A new mandatory child safety training plan for early childhood education and care workers is set to come into effect across Australia tomorrow (27). The nationally consistent child safety training will be mandatory under National Law for anyone working or volunteering in early childhood education and care, regardless of whether they work directly with children. The training has been developed using input from individuals with lived experience of child abuse and neglect, as well as early childhood experts. Everyone working in early childhood settings will be required to complete the training, which is being rolled out on the Australian Government’s Geccko learning platform. Staff will have six months to complete the training, with advanced courses becoming available this July. Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Queensland Government had played a leading role in developing the training program. “The Queensland Government has invested $1.85 million to develop the training with leading experts from the Australian Centre for Child Protection,” Minister Langbroek said. C&K Chief Executive Officer Dr Sandra Cheeseman said the new mandatory training would strengthen capability in safeguarding practices across the early childhood education and care sector. “Children’s safety is our highest priority at C&K, and we strongly support a consistent, high-quality approach to safeguarding training for all educators,” Dr Cheeseman said. “This is about giving educators the tools to protect children and create environments where they can learn, grow and thrive.”

Two early intervention programs have been launched in the Queensland cities of Logan and Ipswich, aiming to support at-risk youth and reduce crime rates in the region. The initiatives are funded through the Queensland Government’s Kickstarter grants, which focus on preventing youth from entering the criminal justice system by providing mentoring, education, and skill-building opportunities. The BUSY Group will deliver a 10-week program targeting at-risk girls aged 14 to 17 in Logan. The program offers mentoring and trade skills training, with the goal of helping participants reconnect with education, training, or employment opportunities. In addition, the Sudanese-Australian Lost Boys and Girls of South Sudan will operate a program for at-risk youth aged 8 to 17. This initiative provides intensive mentoring, family engagement, skill-building, and cultural support to help young people re-engage with education and their communities. The Queensland Government states that these programs are part of wider efforts to address youth crime, including investment in rehabilitation and early intervention. Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber emphasized the importance of early intervention in preventing youth from becoming involved in crime. “Addressing the early signs of disengagement, anti-social or criminal behaviour is critical to breaking the cycle of crime and putting youth back on the right track,” Gerber said. Representatives from the participating organizations highlighted the potential of early intervention to change young people’s lives. Glen O’Keefe, General Manager of Youth and Community at the BUSY Group, said that tailored support can help restore self-belief and build aspirations, while Gabriel Pioth, Treasurer of the Lost Boys and Girls of South Sudan, noted the value of creating safe spaces and trusted relationships for youth. The programs are expected to provide structured, trauma-informed support, mentoring, and practical pathways towards education, training, and employment for young people in Logan and Ipswich.

A 22-year-old man from Logan Central has been charged following a series of alleged armed robberies in the Brisbane suburbs of Sunnybank and Wishart on February 22. According to police, the man targeted three separate people between 11pm and 11:30pm, approaching victims at a Beenleigh Road park, on Mains Road, and on Mount Gravatt Capalaba Road. Authorities allege he demanded money while armed with an airsoft pistol, making off with a small sum of cash before fleeing the scenes in a white Holden Astra. No injuries were reported during the incidents. After launching an investigation, Upper Mount Gravatt Criminal Investigation Branch officers, assisted by the Public Safety Response Team and Gold Coast Rapid Action and Patrols, executed a search warrant at an Inchcape Court address in Ashmore on February 24. The man was arrested at the scene. During the search, police reportedly seized an airsoft pistol, drug paraphernalia, and small amounts of methylamphetamine and cannabis. The accused has been charged with two counts each of attempted armed robbery and possessing dangerous drugs, as well as one count each of armed robbery and possessing a category H weapon. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Southport Magistrates Court on March 25.

