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Donors are being urged to be cautions before donating to Bondi appeals
Donors are being urged to give generously but carefully as fundraising campaigns surge in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. Bondi appeals prompt warning Following Sunday’s tragic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is warning Australians to be cautious before donating to crowdfunding and other fundraising appeals linked to the incident. The regulator is urging people to prioritise giving to well-governed, registered charities to ensure support reaches those directly affected. MAN TV has identified more than 10 campaigns on GoFundMe related to the Bondi attacks, including one titled “Support the Hero Who Disarmed a Bondi Attacker”, which has already raised more than AU$2 million. The strong public response reflects widespread grief and solidarity following what Commissioner Sue Woodward AM described as a horrific attack directed at Jewish people celebrating a religious event. ACNC urges checks on charities Commissioner Woodward said it is natural for people to want to help in the aftermath of such a traumatic event, including through donations to appeals. However, she stressed that donors should take simple steps to protect themselves and ensure their money is used as intended, starting with checking whether the fundraiser is connected to a registered charity. The ACNC is encouraging donors to search the national Charity Register before giving to crowdfunding campaigns, and to consider donating directly via official charity websites where possible. Ms Woodward said that while many crowdfunding platforms work hard to ensure funds go where organisers say they will, they are “not completely immune from dubious fundraisers”, and the onus remains on donors to verify that campaigns are legitimate. GoFundMe outlines safety measures A GoFundMe spokesperson said the platform is “committed to being the safest place to give and receive help”, and activates a dedicated crisis team in response to major incidents such as the Bondi Beach shooting. The spokesperson said Trust & Safety specialists work around the clock during crises to vet and verify fundraisers for those affected and have created a dedicated hub of verified Bondi-related fundraisers to help donors find campaigns they can trust. The platform acknowledged that some people with no direct connection to victims may launch fundraisers out of kindness and goodwill. In those cases, GoFundMe says donations are held until its Trust & Safety team completes standard checks and confirms that funds can be safely passed on to the intended beneficiary. If specialists are unable to verify a connection, the fundraiser is removed and donors are refunded. Verification, reviews and refunds GoFundMe says suspicious activity can be flagged by internal systems, community reports or when a fundraiser gains rapid momentum, triggering an immediate investigation. For a fundraiser to be verified, it must pass enhanced due diligence, combining human checks by Trust & Safety experts with technical tools designed to detect misuse. The organiser’s identity, their relationship to the intended recipient and how the funds will be used all need to be clear before money is released. If more information is required, GoFundMe can place a hold on a fundraiser, stopping withdrawals until the review is complete. In rare cases of misuse, the platform says it will remove the fundraiser entirely and may ban accounts that breach its terms of service. Donations are backed by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which promises donors a refund if something “isn’t right”, and the company provides further information and safety tips on its online safety hub. Advice for donors The ACNC is directing Australians to its guidance on crowdfunding for charities and donors to help them navigate the surge in appeals following the Bondi attack. Donors are being urged to: Check the Charity Register before giving to any campaign claiming to raise money for victims or their families. Consider donating directly via official charity websites listed on the Register. Be cautious of appeals where the organiser’s connection to beneficiaries is unclear. Both the ACNC and GoFundMe say that while most campaigns are launched in good faith, vigilance remains essential to ensure that the public’s generosity provides real help to those who need it most.
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JOEL REUNITES WITH PARAMEDICS WHO SAVED HIS LIFE
A Gold Coast man who survived a horrific motorcycle crash against all odds has had an emotional reunion with the paramedics who saved his life. Twenty-year-old Joel Paikea was critically injured in a high-speed motorcycle accident at Burleigh Heads earlier this year. Paramedics rushed to the scene to find him with severe head, chest, and limb injuries. They performed urgent, life-saving treatment including a blood transfusion and inducing a coma before rushing him to Gold Coast University Hospital. At the time, Joel’s family were called to say their goodbyes. But months later, after intensive care, surgery, and rehabilitation, Joel defied the odds and began walking again This week, Joel fulfilled a heartfelt wish: to personally thank the paramedics who fought to keep him alive. Accompanied by his family, he visited Mudgeeraba Ambulance Station to reunite with Ricky Arnold, Adam Flory, and Jan Muhlenberg the first responders who cared for him on that critical night. “It feels special seeing them again,” Joel said. “They saved my life that night.” He admits he remembers little from the crash, but his focus now is recovery. “I go to the exercise physiologist three times a week, physio every day, speech therapy twice a week, and occupational therapy. It keeps me going,” he said, adding he’s looking forward to spending Christmas with his grandpa. For the paramedics, the reunion was both emotional and rewarding. “It’s really good to see him up and about,” paramedic Ricky Arnold said. “We see trauma cases like this often, but to meet someone who has recovered and is back on his feet it’s amazing.” Arnold recalled the critical moments after the crash. “We stabilised him as best we could, performed a blood transfusion, and placed him in an induced coma to protect his brain until the hospital trauma team could take over,” he said. “Seeing him today, it feels like everything we train for truly matters.” The Queensland Ambulance Service shared the touching reunion as a reminder of the dedication and teamwork behind every emergency response and of the power of gratitude and recovery in the face of tragedy.
