🩸Urgent call for Redland City O-type donors
Volume 52: Fatal Mount Cotton Road incident | Redlands Coast Women gather for network event | Surf of Origin | Capalaba's May property sale snapshot and more
Welcome back, this time to a fresh first Thursday of winter, it’s June 5 ⛄️
Today’s free newsletter is 978 words, a 4.5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Redlands Coast women gather for inspiring network night
Rats in the Redlands are: On the move
NDIS respite experiences makes: Waves on Coochie
Trending: Construction disruption on Benfer Road / Redland Bay Road
Around the Web (Snippets): Surf of Origin, Fatal accident on Mount Cotton Road, The average price per square metre of a Capalaba property sale in May, Meta doubles down on nuclear and more
Upcoming Events
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Redlands Coast women gather for inspiring night of networking
By Marianne Zander
What’s happening: On Thursday just gone, we attended the Redlands Women in Business (RWIB), powered by Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, which hosted a sold-out evening of connection, conversation, and candid insight last night at its May Networking & Panel Chat event.
Why it matters: The event focused on holistic wellbeing, reminding women that self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s essential, with attendees leaving inspired to pause, refill their cup, and lead with purpose.
Zoom in: The panel featured three powerhouse locals including:
Marriage therapist, counsellor and transformational coach Helen Harrison
Anthea Burton from Evolve Wellbeing Psychology
Leigh Mason from Live Learn Survive.
What The People Said:
“Self-care isn’t selfish,” said Helen Harrison. “It’s how we show up fully for our families, our businesses and ourselves.”
What to look for next: RWIB will continue spotlighting issues that matter to women in business.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events and new voices taking the mic, which we highly recommend attending if you can.

2. Redlands Rats on the Move
What’s Happening: As temperatures drop, roof rats and Norway rats are slipping into Redlands homes in search of warmth.
Why It Matters: Local pest professionals are warning residents to brace for an influx, with nests popping up in ceilings, pantries, garages and sheds.
These pests don’t just nibble snacks, they chew wiring, insulation and timber, creating fire hazards and structural damage.
They also breed rapidly, with one female able to produce 5–6 litters a year.
By the Numbers
Roof rats: agile climbers, up to 0.3kg in weight, love fruit
Norway rats: burrowers, up to 0.5kg, prefer protein
6–10 young are born per litter
Often able to produce 5-6 litters per year
Local Impact: With the colder weather approaching, as seen this week, some Redlands residents are already reporting signs of infestation in certain areas of the city, including scratching noises and droppings, as rodents make themselves known.
What to Look for Next: With activity on the rise, many locals are turning to professional inspections and early-proofing strategies before things escalate, with experienced operators like Pestlinc helping households around the Redlands stay one step ahead this winter.
3. NDIS respite experiences make waves on Coochie
By Marianne Zander
What’s Happening: Starfish Support is hosting two NDIS respite weekends on Coochiemudlo Island this June, the Connect to Movement for men running over June 13-15 and another for women running through June 20-22.
Why It Matters: Quality respite is about more than taking a break, it’s about connection, confidence and community. These experiences give NDIS participants a chance to try something new, feel supported, and enjoy time away in a safe, inclusive setting.
By the Numbers
Both weekends will have a 1:2 support ratio for personalised care
There will be 2 programs, each running across 3 days
Places are limited, so book in while you can
Island Time, Redefined: From archery and campfires to sound healing and candle making, each retreat is carefully curated to meet a range of comfort levels—no pressure, just peace.
Zoom In: Run by proud locals Starfish Support directors Donna Laughlin and Marika Stephenson, these weekends are tailored, thoughtful and truly impactful.
Each 3-day experience is designed to support wellbeing and social connection with the men’s program, including archery, fishing, games, and campfire chats.
The women’s program offers body flow, jewellery making, candle making, sound healing, and more.
What The People Say
“It’s more than a break—we’ve created something that helps people feel safe, included and free to be themselves.” – Donna Laughlin, Starfish Support Director
What To Look For Next
Spots are limited, book via hello@starfishsupport.com or call 0431 596 158.

4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Redland Neon Boxing Academy is celebrating major: Success after three of its athletes represented Queensland at the AIS World Championship Selection Trials
Neuralink has raised $650 million, taking its valuation to: $9 billion, which is deepening the connection between biological and artificial intelligence
A 34-year-old Wellington Point man has died following a: Fatal motorbike crash in Mount Cotton on Friday, May 30
Surf of Origin competition at: Burleigh Beach with Mick Fanning + Reni Matua versus Joel Parkinson + Ash Harrison kicks off June 7 at 9:45 am
There’s an urgent call for: O-Type donors in the Redlands
All the rumoured: Changes that Apple could be bringing to its new operating system
At the iconic Punta San José surf break in Baja California, a striking new sculpture has been: Installed to honour the memory of Australian surfers and brothers Callum and Jake Robinson killed in Mexico a year ago.
Green light for the Gold Coast cableway as: Project gets put on Crisafulli’s wish list
The 2025 Pacific Airshow on the Gold Coast has been: Officially cancelled
Never-before-seen devastating: Footage of bottom trawling impacts👇
In case you missed it, last week’s newsletter👇
6. Upcoming Events
🏟️ Capalaba FC vs. Southside Eagles – June 7, 2025 – John Frederick Park, Capalaba. Catch local football action as Capalaba faces Southside Eagles in a home league clash.
🎾 French Open Social Doubles – June 7, 2025 – Redland Bay Tennis Club.
Swing into the French Open spirit with themed social tennis for all levels.
🖼️ ‘A Different View’ Exhibition – June 7–13, 2025 – Old SchoolHouse Gallery, Cleveland. View stunning ceramics and watercolours by Christine Earthrowl, Caroline Ness and Nicole Speakman.
📱 Seniors Tech Help – Digital Basics – June 11, 2025 – Capalaba Library. A welcoming workshop to help older adults navigate devices, apps and online safety.
☕ Black Coffee Indigenous Networking – June 12, 2025 – Redland Bay. Connect with First Nations entrepreneurs and professionals over casual morning coffee.
🎭 UBUNTU: Colours of Africa – June 13, 2025 – Redlands Sporting Club, Wellington Point. Be inspired by vibrant rhythms, dance, and storytelling as Uganda’s youth performers tour Australia.
📚 Queensland Day Play – Summer of the Seventeenth Doll – June 13, 2025 – Redlands Coast Museum, Cleveland. Enjoy a classic Aussie play and a two-course meal in a relaxed heritage setting.
🕺 The Smashing Bumpkins Bush Dance – June 13, 2025 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland. A lively all-ages night of boot-scootin’ bush dancing, live music and country-style fun.