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Grassroots Feature From Mount Cotton Gains SXSW Sydney Selection

A grassroots feature film led by a Mount Cotton filmmaker has secured a screening at SXSW Sydney, marking a major milestone for the project and its young Brisbane-area team.

Project Beginnings in Mount Cotton

The feature film 100% Pure Rage began when Mount Cotton filmmaker Haruki Ryles started drafting the screenplay at age 17 while working part-time. Early filming took place across Logan, Redland and nearby suburbs with support from friends and fellow students.

The first two acts were produced over 12 months on a budget of roughly $500, with early versions later screened at the University of Queensland Film Production Society. A GoFundMe campaign then helped fund the completion of the final act.

Mount Cotton Link and Collaborative Production

Ryles wrote, directed and edited the film while completing studies at TAFE and Griffith Film School. Production took around 23 months, including several months of visual effects.

The project involved students and peers from Griffith University, USQ, QUT, SAE, UQ and TAFE Queensland across cinematography, sound, producing and scoring. The film was completed for about $3,000.

independent filmmaking — *Photo Credit: Official Pure Rage/Instagram*

Story, Style and Technical Approach

The film blends action, dark comedy and sci-fi, depicting Brisbane and Logan as a dystopian setting known as “The Void”. It follows a 23-year-old aspiring writer who becomes involved with a masked vigilante and an ex-convict as they attempt to dismantle a doomsday cult.

Martial arts-driven choreography, stylised graphics and improvisation shaped the film’s tone. Ryles’ experience in karate, boxing and Muay Thai influenced the staging of fight scenes, while an original score was produced by Griffith Film School peers.

Mount Cotton film debut — *Photo Credit: Haruki/Instagram*

Festival Screening and Recognition

100% Pure Rage was selected for SXSW Sydney and screened on 15 October at 3:30 p.m. at Palace Central Cinemas. It was also the only Queensland feature included in the festival’s program.

A premiere announcement confirmed a Q&A session at the event. The film later entered the AACTA feature film category, making it available for AACTA members to view and vote on.

Queensland film — *Photo Credit: Haruki/Instagram*

Community Sentiment

Support across social media highlighted enthusiasm from collaborators and fellow film students. Reactions reflected shared pride in the achievement and the project’s progression from a high-school script to a festival-screened feature.

Next Steps for the Mount Cotton Filmmaker

The SXSW Sydney screening marks the first major festival milestone for the Mount Cotton filmmaker as he completes his studies and enters the industry. With the project now competing in the AACTA feature category, the team awaits further developments and opportunities.

Published 26-Nov-2025

Photo Credit: Haruki/Instagram

Victoria Point Set to Get New Skatepark and BMX Track at Cascades Park

Victoria Point is set to welcome a new skatepark and BMX track, with Cascades Park soon to become a hub for outdoor activity. The upgrades aim to provide a space where young people and families can enjoy hours of active recreation.

Read: Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary Celebrates Launch Of Bushland Retreat

Funding for the upgrade was approved in Redland’s 2025 ‑ 2026 Budget. Division 4 Cr Lance Hewlett said the new facilities will ensure the skatepark and BMX track are relevant for the community and enjoyed for years to come.

Mayor Jos Mitchell added: “Our skate and BMX parks across Redlands Coast are well‑loved facilities that provide hours of outdoor entertainment, particularly for our younger residents.”

Skate park ramps at Cascades Park (Photo credit: Google Maps/Tus van Genderen)

Earlier in November, local skaters and BMX riders were invited to workshops at Cascades Park to help shape the design of the new facilities. Participants were guided through activities such as picture voting and sketch design, helping them to visualise how the skatepark and BMX track could look once complete.

Cr Hewlett said: “Having local skaters and BMX riders participate in design workshops helps ensure the skatepark and BMX track are relevant for the community to enjoy for years into the future.” He also noted the process is a strong example of Council working with key stakeholders and end users to create spaces for the community.

The workshops gave residents the chance to provide feedback on features such as ramps, jumps and rails to help shape the final design. While public consultation has now closed, the ideas gathered will guide the final plans for the park.

Read: Victoria Point Joins Major Push to Save Lives with New Local Blood Donation Centre

The Cascades Park project follows similar planned upgrades at William Taylor Memorial Sports Field in Thorneside, emphasising the Council’s focus on creating quality recreation spaces across Redlands Coast.

For Victoria Point, the new skatepark and BMX track will provide a dedicated space for young residents to enjoy active recreation. Cr Hewlett said the upgrades will enhance the park and ensure it is a space residents can enjoy for years to come.

Once complete, Cascades Park will provide a dedicated facility for skate and BMX enthusiasts in Victoria Point.

Published 11-November-2025

Liquorland On Tour Brings Rooftop Bar Experience to Capalaba

Liquorland’s travelling On Tour bar bus is making a stop in Capalaba, offering locals a rooftop-style experience as part of its east-coast celebration of the brand’s transformation.

