Who would expect a Guinness World Record motorcycle daredevil to launch through a suburban big top? Families in North Lakes are about to find out when the Circus Rio Spectacular arrives.
Aerialists will dance through the air on silks and straps while a cloudswing artist demonstrates fearless agility overhead. Down on the ground, a contemporary juggler manipulates balls, rings, and up to seven clubs simultaneously—a feat rarely seen anywhere else across the country.
Handbalancing acts, Rou Cyr wheel routines, and grand illusions fill the programme alongside family-friendly comedy.
A three-time Guinness World Record holder, FMX stunt rider Brodie Carmichael, headlines the grand finale with death-defying jumps above the crowd. The Big Top operates as an alcohol-free, family-oriented venue featuring complete wheelchair accessibility, companion card acceptance, and designated ringside seating.
An on-site canteen remains open throughout each performance to serve hot food, snacks, and beverages for local families looking to enjoy a full day out.
The production runs from 18 September through 4 October, bringing international and Australian performers straight to the local community for the spring school holidays. Audiences can secure tickets online or catch the action across two action-packed halves separated by a brief intermission.
Moreton Bay residents can attend screenings of Conquering Breast Cancer at Event Cinemas North Lakes. Featuring survivor stories, medical experts and advocates, the documentary aims to raise awareness and encourage greater support for breast cancer prevention, detection and research.
Presented beginning 10 June by filmmaker Sue Collins and produced by impact filmmakers Mike Hill and Sue Collins, the feature-length documentary combines expert medical insight with the personal experiences of survivors, advocates and researchers working to reduce the impact of breast cancer in Australia.
Among those featured are Olympic legend and breast cancer advocate Raelene Boyle AM, MBE, First Nations survivor and mountaineer Kristal Kinsela, male breast cancer survivor and former professional basketballer Paul Maley, and podcaster Dr Charlotte Tottman. The film also includes insights from leading experts including Professor Bruce Mann, Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips and Associate Professor Christine Chaffer.
Photo Credit: Supplied
More Than 20,000 Australians Diagnosed Every Year
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer overall.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Around 56 people receive a diagnosis every day, while more than 3,300 Australians lose their lives to the disease annually — the equivalent of approximately nine deaths every day.
While the majority of cases occur in women over 50, breast cancer also affects younger Australians. Around 1,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection across all age groups.
The Survivors, Advocates and Experts Behind the Film
Rather than focusing solely on statistics, Conquering Breast Cancer tells the stories of Australians whose lives have been changed by the disease.
The documentary follows survivors, patient advocates and researchers from across the country, exploring everything from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, recurrence, genetic risk and the emotional impact breast cancer can have on individuals and families.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The film also highlights the experiences of people living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as Australians making difficult decisions around preventative treatment after discovering they are at high genetic risk of developing the disease.
Early Detection Remains One of the Strongest Defences
A central theme throughout the documentary is the importance of prevention and early detection.
Medical experts featured in the film discuss advances in screening technologies, personalised risk assessment, targeted therapies and clinical trials that are helping improve outcomes for patients.
While Australia has achieved five-year survival rates of more than 90 per cent, the filmmakers argue that breast cancer is far from solved and that ongoing investment in research, screening programs and access to treatment remains essential.
The documentary also examines how researchers are working towards reducing recurrence rates and improving long-term outcomes for those who have already undergone treatment.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Growing Impact on Australian Families and Communities
Beyond the personal toll, breast cancer continues to have a significant impact on communities across Australia.
More than 160,000 Australians are currently living after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis within the past decade. Research has also shown the disease carries substantial social and economic costs, affecting workforce participation, family wellbeing and quality of life.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The filmmakers hope the documentary will encourage more Australians to understand their personal risk, participate in recommended screening programs and support ongoing efforts to improve prevention, treatment and research.
As the third instalment in the Conquering Cancer documentary series, Conquering Breast Cancer aims to start conversations, challenge complacency and highlight both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.
