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Twinkling Treasures: Best Christmas Light Displays Around Aspley

This holiday season, Aspley and its surrounding neighborhoods are lighting up the streets with spectacular Christmas displays. Whether you’re strolling through Aspley itself or exploring nearby Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge, and Carseldine, you’re in for a treat.

Read: Aspley Christmas Market Promises Festive Fun

From stunning light displays to festive decorations, these areas offer the perfect opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the holiday magic. Here are some must-see displays that will fill your heart with Christmas cheer.

Aspley: A Festive Delight

Aspley home’s Christmas lights display (Photo credit: christmaslightsearch.com.au)

The owner of a home at 11 Stonycroft Street in Aspley shared that they have been setting up the display for about a decade and it usually takes over a month to complete.

They expressed their joy in sharing the display with the community, and highlighted that the best part of their display is that it is computer-controlled and synced to music, which visitors can tune into.

Bald Hills: A Sparkling Start

Display at 167 Kluver Street, Bald Hills (Photo credit: christmaslightsearch.com.au)

Bald Hills lights up with festive cheer, offering some truly spectacular displays. Streets like Arnica Crescent and Kluver Street are transformed into holiday wonderlands, with homes twinkling in a variety of colors and themes.

Bracken Ridge: A Community Affair

83 Sophy Crescent, Bracken Ridge (Photo credit: christmaslightsearch.com.au)

The Christmas light displays in Bracken Ridge are a reflection of the strong community spirit that thrives in the area. Homes on Sophy Crescent and Stradbroke Street are decked out in vibrant lights, with many displays offering interactive elements like Santa’s sleigh and festive inflatables.

The owners of a display on Sophy Crescent shared that the highlight of their setup is the vibrant array of colors and playful animal-themed decorations, featuring beloved characters like Bluey and Bingo.

The owner of 21 Emma Street in Bracken Ridge has been creating festive Christmas light displays for a couple of years, complete with inflatables, lasers, projections, a window display, and a bubble, smoke, or snow machine. They shared that it takes about a month to set up and is a labor of love, bringing fun and joy to the whole family.

Carseldine: Bright Nights Ahead

A Carseldine homeowner is debuting their Christmas lights display this year, sharing that it took a month to set up. They expressed their love for decorating, saying it brings them joy to see the festive lights come to life.

Tips for Visiting

Map Out Your Route
Make sure to plan your visit and focus on one neighborhood per night to fully appreciate the displays.
Bring the Kids
These light displays are ideal for children, with many homes offering fun and interactive elements like taking photos in Santa’s sleigh or receiving a candy cane.
Arrive Early
To beat the crowds and secure the best viewing spots, it’s recommended to arrive early in the evening.

Read: Aspley Mum Wins $100 Million After Leaving Winning Ticket in Glovebox

Celebrate the Season

From Aspley to Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge, and Carseldine, these neighborhoods offer some of Brisbane’s most beautiful and festive Christmas light displays. Whether you’re admiring synchronized shows, enjoying the sight of inflatable Santas, or simply strolling through the glowing streets, these suburbs provide the perfect setting to create holiday memories.

Published 5-December-2024

Aspley Christmas Market Promises Festive Fun

Aspley’s Dorville Road is about to transform into a winter wonderland this Saturday with the Carseldine Christmas Twilight Markets.

On Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., locals and visitors can indulge in a festive extravaganza filled with food, music, and merriment.

The market will feature various stalls offering unique handmade gifts, perfect for Christmas shoppers. From bespoke jewellery to quirky homewares, there’s something for everyone. Food lovers can tantalise their taste buds with various gourmet food trucks serving everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to Spanish paella.

The Stone & Wood pop-up bar will serve refreshing drinks for those seeking a more festive beverage. The highlight of the evening will be the Ugly Christmas T-Shirt Competition, where attendees can showcase their most outrageous holiday attire.

Families can enjoy various activities, including meeting Santa Claus and his furry friends, watching live performances, and participating in kids’ activities.

The Carseldine Christmas Twilight Markets promise to be unforgettable, with a vibrant atmosphere and a plethora of festive cheer.

