A local photographer, Danny Lloyd, experienced an extraordinary encounter with nature while driving through Ripley. The unexpected visitor? A magnificent Black-necked Stork.
Lloyd was cruising along at a leisurely pace when he noticed the large bird soaring overhead. Intrigued, he pulled over to get a better look.
Lloyd was amazed by the stork’s size and grace. He described the encounter as unforgettable.
Armed with his camera and a powerful lens, Lloyd captured stunning images of the stork. The bird’s distinctive green neck and striking yellow eyes were particularly eye-catching.
Black-necked Storks are common in northern and northeastern Australia. They often venture into open areas, such as grasslands and paddocks, to search for food. While they are typically found in wetland habitats, this particular stork has taken a detour into the suburban landscape.
Lloyd’s encounter has sparked interest and admiration among nature enthusiasts. Many have praised the photographer’s skill in capturing such a breathtaking moment.
On a high-stakes night at Princes Park, the Brisbane Lions’ hopes for consecutive AFLW premierships were shattered by a commanding North Melbourne side. The Lions vs Kangaroos clash ended in a decisive victory, with the final score of 5.9 (39) to 1.3 (9) showcasing the Kangaroos’ dominance.
Despite the Lions’ renowned defensive pressure, they were overwhelmed by North Melbourne’s midfield brilliance, spearheaded by the unstoppable Jasmine Garner. Brisbane’s coaching team tried every trick in the book, with Jade Ellenger and captain Breanna Koenen taking turns to curb Garner’s influence. Yet the North Melbourne star couldn’t be contained, amassing 35 disposals, 22 contested possessions, and 13 tackles in a match-winning display.
The opening quarter set the stage for North’s victory. They surged ahead with the first three goals, building a 17-point lead that Brisbane couldn’t overcome. Ellie Hampson offered a glimmer of hope, converting after a downfield free kick, but it was to be Brisbane’s only major score of the night.
Craig Starcevich praises the Kangaroos
Lions’ coach Craig Starcevich, while disappointed with the result, showed admirable sportsmanship in his post-match reflections. “What I saw in the first half today was the best footy I’ve ever seen in the AFLW,” Starcevich acknowledged, praising North Melbourne’s pressure and quick ball movement.
Despite the disappointment, Brisbane’s sustained excellence continues to define their program. Starcevich also emphasized the increasing competitiveness of the AFLW: “It’s going to be harder and harder to win, so we just have to keep getting better.”
Though the night belonged to North Melbourne, Brisbane’s remarkable consistency in reaching the grand final deserves recognition. As the AFLW continues to evolve, the Lion’s unwavering excellence will keep them firmly in the premiership conversation.
Published 01-December-2024
Match preview published on 26-November-2024.
Lions vs Kangaroos: An AFLW Grand Final Rematch for the Ages
The Brisbane Lions are primed for another defining moment in their AFLW journey as they prepare to face the North Melbourne Kangaroos this Saturday, 30 November in the 2024 AFLW grand final. Lions vs Kangaroos kick off 6:45 p.m. at IKON Park.
The reigning premiers face an undefeated North Melbourne side eager to claim their first premiership, while Brisbane aims for back-to-back flags in familiar territory.
The clash at Melbourne’s IKON Park will once again showcase both teams’ premiership credentials: with the Lions looking to avenge their season-opening defeat and the Kangaroos seeking redemption after their 2023 grand final loss to Brisbane.
Brisbane’s elite status solidified with four players earning All-Australian honours in 2024. Midfield dynamo Ally Anderson, averaging 26.2 disposals and 13.8 contested possessions, secured back-to-back selections. Dynamic winger Sophie Conway, also claiming her second consecutive jacket, averaged 17.4 disposals and 5.1 tackles in a standout season.
First-time selections Belle Dawes (18.8 disposals, 4.3 clearances) and Taylor Smith (22 goals) have proven themselves as stars, with Smith forming a lethal forward partnership alongside Dakota Davidson.
Lions vs Kangaroos
North Melbourne, last season’s runners-up and this season’s undefeated minor premiers (10-1-0), will challenge a battle-hardened Brisbane side. The Lions’ campaign for a third premiership will rely on their All-Australian quartet and the experience gained from five straight preliminary final appearances and three consecutive grand final appearances.
