Bluey and Bingo Head to Petrie for the G’day Little Queenslanders Celebration

On Sunday, 26 October 2025, G’day Little Queenslanders will host a morning of celebration and community connection at The Mill at Petrie.


Read: Petrie May Host Brisbane 2032’s Largest Timber Venue


Proudly presented by Queensland, the free family event celebrates the state’s youngest residents, affectionately known as “Little Queenslanders,” while connecting parents, carers and community services in a welcoming setting.

A key highlight of the morning will be a Live Interactive Experience featuring Bluey and Bingo, giving children the chance to see the popular TV characters in person. Families can also enjoy children’s entertainment, food trucks serving local treats, and community stalls offering information and resources to support Queensland families.

Photo credit: Facebook/QLD Government

Parents of babies and toddlers can register on the day to receive a personalised keepsake certificate, officially welcoming their child into Queensland’s growing story. The certificates are available for children aged 0–2 and serve as a memento for families marking those early years.

The event aims to celebrate families and strengthen connections between Queenslanders with young children. For many parents, especially those with newborns, opportunities to meet others and discover local services can be invaluable, and G’day Little Queenslanders provides just that.

Photo credit: Mark Teale/Google Maps

The Mill at Petrie will host the celebration in its open community space, with plenty of room for families to relax, enjoy the entertainment and spend time together. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and make the most of the morning’s activities.

The Petrie celebration is one of several stops on the G’day Little Queenslanders tour, which also includes Townsville, Redlands Coast and Cairns throughout October and November. Each event offers families across Queensland a chance to celebrate their newest members and learn more about local community resources.


Read: Plans Submitted for Major Student Accommodation in Petrie


Whether you are a parent, grandparent or carer, this free morning of family fun is an opportunity to enjoy time together, meet others and create a few happy memories.

For more details and to pre-register for your Little Queenslander’s certificate, visit qld.gov.au/littlequeenslanders.

Published 22-October-2025

Eco Fest Returns to UniSC Moreton Bay with Dr Karl Leading the Green Conversation

Petrie’s UniSC Moreton Bay campus will transform into a sustainability hub as the Moreton Bay Eco Fest returns this November, bringing families, community groups, and experts together for a day of learning and action.



A Day for the Community

The free community festival runs on Sunday, 9 November 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UniSC Moreton Bay, Petrie. It is presented by the City of Moreton Bay and delivered by Tourism and Events Moreton Bay.

The Eco Fest promotes simple, practical ways for locals to live more sustainably. Families will explore interactive activities, workshops, and live demonstrations covering topics from recycling to gardening and conservation.

The event invites everyone to take part, whether they are long-time environmental advocates or residents looking to start small changes at home.

Dr Karl Takes the Stage

Australia’s well-known science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM will headline the main stage, offering his signature mix of curiosity and clarity to help visitors understand environmental science in everyday terms. 

His appearance is arranged through Claxton Speakers International and adds a strong educational highlight to the festival.

What to Expect

Festivalgoers will find community stalls, educational booths, and local food vendors throughout the venue. The main stage will feature a full lineup of entertainment and sustainability talks announced later in the year. 

Entry is free, but organisers encourage early arrival to enjoy all scheduled activities. The campus’ status as a wildlife reserve means pets are not permitted, though service animals are welcome.

Supporting Local Action

Mayor Peter Flannery said Eco Fest gives locals a chance to connect, learn, and take small steps toward positive change. Stallholder registrations close on Friday, 5 September 2025. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to showcase sustainable ideas and products. 



Partners like Belgravia Leisure, Australian Trade College North Brisbane, Epic Assist, Bishopp, and Akyra Strategy & Development support the shared goal of making sustainability part of daily life.

Published 13-October-2025

Site Secured for $60 Million TAFE Centre of Excellence in Petrie

A $60 million TAFE Centre of Excellence will be developed in Petrie, following the completion of a land transfer that allows construction to begin in 2026 at the Moreton Bay Central site. The new facility will expand training opportunities across key industries while supporting the region’s growing workforce needs.



New Skills and Manufacturing Hub in Petrie

The planned Moreton Bay TAFE Centre of Excellence will feature an Advanced Manufacturing Hub to strengthen the region’s billion-dollar manufacturing sector. The hub will focus on providing hands-on, industry-aligned training in construction, engineering, electrotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. The project aims to give residents the opportunity to train and work locally, supporting workforce retention and regional development.

TAFE Centre Petrie
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Land Transfer and Construction Timeline

Located within the Moreton Bay Central precinct, the site will be transferred from the City of Moreton Bay to the Queensland Government, marking an important step towards the project’s delivery. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026. The facility’s location—next to the future Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, a confirmed venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games—positions it as a key investment in long-term regional growth.