A new study by researchers at the University of Queensland has revealed dramatic differences in life expectancy across Queensland, with some communities just kilometres apart experiencing gaps of more than two decades. In some cases, communities just five train stops apart—less than 5 kilometres by road—showed more than 20 years’ difference in the median age of death for men. The study also identified a 26-year gap in age of death between males living only 85 kilometres apart. “The median age of death for women in Queensland can span between 68 and 88 years, and between 60 and 83 years for men,” health geographer Associate Professor Jonathan Olsen from the Institute for Social Science Research explained. “Residents in South East Queensland generally have a longer life expectancy than people elsewhere in the state, but what may surprise people is the difference in data within cities.” The research team used geospatial data and railway stations as geographic markers to map health statistics across the state. By overlaying median age of death data onto Queensland’s rail network, they uncovered striking spatial inequalities. Dr Olsen said factors shaping population health range from social, environmental, and economic conditions to cultural and commercial influences. He emphasized that spatially referenced data can be an invaluable tool for guiding targeted, place-based health initiatives, such as upgrading green spaces or expanding infrastructure for active travel. “Interventions can be tailored to specific communities and have been found to be most effective when co-designed with the communities themselves,” he added. Achieving equitable health outcomes across Queensland remains a complex challenge, given the state’s vast area of more than 1.7 million square kilometres and uneven population distribution. Dr Olsen noted that geospatial data can help identify where resources are most needed and monitor the impact of health initiatives at all levels. The findings underscore the importance of targeted, community-driven strategies to address health inequalities, even in areas that may appear similar on the map but differ greatly in health outcomes.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG) has announced two new volunteer Mentee positions, inviting applications from people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The initiative aims to empower emerging leaders to share their voices and contribute actively to the region’s community life. Selected mentees will participate in bi-monthly MAG meetings, offering their lived experiences of settlement and inclusion, while also receiving mentorship from experienced MAG members and support from the Council’s Community Development team. Help create a welcoming environment These insights are expected to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges, needs, and opportunities faced by newcomers to the Sunshine Coast. Mentees will also have the opportunity to help organise the 2026 Welcoming Week Picnic, co-designing cultural activities and engaging with new and emerging communities. Councillor Taylor Bunnag, who holds the Strong Community Portfolio, described the new mentee roles as a supported pathway for emerging multicultural leaders to become more involved in community life. “The Sunshine Coast is a vibrant and welcoming place, and these roles are another way to strengthen the voices of our multicultural communities,” Cr Bunnag said. “We want new arrivals to feel supported, heard, and to see that there are genuine opportunities to participate in local leadership,” Cr Bunnag added. “Their lived experience is incredibly valuable and can help shape more inclusive services across the region.” Fresh perspectives needed Founding MAG member Peppi Bueti emphasised that bringing mentees into the group would offer fresh perspectives to its work. “MAG has always focused on listening to community voices and creating spaces where people feel safe and represented,” Mr Bueti said. “Having mentees join us means we can learn directly from people who have recently arrived and better understand the level of support needed to help them settle and thrive,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for emerging leaders to build skills while contributing to meaningful community work.” MAG member Silvia Castillo highlighted how the mentee experience could help new arrivals forge strong connections within the local community. “When I first joined MAG, I learned so much about how community groups influence local decisions,” Ms Castillo said. “Through MAG, I’ve seen how creating strong links between Council and multicultural communities helps us feel heard, welcomed and empowered to actively participate in the place we now call home.” Building stronger connections “These mentee roles offer that same experience by building confidence, forming connections, and creating space for participants to share their stories in a supportive environment,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way for newcomers to feel part of the Sunshine Coast community.” Expressions of interest are encouraged from people who have lived on the Sunshine Coast for less than a year, identify as part of a multicultural community, are interested in leadership and inclusion, and can attend MAG meetings. No previous advisory experience is required. Applicants are asked to provide a brief overview of their background, community connections, interest in the role, and what they hope to gain from the experience. The Expression of Interest form is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website. Applications close on 23 March 2026.

Redland City Council has formally outlined its key priorities and policy positions for the Queensland Government to consider during the ongoing review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023, known as ShapingSEQ 2023. Once completed, ShapingSEQ will become the statutory regional planning document for south-east Queensland, requiring Council’s City Plan to align with its provisions. The Council is advocating for the regional plan review to cover all 17 State interests, not just the five currently proposed—housing supply, agriculture, development and construction, mining and extractive resources, and tourism. Cr Rowanne McKenzie, Planning and Regulation portfolio representative, emphasized at this week’s General Meeting that a comprehensive review is needed. “A full review would ensure that the pursuit of housing delivery and economic growth considers other State interests that are important to the Redlands Coast community, such as environmental protection, infrastructure coordination and hazard resilience,” she said. Cr McKenzie warned that limiting the review could exclude critical issues fundamental to achieving sustainable, safe, and fiscally responsible growth across the region. She stressed the importance of maintaining the current urban footprint, wherever possible, to protect regional landscapes and rural production areas, and to deliver a more compact urban form. The Council will reaffirm its position that Redland City has sufficient capacity for new dwellings within its existing boundaries, making an expansion of the urban footprint or the identification of new growth areas unnecessary. However, Cr McKenzie noted the need for further investigation into land supply for industrial and employment purposes, suggesting any shortfall should be addressed within the current urban footprint, including areas like the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA). Infrastructure planning and delivery also form a significant part of Council’s submission. “Infrastructure must keep pace with development,” Cr McKenzie stated. “It is not possible to accommodate the future growth envisioned in ShapingSEQ 2023 without a commitment from the Queensland Government to upgrade the requisite infrastructure networks.” Other issues in Council’s submission include koala protection, community engagement, population projections, and considerations for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island, as well as a review of the Planning Scheme. The review process will also see a Council planning officer seconded part-time to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, to provide strategic input into key policy decisions. Community feedback on the revised plan will be sought before the final document is released.

