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Deagon Educator Recognised at the Family Day Care Awards

Mahmuda Chowdhury, a dedicated family day care educator from Uniting Family Day Care in Deagon, has been celebrated as a Brisbane North/Sunshine Coast Regional Winner in the 2024 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards

Mahmuda, who operates Feels Like Home Family Day Care from her homes in Chermside West and Aspley, has been a shining example of dedication and care in the community for over 11 years. Recently honoured as a Regional Winner at the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards, Mahmuda represents the high standards and passionate commitment expected of educators within the industry.

A Passion for Early Education

Mahmuda’s approach to childcare is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Belonging, Being, and Becoming, which aims to nurture children’s personal growth and development. Her commitment extends beyond standard care; each weekend, she diligently prepares her environment to enhance play-based learning, which includes integrating feedback from children, parents, and her educational scheme.

Family Day Care awards — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

This proactive engagement is designed to foster a space where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and think critically.

An essential element of Mahmuda’s success is her collaboration with parents to tailor educational goals and track progress through the innovative use of Storypark, an online community platform. This tool allows families to engage with the weekly program and contribute to their children’s learning narratives, reinforcing the community-centric model of Mahmuda’s day care service.

Award Recognition

In its thirteenth year, the Excellence in Family Day Care Awards continues to celebrate family day care educators’ important role in early childhood education across Australia. This prestigious award spotlights the significant contributions of family day care services, chosen by 52,700 families nationally as their preferred early childhood education method.

Family Day Care Australia’s CEO, Andrew Paterson, praised the efforts of family day care educators like Mahmuda, emphasising their critical role in the upbringing and education of over 74,000 children daily across the country.

The awards received over 5,000 nominations this year, reflecting the essential service these educators provide.

As a regional winner, Mahmuda now advances to the next stage of the competition, with hopes of being named one of the four National Finalists for the Family Day Care Australia Excellence in Family Day Care Award 2024. This announcement is eagerly anticipated on 15th October via the Family Day Care Australia Facebook page, with the final winner to be revealed at the gala dinner on 23rd November.

Published 2-Oct-2024

Bullets vs Kings: Brisbane’s Fourth-Quarter Rally Falls Short

Photo Credit: Brisbane Bullets/Instagram

The Brisbane Bullets made a spirited return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, falling 91-82 to the Sydney Kings in their NBL25 home opener. In front of a record crowd, the Bullets showed resilience by scoring the final 16 points of the game, showcasing the tenacity fans have come to expect.

Read: Deagon Educator Recognised at the Family Day Care Awards

Prather leads early spark

Casey Prather set the tone early, firing up the crowd with an electrifying one-handed slam to open the score for the home team. Despite his energy, the Bullets faced a tough first half, trailing by as much as 20 points before mounting a comeback.

Prather finished with an efficient 17 points on 8-for-15 shooting, adding five rebounds and three steals. Rising star Rocco Zikarsky continued to impress, contributing 11 points and five rebounds, and hitting his first career three-pointer in a milestone moment.

Zikarsky’s three-pointer was one of only three makes from 23 attempts for the Bullets, who struggled to find their groove from beyond the arc all night. Despite a resilient second half effort, the team’s shooting woes ultimately hindered their comeback.

Centre Tyrell Harrison filled the stat sheet, contributing 10 points, five assists, four rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. The team’s leading scorer, Keandre Cook, supported with 12 points, while floor general James Batemon came close to a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Early game woes continue

Despite the Kings taking the win, the Bullets’ fourth-quarter performance underscored their potential. Matching Sydney in the third and dominating the fourth, Brisbane showed they could compete with one of the league’s top teams. However, another slow start—which has been a pattern in their first three games of the season—proved costly.

Read: Trent Dalton Brings Bracken Ridge to the Bookshelves

The Bullets now turn their focus to a road game against the also winless South East Melbourne Phoenix, where they’ll face former captain Nathan Sobey. Fans are eager to see if Brisbane can finally transform their impressive fourth-quarter performances into a consistent effort across all quarters.

