Brisbane Rediscovers Its Edge in Emphatic Win Over Sydney

For the first time in several weeks, the Brisbane Lions looked every bit like the team that has ruled the AFL over the past two seasons.

The reigning premiers produced their most convincing performance of 2026 on Thursday, June 25, dismantling second-placed Sydney 19.12 (126) to 12.11 (83) at the Gabba in a result that could prove a turning point in their campaign.

The 43-point victory lifted Brisbane to a 9-6 record and, more importantly, showcased the defensive pressure and relentless work rate that had been missing too often through the opening half of the season.

Swans Never Found Their Rhythm

Sydney entered the night as one of the competition’s most potent attacking sides.

Brisbane made sure that reputation counted for little.

From the opening bounce, the Lions clogged the corridor, pressured every possession and forced the Swans into rushed decisions whenever they tried to launch from defence. Sydney’s usually slick transition game simply never materialised as Brisbane repeatedly won the ball back and attacked from dangerous positions.

Josh Dunkley set the standard with an outstanding two-way performance, restricting Isaac Heeney’s influence around stoppages while finishing with 26 disposals and eight tackles of his own.

Will Ashcroft continued his outstanding season with 30 disposals and eight clearances, while Lachie Neale added another polished midfield display with 27 touches and seven clearances.

Behind them, Harris Andrews marshalled a composed defensive unit that rarely allowed Sydney’s forwards clean opportunities.

Lions Cash In

Brisbane’s pressure was matched by its efficiency going forward.

Charlie Cameron, Cam Rayner and Logan Morris helped establish an early advantage before the Lions gradually tightened their grip on the contest.

Although Sydney stayed within reach during the opening quarter, Brisbane’s dominance became far more obvious in the second. A 19-8 inside-50 advantage reflected the control the home side enjoyed as Zac Bailey launched a long-range goal before Levi Ashcroft capitalised after a costly Sydney kick-in error.

By halftime, the Lions had built a 27-point lead that accurately reflected the balance of play.

The visitors briefly found inspiration through Chad Warner, whose brilliant solo running goal in the third quarter stood out as one of the individual highlights of the evening. Warner finished with four goals in an outstanding personal display.

Brisbane, however, never lost control.

Rayner powered through tackles to finish with three goals, Morris added another three, while Bailey, Cameron, Kai Lohmann and Conor McKenna all made valuable scoreboard contributions as the Lions continued to stretch the margin.

One Decision Raises Questions

The only talking point that frustrated Brisbane came moments before the final break.

Logan Morris believed he had kicked truly after the three-quarter-time siren, only for the goal to be disallowed after the umpire ruled he had not returned correctly to his line before taking the kick.

While the decision sparked debate over the interpretation of the rule, it ultimately had little impact on a contest Brisbane had firmly under control.

A Timely Confidence Boost

The performance arrives at an important stage of Brisbane’s season.

With several experienced players still to return, including Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Keidean Coleman and Oscar Allen, Thursday night’s display suggested the Lions are beginning to rediscover the balance that made them such a difficult side to beat over the past two years.

Rather than relying on moments of brilliance, Brisbane won through collective pressure, disciplined defence and contributions across every line of the ground.

The challenge now shifts to maintaining that standard.

A trip to face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium next week offers another opportunity to prove this was more than a single impressive performance. If the Lions can reproduce the intensity they showed against Sydney, their push towards September will gather genuine momentum.

Brisbane 4.1, 8.7, 14.9, 19.12 (126) defeated Sydney 2.3, 4.4, 7.9, 12.11 (83)

Goals — Brisbane: Cam Rayner 3, Logan Morris 3, Charlie Cameron 2, Kai Lohmann 2, Zac Bailey 2, Conor McKenna 2, Eric Hipwood, Darcy Fort, Jarrod Berry, Sam Draper, Levi Ashcroft.

Best — Brisbane: Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft, Zac Bailey, Harris Andrews, Ty Gallop, Levi Ashcroft.

