North Brisbane Archives - North Lakes Today

Free Drive-In Movie Night Brings Nostalgic Entertainment to Narangba

Families across North Lakes and Narangba can enjoy a classic drive-in cinema experience when a free outdoor screening comes to Ferrier Road Park on Friday 20 February, featuring the recently released family adventure The Minecraft Movie.

The event runs from 6pm to 9pm and invites residents to park their vehicles, tune car radios to a designated frequency, and watch the film on a large outdoor screen. The screening represents part of an ongoing program of free community events designed to bring residents together across the region.

Drive-In Cinema Resurgence

The drive-in format has experienced renewed interest in recent years, tapping into nostalgia for an entertainment style that once dominated Australian leisure. At their peak in the early 1980s, around 350 drive-in cinemas operated across Australia, with Queensland hosting numerous venues including the Skyline Drive-In at Coopers Plains and Starlight Drive-In at Aspley.

Today, only around a dozen drive-in cinemas continue to operate regularly across Australia, making pop-up screenings like the Narangba event especially appealing for families chasing that classic drive-in experience. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked renewed appreciation for drive-in entertainment as a socially-distanced option, with many operators reviving the format for community events.

Queensland’s remaining permanent drive-in venues include the Tivoli Drive-In Theatre in Ipswich and Yatala Drive-In at Stapylton, both of which report strong attendance during school holidays and summer months despite competition from streaming services and multiplex cinemas.

The Minecraft Movie Draws Families

The featured film for the Narangba screening is The Minecraft Movie, a live-action adaptation of the world’s best-selling video game that was released in Australian cinemas in April 2025. The film stars Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, following four unlikely characters transported into the blocky Overworld where they must work together to find their way home.

Free drive-in movie — Photo Credit: What’s On Moreton Bay / Facebook

The PG-rated adventure emphasizes teamwork, courage, and creativity—themes central to the Minecraft gaming experience that has sold over 300 million copies worldwide. While some scenes may confuse younger viewers, the film targets families with school-aged children who have likely encountered Minecraft through gaming or online content.

The movie generated significant box office success upon release, connecting with both dedicated Minecraft fans and families seeking accessible entertainment. Its selection for the Narangba screening reflects the film’s broad appeal across age groups and its suitability for outdoor family viewing.

Event Details and Accessibility

The Ferrier Road Park screening will display closed captions throughout the film to support accessibility for hearing-impaired attendees. Dogs are welcome at the event but must remain on leads at all times, acknowledging that Ferrier Road Park is a large unfenced area popular with dog owners.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks, embracing the traditional drive-in experience where families would pack food and settle in for an evening under the stars. The film’s runtime allows the screening to conclude before 9pm, making it manageable for families with younger children on a school night.

Ferrier Road Park provides ample space for vehicles to park with clear sightlines to the screen, while maintaining the social aspect of shared entertainment that makes drive-in cinema distinct from home viewing. The park’s location in Narangba makes it accessible to families throughout the northern Moreton Bay region including North Lakes, Mango Hill, and surrounding suburbs.

Practical Considerations

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure good parking, as viewing angles depend on vehicle placement. While the event begins at 6pm to allow for setup, the film will start at dusk, depending on light conditions.

Drivers should monitor car battery use if running accessories, with portable radios recommended as an alternative.

Scheduled near the end of the summer school holidays in parts of Queensland, the free Narangba screening offers a cost-effective option for families, particularly in fast-growing areas like North Lakes and Narangba where demand for community events is rising. Its nostalgic appeal also spans generations, allowing parents and grandparents to share a classic drive-in experience with younger family members.

Make sure to check out whatsonmoretonbay.com.au for more information.

Published 1-February-2026.

Operation Victor Surface Underway to Curb Copper Wire Theft Across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay

Photo Credit: Energex

A sweeping effort dubbed Operation Victor Surface is underway in the suburbs north of Brisbane and in Moreton Bay, as part of efforts to curb the rampant theft of copper wire across those areas.