Published 06-October-2024

Match preview published on 01-October-2024.

Bullets vs Kings: Brisbane Seek First Win in Home Opener Against Sydney

The Brisbane Bullets are set to open their season with their long-awaited return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday, October 5, against the Sydney Kings in a crucial matchup as both teams look to rebound from early-season setbacks. Bullets vs Kings tip off 8:00 p.m.

Read: Brisbane Bullets’ Keandre Cook: Early Signs of a Game-Changer

Bullets’ slow start

After a promising preseason that saw them win the NBL Blitz and emerge as second-favourites in bookmakers’ predictions, the Bullets find themselves in an unexpected 0-2 hole to start NBL25.

Their season opener against the New Zealand Breakers ended in a narrow 91-87 defeat, despite a late surge that saw them erase a 26-point deficit. The following game against the Illawarra Hawks resulted in a 113-101 loss, again highlighting the team’s struggle with slow starts.

Keandre Cook has been a standout for the Bullets, leading the team in scoring in both games. His sharpshooting, particularly from beyond the arc, has been crucial in Brisbane’s comeback attempts.

Amidst the challenging start, the Bullets received a boost with Tyrell Harrison’s contract extension. The longest-serving player on the roster, the big man’s development and Blitz performances underscore his importance to the team’s long-term plans. His interior presence provides stability as the Bullets work to turn their season around.

Bullets vs Kings

The Bullets enter the home opener with some injury worries. Sam McDaniel and Josh Bannan are sidelined, while captain Mitch Norton and Deng Adel are battling groin issues. These health issues have added to the challenge of finding the team’s rhythm in the early season.

The Sydney Kings arrive in Brisbane also seeking to right their ship. They suffered their first loss of NBL25 in their previous outing, falling to Illawarra 96-89 in a closely contested match. Sydney will be eager to avoid a losing streak, setting the stage for an intense battle at the BEC.

Bullets coach Justin Schueller acknowledges the team’s disappointing start but sees signs of improvement. “There’s a lot of pride in the way that we’ve responded twice now to say that we’re right there,” Schueller states.

However, he emphasises the need for better starts and improved defence, noting that the team’s current performance doesn’t reflect their true potential.

Read: Two-Way Floor General James Batemon Commands the Court in NBL25

The clash against the Sydney Kings represents more than just a home opener for the Brisbane Bullets. It’s an opportunity to reset their season, energise their fan base, and demonstrate the potential that has made them a team to watch in NBL25—all in their first game back at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Trent Dalton Brings Bracken Ridge to the Bookshelves

In “Boy Swallows Universe,” author Trent Dalton paints a vivid picture of life in Bracken Ridge, where the novel’s young protagonists face their toughest challenges.

Overview of “Boy Swallows Universe”

“Boy Swallows Universe” has captured the hearts of readers nationwide with its gripping narrative and deep, emotional resonance. Set predominantly in Bracken Ridge, the novel explores the tumultuous life of its protagonist, Eli Bell, as he navigates a world of crime and adversity.

Since its release in 2019, the book has not only become a bestseller but has also been acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by those living on the fringes of society.

Impact of Bracken Ridge on the Story

Bracken Ridge plays a significant role in Mr Dalton’s narrative beyond just being a setting; it is essential to the story’s foundation and significantly influences the lives and choices of its characters.

Bracken Ridge home of Trent Dalton — *Photo Credit: realestate.com.au*

The novel’s depiction of the suburb mirrors genuine socioeconomic difficulties such as poverty and domestic abuse, which deeply impact the characters.

Key events in the narrative, such as Eli’s confrontations with local criminals and his experiences of family turmoil, are deeply intertwined with the setting, highlighting how the environment can impact personal growth and resilience.

Mr Dalton weaves significant themes through the fabric of “Boy Swallows Universe.” Resilience, hope, and the quest for a brighter future stand out against the harsh realities of Bracken Ridge. The suburb’s gritty reality tests the characters, especially Eli and his brother Augustus, pushing them toward emotional and moral growth.

