Chocolate, hot cross buns, church services and time spent with friends and family, it’s Easter time again!  While Easter has traditional roots, for many of us it’s become a light-hearted celebration centred on family, fun and a chance to slow down. Falling neatly into the autumn season, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy “hopefully” cooler weather, fire up a barbecue or head off on a short getaway before the true heat of summer fades into the distance.  At the heart of the fest

For more than a century, the pension has been a quiet cornerstone of Australian society, a promise that after what feels like a lifetime of work, older members of the community would not be left behind in old age. But as the cost of living rises and economic realities shift, the question becomes unavoidable: is the pension still fulfilling its original purpose or has it fallen behind the very people it was designed to protect?  Australia’s Age Pension was introduced in 1909,

By Sheree Hoddinett    The tell-tale blue paint already adorns the outside of what will soon be the new BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing) at Sandstone Point.    While BCF is locked in as one of the main tenants in the mixed-use retail and lifestyle development, it is yet to be revealed what else will occupy the newly built spaces nearby, which include specialty retail and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) tenancies. Further announcements are expected in the coming months.    The p

The emergency restoration works to protect the Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage coastal system has achieved a major milestone, with dredging completed to help restore access from late March.  The dredging was completed ahead of schedule and crucially also marks the return of the Caloundra Coast Guard to its permanent headquarters at Bulcock Beach, as well as better access through the passage for boaties.  The emergency works have replenished the beach to provide a buffer

Last month in Melbourne, Kim Michael Schubert was sentenced to three years’ jail (with nine months to serve) for abusing his job at a disability employment service for stealing nearly $200,000 from 90 vulnerable NDIS participants. The court ordered him to repay $40,000. Another co-offender got off with a good behaviour bond. Good news, right? Justice finally served.    Except NDIS integrity chief John Dardo told Senate Estimates in February that up to 10% of the entire scheme

Sandstone Community Church is very excited and proud to introduce to our much-loved community, the arrival of Pastor Colin Russell.  A special induction service was held recently at Ningi Hall to officially welcome Pastor Colin, his wife Karen and two children; Octavia and Bryce. They have moved from Wellington, New South Wales where Pastor Colin has many years of pastoring experience. He brings his enthusiasm for the gospel, his vibrant personality and his musical experience

Bribie Island and the surrounding Moreton Bay region boast an ideal subtropical climate - warm, humid summers (often 24–35°C), mild winters, reliable rainfall and refreshing coastal breezes. While sandy, fast-draining soils can be nutrient-poor and occasional salt winds pose challenges, smart soil preparation and the right varieties make home fruit growing highly rewarding. Dwarf and grafted options suit smaller Island blocks and courtyards perfectly.    Here are the top frui

Results for the Caboolture Social Darts Club. Potluck doubles played every Monday night at 21 Hayes Street, Caboolture. Visitors welcome. Names by 7.15pm.   February/March   Saturday February 23 had 26 players play Potluck doubles completing 11 rounds. Winners Connor & Paul. Runners up Josh & Michael. Mark had a 62 Bull finish; there were plenty of 100 and 140 thrown on the day.  Winners: Luke/Karl, Shayne/Conner, Robert/Karl, Jai/Dean.  Runners Up: Terry/Beau, Jai/Cecil,

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal traffic crash which happened in Elimbah in the early hours of Sunday, March 22.   Initial information suggests that a 2015 Kia Cerato was travelling along Bigmor Drive about 4.20am before hitting a power pole and becoming engulfed in flames.   The single occupant of the vehicle, a man police believe to be aged in his 20s, was declared deceased at the scene of the crash.   Formal procedures are underway to identify the deceased

By Sheree Hoddinett    When it seems like there’s almost no more room for development, along comes a significant land deal that changes it all.    A 181-hectare site located at Pumicestone Road, Rutters Road and Clinker Road Elimbah recently sold for a hefty $318.5 million.   The site was acquired by HB Land, a Singaporean-based, locally operated development group.  The landmark holding is approved for a major master-planned community comprising of up to 1400 residential lots

By Sheree Hoddinett   For many Australians, the latest interest rate rise didn’t exactly come across as breaking news. It landed as a feeling, that unavoidable familiar tightening in the chest when another cost-of-living pressure arrives, uninvited and with no choice but to accept the outcome.  When the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points last month, it did so with a clear message: inflation remains stubborn, and the fight to bring it back