Reading · The Redland City Minute

G’day Redlands, and welcome back to another big weekly edition. It’s August 20.

One Big Thing: Local swimmer takes on Moreton Bay for youth mental health
Redlands gains: $16m surgical centre
Jet ski crackdown brings: 23 charges
Around the web: Redlands youth business summit, Google adds AI study tools and more
Trending: Atlas the boat 🚤
Upcoming events: Ceramic palette & trinket dish workshop and more

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What’s Happening: Alexandra Hills resident Chad Kirby is preparing for a three-year open-water swimming series across Moreton Bay to raise funds and awareness for ReachOut Australia. His first assisted solo swim will cover about 14km from Dunwich to Raby Bay on 31 October 2026.

Why It Matters: The challenge will support free mental health services for young Australians while encouraging open conversations about wellbeing, resilience and seeking help.

By The Numbers:

14km: Chad’s first assisted solo swim will run from Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island to Raby Bay.
31 October 2026: The opening crossing is scheduled for this date, subject to conditions on Moreton Bay.
Three crossings: The series will continue with Tangalooma to Redcliffe in 2027 and Tangalooma to Raby Bay in 2028.

Local Impact: Chad trains regularly at Raby Bay and has gained support from local organisations involved in marine operations, transport, clothing, nutrition and construction materials. The project connects the Redlands Coast with a national youth mental health cause.

Safety Comes First: A custom-built floating shark enclosure will accompany Kirby during the crossings. The structure has completed flotation testing and will undergo more trials before the first swim.

What The People Say:

“Mental health affects individuals, families and communities across Australia, and young people today face a wide range of pressures and challenges. I hope to raise both funds and awareness while encouraging conversations around mental health, wellbeing, resilience and the importance of seeking support when it’s needed,” he said

What To Look For Next: Residents can support the project through ReachOut Australia’s official fundraising page.

What’s Happening: Redland Bay Water Police joined Brisbane Water Police and Maritime Safety Queensland in a targeted crackdown on dangerous jet ski activity along the Brisbane River.

Why It Matters: The involvement of Redland Bay Water Police shows local officers are supporting marine enforcement across the wider south-east Queensland waterway network.

Police have warned that deliberately spraying people is not harmless behaviour and may result in assault charges, particularly when riders place children, older people and other vulnerable members of the public at risk.

By The Numbers:

86 jet skis were intercepted during the operation for compliance checks, enforcement and water safety education.
Six people faced 23 charges, including common assault, serious assault, public nuisance, property damage and marine safety offences.
10 marine infringement notices were issued during the crackdown.

Local Impact: Although the reported incidents occurred along the Brisbane River, Redland Bay Water Police played a direct role in the operation. The crackdown also serves as a warning for jet ski riders using Redlands Coast waterways, where the same speed limits, distance requirements and lookout rules apply.

A Warning in the Wake: One investigation relates to an incident at about 1pm on 5 July, when a jet ski rider allegedly sprayed a young couple and their four-month-old baby as they waited at a ferry terminal. Inquiries into that incident are continuing.

Police also intercepted a 20-year-old Park Ridge man at Colmslie Boat Ramp on 1 August following reports that he had ridden close to boats and deliberately sprayed their occupants.

He was charged with seven offences, including four counts of common assault, two counts of serious assault involving people aged over 60, and one count of public nuisance.

What The People Say: Brisbane Water Police Acting Sergeant Gene Hill said dangerous and antisocial behaviour would not be tolerated on Queensland waterways.

“Deliberately spraying members of the public with high-powered, modified jet skis is not harmless fun, this behaviour is a criminal assault. Our message to anyone who endangers others by participating in these behaviours is clear. You will be identified and held accountable,” he said.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said joint patrols and drone surveillance helped officers identify unsafe behaviour before a serious incident occurred.

“Our marine incident data shows PWCs are disproportionately represented in reported marine incidents and accidents, all too often resulting in serious injury outcomes. Every PWC operator has a responsibility to know and follow the rules, including speed limits and distance-off requirements, and to maintain a proper lookout,” he said.

What To Look For Next: Check full article 👇🏼

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The full-time roles pay $100,000-$120,000 a year plus a company vehicle, with day shifts starting at 6.30 am and overtime available. Applicants need civil construction experience and a current White Card.

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Online safety forum for Redlands families: A free Alexandra Hills event will offer practical advice on cyberbullying, extortion and other online risks.
Redland Hospital boosts capacity: Its new $8.3 million Transit Care Hub adds seven beds and will support 7,000+ patients a year.
Australia’s teen social media ban sparks a bigger debate: Early results show little change in teens’ sleep or mental health, while experts argue safer algorithms and greater platform transparency may matter more than blanket bans.
Redlands youth invited to business summit: Years 7 to 12 students can join YES Redlands on September 3 for entrepreneurship workshops, networking and advice from young business leaders.
Google Search is becoming a study buddy: Students can now use AI-powered visuals, practice quizzes, assignment uploads and personalized study tools without leaving Search.
Another koala lost on our roads: The death has renewed calls for better planning, fencing and wildlife crossings after another fauna barrier failed to keep a koala safe.
Gen Z goes old-school: Young people are embracing traditional art as AI reshapes creativity.
Cleveland connector lights up: New solar lighting and vegetation clearing are improving safety between Bloomfield Street and Raby Bay Harbour.
Redlands hockey duo represents in Belgium: Harry and Nancy have wrapped up 10 days at the International Masters Cup, representing Southern Cross on the world stage.
Red panda baby boom: Three healthy cubs, including twins, have been born at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute this year. 👇

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🏥 $16m surgical centre in Redlands

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