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Fresh Faces Join Local Police Beat as Moreton District Welcomes New Constables

The Moreton Police District has expanded its frontline capacity with the arrival of seven new constables who will serve communities across the region, including Deception Bay.

The fresh recruits were among 110 people who completed their training and were officially sworn in as police officers on 11 September, marking the start of what officials describe as both challenging and fulfilling careers in law enforcement.

The new officers were welcomed to their roles during a ceremony at Burpengary Police Station, where Acting Chief Superintendent Tom Armitt and Acting Superintendent Julia Cook met with the recruits before they begin their year-long, station-based training programme.

What makes this group particularly interesting is the variety of professional backgrounds they bring to policing. Before joining the Queensland Police Service, the new constables worked in fields ranging from retail and childcare to protective services and corrections. The group also includes a former butcher and a mechanic, demonstrating the diverse paths that can lead to a career in law enforcement.

The seven constables – Brittle, Byrne, Chay, Fyfe, Marmotta, Noonan and Whittle – will be distributed across stations throughout the district. Burpengary Station will receive two officers, while one each will be stationed at North Lakes/Mango Hill, Deception Bay, Petrie, and Bribie Island.

Among the new recruits is Constable Byrne, whose background as a Q-Ride motorcycle instructor has shaped his career aspirations. He hopes to eventually join the Highway Patrol Group, bringing his passion for road safety and experience in educating both motorists and motorcycle riders to the role.

Constable Brittle’s journey to policing began with encouragement from a friend already serving in the force. She explained that she recognised her existing skills could make a positive contribution to policing work. Her advice for others considering a similar career change is straightforward: take the leap, as it might provide the fresh direction needed whilst helping many people in the community.

These seven officers join 55 other recent graduates currently serving within the Moreton Police District, significantly strengthening the area’s policing capability. During their 12-month training period, the new constables will gain practical experience, receive mentorship, and develop the specialised skills required for effective police work.

The expansion comes as the Queensland Police Service continues its commitment to maintaining strong community policing presence across the state. Officials note that the diverse professional backgrounds of new recruits enhance the service’s ability to connect with and serve varied community needs.

For residents of Deception Bay and surrounding areas, the arrival of additional officers represents increased local policing capacity and continued investment in community safety initiatives.

Published 18-September-2025

Street Spotlight: Aaron Street, Bray Park

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

Tucked away in the established heart of Bray Park, Aaron Street tells a story of steady suburban growth and enduring community ties. This quiet residential street, lined with family homes and mature gardens, has become a testament to the area’s transformation from rural hinterland to thriving suburb over the past few decades.

The surrounding area was changing too. As Bray Park evolved through the 1990s and early 2000s, streets like Aaron Street saw the establishment of the family neighbourhoods that define the suburb today. What was once open land gradually gave way to homes, where families put down roots and stayed for the long term—a pattern that continues to characterise the street.

Aaron St, Bray Park Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 36 houses
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 14 years and 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 67%

Aaron St, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON AARON ST, BRAY PARK

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
1 Aaron Street, Bray Park	$840,000	May 2025
7 Aaron Street, Bray Park	$737,000	Dec 2024
24 Aaron Street, Bray Park	$708,000	Nov 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON AARON ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
19 Aaron Street	$120,410	Jun 1999
5 Aaron Street	$106,000	Sept 1997
25 Aaron Street	$118,000	Aug 1994

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 Aaron Street, Bray Park well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 12-October-2025

Street Spotlight: Dundee St, Bray Park

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

Dundee Street sits quietly in the heart of Bray Park, a residential enclave that has evolved significantly over the past three decades. While the street may not boast grand historical landmarks or dramatic transformation stories, its character speaks to something equally compelling: the steady growth of a neighbourhood where families have chosen to put down roots and stay.

The street’s story is one of gradual suburban development, reflective of Bray Park’s broader evolution from rural outskirts to established residential community. Today, Dundee Street is home to 63 houses and one other property, forming a cohesive streetscape where neighbours have watched each other’s children grow and gardens mature over nearly two decades.

What makes Dundee Street particularly notable is the stability of its community. With 85% of properties owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 17 years and 8 months, this is clearly a street where people don’t just live—they belong. An impressive 65% of residents have called Dundee Street home for more than a decade, a testament to the enduring appeal of this Bray Park address.