Published Date 20-November-2024

The James Batemon Effect: Brisbane Bullet’s Winning Formula

Photo Credit: Brisbane Bullets/Instagram

“Expect a guy who can shoot the three, who can attack [the rim], and who can get his teammates involved, and look to wreak havoc when defending the opposing point guards on the other end,” James Batemon of the Brisbane Bullets boldly declared before the NBL25 season started. And he is certainly delivering.

Initially pegged as a defensive-minded floor general, the 27-year-old rising star is showcasing his versatility and making history. Batemon has transformed into one of the NBL’s most prolific scorers, delivering the highest individual score in the league’s 40-minute era, a historic 51-point performance against the Perth Wildcats, in a game that also saw him sink nine 3-pointers.

Read: Bullets vs Wildcats: Brisbane Soars as Batemon Delivers Historic 51-Point Masterclass

Solid All-around Player

While his scoring has grabbed headlines, Batemon’s defensive tenacity remains a cornerstone of his game.

His Brisbane Bullets profile describes him as “…a well-rounded point guard with a defensive mindset who is a more than capable playmaker and distributor, and has a knack of knocking down the big shot.”

His modest statline of 5.6 points per game coupled with feisty defence in Brisbane’s 0-3 start initially reflected this defensive-first assessment. However, his offensive game soon exploded, with his back-to-back 20-point performances propelling the Bullets to their first two victories of the season, signalling his emergence as the team’s offensive catalyst.

Global Journey to Brisbane

Before donning the Bullets jersey and moving to Australia, Batemon crafted his game across two continents. His collegiate career began in the United States at North Dakota State College of Science, where he averaged 20.8 points as a sophomore, before transferring to Loyola Marymount University.

At Loyola as a junior, he ranked fourth in scoring, among the nine schools in the West Coast Conference (WCC), leading all newcomers with an average of 17.8 ppg in his All-WCC Second Team season.

The following year, in his senior collegiate campaign, the budding star started and played all 34 games, making school history with the third-most minutes played in a season at 1201.

He dominated the WCC with 54 steals and started to make a name for himself, making it into the All-WCC First Team and the Lou Henson Award Watch List. He was also the Jamaica Classic Montego Bay Division MVP.

Batemon ended his collegiate career tied for 13th with a 17.0 career ppg, 15th in career free throws made (323), 16th in career assists (261), and third in career minutes averaged (25.2).

Batemon’s professional career had a rocky start, however, with the 2019 NBA Draft season leaving him high and dry. Undrafted in the US, he moved to Europe to start his pro career, playing for the Latvian-Estonian League with BK Ogre. His professional career spans Latvia, France—where he earned LNB Pro B MVP honours—Greece, Germany, and Israel, each stop adding layers to his versatile skill set.

NBL25 Performance Highlights

After moving to Australia for NBL25, the talented point guard’s influence on the Bullets’ fortunes has been undeniable. Averaging 15.9 points on remarkable shooting splits of 51.7% from both the field and three-point range, Batemon’s scoring prowess has become the team’s barometer for success.

In the Bullets’ four victories, his numbers have surged to 28.3 points per game on an even more efficient 59.7% field goal and 62.2% three-point shooting:

12 October: 20 points (7-14 FG, 6-9 3P) in an 87-85 win over Phoenix
17 October: 21 points (8-14 FG, 5-8 3P), 5 rebounds in an 84-73 victory against NZ Breakers
2 November: 21 points (9-16 FG, 3-5 3P), 6 rebounds versus Cairns Taipans in a 92-88 win
17 November: Historic 51 points (19-28 FG, 9-15 3P), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, zero turnovers in a 105-84 triumph over Perth

Role evolution

Despite his scoring capabilities, Batemon’s path in Brisbane hasn’t been linear. After starting the season in the first unit, he transitioned to a sixth-man role for six games, including three of the Brisbane Bullets’ wins. When injury forced him back into the starting lineup against Perth, he rose to the occasion with his unprecedented 51-point masterpiece, showing up masterfully to his appointment with destiny.

