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One More Step: Socceroos Face World Cup Crossroads Against Paraguay

World Cup campaigns can turn on a single afternoon.

John Aloisi’s penalty against Uruguay. Tim Cahill’s volley in Germany. Mathew Leckie’s winner over Denmark that carried Australia into the knockout rounds four years ago.

The next opportunity arrives on Friday, June 26 (AEST), when the Socceroos meet Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara with a place in the Round of 32 on the line. A point will be enough to secure second place in Group D behind the United States, while victory would send Australia into the knockout rounds with real momentum. Defeat would leave qualification resting on results elsewhere — a situation Tony Popovic has made clear he has no intention of relying on.

“We’re going into the game tomorrow to win,” Popovic said at his pre-match press conference.

“I expect they’ll be doing the same.”

Opportunity Knocks Again

The mood around the Australian camp has remained positive despite the 2-0 defeat to the United States.

Players and coaches have spent the week focusing less on the result than on the contrast between the two halves in Seattle. Australia struggled to handle the Americans’ intensity before half-time but looked a different side after the break, with Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato helping swing momentum and ask far more questions of the tournament hosts.

Popovic believes that response says as much about his squad as the opening 45 minutes.

“We’re happy with the squad,” he said.

“The players responded extremely well in the second half and we’re growing day by day, even quicker than I anticipated.”

Selection, though, has again been forced upon him.

Mathew Leckie has been ruled out after injuring his hamstring against the United States, while Jacob Italiano will also miss the match after suffering an adductor injury at training. Both started Australia’s opening win over Türkiye, meaning fresh faces will again be asked to perform in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

A Different Kind Of Contest

Paraguay presents a challenge unlike the two opponents Australia has already faced.

The South Americans arrive level on points with the Socceroos after defeating Türkiye 1-0 despite playing the entire second half with 10 men following Miguel Almirón’s dismissal. It was a display built on resilience, discipline and an ability to stay organised when the pressure mounted.

Assistant coach Paul Okon Sr expects another uncompromising contest.

“They’re a typical South American team,” he said.

“They have very technical players, but they also like to play in unorganised chaos where they have a backs-to-the-wall mentality. It’s going to be a fight.”

Almirón’s suspension removes one of Paraguay’s biggest attacking threats, but Popovic believes little changes.

“They’re here because they deserve to be here,” he said.

“We have a lot of respect for them, but we’re also very confident in our ability.”

Ready For The Fight

Australia’s record against South American opposition has rarely been comfortable, which is one reason the Socceroos deliberately sought out friendlies against Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela over the past two years.

Those matches exposed many of the players to the physicality, tactical discipline and unpredictability that often define teams from CONMEBOL.

Jason Geria expects more of the same on Friday.

“They fight for everything,” he said. “And they play like every game is their last.”

Australia knows exactly what is coming. The challenge will be matching that intensity without getting drawn into the sort of battle Paraguay thrives on.

Everything Still In Australia’s Hands

There has been plenty of discussion about Australia’s heavier travel schedule during the tournament compared with Paraguay, but the Socceroos have shown little interest in using logistics as an excuse. The squad established its base in Northern California before the tournament specifically to limit travel across time zones, and Friday’s match will be played less than an hour from the team hotel.

For Popovic, the focus has remained exactly where it has been since the squad assembled before the World Cup — on continual improvement.

The Socceroos earned plenty of belief from their victory over Türkiye. They learned some valuable lessons against the United States. Now comes the match that will determine whether those lessons were enough.

Ninety minutes against Paraguay.

Win or draw, and Australia’s World Cup journey continues.

Published 25-June-2026

Bonfires, Live Music and 200 Stalls Set for Carseldine Winter Wonderland

A familiar twilight market featuring live music, food, entertainment and family activities is set to return to Carseldine, with organisers expecting large crowds for one of North Brisbane’s biggest seasonal events: Winter Wonderland!

The Carseldine event will take place on Saturday, 6 June, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 133 Dorville Road. The event will transform the regular market site into a winter-inspired destination filled with specialty stalls, food vendors and live entertainment.