The surrounding area has experienced considerable change since the early 1990s, when Bray Park itself was still finding its identity. The suburb’s name honours John Sanders Bray, a longtime Pine Rivers Shire councillor and Shire Chairman who served from 1950 to 1973, cementing the area’s connection to local government history and community leadership.

Dundee St, Bray Park Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 63 houses, 1 other
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 17 years and 8 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 65%

Dundee St, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON DUNDEE ST, BRAY PARK

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
42 Dundee Street, Bray Park	$850,000	Apr 2025
9 Dundee Street, Bray Park	$820,000	Apr 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON DUNDEE ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
7 Dundee Street, Bray Park	$51,000	Apr 1993
5 Dundee Street, Bray Park	$200,000	Mar 1993
3 Dundee Street, Bray Park	$50,000	Mar 1993

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2025 was $862,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2021 was $505,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN BRAY PARK SINCE 2021: $357,000

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

Published 31-August-2025

BlueCare Nurse Cuts Prompt Concern in Rothwell

Photo Credit: BlueCare/Facebook

A Rothwell family has voiced concern after BlueCare confirmed it will cut a large share of enrolled nurse positions across its Queensland facilities, including the Rothwell centre.

Funding Changes Behind Cuts

On 25 August 2025, BlueCare, Queensland’s largest aged care provider, announced plans to reduce its enrolled nursing workforce. The decision follows federal reforms introduced in October 2023, which set new mandatory daily care minute requirements.

Earlier in June 2025, BlueCare also cut 120 roles from its community services division, which provides at-home care.

BlueCare Rothwell — Photo Credit: BlueCare/Facebook

84 Roles at Risk Across 21 Sites

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) estimates that up to 84 of 130 enrolled nurse roles will be removed across 21 of BlueCare’s 40 facilities, about 60 per cent of its workforce.

BlueCare said the care provided by enrolled nurses counts for only 10 per cent of the mandatory care minute targets, leaving a funding shortfall. The provider said it would redeploy staff where possible and expects actual redundancies to be lower than the union’s figures.

Union Challenges Provider’s Explanation

The union disputes BlueCare’s justification, arguing the cuts are financially motivated. It warned that duties such as medication management could shift to personal care workers who do not have the same clinical training as enrolled nurses.

BlueCare maintains that overall care levels will remain unchanged and stressed it values enrolled nurses despite the restructure.

aged care Queensland — Photo Credit: BlueCare/Facebook

Rothwell Family Raises Concern, Wider Public Reacts

At the Rothwell facility, Angela Ray, whose 81-year-old mother lives there, said enrolled nurses had provided vital continuity of care. She fears their removal could leave non-clinical needs unmet.

More broadly, social media responses showed public concern about safety risks, profit priorities, and the replacement of skilled nurses with lower-paid carers. Some families also shared personal experiences of dedicated care workers but still questioned whether quality standards can be maintained.

Next Steps Under Review

The union has referred the matter to national regulators and oversight agencies. Authorities have confirmed providers are required to meet safe care standards, while families, including those in Rothwell, are waiting to see how the changes will affect daily operations in facilities.

Published 30-Aug-2025

Injunction Halts Eviction of Rough Sleepers in Kallangur

Photo Credit: Pexels

Homeless residents camping at Goodfellows Road in Kallangur have been allowed to stay after a legal order prevented City of Moreton Bay from enforcing eviction notices.

Background and Context

On 8 July 2025, Basic Rights Queensland obtained urgent injunctions to stop the City of Moreton Bay from removing rough sleepers at Goodfellows Road, Kallangur. The action followed earlier clearances at Eddie Hyland Park in Lawnton, where belongings were taken using machinery and police escorts.

By 15 August 2025, the court extended protection for 11 applicants, many of whom had already been displaced from other locations. The order prevents the council from enforcing compliance notices until a full hearing in late November.

The Findings

Justice Paul Smith found that removing tents without adequate housing alternatives posed risks to the health and safety of those affected. While acknowledging concerns raised by residents about health and amenity, he said these needed to be weighed against the protections provided by the Human Rights Act.