In Round 1 at Brighton Homes Arena, North Melbourne broke their Brisbane hoodoo with a commanding 44-point victory, their first win over the Lions in six attempts. Brisbane, however, showed resilience, going 11-1 since that early season setback to secure another grand final berth.
Kate Lutkins announces retirement
The grand final week announcement of Kate Lutkins’ retirement adds extra motivation for the pride. The three-time All-Australian and 2021 grand final best-on-ground performer leaves an indelible mark on the club, with coach Craig Starcevich praising her transition to mentoring the current squad during this finals campaign.
“It’s been such an awesome career, I’m really thankful to have been part of this program, especially the last two years,” Lutkins said, having been with the Lions since their inaugural season.
The stage is set for an epic encounter between two AFLW powerhouses, with the Lions determined to add another chapter to their proud history. For Brisbane faithful, Saturday’s battle for supremacy can’t come soon enough.
A Queensland woman lost access to 20 years of memories after a scammer tricked her into revealing her phone number, an issue cybersecurity experts at the University of Southern Queensland, with campuses in Springfield and Ipswich, say is becoming increasingly common.
The incident occurred earlier this month when Louise Manning, a Queensland resident, fell victim to a Facebook scam. Someone posing as a friend messaged her, asking for her phone number.
Moments after sharing it, Manning’s Facebook account was hijacked. The scammer locked her out and used the account to send similar messages to her friends, two of whom were also hacked before the account was taken down. Manning described the loss of nearly two decades of memories, including cherished photos of her late sister, as deeply upsetting.
How the Scam Worked
Cybersecurity experts explained that the scam likely involved the misuse of personal details and mobile service manipulation. Manning initially believed she was conversing with an old friend and provided her phone number in good faith. Experts from the University of Southern Queensland noted that scammers often combine such details with other publicly available information, such as dates of birth or addresses, to impersonate victims.
Once they have the victim’s phone number, scammers intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, granting them full access to online accounts. Like many others, Manning used SMS-based 2FA, a method experts warn is vulnerable to SIM-swapping tactics. This technique allows fraudsters to convince mobile providers to transfer control of a phone number to their device, enabling them to intercept messages.
Professor Neil Curtis from the University of Southern Queensland emphasised that these scams thrive because of social engineering, where scammers exploit trust and familiarity. He urged individuals to use authentication apps with biometric security rather than SMS-based codes to secure their accounts.
Community Impact and Rising Cases
Manning’s story is not an isolated incident. The Australian Signals Directorate reports over 21,000 identity-related scams nationwide this year, with financial losses for individuals averaging $30,700. Curtis noted that while losing sentimental items like family photos is devastating, the reputational damage caused by hacked accounts used for nefarious purposes—such as promoting fraudulent schemes—is equally concerning.
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, stated it had removed 1.2 billion fake accounts and hundreds of millions of spam posts this year. While Manning’s account was ultimately taken down after friends reported it, Meta’s lack of direct customer support has drawn criticism from affected users. Commenters online highlighted that platform policies must offer faster and more accessible solutions to help victims reclaim their accounts.
Curtis encouraged families to adopt safety measures, such as using unique passphrases to verify the identity of loved ones during emergencies. He also advised against oversharing personal details online, including birth dates and other information often used to answer “secret questions” for account recovery. During high-risk periods like the lead-up to Christmas, he urged users to double-check suspicious messages, even if they appear to be from known contacts.
For Manning, the experience served as a harsh reminder of how quickly trust can be exploited. Although she was fortunate not to lose money in the scam, the emotional toll of losing treasured memories and having friends targeted through her account left a lasting impact.
Cybersecurity Experts Call for Awareness
Experts warn that these scams are evolving, aided by technological advancements like artificial intelligence. While social media platforms and mobile providers are crucial in preventing fraud, Curtis emphasised that individual vigilance is equally essential. Scammers rely on exploiting moments of carelessness, and being cautious about sharing information is critical to staying safe online.
Manning hopes her story will alert others to the risks of such scams. “It might seem small—just losing access to a Facebook account—but it can have much bigger consequences,” she said.
The Brisbane Lions have stormed into their third straight AFLW grand final, as Lions vs Crows delivered another triumph for the maroon, blue and gold with Brisbane overwhelming Adelaide by 18 points at Brighton Homes Arena.
