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Oprah Winfrey Returns To Brisbane With December Speaking Tour Stop

Photo Credit: Brisbane Entertainment Centre/Facebook

Brisbane Entertainment Centre will host Oprah Winfrey later this year, giving Queensland audiences a rare chance to hear directly from one of the world’s most recognisable media figures in an intimate live conversation.

Tour Dates and Schedule

The Brisbane event is set for Monday, 8 December 2025, as part of Winfrey’s four-city Australian tour with an additional stop in Auckland, New Zealand.

The tour will visit Sydney on 4 December, Adelaide on 6 December, and Melbourne on 11 December. It will then continue to Auckland on 14 December.

What the Event Offers

The event, titled Oprah In Conversation: Presented by Lilly, will feature a moderated discussion. Winfrey will share her reflections on personal growth, resilience, and finding purpose.

The event is described as a chance for audiences to hear her share insights gained from decades of interviews, storytelling, and her own experiences. The format is not a stage production but a live conversation designed to encourage connection and reflection.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets are sold only through Ticketek. Prices in Brisbane begin at about $134.50, while other cities start from $109. Premium seating and VIP packages are offered. These include priority entry, wellness kits, cocktail receptions, and in some cases a photo with Winfrey.

get tickets here

Venue operators caution against purchasing from resale sites and recommend only using official channels to secure seats.

Community Impact

Winfrey’s appearance is set to draw audiences from Brisbane and surrounding regions, echoing the strong interest that greeted her last visit to Australia more than a decade ago.

Local tourism and hospitality operators anticipate a lift in visitor activity as fans travel to attend. For many in Queensland, the December stop at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre represents a rare opportunity to engage with Winfrey’s message in person.

Updated 1-December-2025

Jewellery Heist Under Police Investigation in Aspley

Photo Credit: Pexels

Police are investigating a jewellery theft at the Aspley Shopping Centre after masked offenders targeted a store inside the complex.

Early-Morning Break-In

Police reported that two masked thieves forced their way into the Aspley Hypermarket at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, 29 November. The offenders shattered the centre’s main entrance before breaking open a display cabinet holding jewels, chains, rings and earrings. Officers said the pair took the items and left the scene, and investigators believe a third person acted as a getaway driver.

The incident was captured in footage shared online, which prompted a significant amount of public discussion. The images circulated widely and led to hundreds of comments from locals who reacted to the early-morning smash-and-grab.

Background on the Business

The jewellery store forms part of a family-owned company established in 1978 by Giovanni and Maria Antonaglia. Over several decades, the owners travelled internationally to source high-quality items, including innovative jewellery designs and unique gifts, which they introduced to their Australian customers.

The company has since expanded, becoming the parent organisation of Crown Family Jewellers at Westfield Chermside. Their daughters now lead the operations, and the store features an in-house master jeweller who produces custom-made pieces. The family has also engaged in charitable initiatives, and in 2008 Giovanni received a Queen’s Orders of Australia Medal for his contributions.

Aspley Hypermarket — Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Sentiment

Comments online reflected concern about the break-in and support for the affected business. Some people questioned the value of the items taken, noting speculation about whether the pieces were of high worth or lower-cost items. Others expressed frustration at theft-related incidents and sympathy for the store owners, especially given the family’s long presence in the jewellery industry.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing to search for the two masked offenders and the suspected getaway driver linked to the Aspley incident. Inquiries into the jewellery heist remain ongoing.

Published 30-Nov-2025

North Brisbane Area Sports Results – Nov 28-30

Sun, Nov 30, 2025 (Pine Hills Diamond 1) – GBL – Seniors Division 1 – Round 9
• Beenleigh Hawks 2 | Windsor Royals 14

Sat, 22 & 29 Nov 2025 (Trevor Hohns Field) – Queensland Premier Cricket
Men 1st Grade – Round 8
• Sandgate-Redcliffe Mens 1st Grade 264 & 0-0 | Sunshine Coast Mens 1st Grade
408

Sat, 22 & 29 Nov 2025 (Baxter Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket
Men 1st Grade – Round 8
• Ipswich Mens 1st Grade 4-437 | Toombul Mens 1st Grade 9-324d

Infrastructure Upgrade Funding For Scouts And Guides In Aspley

Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

A funding allocation for Queensland Scouts and Girl Guides will deliver accessibility improvements for the Aspley Scout Den as part of broader upgrades supporting multiple facilities across several communities.