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QLD might face workforce shortage and increase of costs ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games
Queensland’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could be hit by worker shortages and rising construction costs, the state’s auditor-general has warned. QLD Olympics workforce warning A new report from the Queensland Audit Office has flagged a growing risk that major infrastructure projects will be delayed or become more expensive due to shortages in key trade and professional roles. The warning covers both the broader state capital program and projects linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The report highlights that Queensland’s infrastructure pipeline relies heavily on a skilled workforce spread across multiple government entities, making coordination and capacity planning critical to delivering projects on time and on budget. Shortages in engineering, project management, and trade positions are already increasing risk for projects still in planning or early delivery phases. Forecast shortfall of up to 50,000 workers Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) estimates an average shortfall of 18,200 construction workers over the next eight years. That gap is forecast to peak at about 50,000 workers in the 2026–27 financial year, coinciding with a ramp-up in major infrastructure delivery. Projects funded through capital grants, including some Olympic and Paralympic venues and related infrastructure, are competing for the same pool of workers as other construction and civil projects across the state. This competition is expected to intensify pressure on timelines and costs, as employers bid for scarce skilled labour, contractors, and suppliers. Early-stage planning adds risk Planning for Brisbane 2032 remains in its early stages, with much of the venue program still to progress through key approval and procurement milestones. As of 30 June 2025, 11 of the 17 planned venues were still undergoing detailed business case assessments, while the remaining six were in early procurement. The report finds that this combination of tight deadlines, constrained workforce capacity, and early-stage project planning presents “delivery risks” for both the broader capital program and Brisbane 2032. It recommends that delivery agencies regularly review workforce capacity, project readiness, schedules, and cost estimates to maintain realistic and achievable delivery plans over the next decade. Critical occupations in short supply National advisory body Infrastructure Australia has identified three key occupational groups as essential to delivering major infrastructure: engineers, scientists and architects; project management professionals; and trades and labourers. As of June 2025, most roles within these groups were experiencing shortages relative to current and forecast demand. These jobs typically require a mix of general, technical and specialised skills that can take years to develop through education, training and on-the-job experience. Within the construction and engineering stream, CSQ reports the largest shortages among “miscellaneous labourers” such as railway assistants and electrical or telecommunications trades assistants, aligning with broader findings by the Queensland Productivity Commission on persistent construction workforce gaps. Government response and industry pressure With fixed deadlines for Brisbane 2032, the report notes that Olympic-related projects will continue to compete with other public and private developments for limited workers and materials. This dynamic is likely to drive further cost escalation, driven by supply-and-demand pressures in the market. Responding to concerns about workforce capacity, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the government would “beg, borrow, and steal” to secure the workers needed to build Games venues. He told reporters he remained confident after discussions with major contractors, suggesting that incentives were not yet considered necessary to attract interstate workers and that “it will work out.”
