🥇🇦🇺 Local surfs for gold at Paris Games | Bulldogs wear pink for cancer | Inflation-busting property moves | Kookaburra amputates finger for Paris | Council fights fire ants and more!
Today’s newsletter is 1,388 words: a 6-minute read.
Welcome to Thursday, July 25, and, all eyes on Paris.
From all the team at the Redland City Minute, go you good things 🦘🇦🇺🐨💪
🏊 Fun Olympic Fact: 124 years ago in the 1900 Paris Olympics, competitors in the swimming events had to deal with an unusual challenge: the Seine River…
Unlike today’s pristine Olympic pools, the river featured obstacles like currents, logs, debris and, of course, the river’s changing tides.
Swimmers navigated a 200-metre obstacle course that included clambering over a row of boats and diving under them.
This unique and now little-known event remains one of the most unique in Games’ history.
In today’s email
One Big Thing: Straddie local ride for gold at Paris Games
Capalaba Bulldogs: Raise funds for cancer
Best inflation-busting: Property investments in QLD that may surprise you
Trending: Packing for Paris
Around the Web (Snippets): Redlands College staff win at world choir games, Boeing sets 2032 Brisbane Olympics target for air taxis, Tesla to start using humanoids and more!
Councillors’ Corner
Upcoming Events
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
Live National Housing Price Index

1. One Big Thing: Riding the Olympic wave
By Marianne Zander
What's Happening
North Straddie locals Ethan Ewing and Bede Durbidge are set to make a splash at the 2024 Olympics.
Ewing will compete while Durbidge, his coach, brings years of experience to the team.
Local Talent in the Spotlight
Ewing, born on Straddie, is known for his powerful surfing style.
Durbidge, a former WSL champion, coached the Australian team at the 2021 Olympics and is now guiding Ewing on his path to Olympic glory.
Why It Matters
Their participation highlights the rich surfing culture on the island.
The community is rallying behind them, eager to see their local heroes shine on the global stage.
What They Said
“I love to win. I got a taste for it at Bells [Beach] and it’s pretty addictive,” said Ewing.
“The team we have has so much fire power,” said Durbidge of Ewing, Jack Robinson, Molly Picklum and Tyler Wright who are also representing Australia as part of a four-member surfing team. “I believe we have the team and coaching staff to deliver for Australia.”
By the Numbers
2016: Year Ewing won the World Junior Championship
2022: Year Ewing won the prestigious Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
4: Number of surfers representing Australia at the 2024 Olympics
What To Look For Next
The full article in the link below, and, more on the journey of our local Olympic legends over the course of the next 10 days of competition.
The surfing events at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be held from July 27 to July 31, with the men’s and women’s heats starting on July 27. The competition will take place on the iconic Teahupo’o wave in Tahiti.
For Australian viewers, the men’s Round 1 begins at 3:00 AM AEST and the women’s Round 1 starts at 7:48 AM AEST on July 28.
RCM Olympic Fun Fact
One of our team members was lucky enough to be there back in 2000 on that legendary night when Kathy Freeman took gold.
At just 12 years old (with his Mum…), armed with a disposable camera amongst a stack of green and gold worn that evening, here’s a shot from the race that also stopped the nation, dug out of the storage boxes.
Camcorders, bad flashes, and an eerily dark stadium from a glaringly obvious lack of mobile phones.
The whole crowd at Homebush totally dialled in and roaring Kathy home🥇🇦🇺

2. Capalaba Bulldogs raise funds for cancer fight
By Kevan Sangster (freelance journalist)
What's Happening
Local Bayside soccer club Capalaba Bulldogs hosted their annual PINK DAY last weekend to raise funds for cancer research.
Why It Matters
Over 60 junior and senior teams played in specially designed pink shirts, with all proceeds going to charity.
Hundreds of parents, partners, and volunteers joined in the festivities at John Frederick Park, enjoying face painting and family-friendly activities.
What They Said
“Pink Day unites our community and football clubs,” said Club President Shaun McAney. “Everyone has been touched by cancer, and this is our way of giving back. Seeing rival clubs embrace the event and the joy it brings to attendees is truly rewarding.”
Looking Back
PINK DAY started over ten years ago to support a club member and has grown into a full Pink Weekend.
This year, the club sold over 650 shirts, with all proceeds supporting cancer charities.
What To Look For Next
Read the full article below 👇







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3. Best inflation-busting property investments
What’s Happening
MCG Quantity Surveyors’ latest data reveals regional markets are outshining metropolitan areas in rental yields.
Zoom In
For instance, West Pilbara in WA boasts house yields of 9.85% and unit yields of 13.12%, thanks to strong demand in the mining sector.
By the Numbers
Campaspe, VIC: House yields at 6.23%, unit yields at 11.28%.
Queensland’s Outback – South: House yields at 9.07%, unit yields at 9.63%.
Bowen Basin – North, QLD: House yields at 8.88%, unit yields at 9.63%.
Local Impact
While yields are high, regional areas can be volatile and may not offer the same long-term capital growth as metropolitan areas.
Managing Director of MCG Quality Surveyors Mike Mortlock advises balancing high yields with potential capital growth.
Looking Ahead
Metropolitan areas also show promise, with yields increasing the further you get from the CBD.
In Brisbane, house yields rise from 2.81% (0-10km) to 4.13% (20-30km), and unit yields from 4.92% to 5.55%.
Similarly, Perth’s house yields increase from 3.38% to 4.70%, and unit yields from 5.55% to 6.34%.
What The People Say
“Investors may find higher returns in suburbs further from the city centre,” said Mortlock. “However, regional areas, especially resource-rich ones, currently offer higher yields. Diversifying your investment strategy to include both regional and metropolitan markets is key.”
What To Look For Next
An affordable investment property… oh, and the full article for more info!
4. Trending
Ethan Ewing gets packed…
4. Around The Web (Snippets)
Redlands College staff Kerry, Juanita, & Jayne from the Redland City Choir won: A Silver Diploma Level V at the recent World Choir Games!
Aussie Kookaburra Olympian amputated his finger two weeks ago instead of: Allowing it to heal, so that he could play at the Paris Olympics
Redlands Council takes to the sky: To fight fire ants
Brisbane to have self-flying electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxis by 2032 Olympics: Following Boeing setting a target for its Wisk aviation arm
Watch the clock: Follow the schedule for Australia’s Olympic athletes
Police dogs are: Recognised for their work in the line of duty
Tesla will have humanoid robots used internally by: Next year, named Optimus
The Rings of Power Season 2 will hit: Screens on August 29, where you can watch it on Prime Video
5. Councillors’ Corner
Div 7 | Capalaba, Alexandra Hills, Thornlands, Cleveland | Cr Rowanne McKenzie
6. Upcoming Events
🎻 The Magic of Celtic Music: July 27, 6:00 PM 8 PM; Electrifying musical performers weave together tradition and innovation in a spellbinding tapestry of sound in the Redlands.
🌱 National Tree Planting Day: July 28, 9:00 AM to 12 PM; Help expand habitat for local wildlife at Hilliards Creek Park.
🎤 MZAZA – The Birth and Death of Stars: August 2, 7:30 PM; Contemplate our place in the universe with multi-award-winning world music favourites at this critically acclaimed show in Cleveland.
🚗 GreazeFest – Kustom Kulture Festival: August 2-4; Immerse yourself in the world of rockabilly, hot rods, pinups and artists at the Redland Showgrounds.
🐠 UQ Moreton Bay Research Station – Community Open Day: August 10, 10: AM to 2:30 PM; Celebrate National Science Week on Straddie with tours, talks and demonstrations.