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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: QAS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mr John Batty Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
AI-Generated Photo
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
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.
Forest Lake Photography Club president Norman Dean has been recognised for securing the top spot in Heritage Bank’s November Wildlife Image Competition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club/Facebook
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.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club/Facebook
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.
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.
Inala residents are at the centre of a major police crackdown as Brisbane officers intensify action against non compliant e bikes and electric motorbikes across the city, with rising enforcement focused on unsafe riding on local streets and paths.
Police began the latest phase of Operation Xray Surety in early November, increasing patrols throughout Brisbane suburbs including the inner city, Wynnum, Sandgate, Indooroopilly and Inala. Officers report higher numbers of riders using unregistered or unsafe devices on public roads and footpaths.
Police increased patrols around areas where e mobility traffic is common, such as bikeways, bridges and busy suburban streets. Officers in the city and suburbs made contact with riders and parents and carried out school visits to explain safety requirements. Police noted that Inala remains one of the key areas for regular patrols because of the high volume of riders in public spaces.
Multiple Riders Stopped
Officers recorded several incidents during the first week of the operation. At Capalaba, police approached a 59 year old man accused of running two red lights while riding an unregistered electric motorcycle without the correct licence. In Dutton Park, a 19 year old Indooroopilly man was stopped for riding a non compliant e bike on a bikeway near the Eastern Busway.
Photo Credit: Queensland Police
In Kangaroo Point, officers stopped a 57 year old man accused of riding an unregistered electric motorbike without a licence on a public road. Each rider received several penalties linked to registration, insurance and licence requirements, along with fines for helmet and path use offences where relevant.
Police Message To Families
Officers involved in the operation reported that many families buy e mobility devices without checking if they meet Queensland road rules. Police state that some devices are legal only on private property and should not be used in public parks or on footpaths.
They state that riders and parents need to confirm if a device is compliant before using it in shared spaces. They emphasise that a lack of knowledge about the rules does not remove responsibility when safety risks increase for pedestrians and other road users.
Focus On Safety
Police link the operation to broader road safety efforts. They highlight the ongoing push to reduce serious crashes by targeting speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt offences, fatigue and distraction.
Officers describe e mobility enforcement as part of this work because unsafe riding affects both riders and the wider community. They state that non compliant devices may be seized when they present risks to others.
