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Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Welcomes Over 230 Sailors for Sail Brisbane

As summer reaches its peak, the waters off Moreton Bay have been transformed into a vibrant stage for sailing excellence with the commencement of Sail Brisbane 2024. This prestigious regatta, co-hosted by Manly’s Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and Australian Sailing, has drawn over 230 sailors this week, solidifying its position as one of the most significant events on Australia’s sailing calendar.

Read: Former Manly Hospital Site to Become Health and Wellbeing Precinct

A unique blend of youth and experience at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Reflecting sailing’s inclusive spirit, Sail Brisbane has united an extraordinary range of competitors. The boat park at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is alive with activity, as seven-year-old novices prepare their dinghies alongside seasoned Olympians. This dynamic environment fosters unique opportunities for mentorship, inspiration, and a shared passion for the sport.

Championship racing across multiple disciplines

Running from 17 to 21 December, the regatta features four distinct racing courses spread across Moreton Bay’s pristine waters. The Alpha course is home to the high-performance classes, including the 49er and 49er FX, while the Bravo course hosts traditional single-handed classes such as Finn and ILCA. On the Charlie course, junior sailors in Flying 11s and Optimists compete, while the Delta course showcases cutting-edge foiling vessels that push the boundaries of sailing technology.

Inspiring the next generation of sailors

Sail Brisbane plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of sailing champions. By racing alongside their sporting heroes, young competitors witness firsthand the dedication and skill required to excel in the sport. The regatta’s inclusive format not only inspires but also prepares aspiring athletes for future success on national and international stages.

Read: Freedom Boat Club in Manly Joins EcoMarines in Moreton Bay Cleanup Mission

As the final major sailing event of 2024, Sail Brisbane is a celebration of the strength and vitality of Australia’s sailing community. With racing continuing through to Saturday, 21 December, the waters off Moreton Bay will shine as the backdrop for intense competition and camaraderie.

Published 17-December-2024

Moreton Bay College Dominates at 2024 National Schools Challenge

Students from Moreton Bay College in Manly West have made their mark on the national stage, excelling at the prestigious 2024 Chemist Warehouse National Schools Challenge Final.

Read: Manly West School to Expand with New Creativity and Arts Centre

The event, held on Monday, December 9, at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, brought together Australia’s top school athletics programs for a day of intense competition.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay College/Facebook

Moreton Bay College’s Intermediate Girls team emerged victorious, securing the top spot in their category with an impressive score of 175.5 points. While the Junior Girls’ team didn’t claim first place, they achieved a commendable third-place finish, amassing 184 points and demonstrating the depth of talent across the school’s programs.

The school celebrated the students’ achievements with a heartfelt post on social media, highlighting their determination and resilience. “Their grit, perseverance, and passion were evident throughout the competition, showcasing their determination,” Moreton Bay College wrote. “Congratulations to our outstanding students on their remarkable achievements!”

About the National Schools Challenge

Organised by Athletics Australia, the National Schools Challenge is a team-based competition designed to foster teamwork and showcase young talent in track and field events. The event features three divisions for each gender: Junior (U15), Intermediate (U17), and Senior (U19). Teams from across the country competed fiercely, with each point hard-fought and every event carrying significant weight in the final standings.

The Intermediate Girls’ victory is a milestone for Moreton Bay College, underscoring the school’s commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence in sports. The students’ achievements not only bring pride to their school community but also inspire young athletes to aim high and embrace the values of perseverance and teamwork.

Read: Manly State School Students Roar to Life in ‘The Lion King’ Musical

As the dust settles on this year’s competition, Moreton Bay College can reflect on a job well done, with their athletes’ hard work and determination paying off on a national stage. Their success at the 2024 Chemist Warehouse National Schools Challenge Final is sure to leave a lasting legacy, both within the school and the broader athletics community.

Published 13-December-2024

E-Scooter Safety Crisis: Experts Call for Full-Face Helmets and Sit-Down Designs

Experts at the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) are pushing for major safety reforms in the e-scooter industry, suggesting the use of full-face helmets for private riders and a transition to sit-down scooter designs for rental devices.

Read: Manly Included in Neuron’s E-Scooter Comeback Across Brisbane

These recommendations come in response to mounting evidence of serious injuries and fatalities associated with current e-scooter designs and usage patterns. A Jamieson Trauma Institute study, funded by the RACQ and the RBWH Foundation, has exposed critical e-scooter injury trends.

