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Capalaba Bulldogs Women Earn Promotion to Top League After Standout Season

Capalaba has reclaimed its place among Queensland’s football elite, with the Bulldogs’ women’s side securing promotion back to the National Premier Leagues after finishing second in the FQPL1 competition. The team’s rise was powered by a record of 14 wins, three draws and just one loss, making them one of the most consistent performers in the state.

Season of dominance

The Bulldogs’ defensive record has been a key talking point across the league. They conceded only five goals throughout the season, with goalkeeper Cass Zaffina earning high praise for her composure under pressure. The squad’s discipline at the back laid the foundation for their promotion and earned respect from rivals who struggled to break through their defensive line.

Club captain Demi Robins, one of Capalaba’s longest-serving players, has been central to the team’s resurgence. Her leadership on and off the pitch has been credited with helping to build a strong culture that carried the side through tight contests.

Finals push

Capalaba’s promotion was secured ahead of their finals campaign, which set up a clash against Caboolture at John Fredericks Park. The game marked another opportunity for the Bulldogs to showcase their competitive edge as they stepped into finals football with momentum behind them.

Building for the future

The Bulldogs have made it clear that their focus extends beyond short-term wins. The club has been vocal about its ambition to become one of the leading women-focused football programs in Queensland. By investing in pathways for junior players and building a competitive senior team, Capalaba aims to cement its reputation as a destination for aspiring female footballers.

With promotion secured, the Bulldogs are now preparing for the challenges of competing against stronger opposition in the National Premier Leagues. The club’s officials have said the squad’s growth this year shows they are ready for the step up and eager to test themselves against the best.

Published 4-Sept-2025

Featured Image: Calapaba FC/Facebook

Young Labourer Sentenced for Cannabis Dealing at Hungry Jack’s

A 24-year-old Alexandra Hills resident has been sentenced to probation and community service after pleading guilty to dealing cannabis from the car park of the local Hungry Jack’s restaurant.

Mitchell Leslie Rolfe appeared before Cleveland Magistrates Court last Thursday, where he admitted to multiple drug-related charges stemming from incidents that shocked local patrons at the Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre precinct.

The court heard that concerned members of the public contacted police after witnessing what appeared to be drug transactions taking place in broad daylight at the fast-food restaurant’s car park. Police responded to these reports and observed Rolfe conducting what prosecutors described as a transaction with a female customer.

Following his arrest, officers discovered approximately 30 grams of cannabis divided into individual bags of around 4 grams each, along with $460 in cash consisting primarily of small denomination notes. A search of Rolfe’s residence later revealed additional cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

The charges against Rolfe also included an incident from May this year, when he was caught driving on Finucane Road with drugs in his system whilst already disqualified from holding a licence.

During proceedings, Rolfe’s legal representative told the court that his client had worked full-time in the construction industry as a roof truss labourer and had distanced himself from criminal behaviour since his arrest.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta used the sentencing as an opportunity to warn about the potential progression from cannabis dealing to more serious drug offences. She emphasised that many people involved in trafficking harder substances often begin with cannabis before escalating to more dangerous drugs.

“Most people who end up trafficking in drugs don’t just start off a business of trafficking in ice or meth or cocaine,” Magistrate Vasta observed during sentencing. She noted that Rolfe had been apprehended before his offending could escalate further and encouraged him to take advantage of this opportunity.

The magistrate sentenced Rolfe to 18 months’ probation with strict conditions including regular reporting to authorities, mandatory counselling sessions, and random drug testing. He was also ordered to complete 60 hours of community service for refusing to provide police with access to his mobile phone during the investigation.

Whilst no formal convictions were recorded against Rolfe, he has been banned from entering Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre. The court warned that any breach of his probation conditions or failure to complete the community service requirements could result in significantly harsher penalties.

The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about drug activity in public spaces within the local community, with police praising the vigilance of community members who reported the suspicious behaviour.

Published 5-September-2025

Victoria Point Sewer Project To Unlock New Housing Supply

A state-backed sewer upgrade in Victoria Point will support the delivery of hundreds of new homes as the authorities progress amendments to a major nearby development.

Background

In May, Redland City Council lodged two applications under the state government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, a program aimed at accelerating shovel-ready infrastructure projects to support housing supply. In June, the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning confirmed one of the bids had been successful.

The State approved a $4.3 million grant for the Southwest Victoria Point Central Sewer Trunk Expansion Project. Covering a 175-hectare area around Double Jump Road in Victoria Point, the upgrade is expected to facilitate hundreds of homes in a key growth corridor.

An alternative sewerage upgrade for the Kinross Road estate in Thornlands was not supported by the fund, despite being designed to complete a long-planned precinct. The authorities has emphasised the need for broader infrastructure support to sustain ongoing development.

Victoria Point infrastructure — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Details of the Sewer Upgrade

The funding will enhance sewer capacity around Double Jump Road, unlocking housing development in the area. The $4.3 million allocation was confirmed by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

Road detours are currently in place in Victoria Point and Redland Bay while housing construction continues.