Read: Brisbane Entertainment Centre Struggles to Meet Demand as Big Acts Seek Larger Venues

With the Bullets currently at 4-6, Batemon’s emergence as a scoring threat alongside his established playmaking and defensive abilities positions him as a crucial piece in Brisbane’s push toward playoff contention. His remarkable efficiency and ability to take over games suggest that the best may be yet to come for both himself and the Bullets in NBL25.

Originally published 29-September-2024. Updated 19-November-2024..

Brisbane Entertainment Centre Struggles to Meet Demand as Big Acts Seek Larger Venues

Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall, one of the city’s primary venues for major concerts, is facing increasing criticism for its limited capacity and ageing facilities, which industry insiders say are causing top international artists to skip Brisbane altogether.

As Brisbane’s second major concert venue after Suncorp Stadium, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre has hosted numerous events since its opening over 30 years ago. However, promoters, artists, and government officials have expressed concerns that the venue’s outdated infrastructure and location in Boondall, far from the city’s central districts, make it less appealing for high-profile acts.

Tony Cochrane, a well-known promoter for artists like The Rolling Stones, described Brisbane’s concert venue landscape as inadequate, stating that the Entertainment Centre’s limited capacity often pushes major tours to bypass Brisbane in favour of cities with larger, modernised venues.

Challenges of Attracting International Artists

John Collins, Brisbane’s Night-Life Economy Commissioner, echoed these concerns and called for a modern stadium that could bring bigger acts to the area. He noted that the Entertainment Centre’s 14,500-capacity is no longer enough to meet the demands of large international productions.

Mr Collins believes that without a new “world-class” venue, Brisbane will continue to struggle to attract popular acts like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Oasis, all of whom recently skipped Brisbane on their Australian tours.

Taylor Swift in Australia — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

Many industry experts argue that Brisbane needs additional venues to support its growing population and tourism market. Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged these concerns, adding that government and industry stakeholders must work together to address venue inadequacies that are holding the city back in the concert market.

According to Mr Crisafulli, the venue’s remote location in Boondall, roughly 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, has added to the logistical difficulties of attracting high-profile concerts.

Economic Impact and Industry Competition

Western Australia’s recent investment in securing Coldplay concerts in Perth demonstrates the economic benefits that can come from attracting big events. WA’s $8 million investment reportedly yielded $43 million in economic returns, providing a sharp contrast to Queensland, which currently lacks similar incentives. Critics argue that without new infrastructure and incentives, Queensland will continue to miss out on economic opportunities as major acts opt for Sydney and Melbourne.

Queensland venues operator Harvey Lister of ASM Global, which manages the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, agreed that soaring touring costs are partly to blame, as artists must carefully weigh the costs of performing in multiple cities. He pointed out that as fuel and transport prices continue to climb, artists find it more feasible to perform in larger, high-capacity venues in Australia’s two biggest cities rather than adding Brisbane’s smaller, ageing Entertainment Centre to their schedules.

Future Developments and Potential Solutions

Brisbane’s long-term solution may lie in the proposed Brisbane Live Arena, which is expected to be built in the city centre in time for the 2032 Olympics. This venue is planned to accommodate up to 17,000 attendees and is designed to modernise Brisbane’s concert infrastructure, positioning it to compete more effectively with cities across Australia and beyond. LM Adrian Schrinner says Brisbane Live Arena will “turbocharge” the city’s music and events scene, allowing the city to better cater to fans and artists alike.

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has stated that it is committed to working with promoters and organisers to bring major events to the state, even as the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure remain. The TEQ spokesperson said that securing Brisbane’s place on tour itineraries is a high priority, but current infrastructure, specifically at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, will need to be addressed to meet growing demand.

Upcoming Concerts at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Artist	Date(s)	Venue
The Kid Laroi	November 14, 2024	Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall
Troye Sivan	November 26, 2024	Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall
Billie Eilish	February 19-22, 2025	Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall
Kylie Minogue	February 26, 2025	Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall
Chris Stapleton	February 28, 2025	Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall

Published 10-Nov-2024

Bullets vs Wildcats: Brisbane Soars as Batemon Delivers Historic 51-Point Masterclass

James Batemon joined NBL’s elite on Saturday night, becoming just the second player in the 40-minute era to score 50+ points, leading the Brisbane Bullets to a commanding 105-84 victory over the Perth Wildcats at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Read: New Indoor Sports Centre Expansion in Zillmere to be Explored for 2032 Olympics

Batemon breaks fifty in Bullets vs Wildcats

The American guard’s historic 51-point performance puts him alongside Melbourne United’s Chris Goulding, who achieved the feat in 2014. Batemon’s shooting clinic included a franchise-record nine three-pointers, as he shot a blistering 67.9% (19/28) from the field and 60% (9/15) from beyond the arc.

