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Deception Bay Vet and Mum Mariska Kerkhoff Launches Heartfelt Children’s Book

In Deception Bay, local mum and veterinary surgeon Mariska Kerkhoff has channelled a difficult personal experience into a children’s book that promotes simple, everyday play for families. Her debut picture book, Tiny Tots Adventures at Home, is an illustrated rhyming story that encourages families to use everyday moments for play and learning.

Read: Bluey and Bingo Head to Petrie for the G’day Little Queenslanders Celebration

The book, now available for presale, blends storytelling and play to support connection, imagination and early learning in young children.

A Journey That Inspired Change

Mariska’s daughter was born three months premature, weighing less than 700 grams. During those early months in hospital, her family worked closely with physiotherapists, speech-pathologists and developmental specialists who guided her daughter’s progress.

As a parent and veterinary surgeon, Mariska observed how simple, interactive play supported her daughter’s development. She began exploring ways to make these experiences more accessible for other families and eventually launched Tiny Tots Adventures, a project aimed at helping parents nurture learning through play. What started as a few short social-media videos sharing play-based activities has since grown into a series of guides, play kits and now, a children’s book.

The Book: Tiny Tots Adventures at Home

Tiny Tots Adventures at Home takes young readers on a playful journey through familiar household settings, showing how everyday spaces can become the backdrop for creativity and learning. The story is written in rhyme and illustrated to accompany the play-based narrative. It encourages families to engage with their children through language, movement and imagination.

Mariska said, “We have learned the power of language-rich, interactive play in healthy brain development. I created this book to help families implement this in their daily lives, without needing screens or flashy toys.” The book is described as inviting families to connect, play and make memories together in everyday home spaces.

Originally from the Netherlands, Mariska moved to Australia in 2016 and now lives in Deception Bay with her family and several pets. Mariska’s background as a veterinary surgeon and her experience as a mother to a premature child inform her approach to play-based learning. Through Tiny Tots Adventures, she shares practical tools that make play accessible for all families, encouraging parents to use what they already have at home to spark engagement and connection.

Read: Deception Bay Club Site Earmarked For 42 Townhouses

With Christmas approaching, Tiny Tots Adventures at Home is presented as a screen-free gift option that focuses on quality time and imagination. The book is currently available for presale through the Tiny Tots Adventures website, with the first shipment expected to arrive in mid-November.

Published 7-November-2025

$4.1-M Revamp to Transform Netball Facilities at Les Hughes Sporting Complex

Bray Park’s Les Hughes Sporting Complex is set for a significant transformation, with a $4.1 million upgrade confirmed for its netball facilities. The investment will deliver a modern clubhouse, replacing the building that has served the local netball community for more than 40 years, and is expected to support over 2,000 members across 15 clubs.

Read: North Lakes Blues Netball Club Secures $1M for its Own Courts

Supporting Community and Participation

The upgrade will provide accessible, inclusive, and functional spaces for players, officials, and spectators. For Pine Rivers Netball Association, which manages activities across the complex’s 20 courts, the new facilities will mean safer, cleaner, and more comfortable areas for both training and match days.

Association President Rachelle Swan said the project would directly benefit the netball community. “For us, it’s about having cleaner, safer and more accessible facilities for our members and visitors,” she said. “We’re continuing to grow participation, especially among men, boys and in mixed competitions, and this upgrade will help us support that growth.”

Netball participation across Moreton Bay continues to grow, and clubs are preparing to meet the needs of more players. The upgraded clubhouse will provide modern, accessible spaces for players and spectators, supporting continued participation.

A Venue for Everyone

Photo credit: Elizabeth Hughes (Lizard)/Google Maps

The project will benefit players and spectators, providing modern spaces for everyone attending matches. Swan highlighted the importance of creating a venue that meets contemporary expectations. “We’re incredibly excited for this project to begin and to see the impact it will have on our ability to get even more people out on the courts playing netball,” she said.

The improved facilities will accommodate competitions and support players of all ages, from children to senior members. With mixed competitions gaining traction, the upgrade ensures that the complex can cater to everyone interested in netball, regardless of age or experience.

Looking Ahead

The investment comes as part of broader efforts to enhance grassroots sporting infrastructure across the state, in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By investing in facilities like Les Hughes Sporting Complex, the state aims to support local clubs and community participation.

Swan emphasised the long-term benefits for the association. “For our netball community, this isn’t just about a building. It’s about creating a hub where people feel welcome, safe, and supported while they play, coach or spectate,” she said. “The new clubhouse will allow us to continue growing participation and make netball more accessible to everyone in our area.”

