deception bay Archives - Page 2 of 6

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

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

Deception Bay School Awarded $10K for Percussion Expansion

Photo Credit: Yamaha

Deception Bay State High School has received a $10,000 grant to strengthen its percussion music program, becoming one of five schools nationwide to be awarded in 2025.

Background and Context

Deception Bay State High School has been awarded a 2025 Yamaha Great Start Grant, joining four other schools across Australia. The grant, announced by Yamaha Music Australia on 30 May 2025, is part of a national initiative aimed at supporting school drum and percussion programs.

Equipment and Program Details

The school plans to use the $10,000 funding to purchase timpani and snare drums. These additions are expected to enhance the school’s percussion studio, which already supports a marching drumline alongside other ensembles. Currently, around 70 students from Years 7 to 12 are involved in the school’s instrumental music program, with 20 participating in percussion.

Grant Objectives and Rationale

Yamaha’s Great Start Grant focuses on supplying schools with Yamaha drum kits, percussion instruments, Paiste cymbals, and other accessories to enrich music education. Deception Bay’s application, led by percussion specialist Bec Quain during her first term, was selected based on its potential to transform the school’s music offerings and increase student engagement.

Yamaha Great Start Grant — Photo Credit: Yamaha

Community Support and Vision

According to the school’s acting Head of Arts, the grant represents a significant opportunity for students and helps reduce financial barriers to participation. The school absorbs most program costs to ensure accessibility. There are also plans to grow the program further, strengthen partnerships with local primary schools, and increase real-world performance opportunities.

Outlook

The Yamaha grant is expected to play a key role in expanding music access and enhancing student experience at Deception Bay State High School. As part of a broader commitment to inclusive education, the initiative may set the foundation for further growth in arts engagement across the region.

Published 8-Aug-2025

Stabbing Leaves One Seriously Injured in Deception Bay Street Clash

A 54-year-old man has been hospitalised with serious injuries after a violent fight involving a machete and knife broke out in Deception Bay.

What Police Found at the Scene

The altercation unfolded just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, 28 June, on Bailey Road, Deception Bay. A 54-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in the abdomen while trying to break up a family dispute and was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition.

Police also found a 33-year-old man with a head injury, who has been accused of carrying out the stabbing. A 20-year-old man was reportedly involved and later found with dangerous drugs and drug utensils. Witnesses told police they saw someone run toward the property with a crowbar around the time of the incident.

Charges and Court Dates

The 33-year-old man has been charged with acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable and is currently in custody after treatment for a minor head injury. He is due to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on 22 August. The 20-year-old man was charged with assault, drug possession, and possession of drug utensils.

He remains in custody and is set to face Redcliffe Magistrates Court on 23 July. Police say the individuals involved are known to each other, and the attack was not random.

Public Asked to Assist

Detectives are asking anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from Bailey Road between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. that evening to contact them. Footage or information from the public could help investigators understand exactly what led to the violent escalation.

Authorities are continuing to piece together the moments before and during the fight, and further updates are expected once court proceedings begin.

Community Impact

The stabbing has stirred fresh concern in Deception Bay, adding to a growing list of violent incidents reported in the past year. While police say the people involved knew each other, locals are unsettled by the rise in public fights involving weapons.

Officers have stepped up patrols in response, targeting drug activity and knife-related crime. Community leaders are now calling on residents to stay alert and speak up. They say stronger neighbourhood awareness is key to preventing further violence.

Published 10-July-2025

Infrastructure and Services Expansion in North Lakes, Dakabin and Deception Bay

Photo Credit: QLD Gov

North Lakes, Dakabin and Deception Bay are set to receive targeted investments in health, education, policing, and infrastructure under the 2025–26 Queensland Budget.

Investments Target Key Growth Corridors

The 2025–26 Queensland Budget allocates funding to major infrastructure, education and community projects in North Lakes, Dakabin and Deception Bay, aligning with broader development plans across Moreton Bay. The Redcliffe Hospital, which services residents in these suburbs, will undergo a significant expansion, while additional upgrades to police and transport services are also included.

Hospital and Healthcare Upgrades

A key investment includes the expansion of Redcliffe Hospital, adding at least 210 new overnight beds as part of the Hospital Rescue Plan. The project is intended to improve healthcare access for suburbs such as North Lakes and Deception Bay. Additional parking facilities are also planned to support patients, carers and staff.

Caboolture Hospital will undergo a $367.7 million redevelopment, with a further $15 million allocated for a new paediatric outpatients area.

