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Lions Richlands Seeks Approval for Club Extension at Pine Road

Lions Richlands Football Club has lodged a development application for significant extensions to its Pine Road premises, seeking to enhance facilities for the club and the broader community.

Read: Forest Lake Boy Gains Sporting Boost Through Lions Club Support

The proposal, designed by architecture firm Cayas + Ward, involves extensions to both ground floor and basement levels at the existing venue located at 133-139 Pine Road, Richlands. The application represents Stage 2 of an ongoing development program, with Stage 1 works already completed.

Expansion Plans and Facility Improvements

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006902274

The proposed extensions will add a substantial 1,315sqm of gross floor area to the club, split between a 472sqm ground floor expansion and an 858sqm basement extension. The development focuses on creating improved spaces for administration, entertainment, and member amenities across the 49,950sqm site.

Key features of the expansion include a new boardroom to replace the previous ground floor meeting space, enhanced administrative areas designed for staff amenity and comfort, and significant upgrades to the gaming area and lounge facilities. Members and guests will also benefit from improved outdoor dining spaces, whilst the external façade will receive contemporary design upgrades to create a more attractive streetscape presence on Pine Road.

The development will be staged in collaboration with the club to ensure appropriate access is maintained throughout construction. Stage 2 comprises four sub-stages, beginning with modifications to create a dual access road (Stage 2A), followed by a new extension to the existing on-grade car parking and subterranean tank room (Stage 2B).

Stage 2C will see the main northwest corner extension and gaming layout modifications, whilst Stage 2D focuses on car park modifications and site works. A future Stage 3 is also planned, involving extensions on the northern side with further car park and driveway reconfigurations.

To accommodate the new extensions, 20 car parking spaces will be removed, with minor alterations planned to the existing northwest car parking layout. The club’s current access arrangements will be retained, ensuring delivery and refuse vehicles can continue operating as required throughout the staged construction process.

Community Benefits

Place Design Group, the planning consultants managing the application, highlighted the community value of the project in their submission. The planners noted that the extension works represent an important contribution to the club’s ongoing capacity to deliver sporting, recreation, club and function services across local and wider communities. According to Place Design Group, the upgrade works are anticipated to provide significant public benefit.

The venue currently provides gaming and function facilities to the local and wider communities. The proposed extensions build upon Stage 1 works that included a new club extension on the eastern side, modifications to the club layout, a new entry extension on the southern side with a drop-off area, and a two-storey car park in the southeast corner.

Read: Multi-Warehouse Complex and Logistics Development to Boost Richlands Industrial Landscape

With the development application now lodged, the community awaits the outcome of the approval process. If approved, the extensions will enable the club to continue providing sporting, recreation, and function services with enhanced facilities for Richlands and surrounding suburbs including Forest Lake.

Published 7-January-2026

Police Appeal for Dashcam Footage After Fatal Boxing Day Collision on Logan Motorway

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Police are calling on motorists to come forward with dashcam footage following a fatal collision on the Logan Motorway at Forest Lake on Boxing Day morning.

The crash occurred around 11.55am on Thursday in the westbound lanes of the motorway, when a white Kia Cerato collided with a blue Kia Cerato that had stopped in an emergency bay.

According to Queensland Police Service, the driver of the blue vehicle — a 78-year-old man from Wilsonton — had been standing outside his car when the collision occurred. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the white Kia, a 33-year-old woman from Cleveland, was not physically injured in the crash. Police confirmed she is cooperating with investigators.

Authorities are particularly interested in obtaining dashcam vision from anyone who witnessed the incident or observed either vehicle in the lead-up to the crash.

The tragedy marks another Boxing Day fatality on Queensland roads, adding to ongoing concerns about motorway safety during the busy holiday period.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the Forensic Crash Unit examining the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Anyone with information or relevant footage is urged to contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2502367924.

Published 26-December-2025

Forest Lake Dog Owners Urged to Vie for National Glory and $20,000 Prize

Photo Credit: Australian Dog of The Year

Forest Lake dog owners have a golden opportunity to showcase their four-legged best mates on the national stage as the hunt begins for the country’s most inspiring canine.

Celebrating Aussie Mateship

The search for the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year is officially underway, with nominations closing on Monday, 12 January 2026. Now in its sixth year, the awards hosted by Puppy Tales aim to recognise the dogs that capture the true Australian spirit of friendship, courage, and love. The competition is looking for unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from family homes in Forest Lake to schools and hospitals across the country.

