45,000 GOOD VIBES FOR PASIFIKA FESTIVAL
Moreton Bay council have given the organisers of a Pacific Islands festival a three-year $45,000 grant.
Mayor Peter Flannery says the Pasifika Vibes Festival is returning in 2026. It will be held at the Pines River Showground at Lawton on Monday, May 4 (Labour Day).
“More than 15,000 people attended the 2025 festival. This is … one of the largest Pasifika festivals in Australia,” he says.
Councillor Jim Moloney praised volunteers for making the festival an ongoing success.
“While Council is proud to provide financial support, this is a community-driven vision brought to life by dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly for months to deliver this event,” he says.
Event co-ordinator of Pasifika Families, Steven Norris, welcomed news of the grant and says they are grateful for the support.
“Pasifika Vibes Festival celebrates the richness and uniqueness of Pacific Island cultures. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities unite to honour and share their heritage.”
In addition to the annual $15,000 funding grant, council will apply a 3% increase to the multi-year grant to cover rising operational costs that community organisations face.
For more details, visit the festival website; for more about council’s community grants program, visit their website.
MANUFACTURING HITS ‘RECORD LEVELS’
Moreton Bay’s growing manufacturing strength has been highlighted at a recent Megatrends in Manufacturing event that drew more than 100 attendees.
Already home to 37% of all domestic and international print manufacturing exports, Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says manufacturing is vital to the city’s economy as it employs more than 10,000 locals with $1.5 billion annually in exports.
“Events like Megatrends help local businesses innovate, upskill and connect with research and government to future-proof their operations,” he says.
Council says its manufacturing base is seeing record growth; from 2023-24, machinery and equipment manufacturing jobs grew 15% with an 11% rise in value-add in sharp contrast to SE Qld.
Megatrends speaker Darren Ramia-Topp from The Industry Factory says the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing is growing.
“Manufacturers are starting to see real value in AI, especially in streamlining operations and developing the skills to lead their teams through the changes that AI is creating,” he says.
Andrew Holmes, Director of Brisbane-based manufacturer Custom Lithium, said events like Megatrends in Manufacturing offer valuable insight into how AI and lean principles are shaping the future of manufacturing.
SHOW HOLIDAY CONFIRMED
This year’s Moreton Bay EKKA Show Holiday will fall on Monday, August 10, with Caboolture to host its own festival day on August 11.
This year’s EKKA Show will run from August 8-16 and Mayor Peter Flannery says the local holiday is the “perfect” chance for residents to explore the Bay.
“We are blessed to live in a city surrounded by natural beauty,” he says.
Meanwhile, the Caboolture Family Fun Day on August 11 will be held at Centenary Lakes Park, the Fun Day.
“The Caboolture Day aims to create an unforgettable experience for visitors and residents here in Moreton Bay,” Flannery says.
OTHER COUNCIL NEWS: More parks worth $1.8m unveiled
NEW $6.1M CLUBHOUSE FOR NARANGBA EAGLES
Construction is to start on a new $6.1 million soccer clubhouse at the Harris Avenue Sports Complex at Narangba, Brisbane.
Council has awarded a tender to build the clubhouse for the Narangba Eagles FC.
“The new facilities will be modern, accessible and inclusive, making soccer more enjoyable for players and spectators alike,” Flannery says.
Councillor Ellie Smith says the new clubhouse will be built between two existing fields.
“… great new facilities include accessible change rooms, canteen, referee rooms and amenities,” she says.
The project is getting $3m in funding from the Federal Government and should be complete in early 2027.