“Boy Swallows Universe” is more than just a story about growing up; it is a cultural commentary on the struggles and triumphs of life in Bracken Ridge. Through Eli and Augustus’s eyes, readers experience the harsh realities and hopeful aspirations of those living in this Brisbane suburb.

About Trent Dalton

Born and raised in Brisbane, Mr Dalton’s upbringing in the outer suburbs of Brisbane significantly influenced his literary work. Mr Dalton, who attended Bracken Ridge State High School, began his career in journalism, gaining recognition as a skilled feature writer for the Weekend Australian Magazine, where his ability to tell captivating stories about everyday Australians won him national acclaim.

Dalton’s breakthrough as a novelist came with his debut novel. “Boy Swallows Universe” received widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards, including the 2019 Indie Book of the Year and the UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing. The novel was also adapted into a Netflix series.

Following this success, Dalton continued to explore deep and varied themes in subsequent novels such as “All Our Shimmering Skies” and “Love Stories.” His writing often intertwines personal history with fiction, characterized by a poignant and evocative style that resonates with a broad audience. Mr Dalton remains a prominent figure in Australian literature, admired for his ability to blend profound emotional depth with distinctly Australian settings and stories.

Published 1-Oct-2024

Brisbane Bullets’ Keandre Cook: Early Signs of a Game-Changer

Photo Credit: Brisbane Bullets/Instagram

Brisbane Bullets’ new addition, Keandre Cook, has been cooking on the court since joining the team for the NBL25 season. The 27-year-old import sharpshooter, signed on a one-year deal, has wasted no time making his mark in the league.

Read: Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall Braces for Twenty One Pilots’ Triumphant Return

Keandre Cook, early impact

Cook’s debut with the Bullets has been nothing short of spectacular. In the season opener against the Breakers, he posted an impressive 25 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Nine of his 25 came as Brisbane took on a 18-2 run late in the game, bombing away three triples to put the game within two.

Cook followed this with a solid two-way performance against the Hawks, contributing 17 points, 3 steals, and 1 block, once again leading the team in scoring.

Though these performances have yet to translate into wins, Cook’s impact is undeniable. Leading the team with 21 points per game, his contributions extend beyond scoring: Cook is tied for first in blocks (1.0 per game) as a guard, alongside centre Tyrell Harrison, and leads the team in steals with 2.5 per game.

Background and experience

Cook brings a wealth of international experience to the team, having played professionally in Hungary, France, Macedonia, and Germany after starting his career in the NBA G-League with Greensboro. Most recently, he won the 2023 Macedonian league and cup double with MZT Skopje.

Before joining the Bullets, Cook showcased his scoring prowess with Crailsheim in the German Bundesliga. In 33 league appearances for the Merlins, he averaged an impressive 14.5 points per game, shooting 48.5% from the field, 45.7% from three-point range, and 89.7% from the free-throw line.

Brisbane coach Justin Schueller expressed his excitement about Cook’s signing before the season, stating, “Keandre comes to us with great experience internationally and fits our needs of an impact scorer and high-level shooter.”

Schueller also praised Cook’s defensive abilities and his potential to complement the existing roster—a facet of his game that he’s already proven in his first two appearances.

For Cook, joining the Bullets fulfils a long-held professional goal. He shared his excitement, saying, “I’ve always dreamed of playing in Australia. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the country and look forward to exploring Brisbane.”

Read: Bullets Blaze Through Blitz: Brisbane’s NBL25 Season Preview

Fans eager to see Cook continue his hot streak at home won’t have to wait long. He is set to feature at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday, 5 October, at 8:00 p.m. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cook to see if he can maintain his impressive form and help elevate the Brisbane Bullets to a long-awaited playoff appearance.