Kerry Martin, the founder of Puppy Tales and an award-winning pet photographer, said the awards are about shining a light on dogs that change lives without asking for anything in return. She noted that whether a dog is a hard-working farm hand, a therapy animal, or simply a best friend who helps their owner through tough times, every story deserves to be told. The winners will be announced on Australia Day, 26 January 2026.

Big Rewards for Good Dogs

This year, the stakes are higher than ever with a total prize pool valued at $20,000. The prizes are distributed among winners, nominees, and even voters, ensuring that everyone involved has a chance to win. The overall winner will receive a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice, a ‘Bailey’ photography collection worth over $4,000, and a personalised trophy.

There are also specific categories for the People’s Choice award and the ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal. To encourage early participation, anyone who nominates a dog before the deadline will enter a weekly draw to win $200 gift cards for Golden BARKery Treats. This initiative is supported by Sunday the Rottweiler, the 2025 Paws-itive Change Award winner, who wanted to share the love with other dogs.

Inspiration from Previous Winners

The bar has been set high by the 2025 Australian Dog of the Year, Elle. A deaf rescue dog from Queensland, Elle supports school children who face anxiety and behavioural challenges. She communicates through sign language and has become such an integral part of her school community that she is even included in the staff photos.

The judging panel for the 2026 awards will include Elle’s owner, Robyn Adair, alongside Agnes Beugnon from Australian Dog Lover and Kerry Martin. They are looking for dogs that represent the diversity of Australia, from fearless police dogs to the quiet companions who provide comfort at home. Forest Lake locals with dogs that fit this description are encouraged to step forward and share their stories.

How to Get Involved

Nominations are open to all dogs, including service animals, therapy dogs, and family pets. The deadline to enter is 8pm on 12 January 2026. Once the finalists are selected, they will be announced on 14 January, and the public will have the chance to vote for the People’s Choice winner until 23 January.

Residents can head to the Puppy Tales website to submit their nominations. With the strong community spirit in Forest Lake, a local dog could very well be the next national champion.

Published Date 03-December-2025

Durack School Waits as Olympic Preparation Project Falls Behind Schedule

Photo Credit: Glenala SHS/Facebook

Families in Durack are still waiting for work to begin on a major school sports project that is meant to boost student training ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games, with Go for Gold construction rollout one year behind its intended schedule and yet to start.

Delayed School Upgrades Across Key Communities

Records show that six schools across Queensland received the highest level of Go for Gold funding, aimed at building large sport and training facilities to support growing student programs.

Queensland originally planned for all projects to be completed by December 2025, but no construction has begun. The Department of Education has advised that work is now expected to start in early 2026 and finish by the end of that year, depending on weather, builder availability and scheduling changes.

Durack Project Affected by Statewide Re-Prioritisation

Glenala State High School in Durack was set to receive nearly $4 million for covered outdoor courts to support its netball program. The school later learned that its upgrade was shifted down the priority list as the state focused first on schools in northern and remote areas, where wet-season delays were more likely.

This adjustment has pushed Glenala’s project back even further, adding uncertainty for families hoping for improved training facilities.

Shifting Timelines for Schools Across Queensland

According to the Department of Education, schools in Townsville, Cairns and Thursday Island were placed at the front of the queue due to distance and predictable seasonal conditions. The earliest projects expected to be completed are at Aitkenvale State School and Bentley Park College in late 2026. While there is a budget of more than $1 billion for school infrastructure this financial year, the Go for Gold rollout has not matched original expectations.

Community Interest Grows as Deadlines Move

Parents and school communities in Durack say the delays affect their plans for training, sport involvement and student participation. The program was announced to encourage children to take part in sport and give schools better spaces as the city prepares for the 2032 Olympics. The latest budget papers show more than 60 per cent of the program funding had already been allocated by mid-2025, yet the majority of physical works remain unstarted.

The Department of Education has stated that it continues to monitor project timelines and will speed up delivery where possible.

Published 3-Dec-2025

Man Sentenced After Devastating High-Speed Forest Lake Crash

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A man has been sentenced to jail after causing a devastating crash in Forest Lake last year while driving under the influence of cocaine and alcohol at extreme speeds.

Jacobus Devon Vanderkruk, 28, received a five-year jail sentence with suspension after 18 months when he appeared in Brisbane’s District Court on Thursday, 27 November. He was also disqualified from driving for five years.

The court heard Vanderkruk had been at a party when he offered to drive a friend’s Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG coupe to a bottle shop, taking three passengers with him.