The court also found that the council had not provided a binding commitment to pause enforcement, leading to concerns that campers could face further removal.

Authorities’ Position

The City of Moreton Bay said the order was limited to compliance notices and did not change the validity of local laws prohibiting camping on council land. It stated that while it would comply with the ruling, it was disappointing that people remained without permanent housing.

Authorities highlighted its efforts to address homelessness, including $3.7 million invested in the Peninsula Support Hub at Redcliffe, support for the Sleep Bus program, and land allocations at Morayfield and Caboolture for future crisis housing.

Queensland homelessness — Photo Credit: Pexels

Legal and Community Response

Basic Rights Queensland and other community groups welcomed the decision, arguing that people experiencing homelessness should not be penalised for lacking housing. Charities also noted that residents at the Kallangur site had few alternatives and needed stability until long-term solutions were available.

Next Steps

The case is scheduled for a full hearing in November 2025. Until then, those staying at the Goodfellows Road site in Kallangur are permitted to remain in place.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Wastewater Blockages Rising in Narangba and Deception Bay

Photo Credit: Unitywater

Narangba and Deception Bay have been named in Unitywater’s latest list of top ten wastewater blockage hotspots, prompting a call for residents to avoid flushing or rinsing unsuitable items.

Background

Unitywater recorded 4,395 wastewater blockages across its service areas of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa during 2024–25. Almost one quarter of these occurred in just ten suburbs, which included five in Moreton Bay: Caboolture, Redcliffe, Clontarf, Narangba and Deception Bay.

Causes of Blockages

Common causes included items not designed to break down in water, such as wet wipes, paper towels, tissues, nappies, tampons, and cotton buds. These products can combine with fats, oils and food scraps to create larger blockages. The problem extends from household pipes to street mains and pumping systems that move wastewater to treatment plants, increasing maintenance costs and community inconvenience.

Narangba and Deception Bay Among Hotspots

Narangba recorded 89 blockages, while Deception Bay had 82 over the 12-month period. Other Moreton Bay suburbs on the list included Caboolture with 134, Redcliffe with 92, and Clontarf with 90. These figures highlight an ongoing need for community awareness around household waste disposal practices.

Wastewater blockages — Photo Credit: Unitywater

Community Impact

Large blockages can cause wastewater to back up through household drains or overflow into streets. These incidents carry public health risks and may also affect the natural environment. Residents are being encouraged to use small bins in bathrooms, wipe pans before washing, and collect cooking oils in containers for disposal in household bins. Simple habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of damage and disruption.

Looking Ahead

Unitywater has highlighted ongoing education campaigns to reduce the impact of non-flushable and non-drainable items. The organisation continues to remind households across Narangba, Deception Bay and other suburbs that only the “three Ps” — pee, poo and paper — should go down the toilet. Continued messaging aims to lower blockages, improve system reliability, and protect waterways in the region.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Queensland Funds Safety Upgrades in Moreton Bay Under School Transport Program

Queensland has confirmed targeted funding for road-safety works at four state school precincts in the Moreton Bay area as part of this year’s School Transport Infrastructure Program.

The package totals $697,000 locally, allocated to Dakabin State High School ($260,000), Burpengary Meadows State School ($147,000), Strathpine West State School ($185,000) and North Lakes State College ($105,000).

The four sites are listed within a statewide $2.3 million round covering 21 projects announced on 6 June 2025.

Program Context

The School Transport Infrastructure Program provides grants for practical fixes that make arriving and leaving school safer and smoother—such as new or reconfigured drop-off zones, bus set-down areas, pedestrian links and fencing, and intersection improvements. Typical projects include carpark upgrades, construction of stop-drop-and-go facilities, bus stops and footpaths.

Documents also indicate complementary works in the vicinity of Dakabin State High School, including a children’s crossing treatment on Marsden Road listed in the City of Moreton Bay’s 2025–26 budget highlights for Divisions 7–9. While the Council line-item does not set out the state school grant scope, it shows local alignment on school-area safety.