Organisers say more than 200 stalls will take part in the event, offering a mix of gourmet food, artisan products and locally made goods from across South East Queensland. The market has become a regular feature on the region’s events calendar, drawing visitors from across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Bonfires and Mulled Wine Add a Seasonal Touch

Winter-themed attractions will be a major feature of the event, with visitors able to gather around bonfires throughout the evening while enjoying food and drinks from two dedicated food courts.

A pop-up bar will also serve traditional Glühwein, commonly known as mulled wine, adding to the European-inspired winter atmosphere.

Market organisers have promoted the event as a chance for residents to experience a different side of the popular Saturday market, with extended trading hours and entertainment continuing into the evening.

Live Entertainment Planned Across Two Stages

Music will play a central role in the Winter Wonderland event, with performances scheduled across two live music stages during the six-hour market.

Roving entertainers will move throughout the venue, while winter-themed performers are also expected to add to the atmosphere.

The combination of live music, food, shopping and entertainment is designed to create a festival-style experience for visitors looking for a weekend outing in Brisbane’s north.

Family Activities to Keep Children Entertained

Families attending the event will have access to a range of activities aimed at younger visitors.

Children can take part in a dedicated kids’ disco, while face painting, circus acts, stilt walkers and roaming winter characters will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

The family-focused activities reflect the broader community role the markets have developed over the years, attracting residents from surrounding suburbs including Aspley, Bracken Ridge, Bald Hills and Fitzgibbon.

Carseldine Markets Continue to Draw Thousands Each Week

Carseldine Markets remains one of North Brisbane’s largest community markets, attracting more than 5,000 visitors during its regular Saturday morning operations.

In addition to its weekly farmers and artisan markets, the venue hosts a range of themed events and twilight markets throughout the year.

The Winter Wonderland Twilight Market forms part of that events program, offering a seasonal gathering that combines local businesses, food vendors, entertainment and community activities in one location.

Entry to the event is $4, with gates opening at 4:00 p.m.

Published 3-June-2026

Bridgeman Downs Creek Restoration Brings Community Focus To Wendon Way Park

Photo Credit: CrTracyDavis/Facebook

A creek restoration project at Wendon Way Park in Bridgeman Downs is bringing together habitat protection, waterway repair and community planting as the parkland moves through a scheduled rehabilitation period near the Aspley area.

Creek Restoration At Wendon Way Park

Wendon Way Park is home to a mix of native plants and wildlife, with the local creek forming an important part of the area’s natural environment. Over time, sections of the creek bank have worn down and weeds have grown through the waterway, prompting rehabilitation works designed to improve creek health and strengthen the surrounding habitat.

The Wendon Way rehabilitation project was planned for May to June 2026, depending on weather and site conditions. The works focus on stabilising creek banks, removing invasive weeds and planting more native vegetation along the waterway.

The aim is to support a cleaner and healthier creek environment while reducing erosion and improving habitat for native wildlife. The project also places a strong focus on protecting an important platypus area, with local wildlife including platypus and koalas linked to the habitat work.

Community Planting Adds To The Rehabilitation Effort

The project included a community planting day at Wendon Way Park on 31 May 2026, giving residents a direct role in the creek restoration effort.

The day was held as a family-friendly event, with native planting supported by wildlife activities, children’s entertainment, community stalls, food and coffee. Nearly 2,000 native plants were prepared for the event, with the planting connected to efforts to restore vital platypus habitat.

Wendon Way Bushcare later confirmed the planting had taken place, thanking those who joined the weekend activity and gave their time to care for the local environment.

A platypus named Wendy, chosen by popular vote during the Sunday event, was reported by Wendon Way Bushcare to have been seen the following morning in its usual spot.

Wendon Way Bushcare Continues Local Habitat Work

The planting day was one part of a wider rehabilitation effort at Wendon Way Park, rather than a standalone activity. The broader works remain focused on creek bank stability, weed removal, water quality and native habitat.

Before the works began, a neighbourhood information session was held on 12 April 2026. Rehabilitation works then began in May, with completion scheduled for June 2026.

Wendon Way Bushcare remains active in the park, with a monthly working bee scheduled for Sunday, 14 June, from 8 am near the playground at Wendon Way Park.