Westfield North Lakes is bringing Disney and Pixar’s Cars to life with a week-long craft zone, giving families a chance to create keepsakes inspired by Lightning McQueen and friends.
The Disney Cars Craft Zone runs from Saturday, 20 September to Friday, 26 September at Centre Court near Concierge. Activities are open daily between 10 am and 1 pm, with new projects featured across the week. Entry is free and open to children and families.
Each day of the program offers a different craft activity linked to the Cars theme. Children can customise tote bags, decorate pencil cases, or paint their own Cars plasters. The variety means families returning on multiple days can experience something new each visit.
More Than Crafts
The Craft Zone is part of a wider school holiday line-up at Westfield North Lakes. Alongside the Cars activities, children can join a paid LUSH workshop from 1 to 3 October, where participants create their own bath bomb or bubble bar.
Event Cinemas, Planet Arcade, and nearby dining options add further entertainment for families spending the day at the centre.
Added Bonus for Members
Along with the craft activities, Westfield members are eligible to enter a competition running until 13 October. The prize is a three-night family trip to Disneyland Resort in California, including access to Cars Land. The package covers return flights for two adults and two children, provided in partnership with Flight Centre.
In partnership with Disney, Westfield is offering members a chance to win a 3-night family holiday to Disneyland Resort in California, including Cars Land, thanks to Flight Centre. Enter daily via the Westfield app from 18 September to 13 October
Community-Focused School Holiday Activities
Westfield highlights the program as a family-friendly way to keep children engaged during the break. The North Lakes page also points out quieter hours in the centre for visitors who prefer a calmer environment.
Westfield North Lakes is set to transform into an enchanted realm of Disney Princess magic! From Monday, September 16 to Sunday, September 22, families can immerse themselves in a world of wonder and creativity with the ‘Spark Magic’ Disney Princess collaboration.
The centrepiece of this magical event is the Disney Princess Adventure, an immersive viewing experience that promises to captivate visitors of all ages. Each day from 10am to 2pm, the shopping centre will come alive with a variety of princess-themed activities designed to spark imagination and create lasting memories.
Young royal enthusiasts can channel their inner Fairy Godmother at wand-making sessions, craft colourful bead bracelets fit for a princess, and decorate their own crowns to wear proudly throughout the kingdom of North Lakes. These ‘Spark Magic’ Stations offer a perfect blend of creativity and Disney charm, ensuring fun for children of all ages.
Photo credit: westfield.com.au
The magic doesn’t stop there. Westfield is offering guests the chance to make their dreams come true with an extraordinary competition. Visitors can enter a draw to win a fairy tale holiday for six to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, including a once-in-a-lifetime stay in the exclusive Cinderella Castle Suite – an opportunity that’s truly fit for royalty.
Disney World in Florida (Photo credit: Walt Disney World Resort/Google Maps)
Jacqui Waine, Westfield General Manager of Marketing and Community, expressed excitement about bringing the beloved Disney Princesses to life at their destinations. “We’re delighted to ignite imaginations and create unforgettable memories for families and Disney fans,” Waine said. “We know fandom for Disney Princesses runs deep, and we’ll make dreams come true with the wonderful experiences on offer.”
This event is part of a larger collaboration between Westfield and Disney, designed to celebrate courage, kindness, and the power of dreams throughout 2024. Tim Everett, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Products at The Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand, emphasised the goal of creating special moments for Westfield customers that will resonate with Disney Princess enthusiasts of all ages.
The ‘Spark Magic’ event at Westfield North Lakes is a must-visit destination for families looking to add a touch of Disney enchantment to their school holiday plans. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Disney Princesses or new to the magic, this week-long celebration promises to offer something special for everyone.
Discount retailer The Reject Shop is set to expand its presence in southeast Queensland with the opening of a new outlet in North Lakes later this month.
The store will be located at Westfield North Lakes, directly opposite Woolworths, and is scheduled to open on June 27. This new addition is part of The Reject Shop’s broader expansion plan, which includes another new store in Park Ridge.