The research revealed that over one-third of emergency presentations involved riders who were traveling at speeds exceeding the legal 25 km/h limit. Significantly, more than half of these injured riders were classified under the second-highest urgency triage category, indicating the severe nature of their injuries.

It’s also revealed that there were eight fatalities from Personal Mobility Devices in Queensland in 2024, with one-third of emergency room patients exceeding legal speed limits. Most concerningly, standard helmets are failing to prevent serious facial injuries.

Dr Michael Kane, Head of Public Policy at RACQ, said that the research underscored the urgent necessity for comprehensive reforms to mitigate the risk of devastating facial and head injuries associated with both privately owned and rental e-scooters.

“It’s clear many riders on privately owned e-scooters are speeding, and sustaining more severe injuries, but riders on hired devices are still getting seriously injured,” Dr Kane said.

Professor Michael Schuetz, JTI Director and RBWH Orthopaedic Surgeon, highlighted the alarming prevalence of severe injuries directly linked to excessive speed, noting that upper limb fractures and head trauma emerged as the most frequent and serious types of e-scooter-related injuries in the study.

Response from the E-Scooter Industry

Responding to critical medical research, Lime Mobility, a key e-scooter provider operating across multiple Brisbane suburbs, including Manly, is taking proactive steps to address growing safety challenges.

A Lime Mobility spokeswoman revealed that their new seated scooter design, which will be released in Brisbane soon, is fundamentally constructed with rider protection in mind. Lime’s latest seated scooter model features enhanced suspension technology and wheels with a larger diameter, designed to provide riders with improved stability and better ground contact.

Read: Man Charged with Dangerous Driving in Manly

Dr Kane urged the new government to factor in the findings of the JTI research when implementing the next set of e-scooter reforms and encouraged consumers to reassess which scooter model is safest for them.

Published 29-November-2024

Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Tingalpa Creek Drinking Water

Photo Credit: Paul Felstein/Google Maps

Tests have detected unsafe levels of cancer-causing “forever chemicals” in drinking water at Tingalpa Creek and other Brisbane treatment facilities, sparking concerns over public health and information transparency.

What Are “Forever Chemicals”?

The chemicals in question, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are synthetic compounds used in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant materials. PFAS, including PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), are highly persistent in the environment and linked to serious health risks such as cancer.

The World Health Organisation classified PFOA as a carcinogen in 2023.

Tingalpa Creek and Surrounding Areas Affected

Seqwater documents reveal that PFOA levels at treatment sites, including Tingalpa Creek Channel, were measured significantly above US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.

Aside from Tingalpa Creek, the following bodies of water and treatment facilities in Queensland also show high detection of PFAS chemicals:

Mount Crosby Westbank and Eastbank Treatment Plants – Key facilities that produce most of Brisbane’s drinking water. Recorded PFOA levels up to 36 parts per trillion.
Lowood Treatment Plant – Another site with significant detections exceeding US standards.
Camerons Hill – Cited multiple times for PFAS exceedances.
Lockyer Catchment – Also reported to have PFAS contamination.

While US regulations limit PFOA in drinking water to 4 parts per trillion, Seqwater recorded readings up to 36 parts per trillion at multiple sites across Brisbane. The Australian standards allow a much higher threshold of 560 parts per trillion, meaning national guidelines were not breached.

Experts have pointed out the discrepancy between Australian and international standards, noting that such levels would be deemed unsafe in other countries. Western Sydney University water scientist Ian Wright described the findings as “alarming” and stated he had not encountered higher levels in Australian drinking water before.

Transparency Issues and Public Concerns

Despite the high readings, Seqwater did not publicly release the results until compelled by a Right to Information request. Internal documents show Seqwater staff debated the need for transparency, ultimately deciding not to share the findings since Australian guidelines were not exceeded.

Residents who sought clarity were given generic responses, while media inquiries were deflected with prepared statements emphasising compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Seqwater defended its actions, stating that all water quality testing met national standards and that it began publishing PFAS results online from November 2024. However, past exceedances, including those at Tingalpa Creek, remain unpublished, raising questions about accountability.

Community Impact and Expert Criticism

Local residents expressed concerns about the potential risks to their families, particularly given PFAS chemicals’ long-term persistence in the human body and environment. Some have sought advice on whether home filtration systems are necessary. Experts argue that withholding such data undermines public trust and limits the community’s ability to make informed health decisions.