Despite having consumed cocaine and alcohol, Vanderkruk drove at speeds between 120 km/h and 150 km/h along streets with 60 km/h speed limits. His frightened passengers asked him to slow down before the collision occurred.

The Mercedes collided with a Toyota LandCruiser being driven by a 52-year-old woman who was returning home. The impact was so severe that the Mercedes engine was torn from the vehicle’s chassis.

Four people sustained serious injuries in the crash. A 20-year-old female passenger lost a kidney, suffered spinal fractures and required partial colon removal. Two male passengers, both 22, sustained severe injuries including a torn lung, fractured ribs and sternum for one, and a broken arm for the other. The LandCruiser driver suffered ankle fractures, lung injuries and other trauma.

The court was told that at least three of the injured parties would have died without surgical intervention.

Vanderkruk tested positive for cocaine and had an estimated blood alcohol content of at least 0.08 at the time of the crash. He also sustained injuries, including a fractured femur, and has developed post-traumatic stress disorder.

Judge David Kent noted that Vanderkruk’s letter of apology was among the best he had seen and accepted that the defendant showed genuine remorse. Vanderkruk pleaded guilty early to charges including dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm while intoxicated, excessive speeding, and drink and drug driving.

The judge acknowledged that while Vanderkruk had a poor traffic history, a report indicated he posed a low risk of reoffending if he addressed his alcohol problems.

Published 27-November-2025

Inala and Forest Lake Organisations Unite to Fund Local Causes

Vulnerable families in Forest Lake and Inala are receiving critical support through a multi-million dollar funding effort led by two major local community hubs.

Banking on the Community

Heritage Bank’s Forest Lake Branch recently marked a significant milestone in its ongoing partnership with Forest Lake One Community (FLOC). Since the branch began operations in 2005, it has handed out more than $1.5 million in grants to groups within its local boundary. This area covers suburbs including Doolandella, Durack, Richlands, and Willawong. The branch operates as a joint venture, and Branch Manager Sanjh Prasad noted that the location was specifically created to return profits to the people who live there.

Every two months, the branch and FLOC select local non-profits to receive financial aid. In early October, more than $5,000 was shared among three key groups. One of these recipients was the Brisbane South Toy Library in Richlands. Operating on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the library functions much like a traditional book library but for toys. It allows children aged six months to 12 years to borrow from a collection of hundreds of items. The service aims to reduce plastic waste and lower expenses for parents, while also creating a friendly space for families to gather.

Comfort for those in Need

Another portion of the recent grant went to Pillowcases for Oncology. This volunteer group sews and donates pillows to children who are undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments. The goal is to provide physical comfort to young patients while they are in the hospital. Dan Baldwin from FLOC mentioned that this charity was personally significant to him, and he felt proud to back an initiative that helps so many families during difficult times.

The third recipient was the National Seniors Australia Forest Lake Branch. This group supports residents over the age of 50 by offering access to financial advice and opportunities for social connection. The funding helps them continue providing these essential services to their members.

A Long History of Giving

In the neighbouring suburb of Inala, the Blue Fin Fishing Club has also made substantial contributions. Over the last 13 years, the club has donated $2.85 million to the area. General Manager Peter Purins stated that the club has always operated as a not-for-profit organisation since it began in 1956. He explained that all money earned by the venue is either used to upgrade facilities for members or donated directly to the community.

The club raises a large portion of these funds through its Tuesday night meal service. Five dollars from every main meal sold on those nights is set aside for local causes. Mr Purins noted that this initiative generates a considerable amount of money. Current beneficiaries of this weekly fundraising effort include the Brisbane South First Aid Volunteers, Wandarrah Preschool & Community Centre, the Lions Club of Inala, and Paws for Hope & Understanding.

Feeding the future

Beyond cash donations, the fishing club runs specific programs to help children. It currently funds breakfast clubs at nine local schools, with plans to expand to a tenth school soon. This ensures students and staff have a healthy start to the day. The club also supports the Salvation Army by donating around 60 hams each Christmas to ensure struggling families can enjoy a festive meal. Mr Purins remarked that it is up to the charitable organisations to use the resources where they are needed most, which makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Looking ahead, the Blue Fin Fishing Club is preparing for its 70th anniversary in January 2026. The club plans to host a week of promotions and a major dinner to celebrate the occasion. The event will also honour long-standing members, some of whom have belonged to the club for up to 60 years.

Published Date 26-November-2025

Experts Urge Forest Lake Residents to Act on Asbestos Risks Before Summer

Photo Credit: Worksafe Queensland/YouTube

Experts warn that the coming bushfire season could bring about increased risk for asbestos contamination and exposure if the community does not implement proper safety measures and avoid improper disposal or illegal dumping, similar to a Forest Lake incident that caused much concern last year.