Aspley Works Included In Wider Facility Program

On 20 November 2025, more than $1.7 million was directed toward improvements for 10 local groups linked to Scouts and Girl Guides. This includes six Scout groups, three Girl Guides units and one Scout camp.

Aspley forms part of the program through planned accessibility works for its Scout Den, identified alongside other facility upgrades across Queensland.

Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Upgrades Planned Across Multiple Locations

The program includes a refurbishment of the kitchen at the Mount Gravatt Girl Guides Hall and facility upgrades for Girl Guides units in Moggill and the Kenmore District.

Additional works cover improvements to Scout halls in Helensvale and Dayboro, as well as refurbishments for Scouts in Moggill, Karana and Kenmore.
New machinery will also be delivered to Seeonee Park Scout Camp in Rockhampton to support its ongoing activities.

The Aspley Scout Den will receive accessibility-focused improvements aimed at ensuring the facility remains functional, safe and suitable for continued community use.

community facilities — Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Supporting Local Activities And Youth Participation

Scouts and Girl Guides provide structured programs that encourage outdoor engagement, skill development and community involvement. Facilities such as the Aspley Scout Den support regular activities throughout the year, including meetings, camps, skills-based learning and outdoor programs.

The improvements are expected to assist current participants while helping encourage future involvement among young people across the region.

infrastructure upgrades — Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Community Benefits And Next Steps

Communities linked to each upgraded site are expected to benefit from more accessible and better-maintained spaces. These improvements aim to support long-term usage, ensure safe participation environments and sustain ongoing programs.

Once completed, the works across Aspley and the other identified locations will help these groups continue offering activities and experiences for young members.

Published 24-Nov-2025

Plaza Place Launch Marks New Chapter in Carseldine

Photo Credit: Fingerprint Property

The next generation of the De Luca family has introduced a new apartment-focused brand through a $65 million residential development in Carseldine.

Family Expansion into Apartments in Carseldine

Fingerprint Property, led by 25-year-old Ben De Luca, has been launched as the group’s new residential arm. He returned to Queensland in April after gaining experience with Melbourne-based Riverlee. The new brand forms part of the broader $250 million Carseldine Village project, which continues to progress under the De Luca family’s development and construction organisation established in 1994.

Fingerprint Property’s debut project, Plaza Place, reached $10 million in sales during its first week on the market. The development is being delivered by Deluca Corporation, which continues its long-running presence in South East Queensland.

Deluca Corporation — Photo Credit: Fingerprint Property

Plaza Place Details and Features

Plaza Place is a $65 million apartment development designed by Architectus, offering 70 two-bedroom apartments ranging from 85 sqm to 100 sqm, with prices starting from $779,000. The design includes shaded balconies, natural ventilation, generous layouts and a rooftop communal area. A landscaped plaza forms the entry, linking the building with the surrounding precinct.

Sustainability features include water and energy efficiency initiatives, an EV-ready basement and a 6-Leaf EnviroDevelopment certification.

Setting Within Carseldine Village

The apartments sit beside The Village, a $45 million retail, health and lifestyle precinct within Carseldine Village. The centre includes an IGA, Jetts Fitness, TH7 Body Labs, Aquatic Achievers Swim School and a range of dining and allied health tenancies.

The wider neighbourhood includes sporting fields, courts, open lawns, playgrounds, walking paths and bushland connected to Cabbage Tree Creek. The Carseldine Markets continue to operate every Saturday, drawing regular attendance.