Environmental campaigners and health researchers have called for stricter Australian regulations and greater transparency. One expert noted that PFAS could become the “new asbestos” due to its widespread presence and serious health implications.

Moving Forward

Seqwater insists it has complied with all regulatory obligations, but calls for reform and an independent inquiry into its handling of PFAS data are growing louder. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, concerns about international scrutiny and public safety remain in focus. Experts urge water authorities to prioritise transparency and align with stricter global standards to rebuild trust and protect public health.

Published 29-Nov-2024

Freedom Boat Club in Manly Joins EcoMarines in Moreton Bay Cleanup Mission

In an inspiring collaboration to protect marine environments, the EcoMarines Foundation has partnered with Manly-based Freedom Boat Club to conduct a waterway cleanup initiative in Moreton Bay.

Read: Belmont Healthcare Worker Claire Lee on a Mission to Address Youth Eco-grief Crisis

Students from a local Bayside school recently participated in an environmental conservation effort, boarding a Bayliner Trophy centre console boat to remove floating waste between Manly Boat Harbour and Lota housing canals. The expedition was part of the EcoMarines Foundation’s educational program, which currently engages over 200 Queensland schools in environmental stewardship.

Photo credit: Freedom Boat Club – Brisbane/Facebook

Brett Bolton, owner of Freedom Boat Club – Brisbane, said: “We are so proud to be one of the first EcoMarines Corporate Crew partners and help students put their classroom learnings into real-world practice out on the water.”

“Our boat club members understand the value of maintaining pristine waterways so it was great to team up with some budding young environmental custodians to keep the bay clean,” he added.

Mr Bolton highlighted the marine life’s activity, noting, “Marine life has been unbelievably active this year with turtle, dolphin and dugong sightings a regular occurrence on every member boating trip. Whales have also been out in force with hundreds of sightings deep in the Bay between Green and Moreton Island.”

He emphasized the importance of conservation, stating, “It is our duty to protect this world-class environmental playground and all our members are educated on the protection of wildlife and the environment during their compulsory induction training. We need to protect this sensitive ecosystem so our children and their children can also enjoy what we have today.”

EcoMarines Foundation CEO Angela Massy said: “Our collaboration with Freedom Boat Club aligns with our long-term vision to care for and preserve the environment.”

“Clean waterways are essential not just for aesthetics but for the health of our ecosystem and the survival of all living beings. Partnerships like this offer students meaningful, hands-on experiences that show them the tangible impact of their actions. Together, EcoMarines and Freedom Boat Club are making a lasting difference in preserving Moreton Bay’s natural beauty and biodiversity,” she added.

Read: Manly Pharmacy Joins Queensland’s Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot

The initiative provides students with a unique, hands-on experience that demonstrates the direct impact of environmental conservation efforts, combining educational outreach with practical action to inspire a new generation of environmental custodians.

Published 28-November-2024

Brisbane Metro Expansion Targets Belmont Rifle Range Connection

The Belmont Rifle Range will become significantly more accessible through the Brisbane Metro expansion, aiming to connect key Olympic venues to the city’s growing public transport network.

The Brisbane Metro expansion, part of Brisbane’s plan to deliver a long-term transport legacy for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will introduce 22 new stations. These stations will extend bus rapid transit services north to Carseldine, south to Springwood, east to Capalaba, and west to Brisbane Airport.

Belmont Rifle Range, a venue slated to host shooting events, is one of the precincts to benefit directly from this improved accessibility.

Increased Capacity for Olympic Crowds

Brisbane’s public transport upgrades are essential to accommodate the increased traffic expected during the Games. Current estimates suggest that up to 90% of trips to Olympic venues must rely on public and active transport to meet demand.

However, Brisbane’s existing network can only serve half the anticipated one million daily passenger trips. The Brisbane Metro system, which already promises to add 30 million seats annually through existing routes, is expected to deliver 41 million seats with this expansion.

Brisbane Metro could include route to Belmont Rifle Range — *Photo Credit: BCC*

The Belmont Rifle Range, situated in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane, will gain direct links to the city’s mass transit system. This enhanced connectivity is designed to ease congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and provide a faster, more sustainable way for spectators, athletes, and officials to access the venue.