Published 25-June-2026

Ipswich Teen Gout Gout Takes On Sprinting Idol in Diamond League Debut

Gout Gout, the Ipswich star athlete, has drawn comparisons to sprint legend Usain Bolt since emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting athletics prospects. Yet when asked which athlete inspired him as a youngster, Gout pointed to a different name — Letsile Tebogo.



Just days after the press conference for the Oslo Diamond League, the pair lined up in the same men’s 200 metres race, with Gout making his first appearance in the world’s leading athletics series and Tebogo, 23, arriving as the reigning Olympic champion.

For the young Australian, it was another milestone in a sporting journey that has attracted attention both at home and overseas.

The Sprinter Gout Followed as a Young Athlete

Gout’s performances over the past year have placed him among the most talked-about young athletes in Australian sport. While comparisons with Bolt have followed many of his races, Gout revealed before the Oslo meeting that Tebogo was the athlete he looked to when he first became interested in track and field.

The connection is shaped in part by their ages. Tebogo’s rise through the junior and senior ranks happened much closer to Gout’s own generation than Bolt’s peak years. The Botswanan sprinter first gained international attention as one of the world’s leading junior athletes before establishing himself among the sport’s elite competitors.

Today, Tebogo has become one of the biggest names in sprinting after winning Olympic gold in the men’s 200 metres at the Paris Olympics. The chance to race Tebogo added another layer to Gout’s Diamond League debut.

Tebogo Delivers a Statement Win in Oslo

When the race got underway at Oslo’s Bislett Stadium, Tebogo showed why he remains one of the world’s leading 200-metre runners. The Olympic champion crossed the finish line in 19.84 seconds, making him the only athlete in the field to break the 20-second barrier.

South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile finished second in 20.12, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards claimed third in 20.50.

Gout stopped the clock at 20.60 seconds to finish sixth after a slow start left him with ground to make up against a strong international field. Although it was not the result he had hoped for, Gout later indicated he viewed the race as part of the learning process as he adjusts to competing at the highest level of the sport.

Olympic Champion Urges Patience and Experience

After claiming victory, Tebogo spoke about the importance of experience for young athletes moving into senior competition.

Drawing on his own path through the sport, Tebogo pointed to junior-level racing and careful development as ways for young sprinters to build experience and reduce injury risk before regularly competing against established senior athletes. The exchange added a respectful note to their first Diamond League meeting.

The Oslo result may not have delivered the finish Gout wanted, but the occasion marked another significant step in his development as an athlete. Competing in a Diamond League meeting places athletes among the best in the world, and Gout has already attracted major attention as a teenager through his performances on the track.



As a young athlete, Gout was watching Tebogo climb through the international ranks. In Oslo, he was standing on the same starting line.

Published 11-June-2026

Southern Queensland Detective Among Seven QPS Officers Awarded Australia’s Top Policing Honour

A senior Queensland Police Service detective with a career spanning youth justice, child protection and illicit firearm crime has been named among seven QPS officers awarded the Australian Police Medal, the nation’s highest policing honour, as part of the 2026 King’s Birthday awards.


Read: New Ripley Police Station Opens as Ipswich District HQ, Strengthening Local Policing


Detective Superintendent George Marchesini, Regional Crime Coordinator for the QPS Southern Region, which covers the Ipswich, Darling Downs and South West policing districts, received the medal in recognition of his long career in frontline policing across some of law enforcement’s most demanding areas.

The Australian Police Medal is awarded by the Governor-General of Australia on behalf of the Sovereign. It recognises distinguished service in law enforcement, community safety, emergency response and governance, and is presented to only a small number of officers nationally each year.

Australian Police Medal (Photo credit: The Governor-General of Australia)

According to the QPS, Detective Superintendent Marchesini developed initiatives and strategies that provided frontline officers with enhanced safety processes and decision-making tools, as well as more effective information and intelligence sharing across units and agencies. He also developed programs to support early intervention and reduce repeat offending.

Detective Superintendent Marchesini was one of seven QPS officers named in this year’s King’s Birthday list. He is joined by Chief Superintendent Marcus Hill of the Aviation Capability Group, Chief Inspector Tyler Crosby, Detective Inspector Lisa Scully of the Ethical Standards Command, Retired Senior Sergeant Ritchie Callaghan, Senior Sergeant R of the Special Emergency Response Team, and Rockhampton Highway Patrol Sergeant Christopher Sullivan.