How This Fits With Other Safety Measures

Transport and Main Roads notes that STIP sits alongside ongoing programs including flashing school zone signs and the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme. Background guidance on these measures—and how the signs operate—appears on the state’s transport site. The crossing-supervisor scheme marked its 40th year in 2024, with more than 2,000 supervisors managing over 1,300 crossings at 700-plus schools; TMR reports no fatalities at supervised crossings since 1984.

Each school sets local arrangements while works progress. North Lakes State College, for example, maintains guidance for parents on parking locations and its “LookOut” drive-through pick-up service on Joyner Circuit. Families at nearby schools can check their school pages for current drop-off maps and transport links.

Accountability and Timing

The announcement forms part of a broader road-safety and infrastructure program for 2025–26, with further detail on capital programs contained in current budget papers and ministerial statements. Schedule and construction windows for individual school sites will be confirmed through TMR and council channels as designs progress and contractors are engaged.

Published 21-Aug-2025

Street Spotlight: Halifax Ct, Bray Park

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

Tucked away in the heart of Bray Park, Halifax Court represents a quieter chapter in the suburb’s ongoing transformation. While larger arterial roads like Youngs Crossing Road witnessed the dramatic shift from rural landscapes to bustling educational hubs, Halifax Court developed as part of the residential infill that followed in their wake. This small court, home to just 15 properties, embodies the suburban character that emerged as Bray Park transitioned from open paddocks to family neighbourhoods in the 1990s and 2000s.

The street’s development coincided with a period of significant growth across Bray Park. As land clearing and excavation reshaped the area through the mid-1990s, streets like Halifax Court began to appear, offering affordable housing options for families seeking space and community. The modest scale of the court—a cul-de-sac design typical of the era—created an intimate residential enclave, distinct from the busier through-roads that define much of the suburb’s layout.

Today, Halifax Court reflects a community in transition. With 60% of properties owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 7 years and 8 months, the street shows a blend of established locals and newer arrivals. The fact that only 33% of residents have been there for 10 years or more suggests a more transient character compared to some of Bray Park’s longer-established pockets, where multi-decade ownership is more common.

Halifax Ct, Bray Park Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 14 houses, 1 other
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 60%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 7 years and 8 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 33%

Halifax Ct, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON HALIFAX CT, BRAY PARK

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
4 Halifax Court, Bray Park	$950,000	Jul 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON HALIFAX CT FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
6 Halifax Court, Bray Park	$451,000	Nov 2012
7 Halifax Court, Bray Park	$362,500	Apr 2012
12 Halifax Court, Bray Park	$170,000	Oct 2006

SUBURB PROFILE

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

Published 17-August-2025

Teenage Killer of North Lakes Mother Wins Sentence Appeal

Photo Credit: Facebook / Lee Lovell

A teenage killer who fatally stabbed North Lakes mother Emma Lovell during a Boxing Day home invasion has won his sentence appeal, sparking outrage from the victim’s family and calls for a High Court challenge.

The Queensland Court of Appeal on Friday reduced the non-parole period for the now 20-year-old offender, who was 17 at the time of the attack, from 70 per cent to 60 per cent of his 14-year sentence. This means he could be released approximately 18 months earlier than originally ordered.

The devastating decision comes two and a half years after Mrs Lovell, 41, was murdered in the front yard of her North Lakes home on 26 December 2022. The mother of two daughters had confronted two teenage intruders who had entered through an unlocked front door whilst she and her husband Lee were sleeping.

The Fatal Night

Court documents revealed the harrowing sequence of events that led to Mrs Lovell’s death. After being woken by their dogs barking around 11.30pm, Mrs Lovell checked the family’s security system and discovered the front door was open. When her husband opened their bedroom door, he was confronted by one of the teenagers standing in their hallway.

The couple yelled at the intruders to leave, with CCTV footage capturing their frantic attempts to push the teens out the front door. During the struggle that followed, the 17-year-old killer repeatedly stabbed both Mr and Mrs Lovell with a 115 mm knife, inflicting a fatal wound to Mrs Lovell’s heart and stabbing Mr Lovell in the back.

The attack was so violent that the blade snapped from the knife’s handle. After fatally wounding Mrs Lovell, the teenager continued his assault on Mr Lovell, forcing him to the ground and kicking him multiple times in the face whilst he was defenceless.