“When I looked up at the scoreboard, the most nervous I’ve ever been honestly in basketball was shooting that free-throw when I had 39,” Batemon said.

“I was thinking, ‘Man I’m about to get 40, I’ve never scored over 34’.”

After a competitive first quarter that saw Perth leading 26-25, the Bullets took control in the second frame and never looked back. Batemon’s explosive shooting display reached new heights in the third quarter, where he connected on four three-pointers to help Brisbane build a substantial lead. The Bullets maintained their momentum through the final period, extending the margin to 21 points by the game’s end.

While Batemon commanded the spotlight, his teammates delivered crucial support. Keandre Cook contributed 17 points, including four three-pointers, while Next Star Rocco Zikarsky registered a career-high 13 points. Captain Mitch Norton’s defensive masterclass proved instrumental, holding Wildcats star Bryce Cotton to just 13 points on 3/16 shooting.

“When I looked up at the scoreboard, the most nervous I’ve ever been honestly in basketball was shooting that free-throw when I had 39,” Batemon says. “I can’t really explain the feeling. It was like I was in a movie.”

Read: Deagon Educator Recognised at the Family Day Care Awards

Playoff push for the Bullets

The victory improves Brisbane’s record to 4-6 heading into the FIBA break, positioning them just one spot away from a playoff position. The Bullets face a crucial stretch ahead, beginning with a rematch against the Wildcats in Perth on 29 November.

With Batemon emerging as an elite scoring threat and strong team chemistry evident, Brisbane’s playoff aspirations have received a timely boost.

Published 18-November-2024

Match preview published on 15-November-2024.

Bullets vs Wildcats: Brisbane Eye Fresh Start as NBA Great Gervin Joins Ownership

Brisbane Bullets aim to reverse their fortunes against the Perth Wildcats this Sunday, marking their first home game since announcing new ownership partners. Bullets vs Wildcats tip off 3:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Read: Brisbane Entertainment Centre Struggles to Meet Demand as Big Acts Seek Larger Venues

Narrow loss to JackJumpers

In the first game of this week’s double-header, the Bullets showed resilience but ultimately fell short in a tight 95-92 contest against the Tasmania JackJumpers. Despite mounting a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, Brisbane couldn’t cap off the turnaround.

Guard Keandre Cook led the charge with an impressive 23-point performance, while Josh Bannan contributed a near double-double with 15 points and 9 rebounds, along with 4 assists.

Bullets vs Wildcats

Looking to bounce back from Thursday’s narrow defeat, the Bullets face a crucial test against the Perth Wildcats. The matchup comes at a transformative moment for the franchise, following the announcement that GameAbove Sports has acquired a meaningful ownership stake in the Brisbane team.

NBA Hall of Famer George “The Iceman” Gervin headlines the ownership group, bringing his legendary basketball expertise to the organisation.

Brisbane Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts emphasises the significance of this partnership: “George, a Hall of Famer and one of the best shooting guards in NBA history, validates that we are building something special on the basketball side here in Brisbane.”

The move positions the Bullets for growth as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, with GameAbove Sports founder and chairman Keith J. Stone highlighting the strategic timing: “The NBL has seen tremendous growth and international recognition, and we believe in the potential of this franchise as a key player in the future of basketball.”

“Basketball has always been my passion, and to be part of a franchise like the Brisbane Bullets is an incredible opportunity,” Gervin states.

Read: Trailer Strikes Power Lines Causing Major Commute Disruptions

Following Sunday’s clash, the team enters a demanding stretch of the season, with one away game next week before transitioning into eight straight weeks of double-headers.

