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Woolloongabba Centre Powers Queensland’s Landmark Count of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Photo Credit: Breast Cancer Network Australia/ Facebook

Queensland has achieved a significant milestone by officially recognising 3,863 women living with metastatic breast cancer, a pivotal step towards better understanding and supporting this community, with the comprehensive data collation efforts stemming from Cancer Alliance Queensland‘s headquarters in Woolloongabba.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Queensland Minister for Women Fiona Simpson, highlighting a shift from decades of these patients being overlooked in official statistics.

This new data represents all individuals diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1982 and 2024 who are currently living with metastatic breast cancer as of late 2024. Metastatic breast cancer is a treatable but incurable condition, and until now, women living with this life-limiting disease in Queensland were not officially counted.

Acknowledging the Invisible Community

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has praised the release of this vital information. The organisation stated that this recognition means every person living with metastatic breast cancer in Queensland is now seen and counted, a welcome change after years of advocacy.

Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, noted that this breakthrough is crucial for the Queensland health system to effectively plan services, direct resources, and invest in research that truly meets the specific needs of these women. She added that for too long, governments had forgotten that “incurable doesn’t mean invisible,” and this data proves their presence, their importance, and their right to be included.

Larissa Erzitech, a 43-year-old Brisbane mother of two living with metastatic breast cancer, expressed that being counted is the starting point for visibility. She explained that without being in the data, individuals are often not considered in decision-making processes. For Queenslanders with metastatic breast cancer, accurate data collection will lead to improvements in their longevity and quality of life.

Driving Better Care and Policy

Danica Cossio, Senior Director at Cancer Alliance Queensland (CAQ), added that this newfound visibility in data directly leads to visibility in policy and practice. She highlighted that Queensland’s approach establishes a new standard for recognising and supporting people living with metastatic breast cancer, ensuring their needs are finally addressed and potentially paving the way for similar reforms for other types of metastatic cancer.

Minister Simpson expressed pride in Queensland’s nation-leading role in improving dignity, recognition, and providing better care for metastatic breast cancer patients. She also noted the potential for greater access to life-extending treatments and clinical trials. Queensland is only the second state in Australia to implement this change in health data reporting, and early indications suggest previous national estimates significantly underestimated the true number of metastatic breast cancer patients.

Key Statistics and Demographics

*Photo Credit:* *Breast Cancer Network Australia/ Facebook*

The new data from Queensland provides a clearer picture of the metastatic breast cancer population:

A total of 3,863 women are living with metastatic breast cancer in Queensland.
The majority of these women are aged 60 or older, with 1,120 (29%) aged 60–69, 1,043 (27%) aged 70–79, and 579 (15%) aged 80 or older.
However, the disease also impacts younger women, including 85 individuals under 40 (2%), 301 aged 40–49 (8%), and 734 aged 50–59 (19%).
Among those counted, 88 are First Nations women, making up 2.4% of the total.

The Local Impact of Cancer Alliance Queensland

This achievement is the result of decades of advocacy by BCNA, combined with the efforts of clinicians, researchers, and women with lived experience. It forms part of a broader national movement led by BCNA to ensure all individuals in Australia are counted and supported.

Cancer Alliance Queensland, located at Level 1, B2/2 Burke Street, Woolloongabba, played a crucial role in gathering this data. CAQ leverages its extensive data capabilities through the Queensland Oncology Repository – one of Australia’s most comprehensive population-based cancer databases.

This repository identifies women diagnosed since 1982 and uses advanced data integration techniques to identify those living with metastatic disease. The Repository draws information from multiple sources, including the Queensland Cancer Register, the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, and detailed treatment records, offering a precise view of the metastatic breast cancer population in the state.

Cancer Alliance Queensland combines the Queensland Cancer Control Safety and Quality Partnership, Queensland Cancer Control Analysis Team, and the Queensland Cancer Register. Working with the Department of Health, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, and various health facilities and external organisations, CAQ aims to support and promote clinician-led improvements in cancer services across Queensland.

