deception bay Archives - North Lakes Today

Deception Bay’s 50m Pool Will Stay Unheated, Despite a Push from Local Swimmers

A petition calling for the 50-metre pool at Deception Bay Aquatic Centre to be heated and opened year-round has not succeeded, with the City of Moreton Bay citing low patronage as the reason heating the outdoor pool is not financially viable.

The petition, organised by local swimmer Emanuela Bassi, gathered 53 signatures from residents calling for the facility at 153 Maine Terrace to remain open through winter, currently May to August. The response, delivered following a general meeting earlier this month, was clear: the numbers do not stack up.

“The very low patronage of Deception Bay’s 50m pool means it is currently not sustainable to install heaters and subsidise the cost of energy, water, staff, and maintenance at this venue,” a City of Moreton Bay spokesperson said.

A Facility with Everything But a Heater

While the Deception Bay Aquatic Centre already hosts a heated indoor programme pool for therapy and rehabilitation, it’s the outdoor 50m pool that lap swimmers rely on that remains cold and closed throughout the winter.

Photo Credit: Deception Bay Aquatic Centre

For Bassi, who swims at the centre four or five times a week, that distinction matters enormously. She drives further to access a heated 50m pool each winter and says she is not alone in that inconvenience.

“I had a chat last year with some people coming to swim and all of them would have stayed in Deception Bay in winter if the pool was heated,” she said. “It’s a beautiful facility. It’s big, has a 50m pool, everything is there. If they organised winter classes, like in Redcliffe and Burpengary, people would come in winter.”

Bassi ran the petition as a trial run rather than an organised campaign, and believes a stronger effort could attract more support.

“I did this as a trial, not knowing if anyone else felt the same way. I think I could have raised more signatures if I was there.”

Where to Swim This Winter

For Deception Bay, Murrumba Downs, Dayboro and Woodford residents whose local pools will close in May, the City of Moreton Bay has pointed to three nearby heated alternatives: Redcliffe War Memorial Pool, which features a 50m indoor heated pool; Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre; and North Lakes Aquatic Centre, which offers both indoor and outdoor heated pools alongside aqua aerobics, squad training and learn-to-swim programmes.

Deception Bay Aquatic Centre is at 153 Maine Terrace, Deception Bay. For seasonal opening hours and programme information, visit deceptionbaypool.com.au or call the centre directly at 07 3204 7845.

Published 29-April-2026

Deception Bay Team Takes Part In Couch Surf Fundraiser For Youth Housing Support

Photo Credit: Couch Surfing

A Deception Bay early learning centre is taking part in a community sleepover initiative, with staff giving up their beds to support young people experiencing homelessness.

A Sleepover With Purpose In Deception Bay

At Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay, staff are preparing to swap their usual routines for a night on blow-up mattresses and sleeping bags inside the centre.

Around 12 team members will take part in the overnight stay on 15 April, marking Youth Homelessness Matters Day. The group will set up simple bedding on classroom mats to reflect the temporary and uncertain sleeping conditions faced by many young people without a stable home.

The experience is designed to bring attention to the realities of housing instability, offering a small but practical way for participants to engage with the issue.

*Photo Credit: Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay*

Local Action Linked To A Wider Campaign

The Deception Bay sleepover forms part of Couch Surf for a Cause, a community-wide initiative led by Chameleon Housing.

The campaign encourages individuals, workplaces and community groups to organise sleepovers between April 11 and 19, with a strong focus on April 15 to coincide with Youth Homelessness Matters Day.

Participants are asked to give up their beds for one night, seek support from family and friends, and contribute funds towards services that assist young people experiencing homelessness.

Supporting Young People Facing Housing Instability

Chameleon Housing provides crisis and short-term accommodation, alongside programs that support young people in building independence.

This includes housing for young families, life-skills development, and support during early parenting stages, as well as services tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Over the past five years, the organisation has assisted 184 individuals, most aged between 15 and 25, many of whom have experienced frequent moves or relied on couch surfing due to a lack of secure housing.

A Shared Effort Beyond The Classroom

The Deception Bay team has approached the sleepover as both a fundraising effort and a way to strengthen connections within the workplace.

The evening is expected to include simple activities such as board games, a shared meal and time together, while maintaining a clear focus on the purpose behind the event.

The participation also reflects an existing connection between the early learning centre and Chameleon Housing, reinforcing a broader commitment to community support.

Turning Awareness Into Practical Support

Couch Surf for a Cause invites participation in different forms, from hosting sleepovers to organising small fundraising activities.

Funds raised contribute to accommodation and essential support, with examples including providing a night of housing for a young person or assisting with basic household needs as they transition to more stable living arrangements.

In Deception Bay, the initiative demonstrates how local participation can contribute to a wider effort to address youth homelessness, using simple actions to raise awareness and support ongoing services.

Published 14-Apr-2026

Early Intervention Program Targets At-Risk Youth In Deception Bay

Photo Credit: Pexels

A 12-week early intervention program for children aged 8 to 12 is being delivered in Deception Bay through Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre.

Deception Bay Youth Program Targets Early Signs Of Risk

A structured early intervention initiative is now underway in Deception Bay, delivered by Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre, a community organisation operating since 1992.

The program, known as STEP-UP, focuses on children showing early signs of antisocial behaviour and social disengagement. It is designed to address these behaviours before they develop into long-term patterns, with a focus on accountability and emotional regulation.

Working With Families To Strengthen Support Systems

The Deception Bay program combines group mentoring with direct family involvement, recognising the role of home and school environments in shaping behaviour.

Families are engaged throughout the 12-week program to help strengthen connections with schools and support positive behavioural development. The approach aims to ensure consistent guidance for children both during and beyond the program.

Part Of Broader Youth Engagement Across The Region

The Deception Bay initiative forms part of a wider rollout of early intervention programs across Greater Brisbane, including areas within Moreton Bay and Redlands.

Four organisations are delivering targeted programs under a shared funding pool exceeding $1 million. These initiatives focus on engaging at-risk youth through structured support such as mentoring, education-linked activities and skill development.

Other programs in the rollout include practical mentoring activities and music-based engagement designed to support emotional development and social connection.

Community Activities Supporting Families In Deception Bay

Alongside the early intervention program, Deception Bay continues to host activities that promote connection and support within the community.

Neighbour Day 2026 is scheduled for Sunday 29 March, encouraging everyday interactions among residents. Weekly Laughter Circle sessions are also held on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 7 Joseph Crescent.

A free Easter Community Connect Day will take place on Wednesday 1 April from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Deception Bay Hall, offering activities and access to local services for families.

Focus On Early Engagement In Deception Bay

The Deception Bay program centres on early engagement, aiming to respond to behavioural concerns at a stage where intervention can still influence long-term outcomes.

By working with children and their families, the program supports stronger behavioural foundations and improved connections with education and community structures.

Published 23-Mar-2026

First Nations Youth Mental Health Service Opens In Deception Bay

Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN

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.

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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