5-0. O’Malley, 18, fought five times in seven days to claim the 60kg title. Both athletes started at All Star Boxing Academy when they were around 11 or 12 years old, making their rise from junior members to national Elite Selection Trial champions a story that runs the full length of what the club has built at Lawnton.

Two Champions, Two Paths to the Same Result

Dixon grew up in Caboolture and now trains from Brendale, but his boxing development has been shaped entirely by the All Star program. His performance at the Elite Selection Trial was near-flawless, winning every bout by unanimous decision, and he describes the result as among the defining moments of his career alongside his appearance at last year’s World Championships in Liverpool.

The selection trial win carries particular significance for Dixon given his proximity to the Commonwealth Games story. While preparing for the world titles in Liverpool, he spent time in Glasgow and was close to the venues where this year’s Games will take place. He knows what is at stake and what the city looks like. After the final bout in Canberra, he described the feeling as equal parts relief and disbelief: he had done it, and the magnitude of it took a moment to land.

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O’Malley’s path to the same Elite Selection Trial podium has been built across years of state and national age-group competition. He is a five-time Queensland Under-19 60kg Champion and the Australian Schools Youth Champion, and the trial final in Canberra represented his first bout without headguard, marking his formal transition into senior competition. A recent graduate of St Paul’s School at Bald Hills, he is 18 years old and already measuring himself against the best senior men in the country.

A Gym and a Coach Behind Every Win

All Star Boxing Academy operates from Lawnton in the Moreton Bay region and has developed a reputation as one of Queensland’s most productive pathways for amateur boxing talent. Coach Paul Utia has overseen both Dixon and O’Malley’s development across the years since they first walked into the gym as preteens, and the club was direct in acknowledging his role in the week’s results.

Winning at the Elite Selection Trial against the best men in Australia requires more than talent. It requires years of structured preparation, disciplined weight management, tactical development and the mental toughness to compete at full intensity five times in seven days. The academy’s statement put it plainly: to win at this level is a testament to the dedication, sacrifice and relentless daily work both athletes put in, and to the standards Utia drives inside the program.

When the pair returned from Canberra, a large group of All Star boxers, supporters and family greeted them at Brisbane Airport, showing how strongly the Lawnton and North Lakes community felt their success.

What Comes Next

Boxing Australia will announce the Commonwealth Games team on 8 April 2026. Both Dixon and O’Malley now sit in strong contention for selection following their Elite Selection Trial victories, though final team composition remains the national body’s decision. If selected, Australia’s boxing team will follow an extensive preparation program ahead of the Games, including potential international training camps in Brazil and China.

The Commonwealth Games run from 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Glasgow. All Star Boxing Academy is based in Lawnton and can be found via its Facebook page. The club welcomes junior members from around the North Lakes, Petrie and Moreton Bay region.

Published 26-February-2026.

New Owners Set to Rebrand and Expand Popular North Lakes Shopping Site

Photo Credit: Sam Hatcher/ LinkedIn

Centennial Property Group has invested 52 million dollars to purchase the HomeCo retail centre in North Lakes to anchor the suburb’s future as a primary independent shopping destination for Brisbane families.

A Growing Hub for Local Families

The recent acquisition of the four-hectare site on North Lakes Drive marks a major shift for the area as it moves toward becoming a self-sustaining community hub. With the local population growing at 1.9 per cent, which is significantly faster than the national average, the demand for local services and household goods is rising.

This specific location was chosen because it sits in a land-constrained market, meaning there is limited room for new competing developments. The property is already a well-known landmark for residents, sitting in a busy cluster next to the major Westfield and visible to thousands of commuters travelling along the Bruce Highway each day.

Plans for Expansion and Rebranding

The new owners plan to rename the facility Home+ North Lakes as part of a broader strategy to serve the Moreton Bay region. Because the current buildings only cover 34 per cent of the total land, there is a significant amount of surplus space available for future construction. Centennial executives have indicated that this extra land provides a rare chance to build more shops or services to meet the needs of the community as more people move into the area.

This purchase follows other recent investments by the group in 2025, including the Portside Wharf precinct, showing a clear focus on high-growth Queensland locations.

Supporting the Moreton Bay Economy

The centre is already home to several national brands that locals rely on, such as Chemist Warehouse, Nick Scali, and Anaconda. These tenants represent 95 per cent of the income for the site, providing a stable foundation for the local economy. Industry experts noted that the area is particularly popular with young couples and families, with a median age of 35. This demographic typically seeks out lifestyle and hardware goods, which are the main focus of this retail centre.

Recent land sales in the surrounding area suggest that up to 1,400 new homes could be built nearby soon, further increasing the number of people who will use these local facilities.

Investor Confidence in the Region

When the opportunity to invest in this North Lakes site was first offered to wholesale backers, the interest was so high that the fund became oversubscribed before it officially closed. This level of interest reflects a strong belief in the long-term value of the Moreton Bay catchment area, which now services residents all the way from Brisbane’s outer suburbs up to the Sunshine Coast. Centennial leadership believes that securing such a high-quality asset in one of the fastest-growing urban corridors in the country will help protect against broader market changes while providing essential services to the growing population.

Published Date 26-February-2026

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.