Shoreline Project Review

At the same time, Redland City Council is considering significant amendments to the $3 billion Shoreline development at Redland Bay. Proposed changes include relocating the town centre closer to Serpentine Creek Road, adopting terrace housing, and consolidating four sports fields into a single precinct with a clubhouse and community amenities.

Developer submissions indicate the town centre relocation would improve visibility and access to shops, cafés and services, creating a central hub. The developer has also committed to deliver the sports precinct by the 1 500th home and to contribute to clubhouse construction. Infrastructure agreements will be revised to reflect these adjustments.

Victoria Point sewer — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Looking Ahead

Further announcements on the Residential Activation Fund are expected soon, with authorities encouraged to reapply for projects that were not successful in the first round.

Published 1-Sep-2025

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Redlands Area Sports Results – Aug 22 to 24

Sat, August 23, 2025 – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 20
• Palm Beach Currumbin QAFL Seniors 119 | Redland Victoria Point QAFL Seniors 88

Sun, August 24, 2025 – FQPL1 – Women – Round 18
• Moreton City Excelsior U23 0 | Capalaba FC U23 0
• Moreton City Excelsior 0 | Capalaba FC 5

Sun, August 24, 2025 – FQPL1 – Men – Round 22
• Capalaba FC 1 | Magic United 6
• Southside Eagles 1 | Redlands United 5

NPL
Sat, August 23, 2025 – NPL – Men – Round 22
• Gold Coast Knights 2 | Sunshine Coast Wanderers 1

Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Coming to Capalaba to Improve Access

Capalaba is among the first in Brisbane South to get a walk-in Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, reducing pressure on local hospitals.

Community Health Needs Drive Expansion

Capalaba residents will soon have quicker access to urgent medical care with a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic set to open in the suburb. The clinic is part of a national program expanding walk-in, bulk-billed services for non-life-threatening conditions.

*Photo Credit: Urgent Care Network Australia*

Capalaba, Carindale and Holland Park–Yeronga were marked as priority areas due to growth and rising healthcare demand. The new clinic will treat minor injuries, infections and acute conditions, helping residents avoid long GP waits or hospital visits.

Services Offered and Operational Details

Medicare UCCs operate seven days a week with extended hours, providing care for conditions such as sprains, fractures, respiratory illnesses, rashes, minor burns, and infections.

Patients do not need an appointment, and services are fully bulk-billed. The clinics work with nearby hospitals to quickly refer cases needing higher care. The clinics also work closely with nearby hospitals, so cases requiring higher-level care can be efficiently referred.

Opportunities for Local Practices

A local medical practice, chosen through an Expression of Interest process managed by Brisbane South PHN, will run the Capalaba clinic.

This approach allows local general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to expand their services and join the urgent care network. It strengthens healthcare capacity and community ties.

Broader Community Impact

The Capalaba UCC is part of a national plan to open 50 new clinics, aimed at giving Australians faster access to urgent care within a short travel distance.

For Capalaba, the clinic will ease pressure on nearby hospitals and provide quicker treatment for everyday health issues. It will also offer better support for families, the elderly, and residents needing urgent care.

Published 16-August-2025

Redlands Area Sports Results – Aug 15 to 17

Sat, August 16, 2025 – TPIL Lawyers QAFL – Men – Round 19
• Mt Gravatt QAFL Seniors 73 | Redland Victoria Point QAFL Seniors 104

Sat, August 16, 2025 – FQPL1 – Men – Round 21
• Redlands United 0 | Capalaba FC 1

“This Will Help Us So Much”: Capalaba Retiree in Tears Over $1.6m Win

A morning of running errands turned into a moment of pure disbelief and happiness for a Capalaba retiree this week, who discovered he was the owner of a $1.6 million windfall. The first person he wanted to share the news with was his beloved wife of 67 years.

The Redlands resident held one of just four division one winning entries from across the country in last weekend’s major prize, taking home a life-altering sum of $1,668,614.99. Because the ticket wasn’t registered to a members card, officials had to wait anxiously for the mystery winner to check their numbers and come forward. When the gleeful man finally realised his good fortune, he was overcome with emotion.

“This is wonderful! My wife is in a nursing home, and this will help us so much. We’ve been married for 67 incredible years,” he cried during a call with officials. “We have heaps of expenses, and I can’t even begin to describe how good this is. I’ve been playing for years and years, and I never expected to win.”

he man said he couldn’t wait to share the incredible news with his daughter. “Thank you very much. You have made my day!” he said.

The win has also spread joy to the place the ticket was purchased: Mount Cotton Road News. Owner Meg Reilly said her team was ecstatic to learn they had played a part in changing a local’s life. “The entire team has been buzzing with excitement knowing we sold a division one winning entry,” she said. “We’ll be celebrating in-store with plenty of cheers, balloons and signs. Over the past 12 years, we’ve been fortunate enough to sell four division one winning entries, and it never gets any less exciting.”

This latest win marks the fourth major lottery win in the Redland region so far in 2025, with winnings for local players now totalling more than $4.9 million.

Published Date 14-August-2025

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

Residents in Victoria Point and surrounding suburbs now have a new, convenient way to save lives, as the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood brings its blood donation centres directly into local neighbourhoods.