QPS Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing, himself an APM recipient from 2008, extended congratulations to all award recipients.

“The 2026 King’s Birthday awards represent the highest standard of policing, law enforcement and emergency service across the country, and our recipients embody the integrity, respect and courage the QPS is guided by,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.

“Their dedication to serving the community with compassion, professionalism and integrity reflects the very best of the QPS, and I proudly acknowledge their accomplishments. Their contributions across regional operations, frontline support, specialist roles, training and investigations directly strengthen the Service’s ability to enhance community safety.”


Read: Frontline Police Deployment Boosts Springfield and Nearby Suburbs


Two Queensland State Emergency Service members were also recognised in the honours. Cindel Richardson, a volunteer with more than 20 years of SES service, received the Emergency Service Medal for her work in search and rescue, disaster response and community preparedness. Far Western Area Controller John Wallace was also awarded the ESM for more than three decades of service coordinating volunteer capability across southwestern and far western Queensland. 

Published 9-June-2026

Greenbank Sporting Community United by Loss of David McBey


Greenbank’s sporting community does not often speak with one voice. Rugby league clubs, football clubs and touch football organisations each have their own competitions, volunteers and priorities. Yet in the hours following the sudden passing of David McBey, they found common ground in their grief.



The longtime leader of Middle Green Sports is being remembered across Greenbank as a man whose influence reached far beyond a single club. Tributes from sporting groups, community organisations and residents have painted a picture of someone who spent years helping local teams find a home, build connections and keep community sport moving.

McBey’s death was announced by Middle Green, where he served in leadership roles for many years, including as president, manager and secretary. They described him as a central figure in its history and someone who dedicated much of his life to creating a place where people could come together through sport.

The Man Behind Middle Green

For many people in Greenbank, David McBey and Middle Green were closely linked.

Public records show McBey held senior positions within the organisation for more than a decade. His professional profile indicates he became president of Middle Green in 2010 and later held management roles that helped guide the club’s growth.

His involvement coincided with a period in which Middle Green strengthened its position as a major community sporting venue in the district. A 2019 story identified McBey as the club’s General Manager and highlighted Middle Green’s role in bringing local residents together.

Those who knew him say his contribution extended well beyond administration. He became a familiar face around the grounds and someone many clubs turned to when they needed support.

A Leader Respected Across Different Sports

The breadth of tributes following McBey’s passing offers perhaps the clearest measure of his influence.

At Greenbank Raiders, club representatives remembered him as a dedicated supporter who gave significant time and energy to the local rugby league community. They said his impact on players, families and volunteers would be felt for years to come.

A similar message came from Teviot Downs Soccer Club, which reflected on McBey’s willingness to help when access to sporting fields was needed. The club credited him with working alongside community organisations and helping create opportunities for local players.

His support also extended to touch football. In 2021, South Queensland & Border Districts Touch acknowledged McBey’s role in helping establish Middle Green Touch, an initiative that expanded sporting opportunities within the area.

Together, the tributes suggest McBey became a trusted figure across multiple sporting codes, earning respect not through public recognition but through years of practical support for clubs and volunteers.

A Lasting Mark on Greenbank

Messages shared by residents following his death have echoed many of the same themes. Friends, colleagues and community members remembered a man known for his welcoming nature, his commitment to local sport and his belief in bringing people together.

Many also reflected on the role he played in helping Middle Green evolve into one of the district’s most recognised sporting venues.

While scoreboards change every weekend and seasons come and go, the response to McBey’s passing has shown that his greatest contribution may have been the relationships he helped build.

For a community that gathers on fields, sidelines and club grounds throughout the year, David McBey’s legacy lives on in the sporting culture he helped strengthen across Greenbank.



Publish 8-June-2026

Morris Runs Riot as Lions Silence Suns and End Losing Streak in QClash

Three straight losses had raised questions about Brisbane’s premiership credentials. Logan Morris helped provide the answer with a career-best seven-goal performance.