The North Lakes store is currently undergoing its final fit-out stages, with a spokesperson confirming that it will match the size and extensive product range of the chain’s other 380-plus locations across Australia.
Photo credit: The Reject Shop/Google Maps
This store’s launch will also coincide with the introduction of The Reject Shop’s new homewares line, Secret Garden, promising customers fresh and exciting products.
Regional Manager Nick Barker highlighted the significant role the North Lakes store will play in the local community, particularly during a period marked by rising cost-of-living pressures. He said they are looking forward to their new store assisting the local community in reducing their weekly shopping bill.
Photo credit: The Reject Shop/Google Maps
The new North Lakes store will offer substantial savings on a wide variety of products and create dozens of jobs for local residents. The Reject Shop’s extensive product range includes well-known brands such as Cadbury, Tresemme, Pepsi, Omo, Finish, Scrub Daddy, and Schmackos.
In addition to these household names, the store will feature a broad selection of cleaning and household necessities, a new pet range that has become popular among pet owners, and unique items for various occasions and holidays, from parties to Halloween, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.
At The Reject Shop, customers can find everything they need for any room in the house, from storage solutions to kitchenware, garden supplies, hardware, and toys. This comprehensive offering is designed to cater to the diverse needs of everyday shoppers, making it a go-to destination for budget-conscious consumers.
The business, which branded itself as “redefining luxury,” first opened at Logan Hyperdome in 2021 and expanded to the Westfield Garden City and Westfield North Lakes in 2022.
Blue Diamond offered not just hair services but also spray tanning, beauty treatments, and even teeth whitening. However, both the North Lakes and Garden City salons closed in January 2024 without any notice to customers. The closures extended to the other Brisbane locations as well, with the Logan Hyperdome salon’s final day being February 21.
Photo credit: Blue Diamond Hair Co/Facebook
The shutdown was a surprise to loyal customers, some of whom had deposits with the North Lakes salon. One frustrated regular said so many people have paid a deposit and it isn’t being returned.
Another customer had just begun looking into Blue Diamond’s services, booking her first appointment last month complete with an online deposit. However, she got a text that the booking was cancelled, but they wouldn’t answer any calls or emails. She explained that she had no response at all from the owners.
Photo credit: Si Vi/Google Maps
Whilst the North Lakes shopping centre has acknowledged Blue Diamond’s departure, they claim to have been given no reason for why the tenants vacated. The company’s website remains active, but their social media pages are silent on the closures. However, the business is listed as “permanently closed” on Google.
As news of the shutdown spreads, more and more customers with unused deposits and pre-paid packages are realising they may never get refunded by the Blue Diamond Hair Co business they once frequented.
As the school holidays approach, Westfield North Lakes is gearing up to host a week of exciting and educational activities for families to enjoy, beginning with the “Little Dreamers” program.
The “Little Dreamers” program is designed to provide a range of daily activities that cater to children’s creativity and self-expression. Each day brings a new and exciting DIY project, including the creation of dream jars, friendship bracelets, and more.
The program runs from Monday to Sunday, 18 to 24 Sept 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The children will be given a chance to engage in various DIY activities aimed at developing fine motor skills and promoting mindfulness. It will also encourage the children to unleash their creativity and develop essential skills while having a great time.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The activities are not only entertaining but also serve as an opportunity for kids to bond with their peers and make new friends. Parents can rest assured that their children are engaged in safe and supervised activities while enjoying their time at Westfield North Lakes.
In addition to the “Little Dreamers” program, Westfield North Lakes is also participating in a “Waste and Recycling Education Program” in partnership with Moreton Bay Council. This initiative runs from Saturday to Friday, 16 to 22 Sept 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Families visiting the pop-up will have the chance to learn more about waste and recycling in the Moreton Bay region, and children can play problem-solving games to enhance their understanding of recyclable materials.
Westfield North Lakes continues to be a hub for family-friendly activities and events, providing a diverse range of experiences for its local community. For the school holidays, families can look forward to a week filled with creativity, learning, and fun!