Bullets vs United: Brisbane’s Woes Continue Against Melbourne

The Brisbane Bullets’ search for a win against Melbourne United continues as they suffer a 120-103 defeat at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Yet another loss in the Bullets vs United matchup marked a 12th consecutive defeat against the Victorian side dating back to March 2021.

Read: Trent Dalton Brings Bracken Ridge to the Bookshelves

Norton’s milestone night interrupted by power outage

In his 350th NBL game, captain Mitch Norton demonstrated his continued importance in his 13th professional season. Starting his career as the youngest-ever Townsville Crocodiles captain at age 18, Norton’s trademark hustle plays and efficiency set high standards for his teammates. His milestone evening begins perfectly as he scores the game’s opening basket, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

With 3:24 remaining and trailing 104-89, the game experienced an unexpected 30-minute delay due to a power failure. Following the interruption, the Bullets showed a brief fightback but ultimately could not bridge the gap, with United maintaining their advantage to secure the 17-point victory.

Offensive efficiency, defensive challenges

Keandre Cook erupted for a game-high 23 points, leading the Bullets’ scorers. Cook’s efficiency at the free-throw line was on full display, as he converted all 11 of his attempts. This aggressive, attack-minded approach from the Bullets was reflected in their impressive 29-for-33 performance from the charity stripe as a team.

Casey Prather added 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Josh Bannan chipped in 17 points and 6 boards. Tyrell Harrison also made his mark, finishing with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

Even with coach Justin Schueller placing a heavy emphasis on defensive intensity, the Bullets were unable to stop Melbourne United, who poured in 85 points through the first three quarters. The Bullets got outmuscled and out-hustled: United outscored Brisbane 44-32 in the paint, 20-13 in second-chance opportunities, and 13-4 advantage in transition.

Looking forward

The loss drops Brisbane to a 3-5 record after playing a league-low eight games. They now have an extended break before facing the Tasmania JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena on Friday, 15 November, followed by a home clash against the Perth Wildcats on Sunday, 17 November.

Read: St John Fisher Students Brew Marketing Success with Origin Tea

The loss also carries additional concern with experienced forward Jarred Bairstow suffering what appeared to be a serious lower leg injury, adding another challenge for the team to overcome as they look to improve their position in NBL25.

Published 08-November-2024

Match preview published on 03-November-2024.

Bullets vs United: Bullets Look to Upset Melbourne in Norton’s Landmark Game

Bullets vs United: Bullets Look to Upset United in Norton's Landmark Game

The Brisbane Bullets (3-4) are set to celebrate captain Mitch Norton’s 350th NBL game when they host second-ranked Melbourne United (7-3) this Thursday, 7 November. Bullets vs United tip off 6:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

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

Strong form despite early struggles

Fresh off an impressive 92-88 comeback victory against the Cairns Taipans, the Bullets showcased their trademark late-game resilience—a consistent factor throughout the early season. Norton’s defensive excellence was evident in Cairns, where he spent most of his 33 minutes containing Taipans’ star Rob Edwards.

“We’re very lucky to have him and there is not a person in our organisation that doesn’t feel that way,” says coach Justin Schueller, discussing Norton’s influence. “We’re going to make sure we celebrate that [his 350th game] the right way.”

Evolving guard rotation; patient youth development

The Bullets’ guard rotation has transformed from its initial NBL25 strategy. What began with James Batemon starting and Norton coming off the bench has evolved into an effective partnership, with Norton starting and Batemon providing scoring punch as sixth man.

Batemon’s offensive firepower was on full display in Cairns, leading all scorers with 21 points, while centre Tyrell Harrison dominated the boards with 14 points and 20(!) rebounds.

While veterans lead the charge, the Bullets maintain a measured approach to youth development. NBA prospect Rocco Zikarsky’s playing time—averaging under 10 minutes per game with just 5 minutes in Cairns—has been a subject of fan discussion online. Veteran teammate Casey Prather emphasises patience in the 18-year-old’s journey.

“There’s no ceiling, the only thing is going to be him and how hard he can take it on, and how patient he is,” Prather tells Sydney Morning Herald. “NBA teams are salivating over him right now.”