The young forward delivered the best game of his AFL career as the Lions snapped their losing streak and tightened their grip on the QClash rivalry, defeating Gold Coast 15.16 (106) to 11.9 (75) at People First Stadium in Round 13 of the 2026 AFL Premiership season.

In a game Brisbane badly needed, Morris was the standout, but he had plenty of company. Lachie Neale was outstanding around the contest, the Lions controlled the stoppages for much of the evening, and the visitors looked far more like the side that lifted last year’s premiership cup than the team that had dropped its previous three matches.

The result handed Brisbane a timely boost heading into the middle of the season and extended a remarkable run of success against their Queensland rivals.

Lions Strike First and Keep Their Foot on the Pedal

The visitors could hardly have asked for a better start.

Jarrod Berry opened the scoring inside the first two minutes before Charlie Cameron and Morris added goals as Brisbane raced to a four-goal lead.

Gold Coast eventually settled through Ben King, but the Lions had already established the shape of the contest. They were winning the ball at the source, forcing turnovers and moving it with far greater purpose than they had shown in recent weeks.

Morris was at the centre of much of the early damage. The key forward kicked two goals in the opening term and looked dangerous whenever the ball entered Brisbane’s attacking arc.

By quarter-time the Lions held a 4.3 to 2.2 advantage and carried clear momentum.

Morris Turns a Strong Night Into a Career Night

Gold Coast made its move early in the second quarter.

King’s second goal narrowed the gap and the Suns enjoyed a period of territorial control as Ned Moyle gave the home side first use around stoppages.

The challenge lasted only briefly.

Morris took over.

He kicked four goals in the second term alone, finding space inside 50 and making the most of his opportunities. By halftime he had five majors beside his name and Brisbane had stretched the margin to 34 points.

While Morris was finishing the work, Neale was driving it. The dual Brownlow medallist repeatedly won contested possessions and clearances, helping Brisbane control both the tempo and field position. Gold Coast stars Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson were restricted to single-digit disposal counts by the main break as Brisbane’s midfield asserted itself.

Suns Keep Coming, But Brisbane Has the Answers

The Suns were far from finished.

King continued to present a threat, Jed Walter hit the scoreboard and Christian Petracca worked his way into the contest as Gold Coast searched for a route back into the match.

There were moments when the margin looked manageable. There were periods when the home crowd sensed a surge.

Each time Brisbane found a response.

Ty Gallop, Conor McKenna and Darcy Fort all contributed important goals, while Morris pushed his tally to six before the final change.

The Lions were not flawless. Their finishing occasionally let them down and Gold Coast remained efficient whenever it generated opportunities. But Brisbane consistently won the critical contests around the ball and prevented the Suns from building sustained momentum.

Midfield Battle Decides the Contest

Much of the damage was done at stoppages.

Brisbane finished with a 31-21 advantage in clearances and generated more than twice as many inside-50 entries from stoppages as Gold Coast. The Lions converted that dominance into a significant scoring advantage from the source that mattered most.

Neale was central to that effort.

The dual Brownlow medallist produced one of his strongest displays of the season and joined an exclusive group of Lions players to record at least 35 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 10 clearances in a QClash.

For a Brisbane side that had been searching for its identity over the previous month, the performance around the contest was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the night.

A Statement Finish

Gold Coast never stopped attacking.

King finished with four goals, while Ben Long added two in the final quarter as the Suns continued to search for a late rally.

Brisbane never looked rattled.

Its pressure remained high, its midfield continued to win territory and, fittingly, Morris delivered the final flourish. His seventh goal arrived midway through the last term, setting a new career high and capping a performance that will rank among the finest of his young career.

When the final siren sounded, the Lions had ended their losing streak with a 31-point victory and reminded the competition that they remain a dangerous proposition when their best football surfaces.

For a side that entered the night under scrutiny, it was exactly the response Brisbane needed.

