🚢 Stradbroke Ferries shine in Tourism Awards
Volume 51: Missing Capalaba boy found | Trump's Golden Dome explained | Coward punch statistics | Redlands Winter Futsal clinic and heaps more
Welcome back to another Thursday, and all we can say is that we feel like we’ve got New South Wales hopes up, exactly where we want 'em, and to bring on Game 2 💪
It’s May 29, today's newsletter is 1,255 words, a 6-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Stradbroke Ferries shine in Tourism Awards
'Coward Punch' study exposes: 30 years of violence statistics
Redlands backs: Small business, again
Trending: A bayside best-kept secret..
Around the Web (Snippets): Missing Capalaba boy found, Google trains AI to decode dolphin chatter, Redlands College futsal clinic, Trump’s Golden Dome explained and more
Upcoming Events
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Stradbroke ferries shine in Tourism Awards
What’s Happening: SeaLink Marine and Tourism has aced the 2025 Best of Queensland Experiences ratings, with a majority of its Queensland businesses scoring a perfect 100/100, and its final contender close behind at still an excellent 90.
Why It Matters: With travellers more discerning than ever, top-tier ratings aren’t just gold stars; they drive bookings, confidence, and word-of-mouth activity and from Magnetic Island to North Straddie, every ferry, tour, and resort under the SeaLink umbrella has delivered excellence.
By the Numbers
• 14 out of 15 SeaLink experiences rated 100/100
• 1 experience — North Stradbroke Island Ferries — rated 90/100
• 7 new or upgraded experiences have or will be launched in 2025
Local Impact: Closer to home, SeaLink runs the ferries to North Stradbroke Island, making the Redlands’ iconic getaway part of Queensland’s top-tier tourism offering and part of our local visitor economy’s backbone.
No Rough Seas Ahead: From immersive light shows on K’gari (Fraser Island) to reef sails and jet ski adventures in the Whitsundays, SeaLink is doubling down on premium experiences with even more launching in 2025.
What The People Say
CEO Donna Gauci praised her team, saying:
“It’s brilliant to see so many of our Queensland businesses achieve a perfect score. These results reflect our team’s ongoing passion and commitment to delivering brilliant guest experiences, every single day.”
What To Look For Next: The full list of ratings here.
2. 'Coward Punch' study exposes 30 years of violence
What’s Happening: A major Australian university study has analysed 287 coward punch convictions across Australia from 1990 to 2020, shedding light on offender profiles, incident circumstances, and judicial outcomes.
Why It Matters: This is the most detailed national picture yet of coward punch violence, which is helping to shape smarter legal reforms and public safety strategies.
By The Numbers
61% of coward punch cases occurred in NSW and Victoria
26: Was the median age of offenders
39% involved alcohol at the time of the offence
62% of offenders received prison time, with manslaughter terms ranging from 3.8 to 11.5 years
65% of attacks happened in public between 6 pm and 6 am
Only 2.1% successfully claimed self-defence
Local Impact: Queensland introduced coward punch legislation in 2014, alongside Victoria and NSW, all following Western Australia's lead in 2008 and the Northern Territory in 2012. '
However, gaps remain across the country, with no equivalent laws yet in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, or Tasmania.
What The People Say
Danny Green, founder of the Coward Punch campaign, stressed,
"Using the term 'Coward Punch' attaches a strong negative connotation to a despicable act, serving as a deterrent. Through continuous education and awareness, we can reduce the occurrence of Coward Punch attacks in our communities."
What To Look For Next: The full article and more from the report below.
3. Redlands backs small business, again
By Marianne Zander
What’s Happening: Redland City Council has reaffirmed its support for small and family businesses by renewing its commitment to the Queensland Small Business Friendly program.
Why It Matters: This move strengthens support for local operators across the Redlands Coast and ensures Council continues to work alongside the Small Business Commissioner and chambers of commerce to help businesses thrive.
What The People Are Saying
“Small businesses employ locals, attract investment and provide the services our community relies on,” said Mayor Jos Mitchell.
“By recommitting to the charter, we’re doubling down on support for our diverse business community.”
Local Impact: From tourism and education to construction and manufacturing, Redlands Coast is home to one of Queensland’s most diverse small business scenes.
Zoom Out: The program promotes collaboration, resilience and growth opportunities, especially in the face of changing economic conditions.
What To Look For Next: Want to grow your business? Council offers a range of programs and support.
Head to redland.qld.gov.au for details.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Missing Capalaba boy has been: Located by police safe and well
Google is training a new A.I. model to decode: Dolphin chatter, and, potentially, talk back
Redlands College is hosting a: Winter School Holiday futsal clinic
What even is Trump’s: Golden Dome missile system and how would it actually work?
Hosted by local STAR Community Services, their Community Celebration event for 2025 will be held at Raby Bay Harbour Park this Saturday, May 31, with: Live entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, market stalls, and conclude with a stunning laser show at sundown.
Massive crowds enjoyed a spectacular: 36th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with a record number of boats delivering an unsurpassed display of marine innovation, luxury and lifestyle.
The Alex Hills Hotel is hosting a: Family Day Out petting zoo event on Sunday
Victoria’s Secret hit by: Outages as it battles a cybersecurity incident
A new road has been named of Brisbane: Olympic gold medallist
🕹️That’s fun: Play Uno on YouTube using your keyboard! (Tip: use ‘Option’ instead of Control’ on a Mac)👇
In case you missed it, last week’s newsletter👇
6. Upcoming Events
🌿 Brisbane Trade Day – Redlands Showgrounds: May 28–29, 2025 – Redlands Showgrounds. A horticultural trade event offering networking opportunities and showcasing the latest in greenlife industry trends.
🎭 Ratburger: May 29, 2025 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland. A theatrical adaptation of David Walliams' bestselling book, suitable for children and families.
🤝 May RWIB Networking Evening: May 29, 2025 – Redlands Coast. An evening networking event for business professionals, hosted by Redlands Women in Business.
📖 Story Time Sessions: May 30, 2025 – Various libraries across Redlands. Enjoy interactive story sessions for children aged 0–5, fostering a love for reading through stories, songs, and imaginative play.
💜 The Late Lunch for Epilepsy: May 31, 2025 – Wellington Point Farmhouse Restaurant & Cafe. An afternoon of fine food, live music, community, and purpose, raising funds and awareness for Epilepsy Queensland. 🎟 Tickets available now.
Community Contributor - Thought for the week
You're arguing, so whose right, whose wrong??
We know there are two sides to every story, but did you know there are always three? Yours, the other, and the truth.
One or the other, mostly neither, is anywhere near a valid reality! Truth deals with 4+ dimensions, our argument deals with 1, mostly ‘effects’.
So, pause momentarily, use this interlude to ‘turn in’ and listen silently. Emotions rage and distort, breathe them away. Then ask yourself, what’s back of this? What else are you observing? One day, you’ll see more than appearances, and thus, the journey of true relations begins.
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