Good morning, Baysiders

Guess what parents? School holidays are almost here. What’s the plans? If you’re looking for local things to do, be sure to open our email each week and we’ll do our best to give you the best local options.

Thank you for the feedback on Redlands+! Response was amazing, please use this as a resource when sourcing local businesses and trying to obtain multiple quotes.

This week 637 of you joined our mailing list. Welcome! Please reply with any feedback you may have.

Plenty to know about this week, let’s get to it!

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If you’re ready to grow locally, let’s make it happen. 👉 Contact us here to discuss

Redlands+ Your Local Guide

Redlands+ Has Now Launched!

You know how it can be a real hassle trying to find a good local tradie or a nice restaurant nearby? Well, we've been working really hard on something that fixes that - we've built a website just for the Redlands area.

Think of it like a big local directory, but really easy to use. If you need someone to fix your plumbing, it's there. Looking for somewhere new to have lunch? Just have a browse. You can even get a few different quotes from local businesses all in the one spot, which can save a lot of running around.

We're launching it just for our newsletter readers first, which is pretty exciting. We've already got over 1,000 local businesses in there, and we're adding more all the time so it keeps getting better.

Head here and check it out. As always - appreciate community feedback by replying to this email.

Quick News

🌲 A Landmark Falls: Historic Pine Ringbarked (vandalised) at Point Lookout

For decades, a large pine tree at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island stood as a familiar landmark - a marker for locals and a navigational point for visitors heading to the headland. This week, that tree was ringbarked and removed, bringing the end of an era for one of the coast's most recognisable natural landmarks.

The ringbarking was carried out as part of land management works on the island. It's unclear whether the removal was routine maintenance or related to bushfire risk management, fire trail access, or the ongoing environmental programs running since Cyclone Alfred. Whatever the reason, the tree is gone — if you're a regular visitor to the Point Lookout headland walks, you'll notice it.

🏅 36 Local Athletes Ready to Take on Melbourne — And the Community is Getting Behind Them

The Redlands is sending its biggest-ever team to the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne later this year, with 36 athletes competing across a range of sports from October 19–23. It's the largest contingent the region has ever put forward, and a reflection of how much the program has grown.

To help cover travel and competition costs, the community is hosting a fundraising luncheon at Barcella Restaurant, Lakeside Shops, Victoria Point on Friday June 19, 11am–1pm. Tickets are $80 and include a meal — a great chance to celebrate these incredible athletes and hear what the Games mean to them firsthand.

This year also marks 50 years of inclusion through sport in Australia for the Special Olympics — a milestone worth celebrating. 🎟️ Book tickets

💰 Council's Big Budget Meeting is Coming

Redland City Council is preparing to lock in its two-year budget for 2027–2028, with a Special Budget Meeting set for Tuesday June 30 at 9:30am. The council has signalled the focus will be on "getting the basics right" — roads, parks, water services, and core infrastructure — in what it describes as a challenging financial environment.

No final decisions until June 30, but if you care about where council rates are heading and what services get funded, it's worth marking the date now.

📖 Read more

2026 Redland Art Awards — Entries Still Open

Artists Australia-wide have until the deadline to enter the 2026 Redland Art Awards, with a $30,500 prize pool across painting, photography, sculpture, and digital media categories. Worth passing on to any local creatives you know. Read more →

Bowling now at Alex Hills

Some of the best community stories come from reinvention - and this week's star is a classic example. The space that once hosted a sticky floored nightclub, a fixture of the Alexandra Hills Hotel for years, has been transformed into something entirely new: Thunderbowl, a six-lane ten-pin bowling centre.

It's a fitting evolution for a venue that has always been about bringing locals together. Thunderbowl Alexandra Hills joins the well-established Thunderbowl brand with locations also in Calamvale, giving Redlands Coast its own dedicated bowling destination.

The setup is family-friendly and perfect for a wide range of occasions: kids' birthday parties (weekend packages include bowling, pizza and soft drinks), corporate team events, or just rolling a few frames on a rainy afternoon. Open bowling sessions are available throughout the week, with school holiday deals and special offers posted regularly on their social channels.

Where: Alexandra Hills Hotel, 332 Finucane Rd, Alexandra Hills QLD 4161
Contact: (07) 3824 4444  |  Web: thunderbowl.com.au/alexandra-hills

School Holiday Countdown

📈 School Holiday Countdown — 27 June to 12 July

That's 2.5 weeks to fill, and the Redlands Coast has you covered. Here's everything you need to plan ahead.

• Last day of Term 2: Friday 26 June

• Holidays begin: Saturday 27 June

• Holidays end: Sunday 12 July

• Term 3 begins: Monday 13 July

📚 Free Library Holiday Programs

Redland City Council libraries run free activities every school holidays — craft, experiments, storytime, and more — at Cleveland, Capalaba, Victoria Point, and Point Lookout branches.

