deception bay Archives - North Lakes Today

First Nations Youth Mental Health Service Opens In Deception Bay

A youth mental health service in Deception Bay is now providing culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region.

The service, known as Staying Deadly | headspace Deception Bay, offers support for young people aged 10 to 25 who are experiencing, or may be at risk of, mild to moderate mental health concerns. It is located on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people along Deception Bay Road.

The centre provides free access to a range of health and wellbeing services designed to support young people and their families in a culturally safe environment.

Culturally Focused Youth Support In Deception Bay

The Deception Bay service has been described as a headspace model in an urban setting with a strong focus on care for First Nations young people.

Support is available across several areas including mental health care, physical and sexual health, assistance with work and study, and counselling related to alcohol and other drug use.

Young people can walk into the centre or contact the service directly to seek help, with no referral required. Practitioners may meet young people at the centre or within community settings depending on individual needs.

Deception Bay youth mental health — Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN

Community-Based Care Model

The centre operates with a multidisciplinary team including mental health clinicians, health practitioners and care coordinators from the local community. Identified Indigenous roles are included in the workforce to strengthen cultural understanding and trust.

Programs delivered through the centre include cultural connection activities, community-led programs and early intervention support designed to help young people access assistance before concerns escalate.

Instead of a formal intake process, the service begins with a “connection yarn”, a conversation that focuses on building trust and understanding between young people and practitioners from the first interaction.

Addressing Youth Mental Health Needs

The service was established to strengthen mental health literacy and encourage young people to seek support earlier when they experience distress.

National data referenced in service information indicates suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain more than twice those of non-Indigenous Australians, with almost 80 per cent of deaths occurring among people aged 15 to 44.

By providing culturally grounded care within the community, the Deception Bay service aims to improve access to mental health support for young people across the region.

Part Of A National Youth Mental Health Network

The centre forms part of the national headspace network of youth mental health services.

Across Australia there are currently 175 headspace centres, with plans to expand the network to 203 locations.

The Deception Bay service was commissioned by Brisbane North Primary Health Network and is delivered through a partnership with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and the headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.

The centre operates Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., providing walk-in support as well as scheduled appointments.

Published 12-Mar-2026

Waterfront Apartment Development Site Listed In Deception Bay

Photo Credit: DA/10090946

A waterfront development site approved for a multi-building apartment project has been listed for sale in Deception Bay, highlighting renewed interest in residential development within the growing Moreton Bay area.

Approved Development Site In Deception Bay

The land is located at 5–7 Wallin Avenue and 7 Captain Cook Parade, and covers approximately 4,785 square metres with direct access to the foreshore.

Planning approval allows for the construction of 95 apartments across three residential buildings, along with 101 car parks. The approved project includes a range of apartment sizes, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units.

The site is currently being marketed through an expressions of interest campaign closing at 4 p.m. on 9 April 2026.

waterfront development site — Photo Credit: DA/10090946

Development Approval Background

Approval for the project was granted in August 2025, allowing redevelopment of the foreshore parcel for residential use.

The site has previously received development approvals in 2013 and 2016, although those proposals were not progressed.

Public descriptions of the approved buildings indicate three structures of varying heights positioned across the site. Some reporting describes the development as including one smaller building and two taller residential buildings, with minor differences in the reported storey counts.

Moreton Bay property — Photo Credit: DA/10090946

Housing Demand In The Area

The listing comes during a period of tight housing supply across the Moreton Bay region, where rental vacancy has been reported at around 0.83 per cent.

Median house prices in the area reached approximately $939,000 in 2025, following several years of sustained growth.

Property listings have also been reported as 18 per cent below the five-year average, reflecting limited available housing stock in the market.

These conditions have increased attention on development sites that already hold planning approval and can move forward without further approval processes.

Deception Bay development — Photo Credit: DA/10090946

Expressions Of Interest Campaign

Waterfront development sites of this scale are uncommon within established coastal suburbs such as Deception Bay.

The current campaign invites interest from developers and investors seeking approved residential projects within the Moreton Bay growth corridor.

Expressions of interest for the site are scheduled to close at 4 p.m. on 9 April 2026.

Published 10-Mar-2026

Volunteer Numbers Set to Rise with New Deception Bay Base

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Disaster response in Deception Bay has received a massive boost with a new multi-million dollar headquarters that will more than double the number of local volunteers able to train and respond during severe weather.

Boosting Local Safety

The Deception Bay State Emergency Service (SES) Group has officially moved into a new facility at 12 Old Bay Road. This project comes at a critical time as Queensland enters its severe weather season.

Delivered through a partnership between the state and local governments, the $3.75 million depot is designed to strengthen disaster readiness for the entire Moreton Bay City area. The new base replaces older infrastructure and provides a modern space for a group that has served the community for four decades.

Room to Grow

A major benefit of this upgrade is the immediate increase in training capacity. Previously, the group could only accommodate 50 members for training sessions, but the new building allows up to 120 volunteers to train each night. This expansion supports a current recruitment drive, with the unit looking to add 35 new volunteers to its ranks. The facility services a wide region stretching from Deception Bay out to Laceys Creek in the west.

Better Tools for the Job

The depot includes expanded storage and specialized operational areas. It is built to house a larger fleet of rescue vehicles, including flood boats, all-terrain vehicles, and general response cars. Beyond just storage, the site features dedicated command capabilities that allow for better coordination during emergencies.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie indicated that the new design focuses on giving volunteers the right tools and space to do their jobs safely. He noted that while the weather cannot be controlled, ensuring volunteers have proper facilities is essential for them to face dangerous conditions.