The ongoing bushcare activity keeps the restoration effort connected to regular local care, as the Bridgeman Downs waterway moves through its planned rehabilitation period.

Published 2-June-2026

Brisbane and Housing4Change Team Up To Deliver New Community Housing In Zillmere

Brisbane has sold a portion of a depot site in Zillmere to not-for-profit organisation Housing4Change, with plans to build 16 new modular community housing on the land.

Read: Zillmere Included in Plan to Expand Brisbane’s Housing Supply

The 3,000-square-metre parcel at 39 Jennings Street forms part of a larger 13,600-square-metre council depot. The sale price has not been disclosed. The remaining land will continue to be used for public activities, including as a sandbag distribution point during storm season.

Housing4Change will deliver one- and two-bedroom homes on the site, with a focus on housing women experiencing insecurity. The organisation will lead planning approvals and full project delivery, while Council is covering survey and development application costs associated with subdividing the land. Modular construction has been chosen to accelerate delivery and manage costs.

Once residents move in, Housing4Change will work to connect them with frontline support services including counselling, education and employment assistance.

Housing4Change chair Kirsty Rourke said access to well-located land close to transport and services has long been one of the key obstacles facing not-for-profit housing providers. She said meaningful progress required strategic collaboration across multiple sectors to unlock land, funding and delivery models that would otherwise not be possible.

Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham, speaking at a meeting, said the north side location was selected because it sits within walking distance of public transport, shops and support services. She said Brisbane was using its land to support the construction of more homes.

Cr Adrian Schrinner has stated that increasing housing supply is key to helping more people access a home sooner.

Housing4Change could also become eligible for a full waiver of infrastructure fees and charges if it registers as an official community housing provider. Council has already provided more than $3 million in infrastructure charge discounts to social housing providers across Brisbane, including projects in Stones Corner and Chermside.

Cr Jared Cassidy, in whose ward the site sits, acknowledged the project but called on local officials to do more, including pursuing affordable housing targets, inclusionary zoning and supportive housing in suburban renewal precincts.

Read: Three-Bedroom Zillmere Cottage Fetches $1.12M At Auction

Housing4Change will need to submit a development application before construction can begin.

Featured image credit: Pexels/Jakub Zerdzicki

Published 25-May-2026

Boondall ViP Elaine Celebrated for 22 Years Supporting Local Police and Community Safety

Photo Credit: QLD Police

While many residents may recognise the uniformed officers at Coffee with a Cop or local Neighbourhood Watch events, one of the most consistent contributors to community safety in Brisbane’s north has worked quietly in the background for more than two decades.

As part of National Volunteers Week, the Gateway Crime Prevention Unit in Boondall is recognising Elaine, a Volunteer in Police (VIP) member who has spent 22 years supporting the Queensland Police Service.

Elaine has become a familiar part of the unit’s community-facing work, assisting at public engagement events including Coffee with a Cop sessions and Neighbourhood Watch activities, while also providing behind-the-scenes support in the office.

National Volunteers Week, running from 18 to 24 May, is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, recognising the millions of people who donate their time to strengthen local communities.

For policing teams like the Gateway Crime Prevention Unit, volunteers can play a significant role in helping officers stay connected with the communities they serve.

That local relevance is particularly clear in the Aspley district, where the Boondall-based unit regularly runs outreach programs aimed at crime prevention, road safety awareness and community engagement across Brisbane’s north.

While frontline officers are often the public face of those efforts, volunteers like Elaine help keep many of those initiatives running.

After 22 years of service, that contribution is now being formally recognised as part of the national celebration of volunteerism.

Published 23-May-2026

From Scouted Boxer to Olympic Talent Spotter: Sammy Leone to Speak at Free Men’s Breakfast

When Sammy Leone roped up his first makeshift boxing ring at the UAICC in Zillmere in 2012, he would have had no idea that this would lead to him becoming a talent scout for the 2032 Olympics.

“We had several small boxing rings rigged up in the back yard on the grass. The kids loved the sparring sessions. They didn’t love the mozzies, but I think they developed faster hands by constantly swatting them.”