Already confirmed: Still life painting session at Point Lookout Library, Wednesday 1 July, 11am–12pm. More activities expected to be listed soon.
redland.qld.gov.au/schoolholidays →

🏭 Redlands Coast Museum

The museum at 60 King Street, Cleveland is open 7 days a week and runs free art and craft activities every school holidays. June–July activities are science-themed — think tie-dye, experiments, and hands-on making.

Suitable for all ages, no booking needed — just drop in during opening hours (10am–4pm daily).

Free Entry Open 7 Days - redlandscoastmuseum.org.au →

🏃 Sport and Talk — Free Walking Sports

Redland City Council's Sport and Talk program has been extended for another four weeks! It offers free, low-impact walking versions of basketball, softball, and soccer — designed for older adults but open to anyone who wants a gentle, social way to stay active.

Sessions run at local venues across the Redlands, no booking required. Great for grandparents who want to get moving with the grandkids in tow.

Free No Booking Needed Redlands Coast Today →

Local Events

Markets

Cleveland Market

📅 Sundays, 8am - 12pm | 46 Smith St, Cleveland

This week featuring a special Pets in the Park theme with local animal groups, demonstrations, and pet-friendly stalls.

Turn pre-loved items into someone else's new favourite! Over 60 vendors every Sunday with vintage treasures, retro clothing, affordable homewares and rare finds. Get Details →

REKO Mt Cotton

📅 Every Thursday, 3:30pm - 4:30pm | St Paul's Lutheran Church, Mt Cotton

Direct from producers to you — farm-fresh produce and artisan goods with no middleman. Support local farmers and makers!

Coming Soon

Twilight Makers Market 📅 Friday 27 June, 4pm–8pm | 📍 Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland One of the Redlands' most popular monthly markets sets up along the waterfront at Raby Bay. Browse local art, handmade goods, food stalls, and live entertainment — all with stunning harbour views. Free entry. 🔗 twilightmakersmarket.com.au

Events

🔥 Sirromet Fire Pit Experience – Mount Cotton

The Sirromet Fire Pit Experience is back for another season! Wrap up your winter weekend with a cosy evening at one of Queensland's favourite wineries, set against the backdrop of Sirromet's stunning grounds.

📅 Every Saturday & Sunday
🗓️ 30 May – 30 August 2026
📍 850-938 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton QLD 4165

Available Packages:

• 🍷 The Signature Fire Pit Experience — $189 for two

• 🧀 The Fireside Grazing Experience — $119 for two

Please note: Limited sessions per night. Cash bar available for additional drink purchases on the evening.

👉 View Event & Book Tickets

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow — RPAC 

📅 Saturday 13 June, 8pm | 📍 Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland Australia's biggest comedy tour hits the Redlands! The beloved MICF Roadshow brings a lineup of comedians direct from the festival to RPAC. A great night out for all ages - see more here

MS Brissie to the Bay 2026 

📅 Sunday 14 June | 📍 Starts: Brisbane International Cycle Park, Murarrie

One of Queensland's biggest charity bike rides returns with routes from 10km to 130km — there's a distance for every fitness level. All riding for a great cause (Multiple Sclerosis). Register online before the event. 🔗 brissietothebay.com.au

RACQ MotorFest 2026

📅 Sunday 14 June | 📍 Brisbane Showgrounds

Car lovers, this one's for you! RACQ MotorFest returns on Sunday June 14 at the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds for a massive celebration of all things motoring. Expect prestige, vintage, and collector vehicles alongside the latest in vehicle and transport technology — plus roving entertainment, kids' rides, and plenty of food stalls to keep the whole family happy. This year promises more cars, more food, more kids' entertainment, and more exhibitors than ever before. Whether you're a die-hard rev-head or just looking for a fun family day out, there's something for everyone.

📖 Find out more or register your vehicle

🦞 Seafood Festival at Manly Deck Bar & Restaurant

If you love fresh seafood, this one's not to miss! Manly Deck Bar & Restaurant is hosting a Seafood Festival from Thursday June 12 through to Sunday June 14 at 1/45 Cambridge Parade, Manly. With over 1,200 people already interested, it's shaping up to be a huge weekend. Feast on natural oysters for just $1 each, buckets of fresh prawns for $15, seafood chowder with ciabatta, chargrilled jumbo prawns, Kerala fish curry with coconut rice, and the showstopper — Singapore Chilli Mud Crab at $90/kg served with coconut rice (pre-order required). Sessions run across three time slots — 12:30–2:30pm, 3–5pm, and 6–8pm. Most items are cash only, so come prepared! 🎟️ Grab your tickets | 📅 View the event

Real Estate Pull Out

Connecting the Redlands

Check out this weeks Real Estate Round-Up - full of new listings, what’s been sold in the last week and new rentals on the market.

You can view this weeks here: Property Watch

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