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Queensland Records Worst Flu Year in Over a Decade as Cases Surge Statewide
Queensland has recorded its worst flu year in more than a decade, with confirmed cases surging across almost every health region in the state. Health authorities are closely monitoring the unprecedented spike and urging Queenslanders to remain vigilant as the virus lingers into summer. Statewide flu cases hit record high Queensland Health data shows there have been 93,753 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases so far this year, an 18 per cent increase on last year’s total of 79,770, which was already the highest in ten years. The latest tally far exceeds earlier years, with only 6,038 cases recorded in 2020 and just 283 in 2021, when pandemic restrictions and border controls kept flu circulation unusually low. The surge has been broad-based, with all major health regions reporting thousands of cases. Metro South, which includes Brisbane’s southern suburbs and Logan, has recorded the highest number of notifications, with 23,650 cases in 2025, up from 19,719 in 2024. Metro North has also seen a sharp rise, from 14,395 cases last year to 18,387 this year. North West region records steepest jump While south-east Queensland has the largest number of cases, the North West health region has experienced the most dramatic percentage increase. The region, covering communities such as Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Mornington Island and Normanton, recorded 321 cases in 2024. That figure has soared to 843 this year, a jump of 162 per cent. Other regional centres have also been hit hard. On the Gold Coast, influenza cases climbed from 9,485 in 2024 to 13,843 in 2025, an increase of around 43 per cent. The Sunshine Coast saw cases rise from 5,368 to 6,850, while Townsville’s numbers nudged up from 3,902 to 4,082 over the same period. Mixed picture in Queensland regions Not every part of the state has seen an increase. The South West region, which includes Roma, Charleville and St George, recorded 449 cases this year, down from 618 in 2024, a fall of about 28 per cent. West Moreton, covering Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley, has also recorded a decline, with cases dropping from 7,382 to 6,721. Some smaller regions have remained relatively stable. The Central West recorded 161 cases in 2025, compared with 162 last year, while Torres and Cape dropped slightly from 574 to 566. Even so, overall statewide numbers continue to trend sharply upward, raising concerns about ongoing pressure on health services if high transmission persists. Hospitalisations and calls for vaccination Despite the record case numbers, hospitalisations remain comparatively low in proportion to total infections. As of 14 December, 66 people were in hospital with influenza across Queensland, with the majority aged over 65. Health authorities say this highlights the particular risks flu poses to older people and those with underlying health conditions. Queenslanders are being urged to stay up to date with influenza vaccinations, especially older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Officials are also reminding the community to stay home when unwell, practice good hygiene and seek medical advice if flu symptoms become severe or do not improve.
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ACCC warns major retailers to not mislead or deceive consumers during Boxing Day sales
The national consumer regulator is warning big retailers not to mislead shoppers as Boxing Day sales ramp up across Australia. The ACCC has urged businesses to ensure their discounts and promotions are genuine and clearly advertised, not tricks that confuse or deceive customers. ACCC warns retailers The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has written to a number of major retailers ahead of Boxing Day, reminding them of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law when advertising sales and promotions. Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said all sales and discount claims must be “accurate, clear and not likely to mislead or deceive consumers.” These letters follow a recent Black Friday sales sweep, where the ACCC reviewed retailers’ online advertising to identify potentially misleading practices. Initial findings suggest some businesses are still using questionable tactics during major sales events. Misleading tactics under scrutiny The ACCC’s initial review found retailers using misleading time representations, such as countdown timers or phrases like “3 days only” that do not match the real duration of the sale. It also identified promotions that may misrepresent how big or widespread discounts actually are. Among the tactics of concern are: Claims of “store-wide” or “site-wide” sales when significant exclusions apply. Fine print or disclaimers that quietly limit headline offers, including member-only deals or excluding popular product ranges. “Up to X% off” promotions where the “up to” is not prominent, or only a small number of products are discounted at the maximum rate. Misleading “was/now” or strikethrough pricing that does not reflect genuine previous prices. Enforcement and retailer obligations The ACCC has made misleading pricing practices in retail a compliance and enforcement priority. Lowe said the regulator will “continue to closely monitor any sales or discount claims made, particularly by large retailers,” and warned that enforcement action will be taken if businesses are found to be in breach of the law. Retailers are being urged to review ACCC guidance on advertising and promotions to ensure their Boxing Day campaigns comply with the Australian Consumer Law. The regulator emphasises that sales and discounts are powerful marketing tools and must not be used in ways that create a false impression of savings. Advice for consumers With sales periods becoming longer and more frequent, the ACCC wants shoppers to be confident that discounts are genuine rather than inflated or misleading. Consumers are encouraged to: Be wary of broad claims about discounts or “huge savings” and always look for conditions or exclusions. Check fine print and disclaimers, particularly for member-only deals or heavily advertised offers. Track prices before major sales if planning a significant purchase and focus on the final price, not just the advertised percentage off. Lowe said consumers should “shop around, compare, and keep an eye on prices before big sales events like Boxing Day” to make sure they are getting a real bargain, not just clever marketing.