Published 29-September-2024

Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall Braces for Twenty One Pilots’ Triumphant Return

Photo Credit: Twenty One Pilots/ Facebook/a>

Boondall is set to erupt in a symphony of sound and light as the Grammy-Award winning duo Twenty One Pilots descends upon the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 21 November 2024.

This marks a long-awaited homecoming for the band, who haven’t graced Australian shores in six years. The electrifying performance is part of their highly anticipated ‘Clancy World Tour’, showcasing music from their forthcoming album of the same name.

With an astounding 33 billion streams worldwide and over 3 million tickets sold across their global headline tours, Twenty One Pilots—comprised of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun from Columbus, Ohio—have cemented their status as a powerhouse in the 21st-century music scene. The duo is renowned for pushing musical boundaries and blending genres to create a unique sound that has resonated deeply with a generation of fans.

*Photo Credit:* *Twenty One Pilots/ Facebook*

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre, with its capacity to hold thousands of enthusiastic fans, will provide the perfect backdrop for Twenty One Pilots’ energetic and visually stunning performance on 21 November 2024. Fans can anticipate an unforgettable night filled with excitement.

The band’s signature blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronica, thought-provoking lyrics, and captivating stage presence will captivate the audience.

Clancy: A New Era

The ‘Clancy World Tour’ is a launchpad for Twenty One Pilots’ forthcoming album, “Clancy,” promising a fresh chapter in their musical journey. Fans eagerly anticipate the new material, which will surely showcase the duo’s evolution and growth while staying true to the sound that has made them a global phenomenon.

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A Global Phenomenon

Twenty One Pilots’ impact extends beyond impressive streaming numbers and ticket sales. The duo has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that connects deeply with their music and message. Their songs often explore themes of mental health, faith, and the human experience, striking a chord with listeners worldwide.

For fans in Boondall and beyond, 21 November promises to be a night to remember. Twenty One Pilots’ return to Australia is a testament to their enduring popularity and the power of their music to transcend borders and connect with audiences on a profound level.

Published Date 26-September-2024

Teenage Girl In Serious Condition After Geebung Traffic Incident

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 14-year-old girl is in serious condition following a traffic incident in Geebung yesterday evening. The collision occurred at approximately 5 pm on September 25, near the intersection of Ellison Road and Murphy Road.

According to initial police reports, a white Toyota Hilux struck the young pedestrian. The teenager sustained severe head injuries and was immediately transported to Queensland Children’s Hospital for treatment. Her current condition has not been disclosed.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as a man in his 50s from Eatons Hill, was not physically harmed in the incident. He is currently assisting police with their ongoing investigation.

Local authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in their inquiry. Specifically, they are seeking individuals who were in the area at the time of the crash and may have witnessed the event or possess relevant CCTV or dashcam footage.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2401649107

Published 26-September-2024

Plans Released for Major Housing and Retail Development in Carseldine

Residents of Carseldine could witness a significant transformation as plans for a new housing development and community hub have been released.

Read: Carseldine Markets Celebrates a Decade of Delicious Saturdays

The project, part of the broader Carseldine Village initiative, promises to bring 152 new dwellings along with a retail and commercial “Village Heart” to the area.

The development application for this ambitious project has been lodged with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) by St George Community Housing Ltd (SGCH), marking their first venture into Queensland.

Render of the project in Carseldine (Photo credit: DKO Architecture)

This $87 million undertaking, situated within the Fitzgibbon Priority Development Area (PDA), is poised to make a substantial impact on both the local housing market and economy.

Construction is slated to commence in early 2025, generating approximately 200 jobs for the region. Upon completion, expected towards the end of 2026, the housing component will be operated by Bric Housing, a leading community housing provider in South East Queensland.

Render of Village Heart (Photo credit: DKO Architecture)

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposed multiple dwellings are a crucial element of the larger 15-hectare Carseldine Village development being orchestrated by EDQ. When fully realised in 2028, this 5-Star Green Star community will boast over 600 dwellings, significantly boosting the suburb’s residential capacity and sustainability credentials.