Read: Street Spotlight: Francis Road, Bray Park

Construction is expected to start soon, providing local players and families with modern, inclusive facilities as the complex continues to host netball activities in the region. The Les Hughes Sporting Complex upgrade will provide improved facilities for Pine Rivers Netball Association and support participation across Moreton Bay.

Published 4-November-2025

Rothwell Property Market Snapshot

36 Waterlilly Court

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Comes with a master’s bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite and ceiling fan, three generously sized guest bedrooms, large kitchen with modern appliances, large, fully-fenced yard.

3a Eugenia Avenue

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Features include a spacious master retreat with a large walk-in robe and private ensuite as well as two additional bedrooms with double-door built-ins and ceiling fans. It also has a well-appointed main bathroom, split-system air conditioning, and functional kitchen.

35 Jones Street

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located in a family-friendly street, it’s sold with an air-conditioned, open-plan lounge and dining zone flowing to a covered patio and low-maintenance backyard, which are perfect for easy weeknights and weekend BBQs.

60 Promenade Circuit

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Nested in a peaceful estate, it features open-plan living and dining, solar, double electric garage, security screens, outdoor entertaining area, and a fully fenced yard.

10 Bristol Court

5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Downstairs feature a spacious entry and internal staircase, kitchen Spacious entry and internal staircase, and large living/dining/bar area with fireplace while upstairs are equipped with large bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and air conditioning.

2/1 Whitlock Drive

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located near Rothwell Railway Station, the property is in close proximity not only to public transport but also to schools and local amenities. It boasts secure parking and a warm residential atmosphere.

28A Greene Street

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. The well- kept brick home, just a 10-minute ride to the beach front, comes with air-conditioned open-plan living and dining area, kitchen with gas cooktop and generous bench space, and low-maintenance yard.

41 Xanadu Crescent

5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Property highlights include a new designer kitchen, entertaining area, and a pool. It boasts a smart design, with the front half (Master suite, Office and Lounge) that can be closed off to become a parent’s retreat.

15 Wattle Road

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located within the Mueller College precinct, this property offers a balance and comfort and convenience. It has an outdoor entertainment area, a fully fenced backyard, and double lock-up garage with internal access for security.

41A Leichhardt Avenue

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Property highlights include a light-filled separate lounge room, functional kitchen with electric appliances and range hood, air-conditioned open-plan dining area opening to courtyard, and a master bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite.

Over the past two months, Rothwell’s property market has shown steady activity across a mix of three- to five-bedroom homes. Three-bedroom homes sold between $745,000 and $788,000, four-bedroom properties ranged from $820,000 to $1.075 million, and larger five-bedroom homes achieved between $1.1 million and $1.24 million. These results suggest a balanced yet competitive market, where presentation, marketing strategy, and agent expertise continue to drive premium outcomes.

Published 31-October-2025

Street Spotlight: Francis Road, Bray Park

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Francis Road stands as a quiet residential thoroughfare in Bray Park, where established homes line a street that has been shaped by decades of suburban growth. The street’s character reflects the broader transformation of Bray Park from rural outpost to established suburb, with properties that tell stories of families who have put down roots and watched the neighbourhood evolve around them.

The area surrounding Francis Road has witnessed significant change over the years. Where once open paddocks and rural holdings dominated the landscape, suburban development gradually took hold through the 1990s and beyond. The street itself became home to families seeking the balance of accessible living and community connection that Bray Park offered, positioned between the busier arterial roads and the natural waterways that define the region.

Over time, Francis Road has developed its own sense of stability. With the majority of residents choosing to stay long-term, the street has fostered the kind of continuity that builds neighbourhood connections and local knowledge passed between longtime residents.

Francis Rd, Bray Park Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 62 houses, 14 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years and 8 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 51%

Francis Rd, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON FRANCIS RD, BRAY PARK

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
243 Francis Road, Bray Park	$825,000	Sep 2025
267 Francis Road, Bray Park	$865,000	Aug 2025
211 Francis Road, Bray Park	$1,500,000	Apr 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON FRANCIS RD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
235 Francis Road, Bray Park	$93,000	Mar 1996
Lot 104 Francis Road, Bray Park	$1,719,000	Feb 1993

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2025 was $807,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2021 was $470,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN BRAY PARK SINCE 2021: $337,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2025 was $807,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2021 was $470,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN BRAY PARK SINCE 2021: $337,000

If you know Francis Rd, Bray Park well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 14-September-2025

Dakabin to Welcome New Wildlife Hospital Aimed at Saving Local Species

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital/Facebook

A $15-million wildlife hospital is coming to Dakabin, promising faster treatment for injured native animals and relief for overworked rescue groups across the Moreton Bay region.