Supporting Volunteer Well-being

SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong highlighted that the building does more than just store equipment. He explained that the facility provides a functional and safe environment for members to plan and operate. According to Armstrong, this support is vital for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of volunteers who give up their personal time to protect the community during crises.

The upgrade reflects the growth of the service across the state, which has seen active membership numbers rise to over 5,300 people in the last year.

Published Date 12-December-2025

Delivery Truck Driver Freed After Multi-Vehicle Crash on Lipscombe Road

Photo Credit: myPolice Moreton

A delivery truck driver was trapped for nearly two hours after a multi-vehicle crash in Deception Bay on Friday evening that damaged two homes and involved a parked car.

Emergency services responded to the incident on Lipscombe Road at approximately 5.45pm on 5 December, following reports of a serious traffic crash.

According to Queensland Police Service, preliminary investigations show a delivery truck travelling northbound struck a traffic light at an intersection before colliding with a parked vehicle and two residential properties.

The impact caused structural damage to the homes, with debris from one of the buildings falling onto the truck and trapping the driver inside the vehicle. Queensland Fire Department personnel worked to free the driver, who was eventually extracted at around 7.25pm.

Queensland Ambulance Service assessed two people at the scene, with both reported to be in stable condition. Police have confirmed there were no physical injuries resulting from the incident.

The crash has prompted an investigation by Queensland Police Service, with officers appealing for anyone with information about the truck’s movements prior to the collision to come forward. Authorities are particularly interested in dashcam or CCTV footage from the area.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has been notified and will be involved in the ongoing investigation.

Residents with relevant information are encouraged to contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 6-December-2025

North Lakes Residents Eligible For State Hardship Grants After Severe Hail

North Lakes residents are on the official list for Queensland hardship grants after severe hail, with Mango Hill and Deception Bay included among eligible suburbs.

Community Impact And Eligibility

North Lakes residents and nearby suburbs, Mango Hill and Deception Bay, should confirm their address on the Queensland disaster site now to see if they qualify for hardship grants and local recovery support.

*Photo Credit:* *Queensland Reconstruction Authority*/Facebook

The state website lists those suburbs among eligible localities, and residents should check their address on the disaster assistance page to confirm eligibility.

Available Grants And What They Cover

The joint state and federal program includes emergency hardship assistance for essentials such as food and temporary shelter. Essential services hardship payments support people who lost power, water or sewage for more than five days. The essential household contents grant replaces items such as bedding and whitegoods for people who are uninsured or unable to claim.

*Photo Credit:* *City of Moreton Bay*/Facebook

The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme funds safety inspections and repairs to reconnect utilities. The Structural Assistance Grant provides up to $80,000 for uninsured, low income owner occupiers whose homes are structurally unsafe.

How To Apply And Where To Get Help

Residents should use the Queensland disaster form, enter their address from the list or enter it manually if needed, and supply identification and bank details. The form asks whether the residence is owned or rented.

Community recovery hubs operate across Moreton Bay and nearby regions, with pop up hubs listed for Bribie Island and Beachmere. People who need help with applications or who require welfare referrals can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Local Services And Practical Recovery Support

Recovery staff at community hubs are offering application help and referrals to local services for mental health, financial counselling and safe clean up advice. Some councils arranged free green waste drop off for storm debris in affected areas, as reported by local media.

Support service centres have operating hours posted on the government website and are available if a hub has closed.

Published 03-December-2025

From Five Dollars to a Fortune in Deception Bay

Photo Credit: Pexels

A Deception Bay couple secured more than $701,000 after a $5 ticket purchased during a lunch stop at Deception Bay Tavern resulted in a significant prize.

Routine Lunch Break Leads to Major Result

A regular post-shopping meal turned into a major moment for a Deception Bay couple on 9 November 2025, when a $5 number-selection ticket produced a total prize of $701,073.20. The result came from draw 300, where their chosen numbers aligned with the top-tier outcome usually associated with matching nine selections.

According to the pair, they had just stopped in for lunch after shopping and decided to purchase a ticket together. They shared that they typically spend $20 on an entry but opted for a smaller amount this time. Once they realised they had won, they spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening celebrating.

Deception Bay Tavern — Photo Credit: Pexels

Windfall Redirects Housing Plans

The timing of the win held particular relevance for the couple. They said they had been searching for a rental property and were finding the process challenging. With the prize confirmed, they can now shift their focus from securing a rental to planning for a future home purchase.

Their winning ticket was bought at Deception Bay Tavern, located at the corner of Bay Avenue and Deception Bay Road, a venue well-frequented by locals for casual meals and social visits.

Deception Bay major win — Photo Credit: Pexels

Venue Remarks and Regional Activity

A spokesperson for Deception Bay Tavern expressed well-wishes to the couple and said the venue regularly sees patrons claim notable outcomes from number-based draws. The spokesperson added that they often observe winners planning meaningful next steps following such results.

Figures from FY25 show that number-selection draws across eastern mainland states produced more than 76 million prize outcomes, totalling over $1.2 billion.

During that period, 20 major recipients collected more than $57.9 million. Four of these were in Queensland, including a Townsville resident who secured a $4.4 million result. Queensland venues recorded more than 27.3 million prize outcomes, amounting to over $450.7 million in the same financial year.

Outlook

As the Deception Bay couple begins adjusting to their unexpected windfall, they are preparing to outline long-term plans, particularly around housing. Their $5 ticket, bought during an unplanned lunch stop, has become one of the most notable prize events recorded in Queensland for FY25, shifting their immediate and future goals in a significant way.

Published 17-Nov-2025

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.

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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

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.

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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

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

Photo Credit: myPolice Moreton

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

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