Their 2024-26 strategic plan focuses on engagement, leadership, and impact, committed to measurable success and providing clear insights into how the healthcare system performs to improve cancer care and patient outcomes for all Queenslanders.

Published Date 17-Jun-2025

Slipstream Brewing Co. Takes Out Top Pub Honours In Queensland

Photo Credit: slipstreambrewing/instagram

Slipstream Brewing Co. in Yeerongpilly has been voted the best pub in Queensland, beating out competition from across the state and kicking off celebrations by hosting this year’s official Queensland Day awards event at its bustling Brisbane venue.

Early Recognition And A Double Celebration

The announcement came on Friday, 6 June 2025, during Queensland Day’s “All the Best” campaign, which drew over 61,000 public votes across 15 categories. Slipstream Brewing Co. was named the state’s best pub and hosted the official awards event at its Yeerongpilly venue.

*Photo Credit: slipstreambrewing/instagram*

Media crews, fellow winners, and Premier David Crisafulli gathered for the celebration. The timing also marked Slipstream’s eighth anniversary, adding to the sense of occasion. The recognition highlighted the venue’s strong local following and growing reputation in Brisbane’s craft beer scene.

Community Support Behind The Win

Slipstream Brewing Co. credited its Queensland Day win to strong community support and public votes. The team expressed gratitude online, noting the recognition reflects years of hard work. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food, and on-site brewed craft beer, the Yeerongpilly venue has built a loyal local following.

Just weeks earlier, it was named Champion Small Australian Brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards. That national honour further boosted its reputation among beer lovers across the country.

A Proud Moment For Brisbane’s Craft Scene

While many might have expected a more traditional or well-known venue to take the top pub title, Slipstream’s win shows the impact of local engagement and quality experiences. Their Queensland Pale Ale, the Billy Cart Pale Ale, was also named a finalist in the state’s top beer category. Though it didn’t win that title, the brewery’s growing presence in multiple award categories reflects its standing within Queensland’s food and beverage community.

For the Yeerongpilly neighbourhood, the recognition brought positive attention and a chance to show off what the area has to offer. The brewery has become a local meeting place and is increasingly seen as a drawcard for visitors exploring Brisbane’s inner south.

Queensland Day And Its Wider Meaning

Queensland Day celebrates the state’s separation from New South Wales in 1859 and highlights local pride. This year’s “All the Best” campaign showcased favourite spots to eat, drink and visit across the state.

Slipstream Brewing Co.’s win as best pub was one of the most talked-about moments online. While the idea of making the day a public holiday was raised, no clear answer was given. For Slipstream and its supporters, the focus stayed on celebrating the award, their anniversary, and the strong community behind them.

Published 10-June-2025

Historic Boggo Road Gaol in Dutton Park Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Major Transport Hub Transformation

The historic Boggo Road Gaol faces an uncertain future as a public attraction, even as Dutton Park is dramatically reshaped by a new transport interchange and mixed-use development.

Boggo Road Gaol’s Lingering Closure

The future of the heritage-listed Boggo Road Gaol, a site that once housed Queensland’s most notorious criminals and later became a popular tourist spot, is currently under review by the Department of Housing and Public Works. Access to the former prison was suspended in 2022 to allow for construction of the adjacent Boggo Road Village. Jack Sim, an entrepreneur who ran popular history and ghost tours at the gaol for nearly three decades, has stated his tours have been on hold indefinitely since that time.

He expressed concern about the lack of a firm date for tours to resume, especially with the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Department has acknowledged the gaol’s importance to Queensland’s history and indicated that a strategic precinct planning process is underway to inform decisions about its future use, including potential reopening and showcasing its heritage for international and local visitors.

Boggo Road Village Nearing Completion

Adjacent to the historic gaol, the Boggo Road Village, a two-storey office and retail complex by Stockwell developer, is expected to open by the end of 2025. This mixed-use development will be anchored by an IGA supermarket and include twelve specialty retailers and ten commercial suites.