The 7.8 (50) to 4.8 (32) triumph sets up a blockbuster rematch with undefeated North Melbourne at Ikon Park on Saturday, 30 November.
The defending champions will face their biggest test yet against North Melbourne, who demonstrated their premiership credentials with a dominant preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide. The clash presents Brisbane with an opportunity to defend their crown against the season’s only undefeated team, in a replay of their memorable 2023 grand final triumph.
Lions vs Crows
Brisbane’s midfield dominance was led by Orla O’Dwyer and Ally Anderson (24 disposals each), while Dakota Davidson proved dangerous up forward with 2.3 from 14 possessions. Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff (30 disposals), Anne Hatchard (25), and Chelsea Randall (18 disposals, two goals) fought hard in defeat.
Dakota Davidson’s influence proved pivotal in shifting momentum during the second quarter. The dynamic forward’s strong contested marking and unconventional falcon assist to set up Courtney Hodder’s goal sparked Brisbane’s revival when they needed it most.
After trailing at half-time, the Lions unleashed a devastating four-goal assault in the third quarter that transformed the contest. Brisbane’s increased tempo and precise ball movement proved too much for Adelaide in humid conditions, with Cathy Svarc emerging as the catalyst. Svarc doubled her disposal count and contributed directly to two crucial goals that broke the game open.
On the brink of history—again
The victory marks Brisbane’s sixth consecutive win over Adelaide and continues their remarkable run of reaching six AFLW grand finals in nine seasons since the AFL Women’s inception—missing the finals series just once in that span. Another grand final victory would secure their third premiership, matching Adelaide’s record and cementing their legacy as the AFLW’s most successful club.
As they prepare for next week’s decider, the Lions’ ability to overcome early adversity and finish strongly, alongside their winning legacy, positions them as worthy challengers to North Melbourne’s perfect season.
The shared e-scooter trial in Springfield, operated by Beam Mobility, will finally conclude. The 15-month pilot programme aimed to assess the potential of e-scooters as a transportation option within the city.
Throughout the trial, more than 27,000 trips were made across Springfield Central, Spring Mountain, and Springfield Lakes, averaging around 75 trips daily. The data collected will now be analysed to determine the future role of shared e-scooters in Ipswich’s transport network.
Councilor Andrew Antoniolli, Chair of the Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the e-scooter trial. He highlighted the positive community response and the minimal number of safety incidents reported.
The trial data indicates that e-scooters were primarily used for short, “last-mile” trips to and from public transport hubs and major community centres like Springfield Central Train Station, Orion Springfield Central Shopping Centre, and the University of Southern Queensland.
Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on the trial through an online survey on the Shape Your Ipswich page.
Springfield and Camira residents have reported an unusual swarm of Christmas beetles descending upon their neighbourhoods, creating a spectacle with many locals buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
On Monday evening, 11 Nov, hundreds of Christmas beetles appeared in the suburbs of Springfield and Camira. Locals took to social media to share their astonishment as beetles flocked to homes, covering walls, cars, and windows.
Some residents described hearing a constant tapping sound as beetles collided with glass surfaces, mistaking the noise for heavy raindrops. By morning, crows had gathered in the area, feasting on beetles scattered across lawns and driveways.
Beetles Emerge with Warm Weather
Entomologists have linked the sudden emergence of Christmas beetles to the recent heatwave that swept across South East Queensland. Ipswich reached a peak of 38 degrees Celsius last week.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
According to Associate Professor Tanya Latty from the University of Sydney, high temperatures help speed up the development of Christmas beetle larvae, causing them to emerge in greater numbers than usual. Ms Latty explains that when conditions are particularly warm, the larvae develop faster, leading to an early metamorphosis from pupae to adult beetles, often synchronising their emergence.
Although Christmas beetles typically begin appearing in mid-November, the recent heatwave may have triggered an early emergence, with reports of the insects appearing as early as October in previous years. This shift may be linked to global warming trends contributing to warmer-than-average spring temperatures across Queensland.
Sightings on the Decline
Historically, Christmas beetles have appeared in such numbers that they covered entire trees and were even noted in early records as swarming over Sydney Harbour, their collective shimmer lighting up the water. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in their numbers, as observed anecdotally by locals and experts alike.