Read: Residents Thwart Attempted Car Theft in Boondall

Bullets vs United

Melbourne United arrives as one of the NBL’s hottest teams, riding a three-game winning streak and showcasing their championship credentials. The Bullets’ recent form, winning three of their last four games, suggests they’re ready for the challenge against the league’s second-ranked outfit.

With both teams hitting their stride, Thursday’s clash promises high-quality basketball between two in-form sides.

Trailer Strikes Power Lines Causing Major Commute Disruptions

Photo Credit: Facebook / Queensland Rail

Commuters in Brisbane faced major disruptions on their Monday morning commute after a trailer struck overhead power lines near the Beams Rd level crossing in Carseldine, forcing the suspension of train services across multiple lines.

The incident occurred just after 5am of November 4, 2024, with footage showing the moment the trailer collided with the power lines, sending sparks flying. The impact caused the overhead lines to be de-energized, leading Queensland Rail to suspend all train services between Petrie and Northgate stations.

The suspension of services on the affected Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Sunshine Coast lines resulted in delays of over 60 minutes for commuters as rail replacement buses were brought in.

Queensland Rail crews worked to restore power to the lines, with train services resuming between Petrie and Northgate by 4pm. However, the rail operator warned that commuters should still expect delays through the afternoon peak as they worked through the backlog.

In a statement, Queensland Rail’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Nev Conway, said incidents like this are “extremely dangerous and disruptive but are also avoidable.”

He urged drivers to be mindful of the height of their vehicles and loads when planning their journeys.

Published 5-November-2024

Bullets vs JackJumpers: Brisbane’s Comeback Bid Thwarted by Tasmania’s Three-Point Barrage

Tasmania JackJumpers (3-5) weathered a fierce Brisbane Bullets (2-4) comeback to secure an 87-79 victory at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday night. Captain Mitch Norton’s outstanding 20-point performance in the Bullets vs JackJumpers match wasn’t enough to overcome the visitors, who sealed the game with clutch three-point shooting in the final minutes.

Read: Residents Thwart Attempted Car Theft in Boondall

First-half struggle, second-half comeback

Brisbane’s offence encountered early turbulence, managing just nine points in the opening 13 minutes while shooting 2-of-15 from the field. The home team didn’t score their first field goal until four minutes into the contest through Josh Bannan. The JackJumpers capitalised on Brisbane’s cold shooting, building a commanding 28-9 lead early in the second period.

The Bullets erupted after halftime, producing a 30-point third quarter. The offensive surge, led by Norton’s sharpshooting and strong contributions from Tohi Smith-Milner and Jarred Bairstow, propelled Brisbane to a three-point lead heading into the final frame.

Despite pushing their advantage to five points with seven minutes remaining, the Bullets couldn’t maintain their momentum. The JackJumpers’ duo of Jordon Crawford (16 points, 6 assists) and Craig Sword (8 points, 4 rebounds) combined for four decisive three-pointers in the closing stages.

Individual performances

Norton stood as Brisbane’s lone consistent offensive threat, finishing with 20 points and four assists. Casey Prather added 11 points, while Tyrell Harrison contributed seven points and 11 rebounds in a game where offensive production proved difficult to find. The usually reliable Harrison and James Batemon combine for just 6-of-17 from the field, reflecting the team’s overall shooting struggles.

Bullets coach Justin Schueller reflected post-game, “We just weren’t putting it in the hole and we felt pretty comfortable where we were holding them to 20 in that first quarter with the opportunity to fight back.”

Read: New Indoor Sports Centre Expansion in Zillmere to be Explored for 2032 Olympics

The Bullets will have to regroup for their Queensland derby against the struggling Cairns Taipans (3-6) on Saturday, November 2, at the Cairns Convention Centre. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The state rivalry game presents an opportunity for Brisbane to address their inconsistent offensive output against a team mired in a five-game losing streak.

Published 28-October-2024

Match preview published on 23-October-2024.

Bullets vs JackJumpers: Brisbane Eye Third Straight Win Against Struggling Champions

Fresh off back-to-back victories, the surging Brisbane Bullets (2-3) face their biggest test yet against defending champions Tasmania JackJumpers (2-5) this Saturday, 26 October. Bullets vs JackJumpers tip off 7:00 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Read: Bullets vs Breakers: Brisbane Down Undefeated New Zealand for First Home Win

Building momentum in Brisbane

Josh Bannan and the seventh-placed Bullets are transforming their home court into a dreaded destination for visitors, securing a convincing 92-78 victory against the New Zealand Breakers last week. The win marked their second straight triumph, setting up a crucial clash with the ninth-placed JackJumpers.