Plaza Place Carseldine — Photo Credit: Fingerprint Property

Design and Delivery Teams

Architectus has led the architectural and interior design of Plaza Place, creating a building shaped around its natural setting and subtropical climate. Urbis delivered the landscape design across the plaza and communal outdoor areas.

Deluca Corporation is overseeing construction and delivery. Economic Development Queensland shaped the Carseldine Village master plan, integrating housing, retail, sport and bushland within the precinct.

Community Positioning in Carseldine

Plaza Place aims to provide residents with apartment living connected to services, open spaces and community amenities. Its location beside retail, recreation and nature areas supports a walkable and active lifestyle within the Carseldine Village environment.

Looking Ahead

With Plaza Place now introduced, Fingerprint Property begins its residential portfolio in Carseldine, supported by the development experience of the De Luca family and the continuing evolution of Carseldine Village.

Published 18-Nov-2025

Motorcyclist Miraculously Uninjured After Frightening Gympie Road Encounter

A motorcyclist has spoken out after a frightening encounter on Gympie Road in Aspley left him shaken but miraculously uninjured.

Ruchir Awate was waiting at traffic lights on Gympie Road when a red Mazda allegedly rear-ended his motorcycle without warning on Tuesday evening.

What appeared to initially be a traffic accident quickly escalated into something far more sinister. Footage captured on Mr Awate’s action camera shows the vehicle reversing before allegedly driving directly towards him as he sat on the side of the road after being knocked from his bike.

“I think at one point my legs were under his car and my heart was just beating,” Mr Awate said. “I was thinking, am I – is this it?”

The incident didn’t end there. The driver allegedly attempted to steal Mr Awate’s bag, which had fallen during the collision. The motorcyclist managed to retrieve his belongings by reaching through the car window.

Separate mobile phone footage shows Mr Awate, still wearing his helmet, jumping onto the footpath and moving towards bushes to escape the vehicle.

“I thought, it’s stolen or something, he doesn’t care about the car, he’s gonna go straight into me over the curb into the bush,” Mr Awate explained.

Queensland Police are investigating the incident and have identified a person of interest. Authorities have indicated that the registered owner of the vehicle does not match the description provided by Mr Awate.

Police expect to lay charges soon.

Mr Awate, who captured the entire ordeal on his action camera, expressed hope that the person responsible would be held accountable.

“I really do hope the police can track him down. I hope he understands what he’s done wrong and I hope he gets the charges that are coming,” he said.

The incident occurred in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with Aspley residents likely to be concerned about road safety following the alleged attack.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Queensland Police.

Published 12-November-2025

Bald Hills School Puts People First in New Junior School Blessing

Photo Credit: St Pauls' School/ Facebook

The St Paul’s School community in Bald Hills has gathered to celebrate a new chapter, officially dedicating its completed Junior School Precinct with a special blessing led by The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves.

A Celebration of People

blessing — *Photo Credit:* *St Pauls’ School/ Facebook*

While the event marked the completion of new classrooms, speakers emphasised that the school’s strength comes from its people, not just its buildings. Parent speaker Gabe Carson noted that the school’s supportive environment is created by the staff who nurture both students and their families. This focus on community was a central theme of the day, which brought together students, staff, families, and alumni.

Honouring Past and Present

The dedication connected the school’s history with its future. Past student Laura Edwards, a 2008 graduate, gave a speech recalling the warm welcome she received from one of her first teachers, Ms. Marianne Connolly, who continues to teach at the school. Another of the first junior school teachers, Steve Wilkins, also returned for the celebration. The event began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Kathryn Fisher, followed by a special dance from student Noah Carson and friends.

A New Home for Learning

The new precinct is the final piece of the school-wide “Flourishing Futures Redevelopment” project. This larger project has delivered revitalised, purpose-built classrooms across the campus. The goal was to create learning environments that are flexible and support different learning needs. Junior School students and teachers officially moved into their new, modern classrooms in late August, setting the stage for the formal dedication.

The Official Blessing

The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland, led the formal blessing of the new spaces. The ceremony also saw the Chair of the School Council, Daniel O’Connor OAM, present the official plaque. Principal John O’Sullivan Williams was acknowledged for his commitment to the project, as the school continues to look toward its plans.