Goals

Gold Coast: Ben King 4, Jed Walter 2, Ben Long 2, Matt Rowell, Christian Petracca, Mac Andrew

Brisbane: Logan Morris 7, Charlie Cameron 2, Jarrod Berry, James Tunstill, Sam Draper, Ty Gallop, Conor McKenna, Darcy Fort

Final Score

Brisbane Lions 15.16 (106)
Gold Coast Suns 11.9 (75)

New Heart Foundation Walking Group Brings Community Together at Spring Lake Park

A new walking group has set up at Spring Lake Park in Springfield Lakes, giving locals a fresh reason to get outside.


Read: Fitness Activities For All Ages in Springfield Lakes


The Spring Lake Park Heart Foundation Walking Group held its first walk on 3 June, giving residents a free, relaxed way to get moving together. Open to all fitness levels, the group meets at Spring Lake Park in Springfield Lakes and is part of the national Heart Foundation Walking program, which connects Australians through community-based walking.

Whether you’re a regular walker or someone just starting out, all you need are some comfortable shoes and a willingness to show up. Walk at your own pace, and enjoy the company. There’s no cost to join and no pressure to keep up — just walk at whatever pace suits you.

Photo credit: Facebook/Spring Lake Park Walking Group

“This is a friendly, free community walking group designed to help you stay active, improve your heart health, and connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment,” the group shared on its Facebook page. “All fitness levels welcome. Walk at your own pace.”

The group itself describes Spring Lake Park as “a beautiful spot to get moving and enjoy the outdoors,” and it’s easy to see why it was chosen as the meeting place.

Why walking matters more than you might think

Photo credit: Pexels/ Jari Lobo 

It’s easy to underestimate a walk around the park, but the Heart Foundation promotes regular walking as one of the most accessible ways to support heart health. According to the organisation, walking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, help manage blood pressure and cholesterol, improve your daily mood, and strengthen social wellbeing.

The Heart Foundation has also flagged that three in four Australians have a Heart Age higher than their actual age, often driven by risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history. For many people, a heart attack or stroke can be the very first sign of heart disease, which is why taking small, consistent steps toward better health matters.

Getting active through walking can improve fitness and heart health, lift mood and energy levels, and help people feel more connected to their community. The program offers both group walks and personal walking plans through its website, with goal setting, progress tracking, and device integration for those who like to keep tabs on their steps.

How to get involved

The group launched in April 2026. Anyone keen to join can follow the group’s Facebook page for updates on walk dates and times, as well as any changes due to weather.

It costs nothing to join. Follow the Facebook page for the latest details on meeting times and what to expect on the day.


Read: Springfield Lakes Residents Asked: Is Your Suburb Actually Built for Walking?


For those who’d prefer to walk solo, the Heart Foundation Walking website also offers free personal walking plans with tips, tools, and support to help you get the most out of every step.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a bit more active, this might be exactly the nudge you needed.

Published 5-June-2026

Springfield HOPE Hub Opens at Orion Springfield Central for Domestic and Family Violence Victim-Survivors

The Springfield HOPE Hub has officially opened its doors at Orion Springfield Central, giving women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Ipswich region a safe, confidential, and accessible place to seek help close to home.


Read: New HOPE Hub Planned At Springfield Central


The hub, operated by Beyond DV, is the first of three planned hubs to be established under a $7.8 million, five-year investment in wrap-around recovery services. It joins an existing hub at Carindale, with more locations to follow.

Photo credit: Facebook/Beyond DV

The Springfield HOPE Hub offers victim-survivors access to a broad range of services under one roof, including trauma-informed counselling, social, health, housing, legal, and financial assistance. Designed with privacy and comfort in mind, the space features a welcoming reception area, private consultation rooms for confidential counselling sessions, a training room, and a balcony breakout space. It is staffed seven days a week by a trained counsellor, coordinator, and receptionist.

A Space Where People Can Simply Walk In

Photo credit: Facebook/Beyond DV

The choice of a shopping centre location reflects a broader philosophy around accessibility and reducing stigma. Beyond DV Founder and Managing Director Carolyn Robinson said the Orion Springfield Central location was key to making support more reachable for those who might otherwise never ask for it.

“Having the Springfield HOPE Hub located within Orion Springfield Central helps make support more visible, approachable and accessible for people who may otherwise never seek assistance,” Ms Robinson said.