Liquorland On Tour Rolls Into Capalaba

Liquorland’s On Tour event will arrive at the Capalaba Liquorland Warehouse on Saturday, 1 November, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is part of a 1,800 km east-coast tour celebrating the rebrand of 160 First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars stores across Australia.

Around 75 percent of Queensland’s stores have already completed the transition, with the remainder expected to be finished before Christmas. The Capalaba stop is one of three Brisbane locations on the itinerary, alongside Kenmore and Browns Plains.

Brisbane events — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Rooftop Deck and Live DJ Feature

The Capalaba event will feature a double-decker bar bus, including an outdoor lounge and rooftop-style deck. Locals can enjoy drinks while a live DJ performs during the afternoon.

The tour aims to bring people together for a relaxed social experience that highlights Liquorland’s updated brand look. Each stop is expected to draw a lively crowd during the golden-hour period.

Liquorland rebrand — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Other Brisbane Stops

The On Tour series begins at Kenmore’s Liquorland Warehouse on Friday, 31 October, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Following Capalaba, the final Brisbane stop will be in Browns Plains on Sunday, 2 November, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The three-day Brisbane leg allows residents across the city’s west, bayside, and southern suburbs to join in before the tour continues south along the east coast.

Liquorland On Tour Capalaba — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Looking Ahead

After Brisbane, the Liquorland On Tour bus will continue its east-coast journey as part of a nationwide celebration of the brand’s store transformation.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Published 30-Oct-2025

Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba Forced To Close After Neighbouring Business Incident

Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba was forced to close without warning on Saturday morning after damage from an incident involving its neighbouring tobacconist made it unsafe to trade. The restaurant stayed shut for several hours while staff assessed the damage and waited for approval to reopen.

Temporary Shutdown Disrupts Morning Trade

The closure happened in the early hours of 25 October 2025, when a suspected targeted attack on the adjoining PT Tobacco and Gifts caused smashed glass and fire damage to the restaurant’s exterior. Staff arrived later that morning to find broken windows and charred walls, prompting an immediate shutdown and sanitation process before trading could resume.

*Photo Credit: Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba/Facebook*

The restaurant confirmed it was unable to open at its usual time and informed customers through social media that service was paused until further notice. Staff said they had already experienced similar disruptions before due to repeated attacks on the neighbouring business and were disappointed but prepared to respond quickly. They prioritised safety checks and began cleaning once police cleared the area.

Fast Cleanup And Evening Reopening

Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba reopened at 5pm the same day after the team completed a full cleanup. They sanitised all surfaces and equipment before welcoming customers again, hoping to recover from the lost lunch rush.

The business thanked locals for their support and said the decision to reopen so quickly was driven by its commitment to stay reliable for the community.

Community Response And Frustration

Locals expressed concern for the restaurant and frustration over the repeated impact on businesses that were not involved in the conflict.

Some called for stronger action to protect neighbouring operators who continue to be affected by incidents they did not cause. Others said they planned to visit the restaurant that evening specifically to support its recovery.

Police awareness of ongoing issue

Police confirmed the incident as a deliberate attack on the tobacconist next door and said investigations were ongoing. There have been multiple incidents targeting the same business in recent months, and nearby operators like Hashtag Burgers & Waffles have been repeatedly affected.

The restaurant has continued to trade but acknowledged the stress of ongoing disruptions.

Published 27-October-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Hashtag Burgers & Waffles Capalaba/Facebook

Electric Bus Link Proposed for Capalaba to Boost Metro Connections

Capalaba has been identified as one of four key routes in a proposed expansion of Brisbane’s public transport network through electric “Metro Glider” buses aimed at improving suburban connectivity.

Electric Buses to Strengthen Suburban Connections

Electric “Metro Glider” services have been proposed along major suburban routes to connect commuters to Brisbane Metro extensions and train stations. A $50 million business case has been approved to explore potential extension routes to Carseldine, Springwood, Capalaba, and the airport, though work has not yet commenced.

These smaller, electric buses are designed to travel on existing roads where larger Metro vehicles cannot, offering a faster way to expand coverage without constructing new busways.

Capalaba electric bus network — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Metro*

Expanding the Network for Accessibility

The SEQ Gliders Vision identifies key routes along Lutwyche, Waterworks, Sandgate, Wynnum, and Logan roads, as well as Kingsford Smith and Coronation Drives. The proposal forms part of efforts to improve access across the city and reduce congestion by enhancing suburban connections.

Industry feedback indicates that the buses could be deployed more rapidly than larger infrastructure projects, helping to strengthen public transport networks in the short term.

Public Priorities and Survey Findings

RACQ’s 2025 Future Brisbane Survey found that three in four Queenslanders viewed more frequent and reliable public transport as the most important legacy from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The survey also identified investment in motorways and accessible neighbourhoods as key priorities.