Published Date 08-November-2025

John Newman Green 3 Officially Opened at Aspley Memorial Bowls Club

Photo Credit: Aspley Memorials Bowls Club/Facebook

Aspley Memorial Bowls Club officially opened its new John Newman Green 3, honouring long-time member John Newman in a ceremony attended by family, officials, and club supporters in Aspley.

Honouring a Long-Time Club Member

The Aspley Memorial Bowls Club hosted the official opening of the John Newman Green 3 on Saturday, recognising the dedication of the late John Newman, who served as a club member for 40 years. The new green was named in his honour to acknowledge his longstanding contribution to the club’s growth and success. Club members, supporters, and the Newman family attended the ceremony to celebrate his legacy.

Photo Credit: Aspley Memorials Bowls Club/Facebook

Ceremony and Community Attendance

The official opening featured the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the occasion. The event was organised by club member Michael Skinner, with photography by Mia Congram. Those in attendance included Jill Newman and family, Brett Wilkie from Bowls Queensland, and representatives from the Moreton Bay District Bowls Association, Geebung RSL, and local organisations. Guests also included former club supporters Amanda Cooper and Councillor Sandy Landers. The event reflected the close ties between the club and the wider community, showcasing the collective effort that supports its continued development.

John Newman Green 3 — Photo Credit: Aspley Memorials Bowls Club/Facebook

Modern Facilities and Club Growth

Located at 20 Kookaburra Court in Carseldine, the Aspley Memorial Bowls Club—known locally as “The Friendly Club”—operates three artificial greens, one of which is covered and two fitted with lights. The club caters to players of all ages, encouraging both social and competitive participation. It offers regular playing sessions, barefoot bowls, and community events throughout the year, providing opportunities for both experienced and new bowlers to get involved.

Promoting Health and Connection

Beyond sport, the club acts as a social hub for residents in and around Aspley. It offers venue hire for community functions and family gatherings, supported by volunteers and local sponsors. Upholding family-friendly values, the club operates without gambling facilities and focuses on providing a welcoming space for recreation, connection, and active living.

Looking Ahead

The addition of the John Newman Green 3 marks a major step forward in maintaining high-quality playing surfaces and ensuring the club remains a key part of the community’s sporting life. The development strengthens Aspley’s reputation for supporting local sport and continues the legacy of members like John Newman who contributed decades of service to the club.

Published 6-Nov-2025

Brisbane Bullets Look to Carry Momentum into Phoenix Clash

Tyrell Harrison took responsibility for protecting the hole in the last seconds and the Brisbane Bullets secured a massively needed win on the road in Auckland, their second in NZ this season. Two losses so far (at Boondall to Melbourne United and the Tasmania Jackjumpers) leave Stu Lash’s troops desperate to deliver something to cheer about for the home faithful.

Post-game recap: road win in New Zealand

Brisbane produced one of the early highlights of the NBL26 season with a thrilling 84–83 comeback victory at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on 23 October 2025. The Bullets trailed by 24 points late in the first half before surging home behind a resilient defensive stand.

Casey Prather led Brisbane with 23 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Replacement import Lamar Patterson added 20 points and six rebounds, while Tyrell Harrison was crucial inside with 16 points, 11 boards and two blocks. Harrison’s last-second defensive play—blocking consecutive Breakers shots from Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Izayah Le’Afa—sealed the victory.

For New Zealand, Sam Mennenga poured in 27 points and six rebounds but was restricted to just two points in the second half as Brisbane’s defence tightened. The final quarter belonged to the Bullets, who outscored the Breakers 16–11 to complete the turnaround.

Looking ahead: Saturday’s clash with Phoenix

The Bullets now host the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall on Saturday, 25 October 2025, with tip-off at 5:30 pm AEST. The team will aim to back up Thursday’s emotional win with a more controlled four-quarter performance at home.