On Wednesday, 17 Aug 2022, at 9:00 a.m. look for the new store between Woolworths and Big W as The Handmade Expo holds its grand opening day. The pop-up kiosk near Target, however, will still be up so shoppers have two accessible choices to enjoy handmade heaven!
Here are some of the creative items you can expect at the new store:
Selvedge and Bias
Selvedge and Bias comes from expert needlewoman Debra Verrall, who makes lovely handbags, pouches, clutches, and other sewn items. She also runs an Etsy Australia store for online purchases.
Photo Credit: TheHandmadeExpoPopUpShop/Facebook
Photo Credit: TheHandmadeExpoPopUpShop/Facebook
Laser Art Australia
Laser Art Australia has a range of unique, ready-made home decorations featuring laser work and wood art in single or multi-layered creations. The artist also accepts personalised and bespoke orders. Check out her website for more.
Photo Credit: Laser Art Australia/Facebook
Photo Credit: Laser Art Australia official site
Lily Grace Giftware
Lily Grace Giftware offers a huge range of gift items, homeware and kitchenware to choose from. She may also customised orders. Learn more from her official site.
Photo Credit: Lily Grace Giftware/Facebook
Photo Credit: Lily Grace Giftware/Facebook
Wild About Clay
Wild About Clay features beautiful pottery to add the perfect touch to the home or could be given as a gorgeous gift. The artist behind this store is Linda. Chat with her at the new Handmade Expo store.
Photo Credit: TheHandmadeExpoPopUpShop/Facebook
Photo Credit: TheHandmadeExpoPopUpShop/Facebook
Photo Credit: TheHandmadeExpoPopUpShop/Facebook
Zyllion
Zyllion has been a regular at the VEND Marketplace for some years. The handmade shop offers brooches, earrings, hair accessories and home decorations in fun and quirky designs. Visit the official store online.
Photo Credit: Zyllion/Facebook
Photo Credit: Zyllion/Facebook
Bumble and Oshie
Bumble and Oshie makes beautiful handmade baby wraps, pram pegs, blankets, and bassinet liners in prints that mothers will love. Visit their website for more of their products.
Photo Credit: Bumble and Oshie/Facebook
Photo Credit: Bumble and Oshie/Facebook
Heavenly Designs
Heavenly Designs offers gorgeous tutus for kids, to funny tees, as well as a fabulous handmade range of reading cushions and so much more! Connect with the shop on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Heavenly Designs/Facebook
Photo Credit: Heavenly Designs/Facebook
Handmade Soaps from AnnieMac
Handmade Soaps from AnnieMac offer absolutely sweet-smelling handmade soaps that feel fabulous on the skin. Find her stall at the new location in Westfield North Lakes.
Photo Credit: TheHandmadeExpoPopUpShop/Facebook
Photo Credit: TheHandmadeExpoPopUpShop/Facebook
Love Slimes Co
Love Slimes Co makes quality handmade slime and sensory toys that will delight the children. These sensory toys are for anxiety release also and to aid the kids in discovering and thinking outside the box without using technology. Visit their official site.
Visitors and regulars at Westfield North Lakes are excited about the upcoming festive celebration as it treats children and adults to fun-filled activities that are scheduled in the weeks leading to Christmas. There will be free Christmas Carols serenading shoppers every Friday of the week, for both parents and kids to enjoy, whilst free Christmas Workshops are being held from the 6th until the 14th of December for ages 16 years old and above.
On top of all that, Santa is in town and it isn’t even Christmas yet!
Free Christmas Carols on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd of December at the Laneway
Credit: Westfield North Lakes Facebook
There will also be roaming Christmas characters, including an appearance by both Santa Claus and Mrs Claus.
These events are FREE. Those who are interested to attend should simply BOOK SEATS at any of the restaurants in the Laneway to secure a favourable spot for the whole family for the night.