The property developer proposing a Trump Tower on the Gold Coast is a businessman who has twice declared bankruptcy, according to ABC reports revealed today. The Trump International Hotel and Tower are described on the developer’s website as the “next ultra-luxury address” and promises an “exceptional residential and globally renowned hospitality and service experience unlike anything seen in Australia.” In 1991, in Cairns, according to ABC, documents reveal that David Young was declared bankrupt—along with at least one other person—by the brewing company Castlemaine Perkins. According to a self-authored article on Altus’s website, Mr Young worked in pubs and nightclubs before moving into property development. That bankruptcy was also formally discharged. In 2010, as his property company faced difficulties, he filed for bankruptcy in Surfers Paradise while working as a management consultant. Records show he was discharged after the standard three-year period. This week, Altus Property Group announced collaboration with The Trump Organization to launch Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast. On LinkedIn, Mr Young said that “Trump hotels and resorts are the best, and that’s what I wanted to build.” “I’m a fairly confident and direct person, so I went on the hunt for a phone number of someone in the Trump world. Given that they are a family business, I sensed that they would assess me very quickly and either dismiss me or start talking,” he posted. “This was years before Donald Trump became President. My project has nothing to do with politics. It should only illicit emotional responses because of the quality of the product and the beauty of the building.”

By Juliano Oliveira The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has vowed to examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism following the attack at Bondi Beach and deliver its final report by the first anniversary of the massacre. In its first hearing held today in Sydney, Commissioner Virginia Bell highlighted that the hearing of the alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, must be done by the Commission “without risking any prejudice.” “This Commission must do its work without risking any prejudice to that criminal proceeding, leading evidence that this commission from people who may be witnesses in the criminal proceeding would create that risk, and for that reason, it will not occur.” Commissioner Bell said that she had extended an invitation to the families of the deceased and to others directly affected by the attack to meet with her later this week in less formal surroundings. One of the Commission’s responsibilities will be to review how Commonwealth, State, and Territory agencies communicated and shared information with each other and with the Hanukkah event organisers. The Commission will also assess the security measures for the event and evaluate whether intelligence and law enforcement agencies operated at their highest capacity. The Commission will deliver an interim report by April 30, 2026, prioritising urgent actions to address immediate concerns. Throughout the process, it will focus on identifying and implementing measures to counter antisemitism, strengthen law enforcement response, and support social cohesion. The Commission will apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism and accept public submissions until May. The final report is due on the first anniversary of the massacre.

Key milestones have been reached for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (LGC) project and the Loganlea Station Relocation, with construction currently underway in Logan and surrounding areas. Work at the new Loganlea station has begun on the platform and pedestrian footbridge, with the first section of the footbridge installed over the weekend. The project is expected to enhance connections to local destinations, including Logan Hospital, TAFE Queensland’s Loganlea Campus, and Loganlea State High School. Major on-site works also include the construction of two new platforms, a station building, park-and-ride facilities, and local road upgrades. The new Loganlea station is scheduled to open in 2027, with the existing station remaining operational in the meantime. Meanwhile, updated designs for the Edens Landing station precinct have been released online as part of the LGC project, with community engagement sessions planned throughout March. The proposed upgrades aim to improve accessibility, safety, and customer experience. The redesign includes repositioning the station to align with Eddy Avenue, adding walking and cycling connections to local parks, upgrading park-and-ride and kiss-and-ride facilities, installing new bus stops, and building an active transport bridge linking Houdini Terrace to Holmview Road. The LGC project will also double the tracks along a 20-kilometre corridor between Kuraby and Beenleigh, which is expected to increase rail capacity, improve service reliability, and reduce travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Updated designs for the Holmview and Beenleigh station precincts are currently being refined and will be shared with the community in the coming months. Jane Brander, Acting Deputy Director-General for Rail at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, said the projects were making tangible progress. “Loganlea station is an important transport hub that helps the surrounding community connect to South East Queensland,” she said. “The release of the updated designs for Edens Landing station precinct is a key milestone for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project, which will deliver a critical upgrade to the rail network and improve traffic flow by removing five level crossings.” Community members are encouraged to review the designs and provide feedback during the upcoming engagement sessions.

Queensland Police Service are appealing for public assistance to identify a man who may be able to assist with investigations into an alleged assault at a supermarket in Acacia Ridge last year. Police allege that at approximately 7.15pm on 26 August 2025, an unknown man entered a supermarket on Beaudesert Road and became involved in a verbal disagreement with a 21-year-old female employee. During the altercation, the man allegedly punched the employee in the face before fleeing the scene on foot. The woman sustained minor facial injuries and received medical treatment. Investigators have released a description of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquiries. He is described as Caucasian with tanned skin, shoulder-length dark curly hair, and a solid build, and is believed to be aged in his 40s or 50s. He was last seen wearing a red and black cap, prescription glasses with a dark frame, a beige long-sleeved button-up shirt, dark long pants, and black thongs. Police are urging anyone who recognises the man or has information that may assist investigations to come forward. Information can be provided to Policelink online or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers Queensland by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting information online. Investigations remain ongoing. Police have asked members of the public to quote reference number QP2501514383 when providing information.