RACQ has expressed support for the Metro Glider concept as a practical and efficient way to enhance suburban transport services across South East Queensland.

Community Discussion on Implementation

Public discussions have focused on the importance of safe, shaded bus stops, pedestrian-friendly upgrades, and separated e-mobility paths to connect residents to bus services. Some contributors also supported building light-rail-style routes with improved stations and direct corridors to enhance reliability.

Next Steps for the Capalaba Route

Engineering and construction firms have shown interest in the project, with planning arrangements still being finalised. The Capalaba route is expected to play a key role in linking suburban areas to the broader Brisbane Metro network.

If realised, the electric bus network would strengthen public transport access for Capalaba residents and neighbouring suburbs, improving travel efficiency across Brisbane’s growing transport corridors.

Published 14-Oct-2025

Photo Credit: Brisbane Metro

Police Warn Of Counterfeit Cash Circulating In Alexandra Hills

Police are investigating reports of counterfeit $50 and $100 notes being used in Alexandra Hills and nearby Bayside suburbs, urging residents and local businesses to remain cautious.

Counterfeit Notes Circulating In Bayside

Since 29 August 2025, authorities have received ten reports of fake notes being used to pay for goods and services in Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Capalaba, Cleveland and Wynnum. These incidents have occurred at various service stations, retail outlets and takeaway stores. The counterfeit notes are mainly in $50 and $100 denominations, and police believe some individuals may be attempting to use them during busy trading hours or to exchange them for smaller amounts of legitimate currency.

Counterfeit notes Alexandra Hills — *Photo Credit: Queensland Police*

Varied Quality Of Counterfeit Notes

Investigations have shown that the counterfeit money circulating in the area has been printed with differing levels of quality. Some of the notes are marked with the word “COPY” and feature inconsistent serial numbers. The material used to produce these fakes includes paper, plastic and cardboard. Police have noted that the quality of these forgeries varies, with some appearing more convincing than others when handled quickly in low-light or high-traffic situations.

Police Urge Vigilance From Businesses And Residents

Residents and business owners in Alexandra Hills and surrounding suburbs have been urged to inspect all cash transactions carefully. Police recommend that anyone who comes across a suspicious note should handle it as little as possible, store it securely in an envelope, and record details of how it was obtained. Reports can be lodged immediately through Policelink or Crime Stoppers. Authorities also advise checking the Reserve Bank of Australia’s counterfeit detection guide for information on identifying genuine currency.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigations are continuing into how the counterfeit notes entered circulation across Brisbane’s Bayside region. Police have appealed to anyone who may have information about the source of these notes to come forward.

Published 10-Oct-2025

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

Capalaba Building Heights Cut as Council Tightens City Plan Rules

New rules will lower building heights and raise lot size limits across Capalaba, with most future developments capped at three storeys unless on larger sites.

Lower Heights, Larger Lots

Capalaba’s Parkland Living precinct is now limited to 20.5 metres, while Mount Cotton Road buildings are capped at 17.5 metres. The general height limit for medium-density zones has been cut to 11.5 metres, or about three storeys.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

New projects must meet stricter lot sizes of at least 800 square metres, and 1,000 square metres for taller developments. Smaller sites along Mount Cotton Road and Old Cleveland Road East may now need to be combined to qualify for multi-unit housing.

Design Rules Aim for Neighbourhood Harmony

Council officers said the amendments aim to help new projects fit better with existing neighbourhoods while protecting privacy and open space. Site coverage is now limited to 55 per cent, with clearer setback rules.

Developments must include deep landscaping for trees and communal areas for larger apartment buildings. Car parks and waste bins must be screened or built in, improving streetscape design and overall visual quality.

Support for Terrace and Freehold Homes

The updated Medium Density Residential Zone Code now supports terrace housing, allowing freehold homes instead of body corporate complexes. Cr Rowanne McKenzie said this gives residents more ownership options while managing density.

The approach promotes smaller, low-maintenance developments suited to local buyers. It forms part of a broader plan to balance growth with community amenity around Capalaba’s urban centre.

Council Seeks Certainty for Community and Developers

Mayor Jos Mitchell said the reforms tackle long-standing planning issues by setting clearer, more consistent rules. The goal is to improve liveability and give residents and developers certainty about future builds.

Cr Lance Hewlett warned some design rules could still cause confusion in planning disputes. The new controls, part of a citywide move toward lower-rise housing, are expected to take effect within weeks.

Published 3-October-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only

Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary Celebrates Launch Of Bushland Retreat

Residents at Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary in Victoria Point gathered to celebrate the opening of the Bushland Retreat, a clubhouse designed for health, social and wellness activities.