TAFE Centre of Excellence
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Expanding Training Capacity Across Queensland

The Petrie facility is part of a $201.1 million initiative to establish four new TAFE Centres of Excellence across the state, alongside Caloundra, Rockhampton, and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. The project will introduce modern training technologies such as augmented reality and smart learning hubs, providing students with access to real-world, job-ready experience. This initiative seeks to bridge skills gaps in high-demand sectors and strengthen the local labour market.

manufacturing hub
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

Supporting Local Growth and Innovation

The Centre of Excellence is expected to enhance Moreton Bay’s reputation as an education and innovation hub. Local officials have welcomed the project, noting its proximity to the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus, which opens possibilities for collaboration between tertiary education and vocational training. The new facility is also anticipated to boost local employment, promote advanced manufacturing, and equip the region with a future-ready workforce.

Future Outlook for Petrie



Set to begin construction in 2026, the Moreton Bay TAFE Centre of Excellence will deliver a lasting contribution to Petrie and the surrounding region. Once complete, it will serve as a cornerstone for education, training, and economic growth, providing high-quality facilities that meet the evolving needs of local industries.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Petrie May Host Brisbane 2032’s Largest Timber Venue

Petrie is set to house what may become the largest mass timber venue of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as plans progress for a major indoor sports facility.



Timber Venue Planned in Petrie for Brisbane 2032

A major indoor sports centre proposed for Petrie could become the largest mass timber venue built for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The facility, known as the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, has entered procurement with design tenders now open. If delivered as planned, it will stand out as a key example of sustainable stadium construction in South East Queensland.

Located within the Mill Precinct in Petrie, the project is being overseen by the Games Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) in collaboration with the Queensland and Australian governments, as well as the City of Moreton Bay. Early works have already started at the site, and the venue has been formally included in the 2032 Delivery Plan announced in March 2025.

Timber Olympic venue
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Timber Design and Sporting Features

The venue will feature mass timber elements across its two-hall layout, accommodating 12 indoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, gymnastics, futsal, pickleball, badminton, and wheelchair rugby. It is expected to seat up to 10,000 spectators. During the Games, the centre is earmarked for boxing events and may be used for other indoor competitions.

Officials have been working on the timber-focused design for over a year, aligning the venue with broader sustainability goals for Olympic infrastructure. The City of Moreton Bay will retain ownership of the facility, which is also intended to address long-term community demand for indoor sports space.

The Mill Precinct
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Timeline and Local Contribution

The project is moving into its detailed design phase, with procurement for the Principal Design Consultant underway. Major construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected in 2029. Legacy operations for the local community will commence shortly after, with a transition to post-Games use in late 2032.



The City of Moreton Bay has contributed the land and enabling works, with the broader $7.1 billion Olympic infrastructure package receiving $3.4 billion in federal support. The facility’s construction within Petrie reinforces the suburb’s growing role as a regional hub and reflects a trend towards incorporating engineered timber in major venue designs.

Published 10-July-2025

Petrie to Host Olympic Boxing as $205M Sports Centre Project Kicks Off

A brand-new indoor sports centre in Petrie is set to host boxing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, placing the fast-growing Moreton Bay suburb squarely on the international sporting stage.



Construction Timeline and Cost

A $205 million Indoor Sports Centre will be built at The Mill in Petrie, near the University of the Sunshine Coast. Site work begins by June 2025, with major construction completing by 2028 to ensure readiness for the Games.

The project is being funded jointly by the Queensland and federal governments through the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program, which supports Olympic infrastructure in suburban and regional areas.

Facilities and Features

When finished, the indoor sports centre will feature 12 multi-use courts across two large halls. These will be suitable for basketball, netball, volleyball, futsal, badminton, pickleball and wheelchair rugby. It will also include player change rooms, a café, meeting rooms, and more than 300 car spaces.

During the 2032 Olympic Games, the venue will transform into a boxing arena with a seating capacity of up to 10,000. After the Games, the space will revert to a community facility for local sports, events, and other large-scale activities.

Local Impact and Community Focus

The centre is being developed with the surrounding population in mind. Nearly 700,000 people live within a 30-minute drive of Petrie, and demand for modern indoor sporting venues in the Moreton Bay region has been rising.

Games officials stress the facility is designed for both the Olympics and long-term community use, serving local schools, clubs, and events year-round. It will be fully accessible for people of all abilities.