“The HOPE Hub model is designed to remove barriers to support by creating a safe environment where people can walk in, ask questions, seek advice and access practical help provided by trained staff, seven days a week.”

Photo credit: Facebook/Beyond DV

Mirvac Orion Springfield Central Portfolio Manager Melanie Hodge said the opening was a milestone she was truly proud of.

“Shopping centres sit at the heart of local communities, and by hosting this trauma-informed, wrap-around support service, we have an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence across the Springfield region,” Ms Hodge said.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the opening, pointing to the city’s rapid growth as reason to have support services available close to home.

“Ipswich is the fastest growing city in Queensland, with Springfield and neighbouring Ripley at the forefront of this growth. Having the new HOPE Hub opening in Springfield will ensure Ipswich families can reach the support they need, close to home,” Mayor Harding said.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said shopping centres were “ideal locations for these hubs, offering an accessible entry point for victim-survivors while reducing the stigma often associated with seeking help.”


Read: New Ripley Police Station Opens as Ipswich District HQ, Strengthening Local Policing


The Springfield HOPE Hub represents a tangible, community-level response to domestic and family violence in the region. Whether someone is in crisis or simply looking for information, the hub’s doors are open seven days a week.

For more information or to access support, visit the Beyond DV website at beyonddv.org.au.

Published 28-May-2026

Giants Rip Lions Apart In Historic Third-Quarter Meltdown As Brisbane’s Familiar Problem Returns

For most of the first half, this looked like the sort of contest Brisbane would happily grind through.

The Lions were under pressure at times, particularly when Greater Western Sydney moved the ball quickly and got their dangerous forwards involved, but they stayed close enough to remain firmly in the contest. Eight lead changes before half-time reflected how even the game had been, with neither side able to establish meaningful control.

By the main break, the Giants led by just six points. Brisbane had every reason to believe the afternoon was still there to be won.

Instead, it turned into one of Brisbane’s worst third-quarter collapses in recent memory.

Greater Western Sydney’s third-term explosion was not merely decisive; it was historic. The Giants slammed on 14.2 (86), the highest third-quarter score recorded in V/AFL history, transforming what had been a live contest into a complete dismantling. By the time the final siren arrived at Engie Stadium, Brisbane had been beaten 26.10 (166) to 13.10 (88) in Round 11 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership.

For a side with genuine premiership ambitions, the margin alone is troubling. The bigger concern is that the warning signs had already been there.

The Game Brisbane Thought It Was Playing

Conor McKenna’s opening goal gave Brisbane the ideal start, the Irishman gathering cleanly and finishing with the kind of confidence that suggested the visitors had settled quickly.

That impression held for much of the first half.

Toby Greene was influential early, Jake Riccardi found dangerous positions inside 50, and the Giants repeatedly looked capable of putting together quick bursts of scoring. Brisbane, though, did enough around stoppage in the first half to stay in touch.

Lachie Neale worked tirelessly in traffic, Charlie Cameron capitalised on an opposition mistake, and Cam Rayner looked threatening whenever the ball came near him. There was pressure, intensity and momentum swings, but also enough resilience from Brisbane to suggest this was a genuine contest between two quality sides rather than a one-sided ambush in waiting.

At half-time, nothing about the scoreboard hinted at what was about to follow.

When The Match Got Away Completely

The unraveling began almost immediately after the restart.

Phoenix Gothard struck within seconds, but even then there was no obvious indication Brisbane was about to disappear from the contest altogether. What followed, however, was the sort of collapse that can leave a side searching for explanations long after the final siren.

Jake Stringer imposed himself physically. Aaron Cadman joined the scoring. Greene became almost impossible to contain. Brent Daniels repeatedly drove the Giants forward, and once Brisbane began losing territory, possession and composure in quick succession, the match accelerated away from them.

The most alarming aspect was not simply the volume of scoring, but the complete absence of any meaningful response.

The Giants hurt Brisbane from turnover, from stoppage and in transition. Every attempted adjustment felt temporary at best. By the middle of the quarter, Brisbane had lost any meaningful control.

