🌀 Weather alert: Cyclone Albo approaching
Newly discovered North QLD frogs species | Big human population decline | Redlands support hub $3.8M upgrade | Alternatives to big tech billionaire apps and more
Welcome back to another RCM Thursday, this time it’s February 27.
Today's newsletter is 929 words, a 5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Redlands support hub set for $3.8M upgrade
North QLD’s: Newly discovered frogs
SeaLink unveils: New SMBI vehicle ferry
Trending: Highland Burglar 🚨
Around the Web (Snippets): Cook Islands controversial China deal, Big human population decline, Missing 12-year old girl and more.
Upcoming Events
🚨 Cyclone Alert: Hold onto your hats; weather is on the way!
Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred is moving southwards in the Coral Sea and is looking like whipping up 4.7-metre waves, which are forecast off the GC.
Or, ‘Cyclone Albo’ as we refer to it as, due to the official name being changed from ‘Anthony’ a few days ago because of confusion with the Prime Minister..
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
Live National Housing Price Index
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week - Lights, camera, content! Kitten D’Amour is on the hunt for a Content Creator to make their iconic fashion shine across socials.
If 4K video, killer captions, and Instagram aesthetics fuel your creative fire, this Capalaba-based gig pays $35–$45 an hour with WFH flexibility.
From TikTok trends to polished product shots, you’ll craft content that turns followers into fans—and fashion into engagement gold.
Ready to make magic behind the lens? Apply now!
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
1. One Big Thing: Redlands support hub set for $3.8M upgrade
What’s Happening: A $3.8 million pledge will expand Champions Support Services in Thornlands—adding a grocery store, café, and counselling rooms. Funding depends on a Dutton Government win.
Why It Matters: With soaring costs, food relief demand has quadrupled in two years.
By the Numbers:
$3.8M for expansion
4x demand increase
Partners: OzHarvest, Woolworths, Foodbank QLD & Second Bite
Local Impact": More support for Redlanders struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
What’s Next? If elected, construction kicks off to expand vital services.
The full article, below👇
2. North QLD’s newly discovered frogs
Researchers have discovered two new frog species in North Queensland—the Eungella Whirring Treefrog and the Atherton Tablelands Whirring Treefrog—previously thought to be part of a single species.
The study, conducted by James Cook University, the University of Newcastle, and the South Australian Museum, used genetics, morphology, and frog calls to confirm their distinct identities.
This discovery is crucial for conservation, as both species are considered endangered, with the Eungella species at higher risk due to its limited habitat range.
JCU’s Associate Professor Conrad Hoskin emphasised the need for official recognition to secure protection, stating, “Now that they are named, we can assess their conservation status and needs.”
Researchers are now preparing submissions to have both species formally listed as endangered.
Read the full article 👇
3. SeaLink unveils New SMBI vehicle ferry
What’s Happening: A new vehicle ferry launches Feb 2025 for Southern Moreton Bay Islands, boosting capacity and comfort.
Why It Matters: Faster, more reliable transport for residents, businesses & visitors as SMBI grows.
Local Impact: Better island-mainland access, supporting locals & businesses.
What They Say:
"A major step for SMBI travel." – Ben Renwick, SeaLink
"Investing in better marine transport." – Donna Gauci, SeaLink
Read more in the full article below 👇
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Humane Society Int’l is now Humane World for Animals: Focusing in disasters, shark nets & wildlife protection.
MISSING - 12-year-old girl last seen in: Redland Bay on Sat, 22 Feb. Police & family are concerned.
Here’s a list of: Alternatives to popular apps that help you reclaim your online life from billionaires and surveillance
Anja Christoffersen wins the 2025 QLD Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership: she’ll receive the honour at the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in Brisbane on May.
Redland City Council embraces: the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, 370+ staff trained to support those with non-visible disabilities.
Capalaba Revitalisation begins: Stage One brings a new community centre & office space.
Global population growth is rapidly: Declining, and here’s why
Quandamooka Festival moves to QUAMP: Opening Sept on Minjerribah, celebrating culture, music & art.
The Cook Islands signed a: Controversial deal with China that invites them to our coastline for maritime cooperation and seabed mineral development
6. Upcoming Events
🎤 The Eagles Greatest Hits: February 28 from 7:30 pm, experience a live concert journey through The Eagles' timeless melodies at the Redland Performing Arts Centre
🏒 Redlands Hockey Association Come and Try: February 28 from 1:30 pm to 3 pm, try hockey and sign up for the season at Henry Ziegenfusz Park, Cleveland
🎶 Redlands Modern Country Music Monthly Social: March 1 from 5 pm to 10 pm, enjoy great music, friendship, and food at Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, Thornland
🏃🏼♀️ 2025 Cleveland Fun Run: March 2 from 6:45 am to 10:45 am, participate in a 3km or 5km walk/run starting at the Cleveland Point Lighthouse to support women with breast cancer
🚶🏼♀️ Redlands JDRF One Walk: March 2 from 8 am to 11 am, join a 4km walk at Les Moore Park, Victoria Point, to support diabetes research
Albo is short for Anthony NOT Albert
I just realised that I made a mistake, Albo is short for Albanese.