Sustainability Goals and Broader Legacy

The indoor centre aims for a 6-Star Green Star rating, highlighting its strong focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental performance, making it one of Queensland’s most ambitious Olympic venues. 



It forms part of a broader state plan to use the Brisbane 2032 Games as a springboard for long-term benefits, with facilities like the Petrie centre supporting lasting improvements alongside transport and tourism upgrades.

Published 11-May-2025

Plans Submitted for Major Student Accommodation in Petrie

A six-storey residential building featuring 301 student accommodation rooms and a ground-floor café could soon be built in Petrie, pending development approval.


Read: New Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre in Petrie Moves Closer to Reality


The proposed site at 47 Old Dayboro Road spans 3,162 square meters and aims to support the growing demand for student housing near the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Petrie Campus.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay DA Tracker

Key Details of the Proposal:

  • Accommodation Types:
    • 151 Standard Studios
    • 4 Premium Studios
    • 23 Two-Bedroom Clusters
    • 25 Four-Bedroom Clusters
  • Facilities:
    • 301 bicycle parking spaces
    • 106 car parking spaces
    • A café integrated on the ground floor

The proposed development, designed by Plus Architecture, has been described by planners as an ideal addition to the area.

“The site is ideally suited to this type of development given its proximity to established centre uses, public transport facilities, and the University of Sunshine Coast Petrie Campus,” they stated.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay DA Tracker

“The proposed development aims to support the expansion of the UniSC campus under The Mill Moreton Bay PDA by increasing the supply of high-quality student accommodation,” planners explained.

They also emphasized the integration of the café, which they say will “encourage interaction among residents and the wider community.”

“Overall, the proposed development intends to strengthen neighbourhood connectivity and sustainability through its design,” they added.

Photo credit: Elliott Bledsoe/Google Maps

The planners noted the development’s focus on active transport, stating: “With consideration to the site’s proximity to the UniSC campus and its strong connectivity to existing active transport networks, this development seeks to focus on the specific parking needs of its anticipated residents. This is aligned with the purpose and rationale of the proposed development, which seeks to provide student accommodation.”


Read: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities: New Home Construction Underway in Petrie


If approved, the building would represent a significant milestone in Petrie’s transformation under The Mill Moreton Bay Priority Development Area, supporting both the UniSC campus and the broader community.

Published 24-December-2024

Petrie Parish Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Community Spirit

Our Lady of the Way Parish Petrie marked its 60th anniversary on October 20, 2024, with hundreds of parishioners gathering for Mass and community celebrations.



Margaret Plackowski, who has been with the parish since its early days, described the mid-1960s as an exciting time for the community. “It was reasonably well established, with the locals very keen to have a church here,” she said. She noted that 1966 brought significant changes as Second Vatican Council reforms began reaching local churches.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Petrie Catholic Parish

The parish’s emphasis on community has remained constant throughout its history. Plackowski recalled how prayer and rosary groups, scripture readings, and parish events were common in the formative years. “We were encouraged to always be a welcoming community, to welcome new parishioners and anybody who felt interested in learning about our Church,” she said.

Michael Marlow, baptised in the parish in 1974, became actively involved after leaving school. His participation grew from joining the youth group to eventually leading it. He highlighted the parish’s Mercy Nights during Pope Francis’ year of mercy in 2016, which featured community scripture readings and worship music on Friday nights. These events, according to Marlow, helped bridge the gap between charismatic groups and traditional parishioners.

Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge attended the anniversary celebration alongside past and present parish priests, including current parish priest Fr Geo Francis. In the parish newsletter, Fr Francis expressed gratitude to the community, describing the church’s history as “a tapestry laced with devotion, love and sacrifice.” He acknowledged the commitment of clergy, volunteers, and parishioners both past and present.

The anniversary celebrations included special recognition of the Parish’s programs and ministries, along with the editorial team that produced a commemorative history.



Looking to the future, Marlow expressed hope that the parish would become “one big family” well integrated with local schools, working together for the common good.

Published 29-October-2024

Vet Nurse from Petrie Issues Warning Over Pet Microchip Scam

Pet owners are urged to remain cautious following warnings from Petrie vet nurse Tabatha Whitehead, who has confirmed that microchips are registered for a pet’s lifetime and should not require renewal.



Whitehead, a local vet nurse at Pet Care Hub, highlighted concerns after a wave of scam emails circulated among Queenslanders, falsely claiming that pet owners needed to renew their animal’s microchip registration. She urged pet owners to know that microchips do not expire and emphasised the importance of reporting such scams to their vet immediately if they receive a suspicious email. 