Sammy’s pilgrimage to teaching boxing and developing a youth group (whilst helping people who had nothing where he could), actually started when his talent was spotted leading to a fully paid scholarship as a teenager to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

“It was an incredible experience that came out of the blue, daily boxing training and I had always had a passion for youthwork so i started studying it down there,” says Sammy.

Whilst the AIS was instrumental in forming Sammy’s future career, it also had a very harsh lesson. From a group of seven in Canberra, three were picked to go to the Olympics. Sammy was one of the four that didn’t make it.

The devastating blow forged an inner strength and motivation to build something. It took a long time germinating inside him — 20 years of work inside the community services sector, whilst pursuing an amateur boxing career (including turning pro), winning the State Title, and developing a strong reputation in the sport.

He trained in multiple gyms on the northside and southside of Brisbane, got a Cert 4 and other diplomas in community service, all whilst teaching the kids at the UAICC everyday, until a point where he needed a full-time venue.

That led to a move to establish “The Boss Boxing” at a commercial property in Zillmere. The coaches were and still are volunteers, people who have a passion to coach and help people of all ages to better themselves.

“We’ve had children as young as five up to a lady of 71 years of age, and all ages in between.”

The Boss Boxing is now established at 388 Newman Road in Geebung, where Sammy has also established the First Nations Boxing Academy, to work with the best young talent around.

In 2023, he also developed the inaugural First Nations Boxing Championships at the Hamilton Hotel. The event is due to take place again for the fourth consecutive year on September 19 in the conference hall above the Hamilton Hotel. It is open to First Nations people and anyone else.

These days, Sammy is working on a new exciting project of identifying a team of First Nations Boxers to take as a squad for a challenge to take on a team from Fiji in Fiji. As ever, that will involve plenty of fundraising efforts to enable costs of the trip to be covered.

Now recognised as a “Futures Development Club” for the metro north area of Brisbane, a pathway through the state body of Boxing Qld, the Geebung gym hosts regular sessions for the up nd coming talent of the state.

The evolution of Sammy and the organisation has been noticed. Recently, he was asked to become a talent scout for the 2032 Olympics, a program supported by the Queensland Academy of Sport and the AIS, called “Youth for 2032” which will hold regular scouting programs at Sammy’s joint.

“It’s all about assessing the physical attributes of the talent early, so that as we head towards 2032, we are developing kids who have the agility and physique that can be built on.” says Sammy.

The full circle of Sammy’s life going from scouted to Olympic scout has come from resilience, discipline and the desire to pass on his lived experience to the youth. He has also continually helped others from his own pocket, where people have fallen through the cracks of the system.

This weekend Sammy is the guest speaker at the Brisbane Men’s Breakfast, held in Fitzgibbon.

The event has seen a strong boxing contingent including former Kickboxing World Champion, Ian Jacobs, and a fresh talent in Isaac “Heasdsplitter” Hardman who fights in the IBC, the T20 version of MMA, a smaller ring, less grappling, very brutal.

Past guest speakers have included MMA fighter Jason Lonergan, as well as Olympic Gold Medalist, Duncan Armstrong and former Brisbane Bullets star, Andre Moore.

The event is the brainchild of Hudson Dale, a series of great speakers with a free breakfast all covered by incredibly generous sponsors.

Dale Farm is one of the most extraordinary properties in Brisbane. Dale, a Commercial Property Agent with Raine and Horne in Kedron, fell in love with the place but the floods were not kind to it; however, he is very focused on continually upgrading it and adding new elements towards his vision as a centre for men’s health.

Sammy Leone will add a new chapter to the Men’s Breakfast series on Saturday morning with a 6.30-7am start at 42A Desert Willow Way in Fitzgibbon.

This has to be the best free event in Brisbane. You’d be crazy to miss it.

Published 17-May-2026

Road Safety Week Campaign Heads to Boondall and Geebung with Community Events

Photo Credit: QLD Police

A morning coffee stop in Boondall and a motorcycle-focused community gathering in Geebung will become part of a wider road safety push this week, as police take National Road Safety Week messaging directly into North Brisbane neighbourhoods.