Benefits Beyond the Games

Brisbane’s rapid growth and increasing population make these upgrades essential for the Games and the city’s long-term future. Residents around Belmont are expected to benefit from improved public transport options, easing commutes and making the area more accessible for recreational use. The upgrades align with the Council’s push to prioritise bus rapid transit as a cost-effective alternative to expanding heavy rail infrastructure.

The Belmont Rifle Range will also be better connected to other Games locations, such as the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler and the planned Northshore Hamilton athlete’s village. This integrated network will help streamline movement between venues and improve overall transport efficiency.

Funding and Collaboration

The Brisbane Metro project requires collaboration across all levels of government to ensure timely completion. The Brisbane City Council and Queensland Government have approached the Federal Government for additional funding to accelerate planning and construction.

Existing City Deal funds are being targeted to progress the business case rapidly. The Council has emphasised the importance of completing these expansions before 2032, framing the upgrades as a necessary investment in Brisbane’s future.

Leaders involved in the project, including LM Adrian Schrinner, have expressed confidence in the ability of federal, state, and local governments to deliver a transport system that meets the city’s needs during and after the Games.

Published 26-Nov-2024

Street Spotlight: Annette St, Tingalpa

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Annette Street in Tingalpa has undergone remarkable changes since 1936, when it was just beginning to take shape with limited housing. By 1986, properties sold for as little as $64,000, reflecting its journey from a modest street to a thriving part of the suburb.

Annette St, Tingalpa Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 48
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 10 years and 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 36%

Annette St, Tingalpa – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON ANNETTE ST, TINGALPA

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
48 Annette St, Tingalpa	$1.34M	Jul 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON ANNETTE ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
59 Annette St, Tingalpa	$64,000	Apr 1986
61 Annette St, Tingalpa	$66,000	May 1986
63 Annette St, Tingalpa	$74,000	Oct 1988

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2024 was $580,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2020 was $360,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Tingalpa SINCE 2020 : $220,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2024 was $842,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2020 was $469,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Tingalpa SINCE 2020 : $373,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2024 was $1,056,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2020 was $630,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Tingalpa SINCE 2020 : $426,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2024 was $1,265,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Tingalpa in 2020 was $839,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN Tingalpa SINCE 2020 : $426,000

If you know Annette St, Tingalpa well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

How Gumdale State School Transforms Student Wellbeing Through the GROW Well Program

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators at Gumdale State School faced a challenge familiar to many: students struggling with resilience, self-regulation, and adapting to change. Their response? The creation of an innovative wellbeing initiative that’s now transforming their school culture.

Read: Birkdale Lass Making a Difference for Young Australians with Chronic Illness

The GROW Well Program, launched in 2021, takes a unique approach to student wellbeing by weaving character development and positive education into the fabric of daily school life. The program’s name isn’t just clever wordplay – it represents the four cornerstone values that guide the school community: Great Learners, Respectful, Organised, and Working Together Safely.

Photo credit: Gumdale State School/Facebook

“We’ve found that a tailored approach, focused on the unique needs of our students and staff, has made all the difference,” explains Amanda Zoppi, Deputy Principal of Gumdale State School. “Every student is different, and the GROW Well program helps them identify and develop their strengths, creating a positive ripple effect on behaviour, learning and relationships.”

What sets the program apart is its systematic approach to character development. Each term, students focus on one of the four GROW values, incorporating PERMA character strengths such as perseverance, bravery, kindness, and teamwork into their daily activities. These aren’t just abstract concepts – they’re brought to life through practical, engaging activities that resonate with students of all ages.

A recent example showcases the program’s peer-led learning approach: Grade 6 students took the lead in organising GROW Well activities for their younger schoolmates.

Through interactive games, presentations, and teamwork exercises, older students helped reinforce values like kindness and fairness, while simultaneously developing their own leadership skills. Whether through friendly games of charades or soccer matches, these activities created natural opportunities for mentoring and relationship-building across age groups.

Holly Stephenson, a Digital Technologies teacher who leads the GROW Well initiative, has witnessed its evolution firsthand. “The GROW Well program has evolved into a fully integrated, whole-school initiative since its inception,” she notes. This integration ensures that positive education isn’t just an add-on but a fundamental part of the school experience.

The results speak for themselves, with noticeable improvements in student behaviour, engagement, and overall well-being among both students and staff.