Ms Latty noted that while swarms like the recent one in Springfield and Camira offer a glimpse of their previous abundance, the overall population of Christmas beetles has significantly decreased, likely due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate changes.
Public Reports Aid Research
In response to declining sightings, the University of Sydney launched the Christmas Beetle Count project four years ago, encouraging the public to report their encounters with the beetles. This initiative has provided researchers with valuable data, helping identify regions where Christmas beetle species are thriving or declining.
Ms Latty shared that sightings submitted by the public have revealed information about species that had not been recorded for decades, underscoring the importance of citizen contributions in monitoring and conservation efforts.
The Brisbane Lions vs Hawks qualifying final lived up to its billing, with the reigning premiers surviving a fierce challenge to claim a six-point victory away at Ikon Park.
Brisbane’s 6.2 (38) to 4.8 (32) triumph books their fifth-straight preliminary final appearance and secures crucial home ground advantage after a week’s rest.
Following a challenging week marked by crowd incidents in round 10, Dakota Davidson made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with an impressive display of athleticism. The Lions’ all-time leading goalkicker gathered a ground ball and converted truly, setting the tone for her standout performance.
The Hawks controlled the early stages, building an 11-point advantage in the second quarter. However, their inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly, converting just two majors from seven scoring opportunities.
Brisbane’s trademark attacking flair ignited after halftime, with Ruby Svarc sparking the comeback. Her dynamic play created crucial scoring opportunities, leading to back-to-back goals from Cathy Svarc and Taylor Smith that shifted momentum in Brisbane’s favour. Davidson’s second goal in the final term, celebrated with a defiant hair ruffle, built a crucial 12-point buffer.
Brisbane’s defensive unit stood tall after a slow offensive start, with Bre Koenen, Nat Grider, and Jennifer Dunne proving impenetrable. Ally Anderson grew into the game despite close attention from Mattea Breed, while Orla O’Dwyer’s 17 disposals provided important drive.
After the Lions vs Hawks match, Brisbane faces an anxious wait regarding midfielder Belle Dawes’s availability for the preliminary final after a second-quarter incident involving Hawk Ainslie Kemp.
Dawes, charging at full pace, attempted to pull out of a tackle but collected Kemp high. While Kemp passed her concussion assessment and returned to play, the incident’s impact on Brisbane’s finals campaign remains uncertain.
The victory grants Brisbane a week’s rest before hosting either Adelaide or Fremantle at the Brighton Homes Arena. The Lions’ championship defence continues to gather momentum, with their ability to overcome adversity reinforcing their premiership credentials as they pursue a spot in their third consecutive grand final.
In Springfield, a battle is unfolding between two pressing needs: housing for a booming population and survival space for some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife. At the centre of this conflict lies Woogaroo Forest, a pristine woodland that stands as one of the last refuges for the region’s endangered koalas.
The community group Save Woogaroo Forest points to a map covered in dots indicating koala sightings, noting that there have been numerous additional sightings since the map’s creation. The group warns that housing developments in the area would spell the end for the local koala population, making their survival impossible.
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Southeast Queensland is bracing for a population surge that would make most city planners nervous – an additional 2.2 million residents by 2046, pushing the region’s total to around 6 million. This explosive growth demands roughly 900,000 new homes, a target that already seems daunting given current supply shortages.
But for the Save Woogaroo Forest group, these statistics represent more than just planning challenges – they represent an existential threat to a unique ecosystem. The forest isn’t just home to koalas; it supports more than 130 native species, creating a biodiversity hotspot that once lost, cannot be replaced.
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
The story of Woogaroo Forest is deeply intertwined with the ambitious Springfield development project. In 1992, a renowned developer acquired 7,000 acres of forested land between Ipswich and Brisbane.
At the time, it might have seemed like an ordinary land purchase, with only 10% zoned for residential use. Today, it represents Australia’s newest emerging city and south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing region, expected to double its current population of 50,000 to 105,000 by 2030.
What makes this rapid transformation possible is a unique planning instrument called the Springfield Structure Plan (SSP), one of just three Development Control Plans operating in Queensland. These DCPs operate like master keys, unlocking development possibilities by bypassing many state regulations – including those protecting vegetation and koala habitats.