Growing Concern in Queensland

The scam, which has sparked concern across Queensland, involves emails designed to trick pet owners into paying for unnecessary microchip renewal. According to Queensland Police, the fraudulent messages often use convincing language and pressure tactics, making recipients believe their pet’s safety could be at risk if they fail to act quickly.

Police have advised that these emails frequently use the names of well-known microchip companies, asking recipients to update their contact details and pay through a provided link. However, authorities and veterinary professionals, including Whitehead, have confirmed that microchips are permanent and do not require renewal payment.

Scammers tend to create a false sense of urgency to exploit pet owners.

“The Financial and Cyber Crime Group urges Queenslanders to always verify the authenticity of any request for payment, especially when it involves personal information or financial transactions,” the QPS spokesperson said.

microchip scam
Photo Credit: Pixabay

How to Stay Protected

Authorities recommend that pet owners stay alert for any emails or text messages asking for personal or payment details, especially if the requests seem urgent or unfamiliar. Scamwatch has also advised the public to avoid clicking on links from suspicious sources and to verify any claims by contacting the relevant company directly.



The RSPCA also confirmed that microchipping is a permanent form of electronic identification, and owners only need to ensure their contact information is current in case address or phone number changes.

Published 25-Sept-2024

Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre in Petrie Validated as Olympic Venue

The $205-million Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre in Petrie has passed the project validation phase, paving the way for the construction of a key Brisbane 2032 Olympic venue that will likely host boxing events and accommodate up to 10,000 spectators.



Project Details

The state-of-the-art facility, located about 30km north of Brisbane’s CBD, will feature:

– 12 multi-sport courts across two separate halls
– Capacity for 10,000 spectators during the Olympics
– A café, player change rooms, and 302 car parks
– Office amenities including meeting rooms

The centre is designed to host various sports before and after the Games, including basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, wheelchair rugby, and pickleball.

Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre
Photo Credit: Supplied/QLDGVT

Funding and Timeline

The project will be jointly funded by the state and federal governments as part of the $1.87 billion Queensland-Commonwealth Minor Venues Program. 

Key dates include:

– August 2024: Release of Expressions of Interest for Managing Contractor and Principal Consultant
– November 2024: Expected appointment of Managing Contractor
– 2026-2028: Construction period

“This facility is earmarked to host the boxing events, will have 12 new courts and capacity for about 10,000 games goers come 2032,” Premier Steven Miles said.

Community Benefits

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted the centre’s long-term value: “With almost 700,000 people living within 30 minutes of the centre, it will also have the potential to support community events like concerts, festivals, art performances, school activities and more.”

The project is expected to create around 178 direct full-time equivalent jobs during construction. Additionally, at least 30 per cent of procurement will be sourced from Queensland SMEs, with 10-15 per cent of all project hours to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees.

Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre
Photo Credit: Supplied/QLDGVT

Emma Thomas, CEO of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, emphasized the expanded scope: “One of the big outcomes from this year’s Sport Venue Review was the support for an indoor sports centre in Moreton Bay with the independent panel recommending it be expanded from its original scope of nine courts to 12 courts.”



The centre is planned to be fully accessible and aims to achieve a 6-Star Green Star Building rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

Published 5-Aug-2024

Man Faces Court on Arson Charges for Petrie Businesses Fire

A 35-year-old man has appeared in court for the first time, facing arson charges related to a fire that severely damaged 10 businesses in Petrie in early May.



Brenton Travis Sinn attended the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court via videolink on Thursday, June 6, 2024, after being deported from Sydney. He is charged with arson, entering premises with intent, and attempting to enter premises with intent.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Whiskey Mike Photography

According to police allegations, Sinn entered a business complex at the Beeville and French intersection around 12:20 AM on May 6. He is accused of starting a fire before fleeing the scene. The blaze caused significant damage to several businesses, including Bazza’s Bakehouse, French’s Forest IGA, and a seafood takeaway shop.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Whiskey Mike Photography

Sinn’s lawyer, Andrew Stewart, requested a brief of evidence regarding the arson charge. The court was informed that Sinn had submitted a Legal Aid application, and no bail application was made.



Magistrate Annette Hennessy ordered the brief of evidence for the arson charge to be provided by July 19. She adjourned the case to August 5 for a committal mention at the Pine Rivers Magistrate Court. Sinn was remanded in custody.

Court documents reveal additional allegations against Sinn, including two incidents of leaving service stations without paying for fuel – one in Kallangur in May and another in Nambour on April 30. He is also accused of unlawfully using a motor vehicle between May 5-10 in Sunrise Beach and on April 28 in Maroochydore.

Published 6-June-2024