Perhaps most importantly, the GROW Well Program isn’t static. It continues to evolve and adapt, reflecting the changing needs of the Gumdale State School community. This flexibility ensures the program remains relevant and effective, creating a sustainable approach to student wellbeing that could serve as a model for other schools facing similar challenges.

Read: Manly State School Students Roar to Life in ‘The Lion King’ Musical

At a time when student wellbeing has never been more crucial, Gumdale State School’s innovative approach demonstrates how thoughtful, systematic programs can create lasting positive change in educational communities.

Published 25-November-2024

Manly Pharmacy Joins Queensland’s Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot

In a significant stride towards improving women’s healthcare accessibility, Manly Village Compounding Pharmacy has become the latest addition to Queensland’s groundbreaking Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot.

Read: Belmont Healthcare Worker Claire Lee on a Mission to Address Youth Eco-grief Crisis

This innovative program empowers pharmacists to prescribe and resupply contraceptives, offering women aged 16 and over a convenient alternative to traditional doctor’s appointments.

Breaking Down Barriers to Healthcare

The pilot addresses critical challenges in accessing reproductive healthcare, particularly in areas where primary healthcare services are limited. Currently, 70 pharmacies across Queensland are participating in the program, with approximately 150 pharmacists undergoing specialised training to provide these essential services.

What Contraceptives Are Available?

Hormonal Contraception Pilot — Photo credit: Anqa/Pixabay

Pharmacists participating in the pilot can now prescribe and supply:

– Oral contraceptive pills (combined and progesterone-only, excluding high-estrogen options)

– Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injections

– Combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal rings

Convenient Access for Women

Manly Village Compounding Pharmacy has streamlined the process by offering both online appointments and walk-in consultations, subject to the pharmacist’s availability. This flexible approach aims to make contraceptive consultations more accessible and less intimidating for young women.

Training and Qualifications

Pharmacists must complete a comprehensive training course, which has been approved to meet the pilot’s rigorous requirements. This ensures that women receive high-quality, professional contraceptive advice and services.

Looking Forward

The Hormonal Contraception Pilot represents a significant innovation in women’s healthcare, potentially reducing barriers to contraceptive access and providing a more convenient option for women across Queensland. By bringing contraceptive services closer to communities, the program promises to improve reproductive health outcomes and empower women to make informed choices about their bodies.

Read: Manly West School to Expand with New Creativity and Arts Centre

For those interested in accessing these services, Manly Village Compounding Pharmacy offers a modern, discreet, and professional approach to contraceptive consultations.

Published 20-November-2024

Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles: Cultivating the Next Generation of Cricket Superstars

The Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles’ youth development program is producing some of the state’s most promising junior cricketers, with seven players named among Queensland’s top male prospects.

Read: Homegrown Christmas Market: A Festive Affair in Manly

Iona College talent pipeline

*Harvey Malpass. Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club/Facebook*

Leading the pack is Harley Malpass, who has established himself as a key all-rounder for both Wynnum-Manly’s Taverners and Iona College’s First XI. Malpass combines reliable batting with economical medium-fast bowling, consistently taking wickets across competitions.

Another one out of Iona College, Joshua Ritchie has made significant strides this season, emerging as a reliable opening batsman. With a sound technique and the ability to score big runs, Ritchie looks set to make a mark in the 2025 AIC cricket competition.

Representing Queensland

Jackson Steinhardt continues to impress selectors, earning back-to-back Queensland under-17 selections. The versatile all-rounder has transitioned smoothly to senior cricket, making valuable contributions with both bat and ball.

Breakthrough performances

Hayden Hamilton has emerged as a standout performer in the Taverners competition, amassing runs at an impressive rate (565 runs at an average of 62.78 as of 13 November). His success has also carried over to grade cricket, where he has continued to deliver impactful performances.

Meanwhile, Kethmin Meegasdeniya has led the Sea Eagles’ spin attack with his unpredictable variations, proving a handful for opposing batters. Alongside him, the emerging all-rounder Shoubhit Jain has showcased his potential with the ball.

Read: Wakerley Carols 2024: Celebrating 11 Years of Christmas Magic

Newest addition to the Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles

The club’s latest recruit, Jack Law, arrives from Brothers Mackay with state under-15 experience already under his belt. The power-hitting all-rounder will add depth and further strengthen the Sea Eagles’ impressive youth roster.

Published 13-November-2024