The project, located between the former prison and the Ecosciences Precinct, saw Brisbane City Council approve plans for a “boutique commercial development” in 2021, with construction commencing in 2022. Earlier proposals for the state-owned land, which included demolishing parts of the prison built since the 1970s, were revised after community pressure to maintain heritage elements and improve transport corridors.

Transforming the Transport Landscape

The area is also undergoing a significant transport upgrade, with the former Park Road railway station transitioning to be officially known as Boggo Road Station. This renaming, which began in August 2024, aims to unify the rail services with the existing Boggo Road busway, creating a more user-friendly interchange. This change will make it easier for commuters to transfer between the Beenleigh, Gold Coast, and Cleveland rail lines and bus services at one central location.

As part of the massive Cross River Rail project, two new underground rail platforms are being added at Boggo Road. This expansion is set to dramatically increase the station’s capacity, with projections indicating it will become South East Queensland’s second busiest transport interchange by 2036, serving over 22,000 commuters each weekday.

The new underground station will seamlessly connect with the South East Busway and existing above-ground rail station, providing high-frequency links to new stations in Woolloongabba and the Brisbane Central Business District. It will also improve access to the major health, science, and education precinct, including the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Inner City South State Secondary College.

Construction for the Cross River Rail project at Boggo Road is ongoing, with significant progress on the station canopy and underground systems. The new station is anticipated to be operational by early 2026.

A Hub of Innovation and Heritage

Beyond transport, the Boggo Road area is recognised as a vital knowledge and technology precinct, home to important health, science, and education institutions. The precinct’s development includes improved pedestrian and cycling connections, such as a new bridge linking with the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the South East Busway.

The new Boggo Road station will also feature station art created by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists, celebrating Queensland’s rich cultural heritage.

Published Date 09-Jun-2025

St Sebastian’s Parish Commemorates Centenary with Joyful Celebration

St Sebastian’s Parish in Yeronga marked a major milestone this May, celebrating 100 years of faith and community with a joyful centenary Mass and gathering.

Read: St Sebastian’s Yeronga Invites Community to Open Week

The centenary event brought together generations of parishioners, clergy, and local families in a moving tribute to a century of shared belief and resilience. Among the 220-strong congregation were students and families from St Sebastian’s Primary School Yeronga, whose vibrant participation embodied the parish’s enduring spirit and the hope it places in the next generation.

Long-time parishioner Margaret Smith said the celebration was a truly special occasion, noting the beauty of the liturgy, music, and the strong sense of community. She reflected on the importance of honouring those who had come before—individuals who had given so much to the parish and helped shape its role in the broader community.

Mrs Smith, a respected figure at the St Sebastian’s Parish, also contributed research to a commemorative book released for the occasion, 100 Years in Faith, Hope and Love, written by local author Patricia Baker.

Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge led the centenary Mass, assisted by Deacon Andrew O’Brien, parish administrator since the parish adopted a deacon-led model in 2015. According to Mrs Smith, this model has worked well for the community and provides a meaningful and effective way to live out the Church’s mission.

A particularly touching moment came with the participation of centenarian Josie Layden, often affectionately described as being as old as the parish itself. Baptised in Kadumba House in September 1925, she was invited to cut the centenary cake—an honour that brought smiles and applause from those in attendance.

Read: Annerley Community Centre Opens, Supporting Local Initiatives

As voices rose in song and laughter filled the air, the celebration stood as a living testament to the strength of community and faith that has defined the Yeronga Catholic Parish for 100 years—and will continue to guide it into the future.

Published 9-June-2025

Native Bird Decline Tracked to Vegetation Changes in Annerley

Photo Credit: UQ BrisScience/Facebook

Native bird and mammal populations in Annerley are being displaced as urban planting practices create favourable conditions for dominant species like the noisy miner.

Background and Contributing Factors

Vegetation changes across Brisbane suburbs, including Annerley, are contributing to the rise of aggressive bird species and the decline of smaller native wildlife. This issue was the focus of a recent BrisScience public lecture held on 2 June 2025 at The Edge, State Library of Queensland.