Head coach Stu Lash, in his first season at the helm, praised his side’s composure in Auckland and emphasised the need for consistency. Imports Casey Prather and Jaylen Adams, along with centre Tyrell Harrison, remain key pieces in Brisbane’s structure.

The Phoenix enter the contest looking to steady their season and boast proven contributors in Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover and John Brown III, supported by guard Owen Foxwell and big man Gorjok Gak. Their athletic frontcourt and perimeter scoring threaten to test Brisbane’s defensive depth.

Containing the enigma, Nathan Sobey

An extraordinary explosive athlete, Nathan Sobey will not consider his stint with the Bullets to be the highlight of his career; however, his 2025 stats suggest he is back to his best, averaging 18 points a game compared to his career season average of 15.4. He comes off a 33 point haul in the Phoenix win against the Kings, where 28 minutes on court only yielded two assists. So the question is, does he need to be contained? His explosive penetration has always been made for an assist mentality yet he often only has eyes for the basket ignoring his open man for the dish.

Why this fixture matters for Brisbane fans

For Bullets supporters across Aspley, North Brisbane and the wider region, Saturday’s game is more than just another fixture – it is a chance to reinforce belief in a rejuvenated side. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre crowd will be eager to ride the energy from Thursday’s comeback, and a second straight win would push the Bullets into early-season contention.

The Phoenix, meanwhile, are still gelling under a refreshed lineup. Brisbane’s challenge will be sustaining defensive pressure and avoiding early lapses that plagued the opening half in Auckland.

Stat breakdown ahead of tip-off

• Rebounding and interior control: Harrison’s 11 boards against the Breakers highlight his importance; he’ll again face a physical test against Brown III and Gak.
• Import impact: Prather’s all-around showing in Auckland set the tone. If Adams and Patterson find rhythm alongside him, Brisbane’s scoring balance improves markedly.
• Phoenix scoring threats: Sobey leads the Phoenix in points this season, while Glover adds perimeter accuracy and Brown III contributes versatile defence.
• Four-quarter focus: Brisbane improved with each period in Auckland; replicating that sustained intensity will be critical at home.

Final thoughts

The Bullets have delivered an encouraging start that gives the local community reason for optimism. The Auckland win demonstrated an ability to close out a contest; now the task is to deliver the same polished, four-quarter performance in front of the home crowd. If the team manages tempo, secures the boards and leans on its import production, Brisbane has a real opportunity to build a positive early-season narrative for fans across Aspley and the greater Brisbane region.

The Phoenix fixture is confirmed for Saturday 25 October 2025 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall. Tip-off is at 4:30 pm AEST.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN (available in Australia via the Disney+ ESPN tile and through ESPN carriage on Foxtel, Kayo Sports and Fetch TV), with selected games shown free-to-air on Network 10.

Bridgeman Downs Home Invasion Leads to 12-Hour Police Standoff in Tree

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A botched home invasion in Bridgeman Downs on Sunday afternoon led to an unusual 12-hour standoff, with a man perched in a tree while police worked through the night to bring him down safely.

Queensland Police were called to a Stirling Street property around 3.30pm on 19 October following reports that two men had broken into the home. The 40-year-old male resident, who was home at the time, confronted the intruders and was allegedly threatened with a knife before the pair fled the scene in a white Toyota Corolla.

Police, assisted by the POLAIR helicopter, tracked one of the alleged offenders to a property in nearby Strathpine around 6.30pm. When officers arrived, the 30-year-old Strathpine man reportedly climbed a tree in the backyard in an attempt to avoid arrest.

What followed was an all-night operation involving police negotiators and the dog squad, who worked to coax the man down from his elevated hiding spot. He remained in the tree for approximately 12 hours before being taken into custody just before 7am on Monday morning.

The Strathpine man has been charged with robbery armed in company with personal violence, serious assault of a police officer, possessing dangerous drugs, and possession of drug utensils. He is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 21 October.

Police are continuing their search for the second man involved in the alleged home invasion and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Residents with information about the incident can contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2501888534.

Published 20-October-2025