Warnings Rise With the Approach of Summer

National Asbestos Awareness Week (24-28 November) has placed new focus on the risk facing Queensland households as temperatures rise and conditions become drier. Many homes built before 1990 still contain asbestos in roofs, eaves, walls, and older utility areas, and these materials often become weaker as they age.

According to EDP Consultants Managing Director John Batty, asbestos becomes far more hazardous in summer because heat, wind and impact can cause older sheeting to break apart. Mr Batty has explained that the danger increases when bushfires occur, as asbestos cement can crack, split or burst under high temperatures. When this happens, thin fibres can become airborne and travel across nearby yards, roads and waterways.

Experts say this hazard is often underestimated. While asbestos is well known as a dangerous building material, many homeowners do not realise how fast it can spread during a fire. The fibres are too small to be seen and can move long distances when carried by smoke, ash or wind.

This makes older suburbs like Forest Lake more vulnerable, especially where homes, sheds or fences may contain asbestos installed decades ago. Specialists note that even a small fire can cause damage that contaminates a wide area.

Past examples from Sydney have shown how asbestos contamination can spread well beyond the site of an incident. In one case, a roof was damaged during high-pressure cleaning, sending asbestos fragments across several nearby yards. In another, a factory fire raised fears that airborne fibres had travelled through residential streets.

Forest Lake Incident Highlights Local Vulnerability

In June 2025, the Forest Lake case highlighted serious issues around illegal waste disposal. A raid uncovered a large pile of mixed construction debris, including asbestos, dumped in bushland. This discovery prompted alerts to the Pollution Hotline and required multiple agencies to investigate.

Nearby residents were worried about how long the waste had been there and whether weather conditions had disturbed it. Investigators confirmed that this was a serious violation of waste rules. The incident showed how quickly asbestos can re-enter communities when it’s not disposed of properly.

Forest Lake is a family-friendly suburb with many walking tracks and green spaces. This case raised important questions about how hazardous materials are handled and monitored. It underscored the importance of safe handling during renovations and whenever older building materials are removed or moved.

Safety experts are using the Forest Lake case to encourage residents to check their surroundings, especially older sheds, fences, and home extensions. They explain that asbestos can stay safe if left undisturbed but becomes dangerous if disturbed. Problems like illegal dumping, storm events, or accidental damage can release harmful fibres. When combined with dry summer conditions or nearby fires, the risks increase significantly.

What Homeowners Are Being Told to Do

Mr Batty recommends developing an asbestos management plan, which outlines where asbestos is found, what state it is in and how it will be handled in the future. The experts are advising residents to arrange inspections of older roofs, gutters and outdoor structures before conditions worsen.

Keeping inspection reports, removal records and safety paperwork in a secure place can also help emergency crews during bushfires or severe weather events. Licensed asbestos professionals can identify where materials are located, assess their condition and recommend safe steps for managing or removing them.

Homeowners are reminded not to attempt any kind of do-it-yourself removal. Incorrect handling can lead to fibres spreading throughout the property and entering soil, pools or garden beds. Improper disposal can also result in fines or investigations, as seen in the Forest Lake dumping case. Specialists say using licensed removal contractors is the only safe option and ensures that the waste is transported to approved facilities.

As bushfire conditions intensify, experts want households to understand the risks and take steps to protect their property and their neighbors. They say awareness is one of the best tools available. By addressing asbestos risks before summer peaks, communities can lower long-term contamination and help keep families safe.

Published 25-Nov-2025

Inala Intersection To Receive Major Safety Improvements

Safety upgrades are in the concept and information gathering stage for the Archerfield Road, Azalea Street and Pine Road intersection in Inala. Around 22,000 vehicles travel through the intersection daily and residents have long raised concerns about safety and difficult traffic flow at the site.

Project Timeline And Planning

The new upgrade plan aims to address those issues with safer controls and clearer movement through the area. Brisbane City Council began planning after traffic data and community input showed how often the intersection affects daily travel in Inala and nearby Richlands.

Council held information sessions at Inala Plaza and Richlands Plaza in late October to share early design details and gather feedback. Council said responses from these sessions will inform the next stage of design. Construction is listed for 2027 as planning and investigations continue.

Safety And Traffic Concerns

Media reports cite seven serious crashes at the intersection between 2021 and 2023. Those reports noted the site as one of Brisbane’s more high-risk intersections during that period. Community members have described frequent near misses and regular delays.