Presented by Professor Martine Maron and hosted by The University of Queensland, the session detailed how clearing undergrowth and planting tall, nectar-rich trees create favourable conditions for noisy miners and butcherbirds, while reducing shelter for honeyeaters, finches, and small mammals. The BrisScience series has been delivering accessible science talks to the Brisbane public since 2005.

Impact of Noisy Miners on Local Biodiversity

The noisy miner, Manorina melanocephala, is a native honeyeater species known for its aggressive territorial behaviour. According to the Australian Museum, noisy miners often form large colonies and exclude most other bird species—even larger ones such as kookaburras—from areas they occupy. Their breeding season spans from July to December, during which they become especially active and defensive.

These birds thrive in open areas with tall trees and little understorey, conditions increasingly common in suburban parks and gardens. Annerley Park has been identified as a local example where vegetation choices have contributed to these imbalances.

Annerley native birdlife — *Photo Credit: UQ BrisScience/Facebook*

Council Advice and Alternatives for Residents

BCC recognises the impact of noisy miners and advises against feeding or disturbing them, particularly during nesting season. BCC encourages residents to support local biodiversity by planting shrubs that provide cover and food for a wider variety of species.

While grevilleas are common in urban gardens, they are highly accessible to noisy miners. Alternative options such as smaller varieties of native bottlebrush are recommended. Pete’s Hobby Nursery in Lowood is among the nurseries providing suitable plant species and biodiversity-focused guidance.

All native birds and mammals in Brisbane are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Removing nests or feeding wildlife is discouraged due to its potential to further disrupt ecological balance.

native birds Brisbane — *Photo Credit: UQ BrisScience/Facebook*

Community Engagement and Ongoing Awareness

Residents are encouraged to support conservation efforts by adjusting garden planting choices and participating in habitat-focused initiatives such as the Land for Wildlife program.

Public lectures like BrisScience aim to expand community understanding of these challenges. As concerns about declining native species persist in areas like Annerley, coordinated efforts between residents, scientists, and local authorities remain central to ecological restoration.

Published 7-June-2025

From The Dance Works to Broadway: Sarah Bakker Returns to QPAC

Photo Credit: sjbakkartist/Instagram

A former student of The Dance Works in Brisbane has danced her way from suburban studios to some of the world’s biggest stages, including Broadway and the West End, and now she’s back performing for local crowds at QPAC.

From Local Roots to Global Stages

After years performing overseas, Sarah Bakker has returned to Australia to join the cast of Dusty The Musical – In Concert at QPAC, running from June 5–8. The show celebrates Dusty Springfield’s legacy and stars Amy Lehpamer, with choreography by Michael Ralph. For Bakker, it’s a return to her roots, just minutes from where her journey began at The Dance Works in Brisbane.

She later trained at the Queensland Dance School of Excellence and the Young Conservatorium of Music, earning early roles in Les Misérables, Chicago, and Mary Poppins, where she played Mary more than 130 times. At 23, she debuted on Broadway as Mary in Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre. She also performed in The Phantom of the Opera, both in Australia and on Broadway, understudying the lead role of Christine.

Building a Career Overseas

Bakker’s international career stretched into London’s West End, where she appeared in An American in Paris, Chess, and Mrs Henderson Presents. She played Young Heidi in Follies in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, sharing the stage with veteran performers like Christine Baranski. In these roles, she not only performed but often served as dance captain or understudy for major characters.

She also worked in Europe, joining productions of Evita and bringing her Australian-grown skills to global audiences. These roles helped sharpen her abilities and establish her as a reliable and skilled performer, known for both her singing and dancing.

Back Home With Family and Focus

In 2021, Sarah Bakker returned to Australia and settled in Sydney with her husband and two daughters. She continued performing, joining the ensemble for The Phantom of the Opera in Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour in 2022.

The large-scale outdoor production allowed her to blend musical theatre with opera. This month, she returned to Brisbane to perform in Dusty The Musical – In Concert, reconnecting with the community where her career began. The show’s timing and location held special meaning, marking nearly 20 years since her early training in Queensland.