Chris Fagan offered no softened interpretation afterwards.

“They played an unbelievable third quarter,” he said.

“When you look at the scores, we lost the first quarter by six, we evened the second quarter, and we won the last quarter. But we lost this third quarter by 83 points. We got smashed everywhere — at the contest and ball movement. We couldn’t stop it; they just controlled the game.”

It was an unusually stark assessment, but not an inaccurate one.

The More Concerning Part Is That This Keeps Happening

If this had arrived in isolation, Brisbane might simply absorb the embarrassment and move on.

Fagan made clear that is not how he sees it.

The Lions have now been badly exposed after half-time for three consecutive weeks, first against Carlton, then Geelong, and now in far more dramatic fashion against the Giants.

“Unfortunately, and to be truthful, our third quarters have been a problem for us for the last three weeks,” Fagan said.

“We had a good lead against Carlton a few weeks ago and squandered a fair bit of that in the third quarter. Geelong got us in the third quarter last week, and it happened again today. We need to have a talk with the group and work out what’s happening there.”

That is where the real significance of this result lies.

Every contender has a poor afternoon. Repeated collapses in the same phase of matches suggest something more structural — whether physical, tactical or mental — and Brisbane currently looks vulnerable in exactly the areas that successful September sides are normally built on.

A Better Final Quarter, But Little Comfort

To their credit, the Lions did not completely abandon the afternoon.

Logan Morris ended a lengthy goal drought in the final quarter, Rayner continued to compete, and Brisbane at least showed enough resistance to avoid the sort of total surrender that would have made the result even uglier.

Fagan acknowledged that response, though only in relative terms.

“The body language wasn’t good,” he said.

“I talked to them about that at three-quarter time and said, ‘Now, the challenge is this last quarter. Can we actually turn it around and get something out of the game for next week?’”

There was some response, but not enough to materially change the reading of the afternoon.

Stringer and Greene each finished with five goals, Clayton Oliver controlled the midfield with 37 disposals and 11 clearances, while Finn Callaghan still managed to influence the game despite close attention from Josh Dunkley.

For Brisbane, Neale battled hard, while Rayner and Kai Lohmann each kicked three.

The Timing Could Hardly Be Worse

The Lions now have a meeting with ladder leaders Fremantle.

That would be a daunting assignment under any circumstances. Carrying a recurring issue that has now been exposed three weeks in succession makes it considerably more uncomfortable.

Because what Brisbane produced in that third quarter looked less like a bad patch and more like a side losing its grip on the things it normally does best.

Final Score
GWS GIANTS 26.10 (166) def Brisbane Lions 13.10 (88)

Published 25-May-2026

New Redbank First Aid Training Venue Opens for Brisbane’s Western Corridor

My First Aid Course has opened a new training venue in Redbank, giving residents across Springfield Lakes, Goodna, Collingwood Park, Riverview, Ipswich and surrounding western corridor suburbs a locally accessible option for CPR and first aid certification without travelling into central Brisbane.



The Redbank venue is one of two new locations the Brisbane-based provider has recently launched, alongside a new venue at 74 Station Road in Indooroopilly.

Together they bring My First Aid Course’s Brisbane network to eight locations, spanning the city’s north, south, east and now its western and inner-western corridors, with the Redbank site sitting closest to the outer south-west growth suburbs.

Easier access for the western growth corridor

My First Aid Course trainer Mal Thompson said convenience is what ultimately determines whether people stay current with their first aid certification. “If people can attend closer to home, they are more likely to stay current and more likely to remember what to do when it counts,” he said.

Photo Credit: My First Aid Course

“The first few minutes of an emergency matter. We want more people to feel confident stepping in, whether that is at work, at a sports field, at home, or in a shopping centre.”

That friction — the time, the parking, the distance — is particularly real for the western corridor. Springfield Lakes alone has grown substantially since its first residential stages opened in the late 1990s, and its residents work across construction, logistics, healthcare, childcare, disability support, aged care and retail, industries where first aid certification is often a mandatory workplace requirement.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The Redbank venue runs bi-weekly first aid and CPR courses, delivering both standard and advanced workplace-ready training, giving the corridor reliable and regular access rather than an occasional offering.