Local representatives said residents in Inala have raised these issues for some time, pointing to ongoing concerns about how the intersection operates during busy hours. The upgrade responds to these issues by adding signal control and improving layout.

What The Upgrade Includes

Council outlined a design that adds traffic lights, dedicated turning lanes and a pedestrian crossing. These features aim to improve safety for people walking or driving through the intersection.

The plan focuses on smoother movement between Inala and Richlands and safer pedestrian access across Archerfield Road. Council documents state the goal is to improve the intersection’s safety and daily operation for all road users.

Community Effort Drives Action

Community involvement influenced the planning process. Residents in Inala have consistently raised concerns about the risks and delays at this location. Council leaders said local feedback is important and will continue to guide the design as it develops.

Local representatives stated that community knowledge helped highlight the problems and supported the need for change. The upgrade aligns with Council’s broader safety and traffic improvement program across Brisbane, including the Inala area.

Published 20-November-2025

Forest Lake Photographer Recognised for Wildlife Image

Photo Credit: On-line Safari Tours/Facebook

Forest Lake Photography Club president Norman Dean has been recognised for securing the top spot in Heritage Bank’s November Wildlife Image Competition.

Background of the Forest Lake Win

The winning entry featured a young spotted hyena, taken during his safari tour in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Dean currently leads expeditions as the chief wildlife photographer for On-Line Safari Tours.

Norman Dean — *Photo Credit: On-Line Safari Tours*

Forest Lake Photographer’s Experience and Work

Dean travels to South Africa several times each year where he continues his wildlife photography work. His long-standing experience includes more than two decades as a professional photographer with a focus on animals in their natural environment. His photographic work aims to highlight the behaviour and presence of African wildlife.

How the Competition Operates in Forest Lake

The Forest Lake Photography Club runs monthly slideshow events where members submit images for viewing. Voting for entries takes place the following month. As the current winner, Dean will receive an A3+ print of his photograph produced on the club’s printer, purchased using a grant provided through the local branch of Heritage Bank. This funding is also used for a new laptop and printer supplies.

*Photo Credit: Forest Lake Photography Club*

Community Involvement and Additional Projects

Some club members were invited in September to photograph the finalist gardens for the Inala Electorate Garden Competition. Those images will be included in a 2026 calendar that will be sold to support charitable efforts. The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.15 p.m. at the Forest Lake Community Hall, where visitors are welcome.

Outlook

Dean’s recent achievement adds to the ongoing activities of the Forest Lake Photography Club, which continues to support local photographers and community projects. His winning image forms part of the club’s regular program, supported by its monthly competitions and equipment funded through external grants.

Published 19-Nov-2025

Calamvale and Heathwood Clubs Advance Through Safety Funding and New Facilities

Photo Credit: Pexels

A community cricket club operating in Calamvale and Heathwood is set to improve security at its Calamvale facility while also marking the completion of a major training project in Heathwood.

Calamvale Facility Receives Support

Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club at Calamvale has secured funding through the Safer Suburbs Grants to install CCTV cameras aimed at reducing vandalism and strengthening security around its leased facility. This funding forms part of the second round of grants supporting 72 community organisations across Brisbane.

Background on the Safer Suburbs Grants

The Safer Suburbs Grants program began in 2024 to help clubs address ongoing safety issues affecting community-leased facilities. Eligible organisations can access up to $10,000 for improvements such as CCTV systems, locks, lighting, security screens and fencing. More than $980,000 has been allocated since the program’s launch.

Major Facility Completed in Heathwood

The club recently completed a three-lane hybrid wicket cricket nets facility at Heathwood Park. The project, valued at around $300,000, includes long run-ups and lighting, finalised after three years of planning and collaboration across community partners.

Opening Event Held in Heathwood

The new Heathwood training facility was launched during an event on 12 November 2025, held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Long-serving members and players were acknowledged during the celebration, which also included junior representative cricketers.

Growing Participation Across Local Suburbs

Brisbane Super Kings draws members from Heathwood, Forest Lake, Pallara and surrounding areas. The combined benefits of the Heathwood training facility and the Calamvale safety upgrade are expected to improve training access and support safer participation. Other clubs receiving safety grants will use their allocations for lock upgrades, lighting improvements, alarm systems and additional security measures.

Outlook

With the Heathwood cricket facility now active and safety improvements progressing in Calamvale, Brisbane Super Kings continues to expand community sporting opportunities. Future developments will depend on community demand and the availability of further grant rounds.

Published 17-Nov-2025