These are the participating restaurants:
Restaurant
Menu
Beach House Bar & Grill
Steaks & seafood to burgers & salad, beer, wine, spirits & delicious cocktails from the bar
Grill’d
Healthy burgers with only the highest quality and premium ingredients from local suppliers
Guzman Y Gomez
Latin food
Kinn Thai Restaurant
Thai food and cocktails, and wines
Movenpick Ice Cream
Creamy ice cream, smooth sorbets, homemade cornets, hot drinks, and refreshing smoothies
Noodle Haus
Traditional rice and noodle Chinese dishes
Oi Sushi
Japanese food
San Churro
Best of Spanish chocolate and Hot Chocolate, Churros, and other traditional Spanish sweets.
Schnitz
Real schnitzels made fresh-to-order, hand dipped in egg wash, coated in crumbs, and pan cooked until golden brown
Participants can take advantage of the event by crafting their very own Christmas gifts for friends and families. Workshops range from crafting hand lettered tags, hand lettered greeting cards, and hand lettered wooden ornaments. Please note however that links on how to books for each of the workshop are being released a day before the following dates. It is highly advisable to check from the website from time to time.
Since becoming a suburb in 2006, North Lakes has continued to experience a flourishing commercial development and continued increase in population. The community has now become more diverse in culture and language. Both big and small businesses are being developed in the neighbourhood. It has also become an emerging lifestyle destination with different weekly events to enjoy.
North Lakes Credit: Stockland Residential Communities/YouTube
Big commercial developments are attracted to the region. The number of supermarket and grocery stores have reached 271. There are also 256 cafes and restaurants at present. The Westfield Shopping complex, which opened in 2003, has more than 4,900 car parks and 80 specialty shops. It is also the location of both the only Costco and the second IKEA flagship store in Queensland.
Credit: Westfield AU/YouTube
The firms behind Fortitude Valley’s James Street and Southport’s Brickwork developments are also working on the Laguna North Lakes just opposite the Westfield. It is slated to become the retail and entertainment destination in the suburb. It is designed with an outdoor shopping precinct, alfresco restaurants, office spaces that are for lease, a lagoon style pool, aquatic facilities, and a hotel with 140 rooms.
Laguna North Lakes Credit: Laguna North Lakes Facebook
Lifestyle destinations are booming in the suburb as well. The Fruit and Deli Co. will celebrate its second year at North Lakes Westfield in November.
The Fruit and Deli Co Credit: The Fruit and Deli Co Facebook
The SkinKandy, a safe piercing shop for the whole family, has just opened this week at Westfield.
SkinKandy Credit: SkinKandy North Lakes Facebook
The Hairhouse Warehouse, run by professionals in cutting, styling and caring for all types of hair, opens on 28 October.
There are currently 5,914 families in North Lakes, more than half of them with children. Family-friendly events are held regularly and enjoy a healthy attendance among the community.
Every first Thursday of the month, for instance, North Lakes Library welcomes kids, ages 9-12, to share and discuss books among themselves.
Families are welcome to attend a free CPR class every last Monday of every month.
Every Saturday in Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, children can learn traditional Chinese culture through workshops on lantern making, paper cutting, and Metaphysica collages.
Adult members of the families are treated to live music performances every Sunday afternoons at the North Lakes Resort and Golf Club.
On Monday and Friday mornings, with the exemption of public holidays, free specialist advice is given at Embrace Life’s Child Health Clinic.
Family Credit: CCO Public Domain / TheVirtualDenise/ Pixabay
All these are not surprising given the continued boom in the suburb. According to the recently released ABS Census, there are already 21,000 people in North Lakes at present. This is a 40 percent jump from the statistics back in 2011. The data also reflects a diverse background among North Lakes residents. The demographics indicate settlers from New Zealand, England, South Africa, India, and the Philippines. The most spoken language, aside from English, is Afrikaans, followed by Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish, and Tagalog.
North Lakes Credit: Northlakes.com.au Facebook
Among the northern suburbs of Brisbane, North Lakes seems truly one of the places to be.