A Space For Connection

The Bushland Retreat clubhouse was launched on 25 September with a ribbon-cutting ceremony joined by residents, staff, and local leaders. Built in partnership with Hutchinson Builders and designed by OGE Architects, construction began in August 2024.

*Photo Credit: Ingenia Lifestyle/Facebook*

The new space serves as a hub for connection, offering a gym, wellness room, cinema, music space, magnesium pool, landscaped lawns, and barbecue areas. It also includes an arts and crafts studio and meeting rooms to support group activities.

Growth Of The Sanctuary Community

Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary has been steadily expanding, with about 140 homes built or under construction and around 250 residents now calling it home.

Once the community is complete, it will feature 225 homes. The clubhouse adds to existing amenities such as dog parks and bush walking tracks, ensuring residents have access to both leisure and nature.

Voices From The Community

Residents welcomed the addition as a valuable step in strengthening daily life. Foundation resident Joy Lemon described the Bushland Retreat as a place that would encourage social gatherings and community spirit.

Ingenia representatives said the clubhouse reflects the organisation’s vision of creating communities that support an active and connected lifestyle for over-50s.

Local Support And Collaboration

While local officials attended the event, the focus remained on the partnership that made the facility possible. Hutchinson Builders delivered the construction, with OGE Architects leading the design.

The project highlights how collaboration between builders, designers, and lifestyle providers can deliver quality outcomes that meet the needs of a growing community.

Published 3-October-2025

Featured: Photo Credit: Ingenia Lifestyle/Facebook

Capalaba Warned as Counterfeit Notes Circulate Across Bayside

Businesses and residents across Capalaba and surrounding Bayside suburbs are being urged to stay alert after counterfeit notes were used at multiple local shops.

Queensland Police have received 10 reports of fake $50 and $100 notes being passed at retail outlets across the region since late August. The affected areas include Capalaba, along with neighbouring suburbs Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Cleveland and Wynnum.

According to police, the counterfeit notes vary significantly in quality and have been printed on different materials including paper, plastic, and cardboard. Some fake currency even displays the word ‘COPY’ alongside various serial numbers.

Authorities say those attempting to use the counterfeit money often target businesses during peak trading periods when staff are busiest. In some instances, offenders have asked shop workers to exchange larger notes for smaller denominations.

Police are advising business owners and workers to exercise caution when handling cash transactions. If someone suspects they’ve been handed a counterfeit note, they should refuse to accept it, provided it’s safe to do so.

Anyone who comes across a suspected fake note should handle it minimally, place it in an envelope, and record any relevant details about how they received it before contacting police immediately.

Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The warning serves as a reminder for Capalaba’s retail and hospitality workers to remain vigilant, particularly during busy service periods when counterfeit currency is more likely to slip through undetected.

Published 25-September-2025

Alexandra Hills Mum Jailed After Repeated Bottle Shop Thefts

An Alexandra Hills mum has been sentenced to one month behind bars after admitting to stealing alcohol from the same Raby Bay bottle shop on three occasions over six weeks.

Stephanie Mathers, 37, faced Cleveland Magistrates Court via video link from the Cleveland watchhouse on 23 September, where she entered guilty pleas to three counts of stealing after a previous conviction. All offences occurred at First Choice Liquor Market at Raby Bay, located behind Cleveland’s Sands Hotel.

The court heard details of Mathers’ offending, which began on 5 August when she concealed a bottle of whisky valued at $99 in her handbag and left the store without paying. She returned to the same shop on 5 September, this time taking a bottle of Wild Turkey worth $29 and four bottles of wine valued at $20. Her third visit on 19 September saw her conceal alcohol worth $41 before only paying for a four-pack of cans at the register. Each incident was recorded on the store’s CCTV system.

Prosecutors requested restitution of $159 to the store and indicated that imprisonment was an appropriate penalty, noting that Mathers had been under an 18-month probation order with mixed compliance. The court was told she had stopped using methamphetamine several months prior but had subsequently developed issues with alcohol. She was also experiencing housing difficulties and had recently gone through a relationship breakdown.

Despite being on probation almost continuously since 2019, Mathers had declined a referral to a women’s programme and had only attended one psychologist appointment.

Her defence lawyer requested that any custodial sentence be wholly suspended to enable her to continue rehabilitation efforts.

However, Magistrate Deborah Vasta said Mathers’ history demonstrated a failure to take advantage of opportunities for change.

“You’ve pretty much been on probation full time… it’s a shame that you have not taken up the referral to various organisations,” Magistrate Vasta said.

“You treated the bottle shops as your own pantry, just going and helping yourself. It’s not a crime to drink alcohol, but it is a crime to steal it. So if you want to drink alcohol, you’re going to have to go get yourself a job like everybody else and pay for it.”

Mathers received three months’ imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently, with eligibility for parole release on 22 October. She was also ordered to pay $159 in restitution to First Choice Liquor.

Published 24-September-2025