“We want to establish a real fortress here, we want it to be a tough place to come and play. We’re going to make sure of that,” Bannan says, as the Bullets bounced back strongly after dropping their home opener to the Sydney Kings.

The Bullets’ renewed focus on home-court advantage comes after last season’s heartbreak, where they finished 13-15 (8-6 at home), missing the finals on points differential to the New Zealand Breakers.

Bullets vs JackJumpers

The JackJumpers arrive in Brisbane determined to recapture their championship form. Despite their slow start, star guard Milton Doyle remains confident, drawing on the team’s resilient history.

“Each year I’ve been here we’ve gotten a rough start to the season,” Doyle says, coming off a strong individual performance against Adelaide with 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

The matchup presents an intriguing contrast: the resurgent Bullets, who missed last season’s playoffs by the narrowest of margins, are building momentum and establishing home-court dominance. Meanwhile, the defending champion JackJumpers find themselves in unfamiliar territory near the bottom of the ladder, desperate to avoid the wooden spoon while kickstarting their title defence.

Read: Taigum Woman Undergoes Awake Brain Surgery to Remove Tumour

The Bullets have won two of their last three meetings with the JackJumpers, including both games at home last season, setting up Saturday’s clash as a potential turning point for both teams’ seasons.

Residents Thwart Attempted Car Theft in Boondall

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A brazen daylight attempted car theft in Boondall was foiled thanks to swift community action, leading to the arrest of a 22-year-old Northgate man.

The incident occurred around 10am on Saturday, October 19, when the suspect allegedly entered a Boondall residence through the front door and took vehicle keys from inside the home. The situation was interrupted when the resident spotted the alleged offender attempting to start their vehicle and immediately called for help.

Nearby witnesses responded to the calls and assisted the victim in removing the suspect from the vehicle. North Brisbane police quickly arrived at the scene and apprehended the man in the vicinity.

The accused faces multiple charges, including attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of suspected stolen property, and entering premises to commit an indictable offence. He is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 5.

Police are urging Boondall residents and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant, keeping keys out of sight and ensuring homes are properly secured.

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 or call 131 444.

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

Quote this reference number: QP2401794020

Published 23-October-2024

Taigum Woman Undergoes Awake Brain Surgery to Remove Tumour

A 33-year-old woman from Taigum underwent a rare three-hour awake brain surgery at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to remove a tumour from a critical area of her brain.

Larissa Kilpatrick, a resident of Taigum, was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year in January after suffering a seizure, which led doctors to discover a tumour. By April, she was preparing for an awake craniotomy, a procedure where patients remain conscious during surgery to help reduce the risk of damaging important brain functions.

Ms Kilpatrick’s tumour was located near the region of the brain that controls speech, making the decision to stay awake during the surgery crucial in protecting her ability to speak.

During the operation, Ms Kilpatrick was accompanied by speech pathologist Nadia DeSilva, who played a key role in monitoring her speech throughout the procedure. Ms DeSilva, a Churchill Fellowship Scholarship recipient, worked with the patient to perform speech tasks, ensuring the surgical team did not cause any harm to her communication abilities.

Awake Brain Surgery — *Photo Credit: Churchill Trust*

While awake, Ms Kilpatrick repeated words and listened to music, such as Taylor Swift songs, to stay calm. Though Kilpatrick recalls feeling nervous going into the surgery, she followed the team’s instructions closely and remained focused.

Six months after the procedure, Kilpatrick continues to undergo chemotherapy, with nearly a year of treatment remaining. She credits the awake surgery with giving her another chance at life and expressed her gratitude for the support of her partner and family, who have helped her through both the good and difficult days of recovery.

Looking ahead, Kilpatrick is focused on her ongoing recovery and is eager to regain her strength, with plans to return to regular physical activity when her health allows.

Published 18-Oct-2024