The facility, which will include a community education hub, is set to become a vital service for one of Queensland’s most wildlife-dense areas, where koalas and other native species are often at risk from traffic, habitat loss, and disease.

Purpose-Built for the Community and the Environment

The new hospital will be built on land valued at about $3 million at 420 Old Gympie Road in Dakabin, with construction expected to begin once final designs and permits are completed. The location was selected for its accessibility, proximity to bushland corridors, and ability to support a long-term expansion plan.

According to the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation, the facility will focus solely on native wildlife, providing emergency care and rehabilitation for animals such as koalas, sugar gliders, wallabies, and flying foxes. It will not treat domestic pets, keeping its mission firmly on wildlife conservation.

The new Dakabin hospital forms part of a broader state-wide push to improve wildlife-care capacity across Queensland. Similar projects are being developed in Redlands, Southport, Currumbin, and Green Island, as part of an ongoing investment in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure.

Each site is expected to work collaboratively, sharing expertise and resources to ensure that injured and sick animals receive timely, high-quality care.

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital/Facebook

Reducing Travel and Improving Survival Rates

Local carers and wildlife volunteers say the project could not come soon enough. Rescue groups have reported that injured animals often endure long trips — sometimes more than two hours — to reach the nearest veterinary hospital equipped to handle wildlife emergencies.

These journeys can significantly reduce survival chances, particularly for species prone to stress or shock. The new facility in Dakabin will mean faster intervention, potentially saving thousands of animals each year.

Education Hub to Build Wildlife Awareness

Community leaders and environmental advocates have also praised the inclusion of an education hub, describing it as a crucial bridge between science and the public. The education component will host workshops, school excursions, and volunteer training programs to teach residents how to respond when they find injured wildlife and how to make backyards and roadways safer for native species. The aim is to build a community that not only supports the hospital but actively contributes to preventing harm in the first place.

The hospital’s design will prioritise sustainability, with plans for solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and landscaping that mimics natural habitats. This will create a calm, restorative environment for recovering animals and demonstrate environmentally responsible development for the area. While the design phase is still underway, the facility is expected to include treatment and recovery rooms, triage areas, and outdoor rehabilitation enclosures.

A Regional Effort to Strengthen Wildlife Care

The Moreton Bay region has one of the largest koala populations in Queensland, making it a hotspot for wildlife rescues. However, increasing urban development has led to more frequent encounters between humans and animals, often resulting in road strikes and habitat fragmentation.

Wildlife groups hope the Dakabin hospital will act as a stabilising force — both for local ecosystems and for the growing network of carers who have worked tirelessly to protect the region’s biodiversity.

While an exact construction timeline has not been finalised, early projections suggest the hospital could be operational within three years. Once complete, it will serve as both a treatment centre and a community hub, offering volunteer placements, training programs, and collaboration opportunities for universities and wildlife researchers.

Local volunteers say the facility will fill a long-standing gap in the region’s animal care network and help build long-term resilience for the area’s environment.

Published 28-Oct-2025

Narangba Train Station Adds 100 Car Parks to Meet Rising Demand

Commuters in Narangba will soon see relief from packed train station car parks, with work underway to add more than 100 new spaces and improve safety features at the busy northside facility.

Early works began in September on vacant rail corridor land off Main Street, northwest of Narangba train station. The Department of Transport and Main Roads is delivering the project on behalf of Queensland Rail, with major construction works to follow. The initial stage includes fencing, earthworks, drainage and preparing a new site access, while the next stage will bring the full construction program.

Narangba Station — *Photo Credit: TMR QLD*

What’s changing at Narangba

Once complete, the upgrade will increase the station’s capacity from about 380 to nearly 500 spaces. The design features four new accessible parking bays, six motorcycle bays, and a dedicated left-turn lane from Main Street to enhance traffic flow into the site.

New lighting and CCTV will be installed across the facility to improve safety, while a new pedestrian pathway will provide safer and easier access to the station platforms. Retention and detention basins are also planned to improve stormwater management. These features are designed not only to add more space but also to deliver a safer and more efficient environment for commuters.

The project is intended to improve everyday convenience for people travelling to work, study or appointments. Residents have long raised concerns about congestion in surrounding streets and the lack of safe pedestrian links. The design changes are also expected to ease congestion along Main Street, where vehicles currently queue or circulate in search of parking.