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
The situation highlights a critical failing in current environmental protection frameworks. Despite a chorus of expert voices – ecologists, academics, and wildlife organisations – all warning about the irreversible ecological damage that development would cause, these assessments carry little weight against planning legislation created more than three decades ago.
As south-east Queensland grapples with its growing pains, Woogaroo Forest stands as a testament to the complex challenges of modern urban development. The question remains: in our rush to house our growing population, what price are we willing to pay in terms of environmental preservation? For the koalas of Woogaroo Forest and their defenders, the answer could mean the difference between survival and extinction.
In a lighthearted bid to tackle a costly problem, the historic Walloon Hotel in Ipswich has launched a “glass amnesty,” encouraging patrons to return wayward pub glasses – no questions asked.
The family-owned establishment, which has been serving the community since 1891, loses up to $300 worth of glassware weekly to what owner Stewart Gibson diplomatically calls “souvenir collecting.” The losses prompted the hotel to take to social media with a humorous appeal that resonated with locals.
Photo credit: The Walloon Hotel/Instagram
“Have you ever found yourself leaving the pub with a half-finished drink, only to realise later that you’ve inadvertently taken home a pint glass (or two) as a souvenir?” the hotel posted on Instagram, comparing their glass disappearance rate to the mysterious case of missing socks in the dryer.
The Gibsons, who acquired the heritage-listed hotel in 2018, have taken an understanding approach to the situation. Rather than pointing fingers, they’re offering amnesty to anyone who might find themselves in possession of the establishment’s glassware, whether through accident or design.
Mr Gibson (Photo credit: The Walloon Hotel/Instagram)
“Let’s restore harmony to our bar and give those glasses the love they deserve!” the social media announcement proclaimed, striking a chord with the local community. The response has already begun, with one local patron stepping forward to return schooner glasses to Mr Gibson.
Photo credit: The Walloon Hotel/Instagram
The initiative highlights a widespread issue in the hospitality industry, where the cost of replacing “borrowed” glassware can significantly impact a venue’s bottom line. However, the Walloon Hotel’s approach turns what could be a contentious issue into a community engagement opportunity, sprinkled with good humour and understanding.
For those wondering whether their home collection might include some of the Walloon’s wandering vessels, the amnesty week offers the perfect opportunity to return them to their rightful home – and perhaps enjoy a properly served drink while they’re at it.
The historic Walloon Hotel stands as more than just a local watering hole; it’s a piece of Queensland history dating back to the late 19th century. Now, it’s writing a new chapter in its storied existence, one returned glass at a time.
King’s Christian College is set to expand its educational footprint with a significant new campus development in Walloon, marking its fourth location in Queensland’s rapidly growing corridor near Brisbane.
The prestigious institution has secured an 8.7-hectare parcel of land from developer ID_Land, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive educational precinct that will serve up to 1,800 students by 2035.
Photo credit: King’s Christian College/Facebook
The project will roll out in carefully planned stages, beginning with an early learning centre and primary school accommodating Prep to Year 3 students from January 2026. The campus will progressively expand year by year, ultimately offering a complete educational journey from early learning through to Year 12.
Photo credit: King’s Christian College/Facebook
Students at the new campus will benefit from state-of-the-art specialist facilities, including dedicated spaces for music, science, industrial design, performing arts, and food technology.
Plans also include extensive sporting facilities, with plans for a sports field and an indoor sports centre. A resource centre, library, and auditorium will round out the academic infrastructure, creating a comprehensive learning environment.
Community integration stands at the heart of the project, with plans for a community centre that will host playgroups, after school care, and church activities. This aligns with the school’s vision of creating community-focused educational hubs in high-growth areas around Brisbane.
Photo credit: dawnwalloon.com.au
The new campus will be strategically located within ID_Land’s Dawn Walloon Master Plan area, a thriving development that has already welcomed more than 230 new households since 2021. This residential growth, part of a broader plan for over 1,000 houses, underscores the increasing demand for quality education in the region.
The Walloon campus builds on King’s Christian College’s strong track record of successful expansion, following the establishment of its original Reedy Creek campus in 1980, Pimpama campus in 2015, and most recently, the Logan Village campus in 2020.
This latest development represents a significant investment in the future of education in Southeast Queensland, promising to deliver modern learning facilities while fostering community connections in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.