Appeal Grounds and Decision

The teenager had appealed his sentence on three grounds: claiming the judge erred in finding his offending “particularly heinous,” that insufficient weight was given to his guilty plea and personal circumstances, and that the overall sentence was manifestly excessive.

Two of three Appeal Court justices agreed the 70 per cent non-parole period was excessive. Justice David Boddice found that whilst the sentencing judge had properly considered the teenager’s background and guilty plea, “the seriousness of the offending” had overwhelmed these mitigating factors.

However, Justice John Bond disagreed with reducing the sentence, stating he could not conclude the original outcome was unjust or unreasonable. Justice Paul Freeburn sided with Justice Boddice, allowing the appeal to succeed.

Family’s Devastation

Mr Lovell expressed his shock and disappointment at the decision. Speaking to media, he questioned the justice system’s priorities, saying he couldn’t believe someone could be murdered in their own home and the perpetrator would serve only eight years in prison.

“I don’t feel justice has been served one bit for what happened to Emma,” he said, adding that the courts should serve as a social deterrent to prevent crime.

The father of two had hoped the new Adult Crime, Adult Time laws would result in a higher sentence, but was disappointed to learn they only apply to offences committed after the legislation was passed.

Political Response

Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington announced she is considering appealing the decision to the High Court of Australia. She criticised what she termed “Labor’s weak laws,” stating the outcome was unacceptable and out of step with community expectations.

“Under our laws this murderer would have been sentenced to life in prison,” Ms Frecklington said, referring to the current Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles also expressed shock at the decision, describing the murder as undeniably heinous and sending his thoughts to the Lovell family.

Community Impact

Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group CEO Brett Thompson supported the Attorney-General’s consideration of a High Court appeal, saying community expectations were not being met by current sentencing practices.

“There’s nothing that’s not particularly heinous about someone taking someone’s life full stop,” Mr Thompson said, calling for changes to court terminology around what constitutes heinous crimes.

The case has renewed debate about youth sentencing laws in Queensland, particularly given that if the offender had been just four months older at the time of the crime, he would have faced mandatory life imprisonment as an adult.

The teenager, who had an extensive criminal history including 84 previous offences with 16 involving unlawful entry, was described in court documents as having had a “chaotic upbringing” and was using alcohol and drugs from grade eight. He pleaded guilty to felony murder, maintaining he had not intended to kill Mrs Lovell.

Published 16-August-2025

North Lakes Mates Swing Into National Indoor Golf Finals

Powered by high-tech simulators, three North Lakes golfers are swinging into Australasia’s largest indoor golf championship in Melbourne.

From Cricket Pitch to Golf Simulator

Three North Lakes friends have earned a place in Australasia’s largest indoor golf championship, representing South East Queensland at the national finals in Melbourne later this month.

Shane Myers, Paul Fraser and Jason Ash first met as cricket teammates before turning to X-Golf, a tech-powered indoor golf competition. Busy schedules, injuries and family commitments made cricket harder to continue, prompting the switch.

Within a year of joining their local X-League, they advanced through seasonal matches to reach the national final. The championship will bring together top teams from across Australia and New Zealand.

A Growing Sporting Trend

The X-League is run across 32 X-Golf venues in Australia and New Zealand, attracting more than 1,000 players annually. Each year features three 10-week seasons where teams compete in nine-hole, handicapped match-play rounds.

Winning teams advance from local venues to state contests before reaching the national championship. The 2025 event will be held at X-Golf Clyde North in Victoria on 30 and 31 August, with nine top teams from across Australasia.

More Than Just Golf

The friends said that while the technology and competition are exciting, it is the social aspect that keeps them coming back. X-League games are far from the quiet traditional golf setting, with friendly banter and laughs throughout the night.

According to X-Golf representatives, the format combines the camaraderie of local team sports with the pace and energy of esports, making golf more accessible to a wider audience.

Technology Meets Accessibility

X-Golf simulators use high-definition cameras, lasers, impact sensors and infrared tracking to capture every shot with accuracy. This blend of technology and sport has helped drive a nine per cent year-on-year increase in golf participation in Australia, according to industry data.

The national growth of X-League also reflects the wider popularity of hybrid sports experiences that merge physical skill with digital tools.

Published 13-August-2025