Part of a wider network approach

In the past, upgrades were focused on simply increasing numbers. More recent projects, including Narangba’s, are shaped by the Park ‘n’ Ride Strategy and the Public Transport Infrastructure Manual, which emphasise safety, accessibility, and better management of parking. Features like CCTV, lighting, stormwater works and pedestrian connectivity are now standard inclusions.

TMR Minister Brent Mickelberg has stated that more than 300,000 trips were made through Narangba station in the last financial year, underscoring its role as a key commuter hub for the City of Moreton Bay. Narangba’s population was estimated at about 23,130 in mid-2024, reflecting nearly three per cent growth in a year.

The introduction of permanent 50-cent fares across South East Queensland has also driven up patronage, adding pressure to stations already operating at capacity. For locals, full car parks often mean either arriving unusually early or spilling into residential streets, an issue the expansion is intended to ease.

Published 25-Oct-2025

Bluey and Bingo Head to Petrie for the G’day Little Queenslanders Celebration

On Sunday, 26 October 2025, G’day Little Queenslanders will host a morning of celebration and community connection at The Mill at Petrie.

Read: Petrie May Host Brisbane 2032’s Largest Timber Venue

Proudly presented by Queensland, the free family event celebrates the state’s youngest residents, affectionately known as “Little Queenslanders,” while connecting parents, carers and community services in a welcoming setting.

A key highlight of the morning will be a Live Interactive Experience featuring Bluey and Bingo, giving children the chance to see the popular TV characters in person. Families can also enjoy children’s entertainment, food trucks serving local treats, and community stalls offering information and resources to support Queensland families.

Parents of babies and toddlers can register on the day to receive a personalised keepsake certificate, officially welcoming their child into Queensland’s growing story. The certificates are available for children aged 0–2 and serve as a memento for families marking those early years.

The event aims to celebrate families and strengthen connections between Queenslanders with young children. For many parents, especially those with newborns, opportunities to meet others and discover local services can be invaluable, and G’day Little Queenslanders provides just that.

The Mill at Petrie will host the celebration in its open community space, with plenty of room for families to relax, enjoy the entertainment and spend time together. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and make the most of the morning’s activities.

The Petrie celebration is one of several stops on the G’day Little Queenslanders tour, which also includes Townsville, Redlands Coast and Cairns throughout October and November. Each event offers families across Queensland a chance to celebrate their newest members and learn more about local community resources.

Read: Plans Submitted for Major Student Accommodation in Petrie

Whether you are a parent, grandparent or carer, this free morning of family fun is an opportunity to enjoy time together, meet others and create a few happy memories.

For more details and to pre-register for your Little Queenslander’s certificate, visit qld.gov.au/littlequeenslanders.

Published 22-October-2025

Eco Fest Returns to UniSC Moreton Bay with Dr Karl Leading the Green Conversation

Photo Credit: What's On Moreton Bay/Facebook

Petrie’s UniSC Moreton Bay campus will transform into a sustainability hub as the Moreton Bay Eco Fest returns this November, bringing families, community groups, and experts together for a day of learning and action.

A Day for the Community

The free community festival runs on Sunday, 9 November 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UniSC Moreton Bay, Petrie. It is presented by the City of Moreton Bay and delivered by Tourism and Events Moreton Bay.

The Eco Fest promotes simple, practical ways for locals to live more sustainably. Families will explore interactive activities, workshops, and live demonstrations covering topics from recycling to gardening and conservation.

The event invites everyone to take part, whether they are long-time environmental advocates or residents looking to start small changes at home.

Dr Karl Takes the Stage

Australia’s well-known science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM will headline the main stage, offering his signature mix of curiosity and clarity to help visitors understand environmental science in everyday terms.

His appearance is arranged through Claxton Speakers International and adds a strong educational highlight to the festival.

What to Expect

Festivalgoers will find community stalls, educational booths, and local food vendors throughout the venue. The main stage will feature a full lineup of entertainment and sustainability talks announced later in the year.

Entry is free, but organisers encourage early arrival to enjoy all scheduled activities. The campus’ status as a wildlife reserve means pets are not permitted, though service animals are welcome.

Supporting Local Action

Mayor Peter Flannery said Eco Fest gives locals a chance to connect, learn, and take small steps toward positive change. Stallholder registrations close on Friday, 5 September 2025. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to showcase sustainable ideas and products.

Partners like Belgravia Leisure, Australian Trade College North Brisbane, Epic Assist, Bishopp, and Akyra Strategy & Development support the shared goal of making sustainability part of daily life.