Queensland Police, alongside the Department of Transport and Main Roads, are hosting a series of community events across the region as part of the annual campaign, which runs from 17 to 24 May and focuses on reducing road trauma while encouraging safer driving habits.

For Aspley district residents, two of the closest events will take place in Boondall and Geebung.

The first is a Coffee with a Cop session at Zarraffa’s Boondall on Thursday 21 May from 7am to 8.30am, giving commuters and locals a chance to speak with police about road safety concerns over a morning coffee.

Later in the week, attention shifts to two wheels, with police launching a motorcycle safety initiative at Bike Night at Café Elle in Geebung on Saturday 23 May from 5pm to 7.30pm.

While community engagement is the public face of the campaign, the message behind it is far more serious.

National Road Safety Week was established to raise awareness of the lasting impact of road trauma, honour those killed or seriously injured in crashes, and encourage Australians to make safer decisions behind the wheel.

Queensland Police say enforcement remains important, but changing behaviour before dangerous choices are made is just as critical.

That includes the habits authorities continue to link to serious crashes and fatalities: speeding, driving while distracted, fatigue, drink or drug driving, and failing to wear seatbelts.

Police will also be taking the campaign into other parts of North Brisbane, including a rural road safety-themed parkrun activation in Samford and a football round community event at Norths Devils in Nundah alongside ambulance and fire crews.

But for motorists in the Aspley catchment, the Boondall and Geebung events bring the campaign closer to home.

Rather than relying solely on patrol cars and roadside enforcement, the week is designed to start conversations in places where people already gather, whether that is a café before work or a community bike meet on a Saturday evening.

The underlying message is simple: road safety is not just a policing issue. It is a responsibility shared by everyone who gets behind the wheel or throws a leg over a bike.

Published 17-May-2026

Carselgrove Avenue Closure Planned Ahead of Beams Road Rail Overpass Works

Residents and motorists in the Fitzgibbon and Carseldine area are being urged to plan ahead, with a partial closure of Carselgrove Avenue at Beams Road on the way.

Read: Carseldine-Area Beams Road Upgrade Addresses Daily Traffic Snarls and Future Demands

The closure takes effect from 7pm on Friday, 8 May, through to 5am on Monday, 11 May 2026. The temporary closure is part of ongoing pavement works connected to the Beams Road rail level crossing project, being delivered by the Transport and Main Roads Department (TMR).

What’s Changing at the Intersection?

The works will bring several changes to traffic conditions at the Carselgrove Avenue and Beams Road intersection that locals will need to factor into their weekend plans.

Motorists will be unable to enter Carselgrove Avenue from Beams Road during the closure period. Those looking to depart Carselgrove Avenue will also find their options limited, with exit onto Beams Road westbound not available and only a left-turn arrangement in place for drivers heading eastbound.

The intersection of Beams Road and Golden Place will be managed under traffic control, with controllers on the ground to facilitate access to Golden Downs. Beams Road itself will remain open to both eastbound and westbound traffic, though it will operate under police control for the duration of the works.

Pedestrian and cycle paths will not be affected, which means those travelling on foot or by bike should be unaffected by the closure.

Residents living nearby can expect some short-term noise, dust and odour while works are underway. TMR has indicated that noisier activities will be scheduled for the earlier part of the evening where possible, in an effort to minimise disruption to the neighbourhood.

The Bigger Picture: Why the Works Are Happening

The temporary disruption is part of a much larger infrastructure project. The Beams Road rail level crossing project aims to replace the existing at-grade rail crossing on Beams Road with a grade-separated overpass, eliminating the point where road and rail currently intersect.

According to TMR, the project is designed to reduce congestion and address safety concerns at the crossing, a change that will benefit residents and motorists in the area.

For those who are travelling in the Carselgrove Avenue or Beams Road area between Friday evening and early Monday morning, allow extra time and consider your route in advance.

Read: Stage 1 of Beams Road Upgrade Complete – Here’s What’s Next

Cr Sandy Landers shared the traffic notice via her Facebook page, encouraging residents to stay informed ahead of the weekend works.

For more information about the project or the upcoming works, residents can contact the TMR project team directly:

Email: metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au Phone: 3066 4338 (during business hours).