Community Safety Measures in Place

To enhance law enforcement capabilities in the region, the POLAIR aerial police operations will be extended to include Moreton Bay. This initiative is supported by a broader $100 million expansion. A new State Emergency Service depot will also be delivered in Deception Bay, backed by a $3.75 million commitment.

Statewide policing resources will grow with the addition of 1,600 new recruits and upgrades in equipment, which will support local units operating in suburbs such as Dakabin and North Lakes.

Bruce Highway upgrade — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Road and Rail Improvements

Residents of Deception Bay and North Lakes are expected to benefit from upgrades to the Bruce Highway, which forms a major commuter route through the region. These works are part of a $9 billion program aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.

Planning for the Wave Project — a proposed passenger rail connection between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast — has received an additional $40 million. This project is expected to improve future connectivity for Dakabin and North Lakes as part of the Moreton Bay corridor.

Education and Skills Development

A new special school is planned for Moreton Bay South, which is expected to serve families in Dakabin and North Lakes. Pine Rivers State High School will receive $9.6 million to deliver new specialist classrooms.

Young residents across the region will benefit from statewide education support programs, including the $100 Back to School Boost and $200 Play On! vouchers. Free apprenticeships across 130 priority courses will also be available for locals under 25.

Moreton Bay Budget — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Environmental and Housing Commitments

The “Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030” initiative will receive $35 million to upgrade stormwater infrastructure, aiming to reduce litter entering Moreton Bay. The region is also targeted in the broader $5.6 billion social and community housing program, with 487 homes under construction and funding flowing through the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.

Regional Training Hub and Support Services

Dakabin will host the new $15 million Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital and Education Hub. Additionally, the Moreton Bay TAFE Centre of Excellence will receive $60 million to strengthen trade and skills training for local residents, including those in Deception Bay and North Lakes.

Published 27-June-2025

New Dog Parks Planned for Mango Hill, Deception Bay, and Rothwell

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay

Residents of North Lakes, Mango Hill, Deception Bay, Rothwell, and surrounding areas will soon have more places to exercise their furry friends, with several new off-leash dog parks planned.

More Off-Leash Areas Coming

dog parks — *Photo Credit:* *Moreton Bay*

Council is adding twenty-one new off-leash dog areas to the region’s parks and the 68 already available. After reviewing the city, the council added more areas because people wanted more places to take their dogs.

Peter Flannery said they were planning for the future. He said the Council knew people wanted places to walk and play with their dogs and was listening to what they wanted.

Where Will the New Parks Be?

The new parks will be in different suburbs across Moreton Bay. Some of the places being looked at are:

Fauna Way Park (Ningi)
Bribie Pines Reserve (Ningi)
Henry Bishop Park (Caboolture)
Van Der Meer Drive Park (Burpengary East)
Marlene Street (Bellmere)
Central Springs Parade Park (Caboolture)
731 Memorial Drive (North Lakes)
Elderflower Circuit Reserve (Griffin)
Halpine Lake Reserve (Mango Hill)
Oxley Street Park (North Lakes)
Kindred Court (Mango Hill)
Tysoe Street Park (Deception Bay)
Tacoma Park (Rothwell)
Apex Park (Woody Point)
Pineapple Farm Park (Strathpine)
McCullagh Park (Narangba)
Morris Park (Elimbah)
Delaneys Creek Pony Club (Delaneys Creek)
Mulligan Crescent Park (Elimbah)
Trinity Way Park (Morayfield)
Cash Street Park (D’Aguilar).

What Happens Next?

Before any parks are built, the Council will check each site carefully. They will make sure it meets Council rules and talk to people in the local area. This ensures the parks are good for everyone and don’t harm the environment.

Pet Owners: Remember to Register Your Pets

Council also wants to remind people to register their pets. It’s important to keep your pet’s details up to date. This includes your address, phone number, and whether your pet has been desexed, rehomed, or died. You can get your renewal notices by email. Pensioners can get a discount on pet registration. You can register and update your details on Council’s website: moretonbay.qld.gov.au/animals

Keeping Pets Safe

Council has some tips for keeping your pets safe:

Register your pet: All cats and dogs must be registered within 14 days of moving to Moreton Bay or by 12 weeks of age.
Microchipping: Cats and dogs aged between 8 and 12 weeks must be microchipped.
Identification: Pets must wear a tag with your contact details when they leave home.
Secure your yard: Make sure your yard is secure so your pet can’t escape.
Desex your pet: Desexing can improve your pet’s health and behaviour. Council offers cheaper registration for desexed pets.

Published Date 20-May-2025