Inspiring the Next Generation

With stage credits across Broadway, the West End, and Australia, Sarah Bakker’s career offers inspiration to young dancers aiming high. Her path proves that strong local training can open doors to global opportunities.

buy dusty the musical tickets

It all began at The Dance Works, which still nurtures emerging talent in Brisbane. Even after years abroad, Bakker’s return highlights the importance of staying connected to where it all started. Her homecoming is also a nod to the Brisbane arts community that helped shape her journey.

Published 5-June-2025

Man Dies After Assault on Psychiatric Ward at Princess Alexandra Hospital

A man has died following an assault on the psychiatric ward at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, raising questions about safety protocols in mental health care settings.

Incident on Hospital Grounds

The 39-year-old man was reportedly a prisoner receiving care in the secure mental health unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital when he was involved in an altercation with another patient. The incident took place on the ward, which is designed to treat individuals with complex psychiatric needs. The man died two days later on May 4.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

Queensland Police confirmed they were alerted to the “sudden death” on the morning of May 4 and are now leading an investigation through the Corrective Services Investigation Unit. They are looking into whether the death was the result of being physically struck or a medical issue triggered by the confrontation.

Questions About Care and Custody

The man was reportedly under custody at the time of the incident, and his death is now being treated as a “death in custody.” This classification triggers mandatory oversight processes, including a report for the coroner and further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the assault directly caused the man’s death. A spokesperson from Metro South Health said it would not be appropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing, but expressed condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Government Response and Public Concern

Premier David Crisafulli confirmed that Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls had been briefed about the situation. He said a thorough investigation would follow and that the government expected answers. He also noted that any links between the altercation and the man’s death must be carefully reviewed, though he did not comment on specific measures or system failures.

Officials have not publicly released the identities of those involved, citing privacy concerns and the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Community Focus on Mental Health and Safety

The psychiatric unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital treats patients with serious mental illness, including those in custody. The recent death has raised concerns among community members and advocates, who are calling for clearer safety standards in secure wards.

While no further incidents have been reported, the case has reignited debate about mental health care in correctional settings. Advocates stress that safety must be balanced with the need for supportive, therapeutic environments.

Published 5-June-2025

Yeronga Water Polo Club Among QLD Junior Sport Grant Recipients

Photo Credit: Mermaids Water Polo

A junior water polo club based in Yeronga has received a grant for equipment and uniforms, as part of a broader $160,000 boost awarded to more than 50 Queensland junior sports clubs.

Background of the Grant Program

The 2025 Active Kids Grant, delivered by the Australian Sports Foundation with backing from The Dickinson Foundation, distributed more than $600,000 worth of equipment and uniforms nationwide. In Queensland alone, over 50 junior sports organisations were funded, with an average of approximately $3,000 allocated per club. Yeronga’s Mermaids Water Polo Inc was one of the few to receive the upper end of the distribution, securing $5,999 in support.

The grant program has been running since 2020, delivering more than $2.4 million in support to over 600 grassroots clubs across Australia.

Yeronga Club Profile and Growth

Founded in 2013 by former Australian water polo player Nicola Johnson, Mermaids Water Polo started with just 13 players. Over the past decade, it has expanded into one of Brisbane’s largest junior water polo organisations, now fielding around 30 teams across different competition levels. Based at the Yeronga Pool, the club supports athletes from beginner to elite level.

Young players from the club have competed in Brisbane Water Polo competitions and earned representation at both state and national levels. In 2024, Mermaids won under-12 and under-14 state titles, and also claimed the under-12 national championship.

Mermaids Water Polo Club — *Photo Credit: Mermaids Water Polo*

Equipment Needs and Impact

The funding will be used to supply updated uniforms and equipment to support players of all abilities. Items will be delivered through official suppliers HART Sport and ISC Sport. The grant is expected to ease financial pressure on families and volunteers, helping maintain access to competitive and developmental sport.

According to the Australian Sports Foundation, many clubs face challenges in acquiring necessary gear. The grant aims to improve inclusion by reducing cost-related barriers and encouraging broader participation in community sports.