The operation is enlisting the support of the public in reporting similar crimes in order to assist ongoing investigations.

On 4 Aug 2023, a targeted search warrant was executed at a property on Kinsellas Road in Mango Hill. During the operation, a substantial cache of allegedly stolen copper wire was uncovered. Notably, police also seized a variety of tools, a firearm, and registration plates from a shed on the premises.

A 47-year-old resident of Mango Hill was apprehended and subsequently charged with multiple offences. These include two counts each of copper theft, receiving stolen copper and tools, and possession of dangerous drugs (cannabis and diazepam).

Additionally, the suspect faces charges of possessing a Category A weapon (rifle), explosives (ammunition), and drug paraphernalia (pipe and scales), as well as three counts of stealing registration plates. The accused appeared at the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on 15 Sept 2023.

In the wake of this apprehension, law enforcement also executed search warrants at addresses in Camira and South Brisbane on 12 and 15 August. During these operations, investigators uncovered stripped insulation materials and documents indicating the sale of over 1.9 tonnes of copper wire to metal recyclers over a six-week period.

A 39-year-old Camira resident has also found himself facing a litany of charges, including entering premises and committing an indictable offence, fraud, stealing, possessing dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, as well as various traffic-related matters. The accused remains in police custody, with his next court appearance set for 16 October in Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Similarly, a 38-year-old Karalee man found himself in custody, facing charges of four counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, possessing dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, and various driving offences. He appeared at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 15 September.

Furthermore, a 35-year-old South Brisbane resident has been charged with six counts of entering premises to commit an indictable offence, stealing, and fraud on 28 August.

Operation Victor Surface investigators assert that the suspects apprehended in these operations have caused over $320,000 in damages and significant delays in various infrastructure projects across the greater Brisbane region. The theft of copper wire and other metals not only jeopardizes the safety of the thieves themselves but also poses substantial risks to legitimate workers and the wider community.

Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information related to copper thefts. They emphasize the importance of reporting anything that appears suspicious or out of place.

In a statement, Energex underscored the dangerous consequences of stealing copper and other equipment from the electricity network. Thieves have not only suffered injuries and fatalities but have also endangered innocent bystanders by leaving live sections of the high-voltage electricity network exposed.

Additionally, the community has borne the financial burden of the necessary repairs following such thefts. Energex expressed their gratitude to the Queensland Police Service for their dedicated efforts in apprehending copper thieves.

Energex encourages the public to immediately report any suspicious activities around or damage to the electricity network, emphasizing the paramount importance of public safety and community well-being.

Operation Victor Surface represents an ongoing commitment to combat copper theft in the region, with authorities determined to address this perilous and costly criminal activity head-on.

Published 18-Sept-2023

A Special Play and Bonding Event for Mums and Bubs is Happening at Deception Bay

Are you a mum with a baby under 15 months old? Do you face challenges entertaining your child and are you wondering if the baby is developing physically and mentally well? You might want to join a special mum and baby event in Deception Bay this July to gain some insights on how to create a healthy and stimulating environment for your baby.

On Wednesday, the 17th of July 2019, Maggie Moo Music will hold a special mum and baby event at the Florentia Florist and Coffee Bar on Bailey Road. Be there with your bub from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to mingle with other mums and their babies, as well as discuss your baby concerns with child experts.

Participants at this event will learn to do baby massages as well as gain sleep tips for toddlers from the experts. The babies, on the other hand, will be happily settled in a play environment where their senses will be piqued.

“Messy play sessions promote sensory exploration, foster imagination, enhance colour recognition, encourage experiments and create a positive attitude towards new experiences,” Karlien Snyman of Maggie Moo Music said.

“Most importantly, babies and children get to explore in conjunction with our educational Maggie Moo Music which further enhances their learning experience.”

Register by the 10th of July as slots are limited. The whole session costs $32, which includes lunch. Phone 0458108121 for inquiries.

Maggie Moo Music holds regular music sessions with parents or adult carers for children between 0 to 5 years old. Learn about their classes in North Brisbane in the video below.