Published 13-October-2025

Site Secured for $60 Million TAFE Centre of Excellence in Petrie

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

A $60 million TAFE Centre of Excellence will be developed in Petrie, following the completion of a land transfer that allows construction to begin in 2026 at the Moreton Bay Central site. The new facility will expand training opportunities across key industries while supporting the region’s growing workforce needs.

New Skills and Manufacturing Hub in Petrie

The planned Moreton Bay TAFE Centre of Excellence will feature an Advanced Manufacturing Hub to strengthen the region’s billion-dollar manufacturing sector. The hub will focus on providing hands-on, industry-aligned training in construction, engineering, electrotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. The project aims to give residents the opportunity to train and work locally, supporting workforce retention and regional development.

TAFE Centre Petrie — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Land Transfer and Construction Timeline

Located within the Moreton Bay Central precinct, the site will be transferred from the City of Moreton Bay to the Queensland Government, marking an important step towards the project’s delivery. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026. The facility’s location—next to the future Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, a confirmed venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games—positions it as a key investment in long-term regional growth.

TAFE Centre of Excellence — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Expanding Training Capacity Across Queensland

The Petrie facility is part of a $201.1 million initiative to establish four new TAFE Centres of Excellence across the state, alongside Caloundra, Rockhampton, and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. The project will introduce modern training technologies such as augmented reality and smart learning hubs, providing students with access to real-world, job-ready experience. This initiative seeks to bridge skills gaps in high-demand sectors and strengthen the local labour market.

manufacturing hub — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Supporting Local Growth and Innovation

The Centre of Excellence is expected to enhance Moreton Bay’s reputation as an education and innovation hub. Local officials have welcomed the project, noting its proximity to the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus, which opens possibilities for collaboration between tertiary education and vocational training. The new facility is also anticipated to boost local employment, promote advanced manufacturing, and equip the region with a future-ready workforce.

Future Outlook for Petrie

Set to begin construction in 2026, the Moreton Bay TAFE Centre of Excellence will deliver a lasting contribution to Petrie and the surrounding region. Once complete, it will serve as a cornerstone for education, training, and economic growth, providing high-quality facilities that meet the evolving needs of local industries.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Unitywater’s Wastewater Upgrade Includes Key Works in Deception Bay

Deception Bay was among the suburbs that received wastewater pipe relining as Unitywater carried out a large-scale program to reduce odour and prevent overflows across the Moreton Bay region.

Read: Wastewater Blockages Rising in Narangba and Deception Bay

Over a two-year period, the utility reported that it had relined 53 kilometres of wastewater mains and renewed 317 maintenance holes across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa as part of a $400 million replacements and renewals program.

Within the Moreton Bay area, about 26 kilometres of pipes were relined and 91 maintenance holes renewed. In Deception Bay, 74.3 metres of pipe were relined, while another 29.8 metres were completed in Eatons Hill.

The works used trenchless techniques rather than full excavations. Unitywater said crews applied spiral PVC relining and cured-in-place UV polymer liners to the inside of existing pipes — methods the utility described as less disruptive and more cost-effective than digging up and replacing entire sections, particularly in built-up suburbs.

Residents raised odour concerns in Deception Bay

Residents in a local Deception Bay Facebook group had voiced frustration about unpleasant smells in tap water in late 2024 and early 2025, reporting odours variously described as chlorine-like and earthy.

Authorities, including Seqwater and Unitywater, explained that such taste and odour issues reported across parts of south-east Queensland were most often caused by naturally occurring algae or bacteria in raw water sources. These compounds could affect smell and taste but, agencies stressed, did not necessarily mean the water was unsafe to drink.

Program aimed to prevent overflows and improve network reliability

Unitywater’s maintenance program also targeted sewer-related causes of odour. The utility noted that hydrogen sulphide, the gas produced in wastewater, could be corrosive and over time damage concrete and metal pipework, increasing the risk of faults and overflows.

Crews carried out CCTV inspections, jet-blasting to remove debris, tree-root removal, and, where needed, raised maintenance holes so that stormwater could not flood into the wastewater network during heavy rain.

While Unitywater stated that the relining should reduce odour complaints and improve network operability over time, the work was not considered a single-fix for all local water-smell concerns. Tap-water odours could stem from a range of sources, including household plumbing. Water authorities advised residents to run taps for a minute or two, check whether the smell affected only one fixture, and report persistent problems to their water provider for testing and investigation.

Read: Oyster Reef Trial Aims to Boost Water Quality in Lawnton and Kallangur

For many people in Deception Bay, the relining work was largely invisible but still relevant. Unitywater positioned the upgrades as part of its long-term effort to reduce smells, lower overflow risk, and maintain ageing underground infrastructure.

Published 10-October-2025