The initiative is part of a wider Brisbane campaign aiming to make the life-saving act of giving blood more accessible for thousands of people and meet a critical community need for donations.

Bringing Donations Closer to Home

blood donation — *Photo Credit:* *Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/ Facebook*

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has launched a series of “Pop-Up” donor centres across the Greater Brisbane area in an effort to collect an additional 10,000 blood donations over the next year. These pop-ups are essentially mobile donor centres, set up in familiar local venues like community halls and sports clubs for several days at a time before moving to the next location.

The program began this week in Holland Park, with centres in Mt Ommaney, Mt Gravatt, Cleveland, Toowong, and Springfield also scheduled in the coming weeks and months. By bringing the facilities into the heart of suburban communities, the organisation hopes to remove the barrier of travel for many potential donors.

Community Support is Crucial

Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh explained that the success of the pop-up model relies heavily on local community support. While Lifeblood is confident there are enough eligible donors, she stressed the importance of residents booking and filling the available appointments to ensure the pop-up centres can continue to visit these locations.

Victoria Point residents can contribute at the YMCA on Link Road from 22 September to 3 October, and again from 15 to 24 December. Those in Cleveland can visit the Comfort Hotel Pacific from 11 to 17 August. To become a donor, individuals can simply drop into a pop-up, book an appointment online at lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or use the free Donate Blood app.

Published Date 24-July-2025

Capalaba Driver Breaks Arm Fleeing Police After Roadside Stop

A young man broke his arm while running from police during a roadside stop in Capalaba, leaving local officers and residents stunned as a routine check turned into a foot chase through the suburb.

Routine Stop Turns Risky

The incident began when officers pulled over an unregistered and uninsured vehicle during traffic checks in Capalaba. Behind the wheel was 21-year-old Angus Ryan Oakley, who had no driver’s licence. Rather than face the consequences at the roadside, Oakley bolted from the car, sparking a short pursuit.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

During the chase, he fell and fractured his left arm, an injury he didn’t realise at first due to the rush of adrenaline. Police confirmed his injury was self-inflicted and not the result of any force used by officers.

Medical Treatment and Arrest

Oakley was quickly caught and taken into custody. Paramedics attended the scene, and he was later taken to hospital where his arm was put in a cast. He also appeared to have facial bruising at the time of his arrest.

Police said he was not physically harmed by officers and sustained his injuries while fleeing. Following medical treatment, he was transported to the watch house for processing.

Court Appearance and Probation Orders

The following day, Oakley faced Cleveland Magistrates Court via video link. He was convicted of driving without a licence and breaching probation conditions tied to earlier offences from 2024.

The court issued an 18-month probation order, during which he must attend counselling, including sessions with a psychologist, and report any changes in residence or employment within two business days. Additionally, he was banned from driving for six months, with his disqualification set to end on 3 January 2026.

Magistrate’s Message to the Offender

Magistrate Deborah Vasta told the court that Oakley’s actions showed poor decision-making but also left open an opportunity for him to change course. She urged him to take the probation seriously, highlighting that it was a chance to access support and rehabilitation services rather than face stricter penalties.

The message was clear, further breaches would likely result in harsher consequences. The ruling prioritised support and stability, with hopes it would lead to better outcomes for both Oakley and the broader Capalaba community.

Published 12-July-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only

Pregnant Woman Sentenced Over Bayside Retail Crime Spree

A woman who stole hundreds of dollars worth of goods from retailers in Capalaba has been jailed for 13 months after repeatedly loading shopping trolleys and walking out without paying, sparking concern among local businesses.

Repeated Thefts Across Redlands

Between April and June 2025, Eden Maree Wheatley, 34, carried out repeated thefts from major retailers in Capalaba, Alexandra Hills and Redbank Plains. She was sentenced on 1 July at Cleveland Magistrates Court.

Court documents revealed she loaded trolleys with electronics, nappies, groceries and a GoPro, then walked out without paying. In one case, she used a stolen bank card to purchase fast food. Her conduct was labelled in court as bold, consistent and disruptive, sometimes involving help from another person at the exits.

Breaches and Aggressive Behaviour

While on bail, Wheatley failed to meet her obligations on seven separate occasions. She did not stay at her designated address or attend required appointments. During her time in custody, she spat on a police officer, an act that led to a serious assault charge.

The court considered this behaviour a major concern, citing the risk of further offences if she were released.

Sentencing and Court Decision

Magistrate Deborah Vasta sentenced Wheatley to 13 months in custody, 12 months for theft and fraud offences, plus one month for failing to appear in court. She was credited for 36 days already spent in custody and is eligible for parole on 27 July 2025.

Wheatley, who was 14 weeks pregnant at the time of sentencing, asked to be released but was refused bail. The magistrate stated that her repeated disregard for court orders and the community could not be overlooked.

Community Impact and Probation Plan

Local businesses in Capalaba and surrounding areas expressed concern about how easily thefts were carried out in broad daylight. While no one was physically harmed, staff at the affected stores were unsettled by the frequency and scale of the offences.

Wheatley will remain under probation for three years after her release, including supervision and counselling aimed at reducing the risk of future offending.

Published 11-July-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only