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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Brisbane Bullets have secured their first home victory of the 2024/25 NBL season, defeating the New Zealand Breakers 84-73 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The win marks Brisbane’s second consecutive victory, a promising sign as they work toward consistency.
James Batemon continued his exceptional form off the bench, leading all scorers with 21 points, including an impressive five of eight from three-point range. His impact was clear, with a game-high +22 in the plus-minus column during his time on the court.
Batemon’s sharp shooting and steady presence off the bench have become a vital asset as the Bullets find their rhythm, marking his second consecutive 20-point performance as the sixth man.
Several Bullets players made significant contributions to the win. Josh Bannan overcame early shooting struggles to finish with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Casey Prather, celebrating his 100th NBL game, added a solid 13 points and 5 rebounds, underscoring his reliable presence in the league. Tyrell Harrison was another standout, providing a strong interior presence with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Steady build to victory
Coach Justin Schueller praised his team’s defensive grit, which limited the Breakers’ outside shooting options and held them to under 80 points. “Any time in our league when teams aren’t getting to 80 on the scoreboard, you have to be happy with the defensive effort,” Schueller remarked.
What brings even more optimism to fans’ eyes is the Bullets’ steady control throughout the contest, methodically extending their lead quarter-by-quarter. Outscoring the Breakers by small but consistent margins in each period, the team’s disciplined play ultimately culminated in a decisive 11-point victory.
The Breakers, returning from their NBLxNBA tour in the United States, showed signs of fatigue but remained competitive throughout the game. Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the Breakers with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Bullets will aim to extend their winning streak during the final game of their homestand, facing the Tasmania JackJumpers on 26 October. With momentum building and the team finding its rhythm, the Bullets appear to be hitting their stride after a 0-3 start to the season.
Published 17-October-2024
Match preview published 13-October-2024.
Bullets vs Breakers: Brisbane Aim to Break New Zealand’s Undefeated Record
The Brisbane Bullets aim to capitalise on their recent success as they prepare to host the New Zealand Breakers this Thursday, 17 October. Bullets vs Breakers tip off 6:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
After their first win of the season, an 87-85 nail-biter against South East Melbourne Phoenix, the Bullets enter their second home game with renewed energy. Coach Justin Schueller praised the team’s resilience, noting an improved consistency that had been missing in prior games.
“The most enjoyable part is that I thought we put four quarters together,” Schueller states, reflecting on the team’s struggles with inconsistency outside the fourth. “There were little dips and what not, but the gaps that we’d been having didn’t feel like they were there tonight.”
The standout from the Phoenix game was Tyrell Harrison, who posted an impressive 21-point, 17-rebound stat line. Harrison made history by grabbing 12 offensive rebounds, setting a new benchmark in the NBL’s 40-minute era. His record-breaking performance was instrumental in Brisbane’s dominance on the boards, accounting for 21 offensive rebounds overall and showcasing the team’s physicality in the paint.
Seventy-one of Brisbane’s 87 points came from Harrison and three other players. Off the bench, point guard James Batemon brought a spark, shooting a remarkable 6 out of 9 from three-point range. Batemon finished with 20 points, keeping the Bullets competitive with his hot shooting from deep.
Two other players posted double-digit points: Keandre Cook contributed across the board with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Casey Prather added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Sophomore big man Josh Bannan delivered an all-around performance, tallying 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. In the game’s final seconds, Bannan came up clutch with a game-sealing defensive stop, preserving the Bullets’ two-point lead as the clock ran out.
Bullets vs Breakers
The Bullets’ season opener against the Breakers was a thriller that came down to the wire, ending in a close 91-87 defeat. Brisbane showed fierce determination, lighting up the final quarter with a scorching 35 points. That fourth-quarter fire almost wiped out a steep early deficit, hinting at the team’s potential when they’re in sync.
Now, the Bullets have the chance to even the score on their home court. This time, they’re aiming for consistent intensity across all four quarters rather than relying on a last-minute surge. The upcoming game presents an opportunity for Brisbane to test their improved focus and show up for all forty minutes against a formidable opponent.
Fans can expect a high-stakes showdown as the Bullets look to build on their first win, aiming to hand the Breakers their first defeat of the season and, even more importantly, give Brisbane fans their first home victory of NBL25.
A potential expansion of the Northside Indoor Sports Centre in Zillmere is being investigated as a key venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The investigation, expected to begin if the current administration is reinstated, would focus on developing the Pineapple Street precinct. The proposed expansion would build on the existing Northside Indoor Sports Centre, which opened in 2020, and explore the potential of enhancing the area’s infrastructure to cater to the growing demand for sports facilities.
This expansion aims to serve not only the local community but also meet the requirements of the global sporting event.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Community Impact and Growth
The Northside Indoor Sports Centre has been an important facility for local sports, particularly for basketball teams like the Northside Wizards. Since opening in 2020, the centre has provided five indoor courts and seating for over 300 spectators, playing a vital role in supporting the local sports scene.
The proposed expansion would add to this legacy by accommodating a wider range of activities and future needs, especially with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon.
The area around Zillmere, with its proximity to the rail station, is also being considered for further development. This could include a Transport-Oriented Development (TOD), aimed at creating a more vibrant, walkable neighbourhood, incorporating housing, transport, and mixed-use developments to better serve the growing community.
Local Engagement and Support
The Northside Wizards basketball club has actively engaged in discussions with representatives from both sides of the political spectrum, seeking support for the necessary infrastructure to meet the demands of the community. The club’s growth has driven the need for more courts and improved facilities, and this engagement highlights the importance of bipartisan cooperation to bring the project to life.
Local stakeholders, including members from surrounding suburbs, have shown strong support for these developments, recognising the positive impact this could have on sports participation and community building in Zillmere and the wider Brisbane Northside region.
Expanding the Northside Indoor Sports Centre and transforming the surrounding precinct is seen as a crucial step in not only enhancing local sports but also in preparing for a successful Brisbane 2032 Games.
Get ready for a tail-wagging enjoyable time! The Carseldine Markets are preparing to host their annual Barktoberfest, a day dedicated to celebrating our canine companions.
On Saturday, 12 October, from 6:00 a.m. to noon, the markets will transform into a dog-lover’s paradise, filled with exciting events, activities, and shopping opportunities.
This year’s Barktoberfest promises a jam-packed schedule of fun for dogs and humans. Attendees can expect a variety of engaging workshops and demonstrations, including displays of dog dancing and fashion shows. The Dog Fashion Parade will highlight when furry friends can strut their stuff in their finest attire.
In addition to the entertainment, Barktoberfest will feature a diverse marketplace with hundreds of stalls offering unique, dog-focused goods. From gourmet treats and toys to arts and crafts, there will be something to delight every dog and owner.
For those looking to get competitive, Barktoberfest is hosting a series of exciting contests. Categories include the “Pawsome Performer” competition, the “Strike a Paws” challenge, and the “Pawparazzi” photography contest. Participants can enter these competitions via the provided links.
To further entice attendees, a free raffle will be held to give them a chance to win a Barktoberfest Hamper. Register for your free ticket and entry into the raffle at TryBooking.
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
