🤳🎟️ Smart ticketing go live across Redland City
Redlands traffic issues | The goat meat industry boom | Google ditches diversity hiring | SMBI ferry upgrade completion | Major US Government data (and its allies) breached and more
Today's newsletter is 1,037 words, a 5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Smart ticketing goes live across Redland City
All aboard! SMBI Ferry terminal upgrades complete
New Medicare Mental Health Centre: Opens in Cleveland
Trending: Redlands traffic congestion
Around the Web (Snippets): Gnocchi Bros Cleveland grand opening, Google ditches diversity hiring, the biggest breach of US Government data (and its allies) is underway and more!
Upcoming Events
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
Live National Housing Price Index
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week - The Brisbane Broncos are tackling retail with a Casual Sales Assistant role at Suncorp Stadium.
If customer service, sales targets, and game-day energy get your heart pumping like a last-minute try, this is your chance to get in the action!
You’ll be the MVP of fan experience, selling merch, handling stock, and keeping the tills ticking on game days and club events. With 14 home games in 2025, you’ll need to be available for at least 80% of them—because the Broncos never leave a teammate behind.
Join the squad and submit your application before February 14.
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
1. One Big Thing: Tapping into the Future – Smart Ticketing Expands
What’s Happening: Smart Ticketing is now live in the Redlands, letting Transdev Queensland buses and Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) ferries accept contactless payments via cards, smartphones, and wearables.
Why It Matters: It follows Brisbane River Ferries' rollout in April 2024.
So basically, no more go cards—just tap and go for faster boarding, fewer delays, and greater convenience.
By the Numbers
140,000+ bus trips have used Smart Ticketing since August 2024.
730,000+ ferry trips have tapped in.
Six more SEQ bus operators will transition soon.
Local Impact: Redland City residents heading to the Gold Coast can now travel seamlessly across trains, buses, and ferries and, of course, the SMBI island-hopping just got a little easier.
What’s Next? While SEQ bus integration continues, six regional buses will follow soon, bringing Queensland closer to a fully connected transport system.
2. SMBI Ferry Terminals Get a Major Upgrade
What’s Happening: After nearly a decade, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) Ferry Terminals Upgrade is complete.
Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra islands now have modern, accessible ferry terminals, making travel easier for locals and visitors.
Why It Matters: In short, they upgraded terminals are now providing 👇
• Better access: Fully compliant with national accessibility standards.
• Faster trips: Reduced congestion and ferry idle times.
• Smarter travel: Tap your card or smart device—no more paper tickets!
• Safer journeys: Bigger waiting areas, smart lighting, security cameras.
• More fun: Repurposed pontoons now cater to fishing and boating.
By the Numbers:
• In the end, it came to a $48.6M project (QLD Government: $31.5M, Redland City Council: $17.1M).
• 4 new ferry terminals in total were upgraded
• 4 revamped pontoons for recreation were invested in
Want to know more?
Read the full article below 👇
3. New Medicare Mental Health Centre opens in Redlands
What’s Happening: The Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre has opened in Cleveland, offering free, walk-in mental health support—no referral, Medicare card, or appointment needed.
Why It Matters: Run by Footprints Community and funded by Brisbane South Primary Health Network, the centre provides immediate and ongoing mental health care for locals.
By the Numbers
• $3.5 million has been invested by the Albanese Government into the facility
• It’s just a part of a $360 million national rollout of 61 centres, including 19 in Queensland.
• 33 centres are already operational, with more to come.
Local Impact: This new facility ensures that Redlands residents can access mental health support without financial barriers, reducing pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.
Locals will now have free, easy access to mental health services, ensuring early intervention before crises escalate.
Thinking in the Right Direction: More centres like this could improve community well-being and reshape mental health care access across Australia.
What The People Say
“The Redlands community can now get help without worrying about cost,” said Senator Murray Watt.
“Medicare Mental Health Centres put support where it’s needed—closer to home,” added Assistant Minister Emma McBride.
What To Look For Next: With additional centres opening, expect expanded access to psychologists and psychiatrists in the near future.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Gnocchi Brothers in Cleveland are: Back and have invited you all to a grand opening on Saturday from 5pm
The South East QLD Aussie Mum bringing a: Baby food revolution to Australia
Parents with Prams are being encouraged to: Join a free, fun activity held at Redland Art Gallery in Cleveland on February 122 for sensory play with clay
Marking a milestone for red meat export, the: Goat industry is experiencing record-breaking growth
A man jailed for 10 years for refusing to reveal: The location of ‘Ship of Gold’ treasure may soon be freed
Redlands Cricket Club hosted the: Toyota National 2nd XI competition
Google has announced it is: Ditching “Diversity, equity and inclusion” (D.E.I) goals and targets, following the likes of Amazon and Meta
The Australian Under 23 Men’s National Softball: Championships were held in Ormiston
The biggest breach of US Government: Data is underway following Elon Musk’s employees gaining access to information on millions of federal employees and key allies
2025 registrations have been called: Open by the Redlands Hockey Association
Meet the incredibly: Bejeweled skeletons of Catholicism’s forgotten martyrs
6. Upcoming Events
💡 Alexa, Turn On The Lights: February 7 from 7:30 pm onwards; an innovative performance where human creativity and AI collide at RPAC Concert Hall Stage
🎞 An Afternoon With Jonathon Welch AM: February 8 from 1 pm to 5 pm; Jonathon Welch shares two of his own rarely seen self-produced documentaries at Redlands RSL
🎶 Queenie van de Zandt in Diva: February 8 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm; immerse yourself in this unforgettable performance of songs made famous by legendary musical theatre divas at the Redland Performing Arts Centre
👯♀️ International Day of Women and Girls in Science Breakfast: February 11 from 7 am onwards; morning celebrating women and girls in science at the IndigiScapes Centre