Joe Achmar, Acting Group CEO of SGCH, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “The housing crisis transcends borders, and we are committed to delivering more homes for the most vulnerable in our communities.” He emphasised the unique partnership between SGCH and Bric Housing, highlighting their complementary strengths and shared vision for increasing sector capacity nationwide.

Jane West, CEO of Bric Housing, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Providing good quality social and affordable housing is vital to ensuring that people have a safe and affordable place to call home.” She noted that this project would add to the hundreds of homes already managed by Bric Housing in the Greater Brisbane area.

Read: Brisbane Metro Expansion: New Stations Planned for Carseldine and Beyond

As Carseldine prepares for this significant development, residents can look forward to not just new dwelling options, but also enhanced community facilities and potential economic growth stemming from the Village Heart’s retail and commercial spaces.

Published 25-September-2024

Boondall Bus Crash: Community Gathers to Mark 30th Anniversary

Thirty years after the devastating Boondall bus crash, Maryborough is set to honour the victims and survivors with a memorial service. The tragic incident, which occurred near Boondall on Brisbane’s northside, remains one of Queensland’s worst road accidents.

Read: Bruce Highway Safety Crisis: New Data Reveals Alarming Crash Rates

On Thursday, October 24th, the lawn of Maryborough City Hall will host a solemn gathering to commemorate the lives lost and forever changed by the 1994 crash.

On 24 October 1994, a tragic incident occurred when a vehicle transporting fifty individuals lost control, flipped onto its side, and careened across a major road before plummeting down a sharp incline. The devastating Boondall bus crash resulted in 12 fatalities and left 38 people wounded.

The victims, many of whom were members of Maryborough’s Civilian Widows Association on a shopping trip to Brisbane, will be remembered in a half-hour service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The service, to be held near the Boondall Bus Memorial Stone on the City Hall lawn, will feature Pastor Chris Foley presiding and performances by the combined choirs of St Mary’s Primary School and St Mary’s College. A poignant moment will occur at 10:10 a.m. when a bell will toll 12 times, marking the time of the accident and honouring those who perished.

Attendees will have the opportunity to lay wreaths or flowers in memory of their loved ones. Following the outdoor service, the community is invited to gather inside City Hall to share memories and support one another.

As the event coincides with market day, those planning to attend are advised to allow extra time for parking. The city council has also made provisions for limited seating for those unable to stand and has plans to move the service indoors in case of inclement weather.

Read: When Doctors Were Far and Few: Healthcare History in Sandgate

While RSVPs are not mandatory, interested attendees can register with Customer Service at 1300 79 49 29 to help local officials estimate attendance numbers.

Published 20-September-2024

St John Fisher Students Brew Marketing Success with Origin Tea

Photo Credit: Facebook / St John Fisher College

At just 16 years old, three students from St John Fisher College in Bracken Ridge have turned their school project into a real-world success by partnering with Queensland’s Origin Tea. Their fresh marketing concept, crafted as part of a QUT competition, resonated with the tea company’s founders, leading to an exciting collaboration.

Charlotte Crago, Grace Bell, and Simrat Gill impressed the company’s founders with their innovative marketing ideas, leading to their immediate hiring.

The opportunity arose through a competition organised by Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Business School, which challenged over 120 high school students to develop strategies for building a tea culture among Generation Z. The Bracken Ridge trio’s “spill the tea” campaign caught the eye of Origin Tea’s founders, brothers Chris and Lawrence Seaton.

Their creative concept revolves around fostering connections and sharing news over a cup of tea, embodied in the tagline “there’s a juicy conversation brewing in every cup of Origin Tea.” This fresh approach is now being rolled out across Origin Tea’s Instagram and TikTok channels, aiming to resonate with younger consumers.

For Chris Seaton, this collaboration represents a full-circle moment. He initially conceptualised the tea business during his own marketing studies at QUT. Twelve years later, Origin Tea has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing consumer tea brands, with a presence in over 1,000 cafés, international markets, and Woolworths supermarkets.