Looking Ahead

Applications for the 2026 round of the Active Kids Grant will open early next year. In the meantime, clubs like the Mermaids Water Polo in Yeronga can continue accessing support through the Australian Sports Foundation’s fundraising platform.

Published 5-June-2025

Yeronga Junior Sports Club Score Significant Funding Boost

Photo Credit: Yeronga FC

Yeronga Eagles FC is set to benefit from a major financial injection, securing approximately $2,700 for new equipment as part of a state-wide initiative.

Queensland junior sporting clubs, stretching from Cairns to Longreach and across to the Gold Coast, are sharing in over $160,000 worth of uniforms and equipment, designed to support the physical and mental well-being of young people.

This significant boost is a result of a partnership between the Dickinson Foundation and the Australian Sports Foundation, with an average of around $3,000 allocated to more than 50 clubs throughout the state.

Community Impact

Yeronga Eagles FC — *Photo Credit:* *Yeronga FC*

Grassroots clubs like those in Yeronga are recognised as vital to Australian sport, fostering healthier and happier communities. The funding aims to provide essential uniforms and sporting equipment, sourced from HART Sport and ISC, to a wide array of sports including soccer, netball, rugby union, tennis, and Aussie rules, alongside numerous smaller sporting organisations.

The Australian Sports Foundation’s chief executive stated that the organisation is proud to collaborate with partners and generous donors to offer practical support such as uniforms and equipment. They also aim to provide clubs with the necessary tools to fundraise effectively through their platform.

Easing Financial Pressure

A representative from the Dickinson Foundation explained that their family’s donation, with roughly one-third directed to Queensland clubs, will help to ease the financial strain on families trying to keep their children involved in sport.

They further commented that these grants are crucial in helping local clubs provide the uniforms and equipment young Australians require to feel included, remain active, and succeed in their chosen sport, especially during a time of increased financial pressures on households.

Yeronga Eagles Identity

It is important to note that when referring to “Yeronga Eagles FC,” there are at least two prominent sporting clubs in Yeronga, QLD, that use “Eagles” in their name or have a connection to the area.

One is the Yeronga Eagles Football Club, which is a soccer club involved in various Football Queensland leagues, known for its community-driven culture. The other is the Yeronga South Brisbane Football Club, often called “Yeronga” or the “Devils,” which is an Australian Rules Football club playing in AFL Queensland leagues.

Published Date 02-Jun-2025

Windfall Triggers Travel Plans for Local Resident in Annerley

Photo Credit: Pexels

An Annerley man is preparing for his first overseas holiday in years after receiving a financial boost of over $100,000.

Windfall Follows Years of Illness

A resident from Annerley who has been dealing with long-term illness is now set to travel overseas after learning he had secured a prize worth more than $100,000.

The prize was won through a national draw held on 14 May 2025, where the man held the 1st Prize entry. In addition to the main prize, a smaller consolation amount was also awarded, taking his total winnings to $102,000.

The winning entry consisted of ten consecutive numbers and was purchased at Junction News & Casket Agency, situated at Shop 2, 500 Ipswich Road in Annerley.

This marks a significant moment for the winner, who said he had not travelled abroad in years due to his health.

Annerley prize winner — Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: Pexels

Local Retailer Welcomes Major Prize Sale

The outlet that sold the winning ticket, Junction News & Casket Agency, had not seen a major prize win since its current ownership began two years ago.

Its owner expressed excitement at the sale, noting it brought hope and positivity to the area. The team took time to verify the notification before confirming it was a valid result.

They extended their well-wishes to the winner and his family, expressing hopes it would be a memorable experience.

Holiday Plans Back on the Table

The winner shared that he had won minor prizes in the past but never expected something on this scale.

With improved circumstances, he and his wife are now looking at planning an overseas trip, a milestone they had put off due to his health challenges.

Annerley jackpot winner — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

The prize has now made those plans more realistic and achievable.

Prize Draw Background

The recent draw was part of an ongoing prize series that awarded over $52.2 million in 1st Prize and Jackpot wins nationally in 2024.

The games continue to operate across the country, with growing prize pools and a set number of unique ticket entries.

Published 19-May-2025