Published 6-May-2026

Aspley SHS Student Mia Afoa Represents Samoa in Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Aspley State High School Year 12 student Mia Afoa has earned a call-up to the Samoa women’s national football team for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania Qualifiers.

Read: Aspley Special School Students Dance Up a Storm for Sick Kids

The 17-year-old is currently enrolled in the Football Academy programme at Aspley SHS, and represented Samoa on the international stage against New Zealand, American Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.

Samoa’s qualifying campaign pitted them against a formidable New Zealand women’s national team, a squad stacked with professional A-League Women players, as well as American Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

A History-Making Path to the Senior Stage

Photo credit: Instagram/Olympic Football Club

Mia plays her club football with Olympic FC in Brisbane. Mia made history the previous year when she represented Samoa at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming part of the first Samoan team, at any level, senior or youth, to ever reach a FIFA World Cup. Now she has stepped up to the senior side as Samoa push for a place in the 2027 Women’s World Cup finals.

Aspley SHS paid tribute to Mia’s achievement in a post shared on the school’s official Facebook page, writing that she and her teammates “gave everything throughout the qualifying campaign” and that they “can be incredibly proud of their effort, courage and resilience they displayed whilst representing their country.”

A Proud Moment for Aspley

For the Aspley community, this is a proud moment. Mia is currently part of the Football Academy program at Aspley SHS, and her achievement on the international stage reflects the dedication she has shown both on and off the pitch.

Read: Pedals, Police, and Pups: A Joyful Ride2School Day at Aspley Special School

The U-17 campaign in Morocco was already a landmark moment for Samoan football, and Mia’s progression to the senior squad continues that story. Whether Samoa punches through to the 2027 Women’s World Cup finals remains to be seen, but Mia has already made her mark on the international stage at just 17 years of age.

Featured image credit: Facebook/Aspley State High School

Published 30-April-2026

Aspley East Kindergarten To Celebrate 60 Years With Community Fair

Photo Credit: C&K Aspley East Kindergarten/Facebook

Aspley East Kindergarten in Brisbane will mark its 60th anniversary with a community fair bringing together past and current families, staff and local residents.

Community Fair Set For Aspley East Kindergarten

Aspley East Kindergarten will hold a 60th anniversary fair on Sunday, 24 May, from 10am to 1pm at its site on Clorane Street West in Aspley.

The event is being organised to recognise six decades of play, learning and community at the kindergarten. It is open to past and current families, staff, friends and community members, with new families also invited to attend and explore the centre.

Families attending the fair will be able to speak with an educator with 20 years of experience at the kindergarten, as well as enrol on the day or arrange a future tour.

Photo Credit: C&K Aspley East Kindergarten/Facebook

Entertainment And Activities Planned

A range of free entertainment and activities will be available throughout the event, focusing on children and families.

Planned attractions include a baby animals farm, face painting, a magic show, bubbles on stilts and theatre performances by the Lollipop Ladies. The fair will also include live music, a sausage sizzle, cake stall, coffee van, ice cream van, snow cones and popcorn.

Additional activities will include meat tray raffles and historical displays, which form part of the broader anniversary celebration.

An online fundraising competition is launched alongside the event, offering more than $10,000 in prizes.

kindergarten fair — Photo Credit: C&K Aspley East Kindergarten

Event Invites Past And New Families

The anniversary has been positioned as an opportunity for former families and staff to return to the kindergarten and reconnect with the community.

At the same time, the event is intended to introduce new families to Aspley East Kindergarten, providing information about enrolment options and the centre’s programs.

Photo Credit: C&K Aspley East Kindergarten

Aspley East Kindergarten Services And Approach

Aspley East Kindergarten caters for children aged 3.5 years to five years and holds an NQF rating of Exceeding.

The centre provides a play-based learning environment designed to support children’s development through active engagement and access to developmentally appropriate resources. It also encourages children to make choices based on their interests and capabilities.

The kindergarten places importance on maintaining open relationships with families and encourages family involvement in its programs. It offers four program groups to accommodate different family needs.

The centre also promotes an inclusive learning environment that recognises the diversity and individuality of children and families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and children with additional needs.

Published 29-Apr-2026