The experience has been equally rewarding for the students. Grace Bell expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The opportunity to work with Origin Tea was an enriching experience because I got to work with a real-world business and gain valuable insight into the field.”

Looking ahead, both Grace and Simrat are considering studying business and law at QUT after completing high school. Charlotte is also interested in pursuing a business degree, potentially majoring in entrepreneurship, international business, or marketing.

Published 18-September-2024

Bullets Blaze Through Blitz: Brisbane’s NBL25 Season Preview

The Brisbane Bullets kicked off their NBL25 campaign in impressive fashion, securing the Loggins-Bruton Cup as champions of the pre-season Blitz tournament.

This success goes beyond the trophy; it’s a significant step in building a winning culture for the team and setting the tone for the season ahead.

Read: Carseldine Markets Gears Up for 8th Annual Barktoberfest

Blitz success fuels optimism

Head coach Justin Schueller emphasises the importance of this pre-season performance, stating, “We’re at a stage of our program where we need to try and win everything we can.”

The Bullets’ clean sweep during the Blitz, which included victories over Melbourne United, South East Melbourne Phoenix, and the Cairns Taipans, highlights the team’s potential and depth as they head into the regular season.

If Brisbane can carry this form into the regular season, an improved record seems imminent and they could make a deep postseason push.

An inconsistent 2023/24

The 2023/24 season saw inconsistency plague the Bullets, finishing seventh with 13 wins and 15 losses. Missing out on the play-in by the slimmest of margins due to percentage, Brisbane showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t string together consistent performances.

However, they competed fiercely against top teams and appeared like a top-six contender for much of the season.

Individual standouts and team depth

Tyrell Harrison emerged as the standout of the Blitz, earning the Ray Borner Medal with averages of 17.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. His efficient shooting—64.3% from the floor and 84.2% from the free-throw line—underscored his improved offensive game.

Schueller’s praise for Harrison shows the high expectations surrounding the centre this season. “I don’t think Tyrell is a secret anymore,” Schueller remarks, signalling that Harrison is ready to become a key player in the team’s strategy.

“I think he’s showing what we’ve known inside the walls for a while, that he’s ready to take a leap,” Schueller adds. This timely progression coincides perfectly with the Bullets’ roster shake-up, as former NBA champion Aron Baynes bid farewell to the team during the offseason.

The Bullets’ strength extends beyond Harrison. Promising performances from NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky and new arrivals Deng Adel, Keandre Cook, and James Batemon III add depth to the roster.

Brisbane fans anticipate Josh Bannan and Sam McDaniel to build upon their stellar 2023/24 performances; and they expect continued solid contributions from Tohi Smith-Milner and Jarred Bairstow. Meanwhile, veteran leaders Mitch Norton, Casey Prather, and Isaac White shoulder the responsibility of steering the team through the season.

All eyes on Rocco Zikarsky

At just 18 years old, Rocco Zikarsky represents the future of Australian basketball. Standing at 7-foot-3, Zikarsky is already projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His time training alongside former Bullet and Boomer Aron Baynes has provided invaluable mentorship, accelerating his development.

Zikarsky’s aspirations reach far beyond the NBL, with his eyes on representing Australia in the 2028 and 2032 Olympics. “Especially with 2032 being a home Olympics,” Zikarsky notes, emphasising his desire to be a core player for the Boomers on home soil.

Back to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre

The Brisbane Bullets will make a highly anticipated return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre for their home opener on 5 October, facing off against the Sydney Kings. This marks their first game at the venue in 16 years, reclaiming what was once their fortress.

The Bullets’ offseason acquisitions, alongside Harrison’s breakout and the continued development of Zikarsky, position the Bullets as a formidable contender in the NBL25 season.

Read: Brisbane Bullets Back to Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Aim for New Heights with Major Move

With their success in the Blitz and the return to their formidable home ground, all eyes will be on the Bullets. Will this be the season they finally break their playoff drought?

Published 17-September-2024