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Have you spotted these Christmas Tiny Doors hidden in plain sight across our city?
Brisbane’s CBD has been transformed into a whimsical festive trail, with residents invited to discover a series of tiny Christmas-themed doors hidden throughout the city. These miniature installations, designed and created by local environmental artist Mace Robertson, are turning everyday streetscapes into scenes of curiosity and delight. Each tiny door is carefully crafted and themed, encouraging families, children and city workers alike to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with a sense of wonder during the busy holiday period. Running from 1–24 December, the Christmas Tiny Doors trail has been installed across some of Brisbane’s best-known city locations, including: Queen Street Mall King George Square MacArthur Central Post Office Square Queens Wharf Queens Plaza Uptown Wintergarden Robertson, who is based in Brisbane, is well known for his work as a “tiny door maker” and environmental artist, often using miniature public installations to challenge the way people interact with urban spaces. His tiny doors are designed to be discovered unexpectedly at the base of a wall, tucked into a corner, or nestled near a staircase giving the city a playful and imaginative edge. For families, the trail provides a free and accessible activity that can be incorporated into Christmas shopping trips or city outings. Children are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for the colourful doors and to count how many they can find in one visit. City representatives are urging residents and visitors to join in and share their experience online. “Brisbane comes alive at Christmas, and the Tiny Doors are a wonderful way for people of all ages to engage with the city in a new way,” a spokesperson said. “It’s about joy, discovery and connection and capturing those small magical moments that define the festive season.” Those who take part are being encouraged to take photos of the doors they find and share them on social media by tagging @brisbanecity and using the hashtag **#ChristmasBrisbane for a chance to be featured. For many, the trail is also a reminder of the role local artists play in shaping the culture and character of the city. By commissioning and supporting creators like Robertson, Brisbane continues to expand its reputation as a vibrant, creative and family-friendly destination over the festive period. As Christmas approaches, the Tiny Doors are quietly waiting to be found – a small but powerful reminder that magic can still be discovered in the most unexpected places.
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Maroochydore, Carindale and Indooroopilly named as the three most problematic spots for car park collisions in QLD
The festive season rush is once again turning Queensland shopping centre car parks into high-risk zones, with new data naming Maroochydore, Carindale and Indooroopilly as the state’s three worst hotspots for car park collisions. The findings come from AAMI’s national survey and claims analysis, which examined more than 17,300 car park insurance claims lodged across Australia between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025. The data confirms what many shoppers experience firsthand car parks become increasingly chaotic in the lead-up to Christmas. In Queensland, the most problematic locations are concentrated around busy retail hubs, with Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast and Carindale and Indooroopilly in Brisbane leading the list for car park prangs. Nationally, the worst locations for car park incidents are Doncaster in Melbourne’s east and Chadstone in the city’s south-east, reflecting the enormous traffic volumes moving through those major centres. The research also reveals: December is the worst month for shopping centre car park collisions, with 1,876 incidents recorded nationwide. The peak days for car park crashes are Fridays, followed closely by Thursdays and Saturdays. Sundays are comparatively safer. The peak time for incidents is the afternoon period between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm, when crowds are heaviest and driver fatigue and frustration can set in. The most common causes of claims are accidental damage while parked (40%) and collisions with stationary objects, such as bollards, poles, or shopping trolleys (24%). AAMI Motor Claims Manager Leah James said a combination of stress, distraction and congestion was to blame. “The festive rush turns shopping centre car parks into a real battleground – think last-minute gift runs, distracted shoppers and a whole lot of circling,” James said. “It’s no surprise we see so many fender-benders at this time of year.” One of the more interesting elements of the report is the breakdown of driver behaviour into five distinct “festive car park personas”: The Traditionalist (40%) – Always heads to the same level or section, believing routine will deliver results. The Santa Stalker (27%) – Follows shoppers back to their car, waiting to swoop on their spot as soon as they reverse out. The Christmas Miracle (24%) – Somehow always lands a park quickly, whether by luck, timing or sheer Christmas magic. The Christmas Spendthrift (6%) – Pays extra for valet, premium parking or car wash services to secure a guaranteed spot and reduce stress. The Naughty-List Driver (4%) – Resorts to rule-breaking by parking in restricted areas such as “parents with prams” bays, on median strips, or in no-parking zones. Beyond these behavioural patterns, the report also identifies a modern safety concern: electric and hybrid vehicles. Their much quieter operation compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars may make them harder for pedestrians and other drivers to detect, especially in dimly lit or multi-level car parks. “This season, we also flag the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles as a safety issue,” James said. “They’re much quieter than conventional cars, so pedestrians and other drivers may not hear them approaching or reversing especially in dimly lit car parks.” Queensland drivers are being urged to slow down, be patient and remain aware of their surroundings as the peak shopping period continues. Simple measures like avoiding mobile phone use while driving, indicating early, staying within marked bays and allowing extra time to find a park can dramatically reduce the risk of collisions. For those heading to busy centres like Maroochydore, Carindale and Indooroopilly, leaving a little earlier, considering off-peak times, or using public transport where possible could help ease both congestion and anxiety. The message from safety advocates is clear: getting a prime parking spot is never worth a crash, a confrontation or a costly insurance claim.