A training model built around flexibility

My First Aid Course uses a blended learning format, with most theory completed online at each student’s own pace, followed by a short practical assessment at the venue. The HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course, the standard requirement for most workplaces, schools and community organisations, requires a two-hour practical session after online pre-reading is complete.

Photo Credit: My First Aid Course

The CPR-only course (HLTAID009) requires a short face-to-face practical session in person.

The practical component covers CPR technique, defibrillator awareness, emergency scenario management and hands-on skills that cannot be developed through online learning alone.

Photo Credit: My First Aid Course

Certificates are issued the same day on weekdays when online prerequisites are completed in advance, making it straightforward for workers who need documentation quickly for a new role or compliance renewal.

The provider has 30 years of professional training experience, and all trainers hold the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Courses are delivered through Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909, a nationally registered training organisation, meaning certificates are recognised across Queensland and Australia.

The courses now available in Redbank

The Redbank venue offers CPR (HLTAID009, currently $49), first aid (HLTAID011, $98), childcare first aid (HLTAID012, $123) and advanced first aid, covering the full range of certifications most residents and workplaces in the western corridor are likely to need. Onsite group bookings are also available for workplaces wanting to train multiple staff members without requiring them to travel.

For small businesses, childcare centres, trade teams and community organisations in Springfield Lakes and surrounding suburbs, having a venue this close makes compliance renewals considerably easier to manage.

To book or view upcoming course dates at the Redbank venue, click here.



Published 20-May-2026

Got a Trombone? Ipswich Wants 400 Players for World Record Attempt

Ipswich is recruiting 400 trombonists of all ages and abilities to attempt a Guinness World Record for the largest trombone ensemble at Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct, as part of the 2026 SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival.



The massive attempt kicks off on Sunday 12 July. To smash the current world record of 369 musicians set in the Netherlands back in 2012, Ipswich needs at least 370 players to show up and play on the day. Organisers are not just looking to scrape through, targeting 400 trombonists to clear the line with a comfortable margin and make the moment truly unforgettable.

Players of all ages and skill levels can sign up now to help secure the title, though everyone will need to bring their own trombone along.

For anyone who has ever played a trombone and let it gather dust, or for young students still learning the slide positions, this is a genuinely once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of a piece of history in a city that takes its arts seriously.

The man behind the plan

The record attempt is being organised by Matt Chambers, Music Director of the Ipswich City Big Band, who came up with the concept as a way to celebrate the instrument and bring the community together through music. His son Callum Chambers is involved in the preparations alongside him.

Photo Credit: ICCB

“We welcome people of all ages and abilities to be part of the world record attempt,” Matt said. “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we’ll have music suited to different skill levels and plenty of support in the lead up. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attempt this world record, have fun and put local musicians on the world stage.”

The piece the ensemble will perform is 76 Trombones, the iconic march from the 1957 Broadway musical The Music Man, written by Meredith Willson, which has since become one of the most recognised pieces for trombone in the world, performed by marching bands, orchestras and brass ensembles across every continent.

There is something almost perfectly fitting about a world record attempt for the largest trombone ensemble being anchored by a song that has always celebrated exactly that image.

A festival that sets the scene

The record attempt forms part of SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival, which returns for 8 to 12 July 2026 with a programme of arts, music, theatre and live experiences across the city. The full programme will be announced on the SPARK website in coming months, but the trombone world record attempt on the final day of the festival is shaping up as its centrepiece event.

Photo Credit: ICC/Facebook

Ipswich has a strong musical heritage, with the region producing talented musicians across multiple genres, and the Nicholas Street Precinct provides an ideal open-air setting for a performance of this scale, with Tulmur Place offering a central, accessible gathering point in the heart of the city.

How to register

Registrations are free and open now. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. You must bring your own trombone on the day. Music will be provided at different skill levels to ensure everyone can participate confidently, and support will be available in the lead-up.

To register, visit the Ipswich World’s Largest Trombone Ensemble World Record Attempt website. For more on the SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival, click here.



Published 19-May-2026