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Police officers fulfill teenager’s dream by escorting him to his high school graduation
What began as a simple interaction at a school event has grown into a powerful story of connection, community and kindness between Queensland Police officers and a young man with a lifelong dream. Eighteen-year-old Max Dezolt, who lives with cerebral palsy, has long been fascinated by policing. That interest turned into something deeper two years ago, when he walked up to Police Liaison Officer Michelle Jardine, pointed at her badge and said, “po-po”. From that moment, a special bond was formed. PLO Jardine recalls the day vividly. “He walked straight up to me, pointed at my badge and said âpo-poâ and we immediately formed a strong bond,” she said. Recognising how much policing meant to Max, Jardine organised a police shirt for him through the Uniform 4 Kids program when he turned 16, along with a short drive around the block in a police car. It was a small gesture â but it made a big impact. Since then, Maxâs enthusiasm for the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has only grown. When he was asked to plan his dream graduation experience, he knew exactly what he wanted: a navy suit, LED lights on his wheelchair, and a police car escort to his high school Valedictory Dinner at the Lucinda Point Hotel. Maxâs wishes were carefully compiled onto a vision board, where he imagined how his big night would unfold. “When his teacher asked him to plan his dream formal, Max knew what he wanted straight away,” PLO Jardine said. “He made every decision himself and was so certain about wanting police to be part of it.” To help make that dream a reality, QPS officers Senior Constable Sean Krumin and Constable Rowan Lee stepped in. On the night of the formal, they arrived in a marked patrol car to escort Max and his friends to the venue, lights flashing and sirens sounding in celebration rather than emergency. For Senior Constable Krumin, it was a reminder of the human side of policing. “When you choose a career in policing, you do so knowing that some days will be incredibly difficult, but days like this where we get to make someoneâs dream come true is so rewarding,” he said. “Itâs a strong reminder that our service in and to community comes in so many different forms. Max is a remarkable young man and it was a privilege to help make his graduation that extra bit special.” As the police car arrived at the venue, the group was met with cheers, clapping and smiles from onlookers who quickly understood that this was not a standard police arrival. Maxâs mother, Trudi Dezolt, said the escort has become the highlight of her sonâs final year of school. “Heâs been very excited to know the police are coming to pick him up and take him down to his graduation, and has talked about it over and over,” she said. “Heâs worked very hard to get here and overcome so many challenges, not just in his school life but life in general, so this is all about celebrating his massive achievement.” She also spoke of the support her son has received from classmates, teachers, family and the wider community. “We have been very blessed with how wonderful his friends, family and teachers are with him, because everybody just falls in love with Maxie because he has such an infectious personality,” Ms Dezolt said. “Just to put a smile on a childâs face like this is amazing.” When asked via his iPad why he wanted to arrive in a police car, Max replied simply: “The lights and sirens make me feel safe.” For the officers involved, the night was just as memorable. For Max and his family, it was a dream fulfilled and a story that showcases the power of genuine community policing. As Max looks towards the future, one question naturally arises: does he want to be a policeman one day? When asked, he gave a firm answer: “Yes.”
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Gold Coast community to hold vigil for the Bondi victims on Monday (22)
The Gold Coast community is preparing to come together in a powerful show of solidarity and remembrance following the antisemitic attack during Chanukah celebrations at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. The attack, which targeted members of the Jewish community during a time of religious and cultural significance, has deeply affected people across Australia. In response, the City of Gold Coast Light & Unity Vigil will be held on Monday 22 December 2025 at the HOTA (Home of the Arts) Outdoor Stage.  The event is designed to honour the victims, stand alongside the Jewish community, and send a clear message that hate-fuelled violence has no place in Australia. Organisers say the vigil aims not only to mourn those affected, but also to offer a space for healing, reflection and unity. The vigil is a free event, but tickets are required for entry, with a maximum of four tickets available per order to manage attendance. The gates will open at 5:00 pm, providing time for people to gather, find a place to sit and quietly reflect before the formal program begins. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small chair or picnic rug so they can sit comfortably during the proceedings. The program is expected to include speeches from community leaders, interfaith representatives and local officials, as well as moments of silence and candle lighting. The City of Gold Coast has emphasised that the vigil is open to all residents, regardless of background or faith, to demonstrate broad community support for those directly impacted by the attack and for the broader Jewish community both locally and nationally. In recent years, rising concerns about antisemitism and other forms of hate speech and violence have prompted calls for stronger protections, better education and more visible displays of solidarity. Events like the Light & Unity Vigil are intended to counter fear and division with collective resilience and compassion. Organisers say they hope the vigil will serve as a reminder that the Gold Coast â and Australia more broadly remains committed to being a place where all communities can live, worship and celebrate safely. As candles are lit and names are remembered, the message from the Gold Coast will be simple but powerful: hate has no place here.
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QLD police investigating Nazi symbol and offensive words graffitied on Brisbane mosque
Queensland Police are investigating a disturbing act of vandalism at a mosque in Brisbaneâs north, where antisemitic and white supremacist graffiti â including a Nazi symbol â was sprayed onto the building overnight. The incident occurred between 8:00 pm on 17 December and 3:00 am on 18 December at a site near Telegraph Road in the Bald Hills/Fitzgibbon area. Unknown offenders targeted the local mosque, defacing it with hateful slogans and symbols. Police say the vandalism is being treated seriously, given its nature and timing. It follows closely on from an antisemitic attack in Bondi that resulted in multiple deaths, contributing to heightened fear and anxiety across religious communities in Australia. Queensland Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information â including dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from the area around the time â to come forward. In the meantime, officers have stepped up their presence around places of worship and other sites of cultural or religious significance to reassure community members and deter further incidents. Authorities have reiterated that any acts targeting people based on religion or ethnicity are considered unacceptable and will be investigated thoroughly. Local MP Bisma Asif, Labor Member for Sandgate and Shadow Assistant Minister for Multiculturalism and Citizenship, condemned the attack in strong terms on social media. “Overnight, the local Bald Hills Mosque was vandalised with white supremacist symbols and the subject of death threats. This on the back of 15 innocent people losing their lives at the hands of extremists in an antisemitic attack on Sunday,” she wrote. “Frankly, Iâm sick of the constant antisemitic, Islamophobic and racist incidents weâve had in our community.” Ms Asif called for unity rather than retaliation or division.  “This is not the way forward. This is not how we get through this. Not with more hate. Not with retaliation. Not by tearing each other apart.” She also took aim at those she accuses of exploiting tensions for political gain. “Iâm sick of the constant political opportunism by those intent on dividing this country to revive their failing political careers. Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe in their homes, places of worship and at work.” Ms Asif renewed calls for the State Government to act on racial vilification laws. “Now more than ever, it is important we stand together against divisiveness. Now more than ever, it is vital our State Government acts and passes the racial vilification laws it has delayed indefinitely.” The incident adds to a growing list of reported racist, antisemitic and Islamophobic events in recent times, prompting community leaders to push for stronger legal protections, better education and more visible public opposition to hate speech. Police have confirmed that they are continuing to support and engage with local religious communities, including Muslim and Jewish leaders, and have increased patrols around mosques, synagogues and other places of worship to provide reassurance. As investigations continue, community advocates are encouraging residents to respond to such incidents not with fear, but with solidarity â showing up for neighbours, reporting hate where it occurs, and reaffirming that Brisbane and Queensland are places where diversity is valued and protected. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or their local police station.